All of These Things Read Online Free PDF Page B

he’s not boring. He’s always doing something. He knows a lot of people and sees a lot of things. Jason always has something new to tell me.”
    “So, is he coming by tonight?”
    “Uh huh. But later,” Sofie answers. “He has dinner reservations in Ogunquit with his Mom and her boyfriend.” She pauses. “Caroline?”
    “What?”
    “He’s going to stay over—a lot. That’s okay with you, right?” Sofie asks with raised brows.
    Wrapping the pashmina around my upper body to buy time, I make a conscious effort not to be opinionated about a stranger in our house. Sofie looks on as if she’s expecting a disapproving remark.
    “I don’t care,” I lie. “He can stay.”
    When we arrived yesterday afternoon, Sofie expected Jay-the-Contractor to greet us at the entrance of town. She was rather surprised and wounded that he hadn’t. She met York’s go-to handy man and property manager last year when Jay opened up a rental unit for her. He was over a lot during her two weeks in town, and she extended her vacation by another week. To come right down to it, she moved into his place when her lease was up. Through Skype and FaceTime, they sustained the distance, and he came up to Montreal in the fall for a few nights. They stayed “in” the entire time, and Sofie returned to Maine for a weekend in the spring. Things are still unbearably fiery and ardent between them, and I get the feeling they’re both enthusiastic about staying in touch after our time here is up.
    Before we lugged our weekend bags from the backseat and hauled our suitcases out from my trunk, Jay’s black and silver pick-up truck had given him away. With Scooby and Shortcake in tow, we carried our baggage gaily to the front door. Sofie was elated once again, flashing a smile at the porch floor. At the threshold, a message called out for our attention. Welcome Back Sofie and Caroline was spread out in rocks and sea shells like a door mat. It still makes me grin because it was so perfect and sweet.
    “How about these friends you say are passing by tonight? Are they around for the season?”
    “Most are. I met them last year,” Sofie explains. “If everyone shows, we’ll be a nice bunch—maybe up to a dozen people.”
    “Wow,” I yelp. “I don’t even know that many people at home.”
    “Please try to have fun,” Sofie says earnestly. “Besides, I’ve been talking about you.”
    “Let me guess. I’m the younger, boring best friend?”
    “Of course not!” she says, seemingly appalled. “You’re the younger, boring cousin.” She winks. “It’s summertime, Caroline, and for once, let’s take pleasure from it in any way we choose. That being said, I really don’t want you nagging about Jay. Deal?”
    “I like the guy!” I squeal. “I just don’t think—”
    “Nagging…” Sofie pipes up.
    “Seriously. You scold me every chance you get.”
    “Oh, c’mon! Care! Do you know what I wish? I wish I could find you a tad hung over tomorrow. Do it for me. Just once. I’ve always wanted to get you drunk. What do you say? Can you try to have fun?”
    I should be more annoyed and insulted, but the wine has encumbered my responses, delaying my reactions. “You make me out to be so dreary and monotonous. Why’d you want me here if I’m so unexciting to you?” I say, pinching the top of my nose. I’m fairly certain the alcohol is finally getting the better of me. I don’t think I’ll move from this chair tonight. It’s swallowed me whole, and it’s pure bliss.
    “What’s wrong, Caroline? Talk to me. I gave you twenty-four hours to settle in, but once this fire pit is lit, we’ll be on vacation mode. No more chances, do you hear me? So spill, or forever hold your peace.”
    I swallow.
    “It’s just that this kind of feels like the beginning to a summer that will be known as the summer no one listened to Caroline and everything went wrong ,” I explain. “I mean, first my Dad rents us this property you’ve been going on