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“She hates me,” Ava said.
“No, she doesn’t. She’s just confused. Don’t worry about her.”
“This was a bad idea. Maybe you should take me home,” Ava said.
“Ava, relax.” I gripped her shoulders. “It’ll be okay.”
“Grayson is right.” Simon walked over. “My mother can be a piece of work and has no business judging anyone after all the shit she’s done in her life. You are not to let it bother you. Besides, I got your back.” He smiled.
“Thanks, Simon.”
Aunt Barb walked over and cleared her throat.
“Ava—”
“You better watch it, Mom,” Simon said.
“Be quiet, Simon. Ava, I’m sorry for my rude behavior earlier.”
“It’s okay, Barb.”
“We’ll talk later.” She placed her hand on her arm. “Dinner is almost ready.”
* * *
Ava
“Is there anything I can help you with?” I asked Barb as I stepped through the sliding door.
“Can you throw the green beans in the steamer while I finish making the salad?”
“Yes, of course.”
I took the bowl that held the green beans and stood in the middle of the kitchen. Ophelia was trying to push her way through, and I tried to stop her.
“NO!”I silently exclaimed.
“The steamer is all wrong,”she said.“I can make green beans they’ll never forget.”
“Ophelia, stop!”
“Barb, where are your sauté pans?”
She blankly stared at me.
“I’m being so rude. Forgive me. I’m Ophelia, and I’m going to make these green beans in a way your family will never forget.”
“Um, the pans are in the bottom cabinet.” She pointed.
“Excellent.” I grinned.
“There you are,” Grayson said as he stepped inside. “What are you doing?”
“Your Aunt Barb was going to steam these beans, but I have a better way of doing it.” I smiled.
“Ophelia. Nice to see you again,” he said.
“Nice to see you too, Grayson. Don’t worry. I won’t be here long. I’ll whip up these beans and let Ava come back.”
