Page 42 of Eleven of a Kind

“Will you stop that.” I playfully smacked his arm.

“I know I can’t wait.” Tara smiled. “I need some good eye candy.”

“Piper, my dad just texted me. He has to run to the hospital to check on one of his patients who was brought into the ER after he leaves the medical center. So, when I’m done here, I’m going to walk to the Kind Brew House. It’s right around the corner,” Riley said.

“Why are you going there?”

“The family is having a gender reveal party for my cousins Jackson and Georgia.”

“Oh. I know you’re fifteen, but I’d feel better walking you there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I smiled.

After Riley was done steaming the clothes that needed to be done, I walked with her to the Kind Brew House. When we arrived, I noticed a sign on the door that said, “Closed tonight for a family party.”

“Come in with me and meet the rest of my family,” Riley said.

“Thanks, Riley, but I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s a family party, and I’m not family.”

“So what.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. “They won’t mind.”

“Riley, sweetheart.” An older woman walked over and gave her a hug. “Who is this?”

“Grandma Barb, this is Piper. She owns Primrose around the corner. This is my Grandma Barb.”

“Piper, it’s nice to meet you.” She extended her hand. “I’ve been in your shop, and it’s lovely.”

“Thank you, Barb.” I smiled as I placed my hand in hers.

“Where’s your father, darling?” Barb asked Riley.

“He had to run to Cedars to check on a patient. He said he’ll be here as soon as he can.”

“Riley.” A handsome man walked over. “Who is this with you?”

“Simon, this is Piper. Piper, this is my cousin, Simon.”

“Piper.” He smiled. “It’s great to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Gabriel.” He hooked his arm around me.

“You have?”

“Yep. He was telling us how beautiful you are. He was right.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

“Thank you. It’s great to meet you, Simon.”

I glanced over and saw the man who was in my shop last week walking toward us.

“Hello again.” He smiled. “I’m Dr. Grayson Kind, Riley’s uncle.”

“This is my dad’s twin brother,” Riley said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Kind. You were in my shop last week.”