The Shore Read Online Free PDF

here.”
    â€œWhat’s she like?” Polly asked.
    Avery had some ideas, but wasn’t willing to go public just yet. “Uh, she’s got really pretty clothes.”
    â€œAnd?” Polly asked with a frown.
    â€œAnd she’s pretty,” Avery said awkwardly.
    Before Polly could press her any further, Fred came back downstairs.
    â€œWell, it looks like a great group of people,” he said, his voice sounding strained. “I’ve gotta go. Now, remember, if there are any problems with the house— any problems—just give me a call. My number’s on the fridge.”
    Fred excused himself and exited the front door. Avery and Polly were just finishing their water when the front door swung open and Curt strolled in carrying a six-pack of beer in his left hand and a half-empty bottle in a brown paper bag in his right.
    Avery narrowed her eyes. What is this new deal about drinking in the middle of the afternoon? And what happened to the rehearsal? Still, she was determined not to say anything that would get him mad. Not now, at the beginning of their summer together. Curt came into the kitchen, gave Polly a look, then pecked Avery on the cheek and deposited the six-pack in the fridge.
    â€œHow’d the rehearsal go?” Avery asked.
    â€œEh.” Curt shrugged. “Guys took off for the beach. We’re never gonna get anywhere if they don’t get serious.”
    â€œWell, it’s the beach and it’s new,” Avery said. “Maybe in another week it’ll be easier to get them to stay outside.”
    â€œExcuse me,” Polly said. “I’m just curious. Was that beer yours, or for everyone?”
    â€œMine,” Curt answered with a scowl. “Oh, you want one?”
    â€œNo, thanks,” said Polly. “I was just wondering how it’s going to work.”
    â€œHow what’s going to work?” Avery asked curiously.
    â€œWell, like whose stuff is whose and what’s what,” Polly explained.
    Curt frowned at Avery as if he didn’t know what Polly was talking about.
    Avery had to admit that she wasn’t certain either.
    â€œMaybe we should set up regular roommate meetings,” Polly continued, “starting tonight so that we can all get to know one another and set some house rules. Most of us are here right now. We could get Lucas and April down here and discuss it.”
    â€œLucas and April?” Curt repeated.
    â€œTwo of our new roommates,” Avery explained.
    Curt rolled his eyes and put down his empty beer. Then he opened the refrigerator, grabbed a new bottle, and twisted the cap off. He tossed the bottle cap onto the counter and took a long swig. Avery watched uncomfortably and didn’t say anything. Meanwhile Polly stared at the bottle cap and the empty bottle and then back at Curt.
    It was obvious to Avery that Polly wanted Curt to clean up his garbage. Frankly, it seemed a little anal that she expected him to do it right away. And, anyway, Curt didn’t appear to notice. Polly let out a big sigh, grabbed the bottle cap, and tossed it in the trash. Then she picked up the empty bottle withtwo fingers and rinsed it out in the sink before setting it aside, presumably for recycling.
    Curt smiled ruefully, and Avery felt embarrassed. “So, uh, what exactly do you propose discussing?” he asked.
    Avery knew he was being sarcastic, but Polly mistook it for genuine interest.
    â€œRecycling, for one,” she said. “We should ask Fred where the recycling bins are.”
    Curt glanced at Avery and smirked. Avery braced herself. Sometimes when he drank he could get a little mean. Especially when he was frustrated with the band.
    â€œAnd we need to discuss care and upkeep of the house,” Polly continued. “Divide up chores. We need to all pitch in to keep the place neat and clean as a courtesy to others. We should also establish rules for the kitchen and food sharing. I