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Chapter 20

The door swung open as Austin and I made our way back into the apartment, the fresh scent of groceries filling the space. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting everything in a warm glow, and I couldn't help but feel lighter than I had in weeks. There was something about running into Leo at the store that felt... normal. Like, maybe, just maybe, things could start to feel a bit better with him.

Austin dumped the bags onto the counter and gave a stretch, clearly enjoying the break from the store. “Well, that was an adventure” he said, tossing a packet of gum into his mouth and offering me one.

“I’ll say” I replied, starting to unpack. “Ran into Leo at the store. Of all places.”

“And here I was, thinking you’d be the one to be awkward about it. But hey, I’m not complaining. Leo’s not bad to look at”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, really? I teased, leaning against the counter. “What’s next, you falling for him too?”

Austin gave me a dramatic gasp, his eyes wide in mock horror. “Estella! You wound me! I was merely admiring the family resemblance!”

“Uh-huh” I said, narrowing my eyes, a smirk on my lips. “Sure, Austin. Just admit it you think Leo’s cute.”

He put on an exaggerated thoughtful face. “Well, when you put it like that... maybe I’m just interested in getting to know him better."

Before I could respond, Kennedy and Noah walked in from the living room, both of them looking curious as they heard the tail end of the conversation.

“Wait, who you want to know better ?” Kennedy asked, arching an eyebrow as she joined us by the counter, her eyes flicking between Austin and me.

I shot Austin a sly grin, gesturing toward him as I answered Kennedy's question. "Oh, Austin here might have a little crush on Leo. You know, my brother."

Kennedy's jaw dropped in an exaggerated fashion, clearly loving this development. "Wait, wait, hold up. Austin? Crushing on Leo? This is gold. I need details."

Austin rolled his eyes but smirked. "Okay, first of all, crush is a strong word. I’m just saying, your brother is... not exactly hard on the eyes."

Noah joined in, leaning casually against the counter and folding his arms. "Leo, huh? Bold move, Austin. You sure you’re ready for that? Estella’s family seems like it comes with a lot of... history."

Austin popped his gum dramatically and shrugged. "Hey, I like a challenge. And besides, I’m not saying I’m planning a wedding or anything. I’m just saying Leo seems... interesting."

I shook my head, laughing. "Oh, sure, 'interesting.' That’s what we’re calling it now. You were practically batting your eyelashes at him in the produce aisle."

Kennedy burst out laughing, smacking the counter lightly. "I cannot believe I missed this. Estella, you should’ve recorded it for me."

Noah chimed in, smirking at Austin. "So, what’s your plan, Romeo? Slide into his DMs? Or do you think he picked up on the vibes when you were staring at him over the frozen peas?"

Austin held up a hand, feigning offense. "First of all, I wasn’t staring. I was merely... observing. Second, I don’t think Leo’s the type for DMs. He seems more old-school."

Kennedy snorted. "Old-school? What, are you going to send him a handwritten letter or something?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the counter, fully enjoying this. "Honestly, Austin, if you’re serious, I think you should start by being, you know, normal. Leo’s not exactly the type to swoon over compliments or cheesy lines. He’s... complicated."

Austin nodded, pretending to take notes on an imaginary notepad. "Got it. Be normal. Avoid cheesy lines. No swooning. Anything else I should know, big sis?"

I threw a kitchen towel at him, laughing. "Just don’t make it weird, okay? The last thing I need is for you to scare him off when we’re barely even on speaking terms."

Kennedy grinned mischievously. "Oh, this is going to be fun to watch. I fully expect updates, Austin."

Noah leaned back against the counter, shaking his head with a chuckle. "You know, this is either going to be a disaster or the best thing that’s ever happened to this family. Either way, I’m here for it."

Austin gave us all a mock bow, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Thank you for your faith in me, everyone. I promise to proceed with caution. And charm. Lots of charm."

As the teasing died down and the laughter faded, I found myself glancing at Austin, shaking my head with a smile. Who knew a simple grocery run could lead to this much entertainment? Maybe Leo meeting Austin wasn’t such a bad thing after all.