Page 78 of Eleven of a Kind

“Oh. Then you better ask your dad.”

“My dad died last year.”

“Oh gee, Kourtney. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. So, who’s staying with you?”

“No one.”

“I’ll tell you what. How about you stay the weekend until your mom gets back?”

“That’s nice of you, Dr. Kind. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m heading down to the beach,” I said as I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a couple of beers.

When I got down to the beach, I saw my brother, Stefan, Simon, Christian, Jackson, and Shaun sitting around the bonfire.

“Did the guys already leave for the day?” Stefan asked as I sat down.

“Yeah, they did.” I twisted the cap off my beer bottle.

“How are you, cousin?” Jackson asked.

“I’m fine.” I tipped the bottle to my lips.

“No, you’re not,” Simon said. “You’re far from it. You’ve been a miserable prick all week long.”

“Simon, don’t,” Shaun said.

“Too late. I already went there. Tell us how you really are, Gabriel.”

“What the fuck do you want me to say, Simon?” I shouted. “Things didn’t work out, and I’m over it. Now shut the fuck up.”

“I’ll shut the fuck up after I tell you how every one of us feels,” Simon said. “You’re a fucking Kind, and it’s time you start acting like one. We fight for what we want and don’t give up until we get it.”

“What’s going on out here?” Conner asked as he walked over, holding Isabella.

“I’m just telling our cousin to fight for what he wants.”

“I’m assuming you’re talking about Piper, and I agree. You know how it was with Charlotte and me after her accident. I had to fight hard to get her back.”

I looked over at my brother, who sat there staring at me. “Isn’t she worth it, bro?” he asked.

I glanced at my watch, handed my beer to Grayson, and stood up.

“I’ll talk to you guys later.” I walked away.

CHAPTER28

Piper

“This dress would look fabulous on you.” Raj smiled as he held it up.

“It’s nice.” I sighed as I walked away.

“Come on, Piper. You’ve been a Debbie Downer all week, and frankly, I can’t take it anymore. I want my Piper back,” he said.

“Um, Piper,” Tara said. “Gabriel is walking up to the door.”

“What? Shit. I’m not here.” I ran into the back.

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