Page 56 of Eleven of a Kind

“Hi, Riley. Hi again, everyone.” I brightly smiled as I waved.

“Oh my gosh. We’re so happy you’re here.” Jenni walked over and hugged her. “Come with me.” She grabbed her hand. “You don’t mind, Gabriel, do you?”

“Uh—”

“Of course, you don’t. We’re hanging out at Julia’s. I’ll bring her back. Don’t worry.” Jenni smiled at him.

* * *

Gabriel

I sat next to Simon, and Riley stood before me with a look on her face.

“What?” I asked.

“You brought your date to hang with your family? Who does that?”

“She happens to like this family, Riley. I thought it would be fun to hang out for a while.”

“You’re weird. And if Piper is smart, she won’t go out with you again. Come on, Lily. Come on, Ella.” She grabbed Ella’s hand.

“God, I love that kid.” Simon laughed. “But she’s right. Why would you cut your date short and bring her here?”

“Are you trying to get away from her?” Jackson laughed.

“No, douchebag. And trust me. I’m not cutting this date short. I’ll be with her later.”

“Something isn’t adding up here,” Christian said.

“I agree.” Conner glanced at him.

“What are you two douchebags talking about?” I tipped the beer bottle to my lips.

“You’re bringing her around like she’s your woman.” Christian grinned.

“She’s not my woman. In fact, I found out a little something about her tonight.”

“What did you find out?” Sam asked.

“She doesn’t like relationships and only likes to date guys casually. Is she perfect or what?” I grinned.

“And why is that?” Sebastian asked.

“I don’t have a clue, nor do I care. The only thing that matters is she’s not looking for anything, and neither am I.”

“Dad!” Riley shouted, and I turned my head. “I’m going home to grab a few things. I’m spending the night at Lily’s.”

“Okay. By the way, where is my brother?” I asked the guys.

“He was here, and then there was an emergency at the hospital,” Nathan said.

I glanced at my watch. “It’s getting late. I should get Piper home.” I stood up.

“You mean get her into bed.” Simon grinned as he held up his beer bottle.

“That too.” I smiled.

I opened the sliding door to Sam’s house and stepped inside, where I saw the girls hanging out and laughing.

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