Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 16

Amber POV

Mel must have a really thick head because that little bump we had felt like it shook my brain. I really hope it isn't swollen. If it had been anyone else, it might not have been their lucky day. But this is Mel we're talking about. We've known each other since way back, but we were never friends, and we still aren't. The only reason I tolerate her is because of whatever twisted relationship she has going on with my brother, Graham.

As I reached Graham's door, I knocked, but there was no response. I pushed the door open and peeked inside. The room was empty, but the sound of the shower running told me he was still in there. I decided to wait and took the opportunity to check my head in the mirror. "What is in that girl's head?" I muttered to myself, gingerly touching the spot where we bumped.

Just then, I heard Graham's voice, "I really need to get a 'Do Not Disturb' sign or probably a fingerprint lock for this room."

I turned around to see him standing there, his wet hair dripping slightly, wearing his comfy clothes and still holding a towel in his hand. He looked both amused and slightly exasperated.

I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm not Melissa, the girlfriend," I teased, walking up to him with a smirk.

Graham rolled his eyes, but I could see a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Let me help you dry your hair. Sit," I commanded in a way only a sister could.

He hesitated for a moment, then sat down at the edge of the bed, the place where the mattress meets the footboard. I took the towel from his hands and started gently drying his hair, feeling the weight of the day slowly lift from his shoulders.

Graham leaned back slightly, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Amber," he murmured, his eyes closing as he relaxed under my touch.

"No problem," I replied softly. Drying his hair felt like a simple act, but it was one of the few ways I could show him that, despite everything, I was always here for him. As annoying as Mel could be, and as chaotic as our lives had become, these small moments reminded me that family always came first.

As I continued, I couldn't help but wonder what was really going on in Graham's mind. He seemed more distant lately, and not just with Mel. I wanted to ask him about it, to dig deeper, but I knew that if he wanted to talk, he would. For now, I'd just be here, offering a little bit of comfort in whatever way I could.

As I continued to dry Graham's hair, he broke the silence. "How are things going at the office? Thanks for keeping everything running smoothly. This new movie has taken up all my time and attention, but I promise it'll be over soon."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me, and sighed internally. Ever since he started working on this movie, he'd been going from one tour to another, barely having time for himself, let alone anything else. "Everything at the office is going well. The contract with Everbright Advertising is running smoothly. They're doing a great job, which makes work about 10% easier," I said, continuing to gently comb through his damp hair, applying a bit of moisture as I worked.

Graham seemed to relax further under my touch, his shoulders loosening up. "Now, how are things going between you and... you know who?" I asked, unable to resist the urge for a little brother-sister gossip session.

He chuckled softly, shaking his head slightly. "You know Melissa and I are just for the show," he said, but there was something in his tone that made me wonder if that was really all there was to it.

"Hmm, 'for the show,'" I repeated playfully, not entirely convinced. "Wait, since when did you and Melissa become friends?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at me through the mirror.

I laughed at the absurdity of the idea. "We aren't, but I know she's obsessed with you," I said, my tone teasing but also holding a grain of truth. I could see through Melissa's facade, and her obsession with Graham was becoming more apparent every day.

Just as we were getting into our conversation, Stella, one of the staff members, appeared at the door. "Sir, ma'am, your dinner is ready," she said politely.

We both looked at her, and Graham smiled while I wrapped up what I was doing. "Let me go clean up," I said, stepping back to give him some space.

"Okay," he replied, a hint of gratitude in his voice. We both left the room, him heading downstairs while I made my way to my room.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but think about Graham's situation with Melissa. He said it was just for show, but something told me there was more to it, or perhaps it was just my protective sister instincts kicking in. Either way, I'd keep an eye on things. Graham might be a superstar, but to me, he was still my brother, and I'd do anything to make sure he was happy—even if it meant dealing with Melissa.

As I finally made my way downstairs to the dining area, the sound of my mother's laughter and Graham's voice filled the room. "What am I missing?" I asked, sliding into my seat as one of the staff quickly served my food.

"I was just telling Graham about what happened at the Socialight Club," my mother said, still chuckling.

"Oh, you mean the gossip club for women who have nothing better to do?" I quipped, rolling my eyes. That club never seems to run out of things to talk about; they're like a real-life version of 'The Real Housewives,' but for elderly women. Graham stifled a laugh, and I knew he totally agreed with me, even though he wouldn't dare say it out loud.

"Amber, you don't have to be such a buzzkill," my mother pouted dramatically as she took a sip of her water.

"Amber, it's a group of elite women like our mum," Graham said, clearly trying to lift her spirits. He gave me that look, the one that said, "Just go along with it."

"Thank you, my dear son. At least someone is thinking about my feelings," my mother said, still playing up the drama.

"I hope the Wests are enjoying their dinner," Dennis emerged from the kitchen, his voice warm and steady.

"Yes, the dinner is lovely," my mother replied, and Graham nodded in agreement. I, being Amber, chose to ignore Dennis, but a quick nudge from Graham under the table made me respond.

"The meal is nice," I finally said, though it was more for Graham's sake than Dennis's. The only difference between my grandpa and Dennis is that Dennis only pushes a few of my buttons, while Grandpa has a knack for pushing all of them.

"What's all this laughter I'm hearing?" Grandpa's voice rang out as he walked toward the dining area, holding his usual newspaper.

"Grandpa, I thought Dennis said you wouldn't be joining us," my mother said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Good evening, Grandpa," Graham and I chimed in.

"I wasn't going to, but it's not every day I see all of you sitting together for dinner," he said, taking his seat at the table. We all smiled, realizing he was right. It had been weeks since we last sat down together for any meal—dinner, lunch, or even breakfast.

"Yeah, Grandpa, it feels good seeing my favorite human," my mother said, looking fondly at him. "And my lovely babies," she added, glancing between Graham and me.

Even if I won't admit it out loud, it did feel good to be here, surrounded by my family. This was the kind of moment that made all the craziness worthwhile.