Page 77 of Eleven of a Kind

“I thought about it once when I was eighteen, but then I figured, why bother trying to find someone who didn’t want to be found.”

“I think you need to revisit the idea, Piper. You’re a strong woman, but you do need closure. I’m positive you'll begin healing once you have that.”

“I don’t think I can do it,” I softly spoke.

“You’re not giving yourself enough credit. What would you do if someone screwed with your business and threatened to shut you down?”

“First, I’d kill them and then ask questions later.”

“Exactly. Your father screwed with your life, and he shut you down emotionally. Don’t you think you should ask him why? Leave out the killing part.” She smirked. “Give it some thought.”

“I will.”

Our time was up, so I thanked and hugged her goodbye. When I opened the door to step out, I saw Gabriel walking down the stairs. My heart raced as I shut the door and stood with my back against it.

“What are you doing?” Charlotte breathed out a laugh.

“Gabriel was walking down the stairs from the third floor. I didn’t want him to see me.”

When she walked over, I moved out of the way while she opened the door and looked out.

“All clear.” She smiled.

* * *

Gabriel

When I arrived home from work, I saw Riley and her friend, Kourtney, sitting on the patio, staring at Stefan’s workers who were building the pottery studio.

“I’m home.” I opened the sliding door and stepped onto the patio.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hey, Dr. Kind.” Kourtney smiled.

“Hi, Kourtney. What are you two doing out here?”

“Oh, nothing,” Riley said.

“Uh-huh. Why don’t you two come inside.”

“We’re good, Dad.”

I let out a sigh as I went back inside the house and went upstairs to change my clothes. When I went back downstairs, Riley and Kourtney were in the kitchen. Looking out the sliding door, I noticed the guys were done for the day.

“Really, you two?” I asked.

“What?” Riley asked.

“I know you were only out there because you thought one of them was cute,” I said.

“Actually, Dr. Kind, two of them were cute.” Kourtney brightly smiled.

“Can Kourtney spend the night?” Riley asked.

“If it’s okay with her mom,” I said.

“She’s out of the town for the weekend,” Kourtney said.

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