Page 37 of The Summer We Started Over

She took a break to make another pitcher of iced tea, then chastised herself for wasting time and returned to the living room to pile more books in more bags.

At five, Jeff knocked on the kitchen door.

“We’re taking off now,” he said. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

His T-shirt was damp and the enticing aroma of hot male and cut wood made Eddie dizzy.

“Would you…like some iced tea before you go?” she asked.

“No, thanks. I’m going to grab a beer and finish up another job in Shimmo.”

Jeff waved a hand and walked away.

Eddie made a note to stock up on beer.

—

The next evening, Eddie and Barrett sat in the TV room, eating from their very own cartons of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food. Their father had made himself a sandwich earlier and sat with them now, wielding the remote control. The Boston Red Sox were losing to the Yankees, which was infuriating.

“Dad,” Eddie said. “Go to YouTube. Jim Gaffigan. Nate Bargatze. They’re funny. You always get grumpy when the Sox lose.”

Before William could speak, Eddie’s phone chimed. Barrett’s phone chimed. William’s phone buzzed.

Eddie looked at the caller ID. “Oh, golly. It’s Dinah.”

“Dinah’s calling me, too,” Barrett said.

“She’s calling me, as well,” William told Eddie. “How does she know my number?”

“She must have gotten it when we synced phones. Sorry. She’s afraid. She thinks a man is stalking her. She has a doorman and analarm system, but she keeps seeing this guy. I have to admit, I’ve never seen her like this before.”

“Be kind,” Barrett advised.

The phones kept signaling.

“How can I be kind to her and stay on the island?” Eddie asked. “I don’t want to go back to the city so soon.”

“Well, Eddie, ask her to come stay with us,” Barrett said. “We have enough bedrooms. She’d feel safe here. Dad’s usually at home, plus we have a dog.”

“I don’t want to have to work…”

“You’re working part-time for her remotely, aren’t you?” William asked.

Eddie hesitated. “Barrett, this summer is supposed to be all about your store and spending time with the two of you.”

“That’s sweet, Eddie, but I know you care about Dinah and I wouldn’t want her to be miserable.”

Eddie looked at her father.

“It’s fine with me,” he said. “I’ll be in my study writing all the time.”

Eddie hesitated. “Barrett, tomorrow is Sunday! Your shop opens! We need to focus on that.”

“Eddie, I’msoready. I’ve done everything I can. I’m super-organized and super-nervous. Besides, once my shop opens, I’ll be crazy busy, or at least I hope so.”

“She’s right, Eddie,” their father said. “Go ahead and invite your writer friend.”

“You guys.” Eddie squeezed both their hands. “I love you.” She stood up. “Hi, Dinah. What’s up?”

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