Inheritance

Chapter 56

"It is." He hummed, his smile slightly faltering once the state of my reaction sunk in.

"Though you don't seem all that happy that it is actually me—and not...him.'' He added, disappointment visibly detectable in his expression as he continued to analyze my flaccid response.

My initial reaction was to deny the honest observation to spare his ego. But, as I fully took in my guarded state, I realized that there was some small truth to the circulating claims of dissatisfaction. And, it was okay if he knew that.

Maybe somewhere buried deep inside, I did actually want Kendall here instead.

"Well, if I wasn't, would that come as a surprise to you?" I eventually huffed out, unsure of whether to be apologetic or defensive. Or, both.

"Honestly, no. But, Sasha, believe me when I say that I am very different from my brother. I would never lie to you the way he did." Austin replied, his face taking on an earnest expression as he stared sincerely into my eyes.

"It's fine." I recovered quickly, though my cheeks began to heat up with the intensity of his stare and brazenness of his attitude.

"Tell me you at least believe that?" He questioned, hurt clearly discernible in his tone at my dismissiveness.

"I honestly—don't know." I returned truthfully, certain those words were not the ones he'd wanted to hear.

"I get it, I do. This whole thing is weird." He released a siloed exhale, slumping a bit more into his seat.

"Well, you look beautiful by the way. You've grown into quite the woman since the last time I saw you. We were so close back then but now look at us...practically strangers. Who would have thought?" He finally spoke again, after allowing a few seconds of deferrable silence to fill the air.

I wanted to return the compliment and tell him how great he looked. Because he did. But, as he gazed at me expectantly, all I could think about was the unnerving guilt I felt for breaking my promise all those years ago. 

And, for developing feelings for his brother.

It was quite jarring actually, the way the pair of siblings' mannerisms were classically identical but still strikingly opposite. I couldn't help but dote on the subtle variations in their idiosyncrasies. Like, the way Kendall's voice carried a strikingly deeper tone. Or, the way Austin seemed to always have a charming warm expression embroidered on his face while a brooding, glaring one never left his brother's. 

Objectively, Austin's entire being was more inviting. And, it wasn't a bad thing per se. But, in some sick, masochistic way, I'd grown to appreciate Kendall's cold aura for what it was. He didn't let just anyone in. Which made it all the more rewarding when you managed to claw your way inside his chilled heart. 

And I'd barely begun to scratch the surface of how deep I could get before shit hit the fan.

"Thank you. You...um look nice as well." I stated awkwardly, while intentionally steering away from any non-platonic boundaries.

"How about we order some food? Lighten up the mood a bit. I don't want any of this to make you feel uncomfortable." He suggested, while lifting his menu from the table.

"Sure." We sat in a calming quietness, both skimming through the Mediterranean menu options. Shortly after, the waiter appeared and took down our orders.

"It's okay, Sasha. You can ask me anything." He said, after noticing me steal a few not so subtle glances at him.

"To be honest. I—I don't even know what to ask. So much has happened since then." I uttered in a low tone, now having a dozen questions ramming through my head at a mile-a-minute.