Page 96 of Eleven of a Kind

Before climbing out of the car, Gabriel and I shared a passionate kiss.

“I’ll see you later, babe.” He smiled.

“See you later, handsome.”

I grabbed my bag from the back seat and went up to my apartment. After changing my clothes, I headed to the shop.

“And she’s back.” Raj smiled as he hugged me. “Look at you. You’re glowing. How’s your handsome boyfriend?”

“Delicious as always.” I smiled. “Where’s Tara?”

“She had to run to the bank. She’ll be back in a few. So, how was Daddy?”

“Pathetic. He can have his little perfect family. But my sisters are so beautiful,” I whined.

“I bet they are if they’re related to you.”

“AH!” I heard Tara’s voice when she walked into the shop. She ran over and hugged me. “I’m so happy you’re back. “Oh, my God. What happened to you? You look amazing!”

“Haven’t I always?” I furrowed my brows.

“Yes, but now you look extra amazing,” she said.

“It’s all that yummy sex she’s having with Dr. Kind,” Raj spoke.

“That too.” I grinned. “Anyway, what happened while I was gone?”

“Nothing. Everything ran smoothly,” Tara said.

“So, you don’t need me here?” I arched my brow.

“What’s going on?” Raj said.

“Ugh, I need to go pay a little visit to my mother, and then I’m spending the weekend at Gabriel’s house.”

“Then go.” Tara picked up my purse and hooked it over my shoulder. “We’re good here. If anything comes up, we’ll call you.”

“Thanks. I love you both.”

“We love you too, darling,” Raj smiled.

* * *

Iinhaled a deep breath when I stepped inside the Ocean Ridge Treatment Center.

“Hi, Mom.” I smiled when one of the nurses took me out to the garden where she was sitting at a small table.

“Piper. It’s so good to see you.” We hugged.

“How are you?”

“I’m good. They’re really helping me here. For the first time in years, I feel hopeful.”

“That’s good, Mom. I’m happy to hear that.”

“Listen, Piper. There’s something I have to tell you. I can no longer keep it a secret if I want to get better.”

I reached across the table and grabbed both of her hands.

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