Page 13 of Eleven of a Kind

I ignored her. As soon as the door shut, I looked at Riley.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you about them,” she said.

I let out a sigh. “Thanks, Simon.” I patted his shoulder. “I was just about to text you when you walked in.”

“I saw the cop cars down here when I pulled into my driveway. I guess that’s settled with them.” He smirked. “I’ll see you later down at the beach. You are coming, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll be down there.” I smiled.

CHAPTER5

Gabriel

“I’ll order a pizza for dinner. What do you like on it?” I asked Riley.

“Pepperoni is fine.” She sat on the couch, scrolling on her phone.

Just as I called the order in, Aunt Barb walked through the front door.

“Gabriel, I heard about—” She stopped and stared at Riley.

“Riley, this is my Aunt Barb. Aunt Barb, meet Riley.”

“Oh, my goodness, look at you. You’re beautiful.” Aunt Barb placed her hand on Riley’s cheek.

“Uh, thanks,” Riley said.

“What a brave girl you are flying here all by yourself to find your father.” Aunt Barb hugged her. “You may call me Grandma Barb.”

I shrugged as Riley gave me a confused look.

“You’re here and safe with your family.” Aunt Barb smiled. “Have you enrolled her in school yet?” she asked me.

“I haven’t had a chance yet, Aunt Barb.”

“What are you doing with her tomorrow while you work?”

“She’ll come to the medical center with me like she did today.”

“No,” Riley whined. “It’s so boring there.”

“Then you’ll spend the day with me.” Aunt Barb smiled at her. “I’ll take you shopping and to lunch. We’ll have fun getting to know each other.”

“Aunt Barb, you don’t have to—”

“I’d love to.” Riley smiled.

“Excellent. I’ll be by to pick you up at ten a.m.” Aunt Barb ran her hand down the back of Riley’s head.

“I just ordered a pizza. Would you like to stay and join us?” I asked her.

“I’m afraid I can’t. Curtis and I have dinner plans.” She stood up from the couch.

“Call me when the pizza gets here. I’ll be up in my room,” Riley said. “See you tomorrow, Grandma Barb.” She ran up the stairs.

“How are you doing with all of this?” Aunt Barb asked me.

“I don’t know.” I sighed as I went into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. “I’m still in shock.”

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