Loving Sofia Read Online Free PDF Page B

pasta and mix it with the veggies and the sundried tomatoes , then turn off the stove.  “Don’t remind me.  I’m going to miss you like crazy, but I’m so happy for you.  I know he will make you happy.  No one could ever love you more than he does.  Well, I do, but I can’t marry you.”
    “He does, doesn’t he?”
    That’s not even a question.  She goes to the fridge and picks up a few bottles of water then we walk out to the living room to join Mark. She hands me a bottle before opening one for herself.  We sit in silence and watch the game. I wonder if it will be like this after she gets married. Someone knocks on the door and Mark goes to open it.  I can hear Jonathan’s voice and whatever he’s saying makes Mark laugh out loud.  They walk back into the living room and Mona jumps up to hug her fiancée. Mark and I congratulate them once again, before I go to check on dinner. 
    I pull the meat out of the oven to let it rest , then go to the fridge to take out the makings for salad.  Mark comes up behind me and looks over my shoulder to see what I’m doing.  He is so close that his breath is blowing soft warm air on my skin.  It would be so easy to just turn around and wrap my arms around him.  The very thought makes my skin tingle with anticipation. I close my eyes and take a long breath to steady my shaky body.
    “I’m hungry,” his voice sounds strange and makes me wonder if he’s talking about food.  He is talking about food right? Maybe we’re just two lonely people and all the fuss about Mona and Jonathan’s engagement is making us have all these strange feelings. 
    “Be a good boy and go back to the living room.  I’ll let you know when it’s time to eat.”
    He moves back a little , but doesn’t leave the room.  “Why don’t you set the table since you’re obviously bored,” I say in hope he will move as far from me as possible.
    “Why don’t I help you with the salad?” he smirks and goes to get a cutting board and a knife.
    “Fine, just make sure you don’t chop your finger in the process.”
    “Birdie , I can cook.”
    He grabs the tomatoes and cucumbers and starts chopping everything with ease.  Trying not to watch him, I start preparing the dressing. When he’s done, he takes the plates, silverware, and napkins and places them on the table.  Glasses follow and he takes out a bottle of wine from the fridge.
    “Would you pour me a glass?” I surprise both of us with my question.  I never dr ink but I figured I needed something to help me relax.  He gives me a questionable look but goes ahead and pours us both a glass.
    “Here’s to Mona and Jon , and to friendship,” I say and take a big gulp of the wine.  The cold liquid burns its way down to my stomach and a warm feeling swims through my veins.  I don’t know for sure if I like the taste. But after a few more tries, the burning subsides and it’s replaced by a relaxing feeling.
    I place the pasta in a large serving bowl and mix the salad with the dressing, while Mark slices the meat.  Everything looks and smells amazing and everyone is ready to eat. Mona and Jon join us, and Mark pours more wine for everyone.  The chatter around the table is casual and familiar. They are the closest I ever had to a family and I realize just how much I love all three.  I sit back in my chair and just watch them eat and talk. I wish I could bottle up this moment.  All the stress from the week melts away and I feel so blessed just for being here with them.
    “Damn Birdie, who’s going to feed me when I move ?” Mona closes her eyes and savors the pasta.
    “That’s ok, she’ll still cook for me and I can email you pictures every night.” Mark’s comment makes me wonder.  Is he still going to come over once I live alone? Will he still make time for me?
    Once everyone is finished with dinner, the guys offer to clean up and I excuse myself, feigning a headache.  Mona wants to follow me, but all it takes is