Page 48 of Eleven of a Kind

“No, you weren’t. We were outside when everyone else came home.”

“Yeah, Dad. Where were you?”

Shit.

“I was talking with Piper, and then I drove her to her car.”

Grayson snickered as he dug into his eggs benedict.

“Until midnight?” Riley cocked her head.

“Yes, until midnight. Now, eat your breakfast.”

“Where did Ophelia go?” Riley asked.

“I think she went upstairs,” Lily said.

“She’s probably straightening up your room,” Grayson spoke.

“Any idea why she’s out?” I asked my brother.

“She probably wanted to meet Riley,” he said.

“I like her.” Riley smiled. “This breakfast is the bomb.”

The sliding door opened, and Aunt Barb walked in.

“Oh, my. What is that wonderful smell?”

“Ophelia cooked breakfast for us,” Lily said.

“Morning, Aunt Barb. Why are you here so early?” I asked.

“I was down at Stefan’s, and he said Lily spent the night here. How would you girls like to spend the day with me? Curtis is on a golf outing, and I thought we could spend the day shopping.”

“Sounds fun, Grandma,” Lily said.

“Yeah, I’ll go.” Riley smiled.

“Hello, Barb.” Ophelia walked down the stairs. “Please sit down and have some breakfast.”

“Good morning, Ophelia. Do I smell banana nut muffins?”

“You do. Would you like one?”

“That would be wonderful, darling. Can I have one to go? I have to go down to Nathan’s house and ask Ella if she wants to go shopping with us.”

“Of course. I’ll package it up for you.” Ophelia smiled.

“I’ll be back to pick you girls up in a couple of hours,” Aunt Barb said.

Ophelia placed a muffin in a baggie and handed it to her.

“Thank you, Ophelia.” She kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you girls in a couple of hours.” She walked out the sliding door.

“Riley, your bed is made, and I’ve straightened up your room.”

“Uh, thanks, Ophelia. I appreciate it,” Riley said.

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