Chapter 46
Ignoring her, I continue, “Three mushrooms, and one heaping spoonful of collard greens.”
“That’s too much!” she protests.
Actually, it’s less than half of what remains on her plate. But I don’t want to hear it. “You took all that food after we said grace, so I can’t put it back now, can I? It has your germs all over it.”
Riley pouts harder. “I don’t have any germs,” she grumbles.
“We all have germs,” Derek interjects.
I give him a grin, but she isn’t buying it. “Youhave germs because you’re a boy,” Riley mutters. “Everyone knows boys have germs. They have cooties. Girls don’t.”
“Alright, well, your food’s getting cold,” I tell her. “Eat up while I’m in the kitchen getting the cake, or you won’t get any.”
“Why are you so mean to me?” Riley complains, but as I turn away, I see her stab the fork into one of the potatoes, so I don’t answer.
Over my shoulder, I tell Derek, “Make sure she eats everything.”
“Not everything,” Riley corrects. “You said three—”