Peter

Chapter 11

"Honey, time to get up." I rolled away from the woman above my bed, and I hit my head on the wall. I sat up, rubbing my head.

"I really need to work on waking up painlessly," I grunted, standing up. Gran shook her head at me.

"Get decent, our neighbors want to come over for lunch. I need your help preparing." I groaned. "Oh calm down. Taylor's helping us."

"I thought Taylor left this morning."

"Change of plans. He leaves tomorrow. Now put on some clothes."

"But I am wearing clothes!" I whined, gesturing to my shorts and loose crop top.

"Clothes that actually cover your underwear." I rolled my eyes and changed into an over-sized t-shirt and sweatpants. I bounced down to the kitchen, smiling at Taylor still sleeping on the couch.

I silently retrieved an air horn and some duct tape. I passed Mr. Woods on my way and he just gave me a knowing smile. Gran gave me a sign when she started recording. I quickly finished the loop of duct tape, activating the air horn. I dropped it onto Taylor and he freaked out. Gran and I laughed and watched Taylor struggle to turn off the air horn. I heard Mr. Woods come up behind me as Taylor finally managed to get the duct tape off the horn.

"I think I'm gonna like having you around." He gripped my shoulder and smiled. I smiled back. Then we all got to work.

It didn't take long to clean and set the table. All that's left is cooking. It was just Gran and me in the kitchen. Taylor was helping Mr. Woods with the yard. We were working on different parts of the main dish: fried chicken, fries, corn, and coleslaw. We had the radio on in the background. Gran likes my music, unlike some people. I continued to peel potatoes as Gran worked with the chicken.

"So, who all is coming?" Gran had said neighbors, but I needed details.

"Well, the people from the houses on either side of us, and the people across the street."

"Any girls?" I looked over to Gran, who was breading the chicken.

"No, but some really handsome boys I wouldn't mind you dating."

"Trust me, I wouldn't mind dating them either." I smiled as Brady paraded through my mind.

"You've met the boy across the street?" Not sure.

"What's his name?"

"Xander, I think." I laughed.

"He was my best friend in my old town. I thought you were talking about the boys next door."

"You've met them too?"

"In a way." Gran looked confused, but she shook her head and went back to what she was doing.