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Chapter 38

The apartment had finally quieted down after all the birthday chaos. The laughter, the music, the clink of glasses everything had faded. Only the faint smell of cake and the soft hum of the refrigerator remained as I leaned back against the couch, basking in the silence.

Kennedy was putting the last of the dishes away in the kitchen, while Noah was in our bedroom with Eden, likely settling her for the night. I could hear his soft voice, cooing to her, but my mind was still buzzing from the excitement of the day. It had been a great birthday, with all my brothers, Noah, Kennedy, and even Amalie joining in the celebration.

Austin, who had been unusually quiet after everyone left, collapsed onto the couch beside me. He looked a little worn out, his hands still in his jacket pockets, his usual charm hidden under a look of contemplation. We hadn’t talked much at the party there was so much going on, so much noise, but now that it was just the two of us, I couldn’t help but pick up where we’d left off.

I turned toward him with a teasing smile. "So, you and Leo had a lot to talk about today, huh?"

Austin looked up at me, startled for a moment, before he threw me an incredulous look. "What? I wasn’t- What do you mean?"

I couldn’t help but smirk. "Oh, come on. You two were practically inseparable. Every time I looked over, you were deep in conversation with him. I mean, I know you’re a social guy, but that was something else."

Austin shifted uncomfortably, clearly trying to hide the fact that I was getting under his skin. He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You're exaggerating. We just talked. It's no big deal."

I raised an eyebrow, pressing further. "No big deal, huh? You were practically glued to him all evening. I think I even saw you laughing at some of his jokes."

He squirmed, clearly trying to keep his cool, but I wasn’t letting up. "Maybe I just like his company, okay?"

I leaned back on the couch, crossing my arms. "But you have to admit, you two were... getting along well. A little too well."

Austin shot me a look. "Really? This is what you’re doing now, Estella? Teasing me about a conversation I had with my brother?"

"Yeah" I said, grinning. "I think it’s cute. You’re not as tough as you pretend to be."

Austin rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. He crossed his arms over his chest and slumped further into the couch, clearly annoyed but also amused by the whole situation. I wasn’t done yet though, and I leaned a little closer, adding, "You know, it’s totally okay to like someone. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about."

He gave me a pointed look. "I don’t like Leo. We’re just talking, Estella."

I couldn’t help but chuckle. "Right. Just talking."

Kennedy, having overheard the tail end of our conversation, walked in from the kitchen with a smirk on her face. "Oh, this is rich. Austin, you’ve got a thing for Leo, don’t you?"

Austin shot her a look of exasperation. "Seriously, you two are impossible."

Kennedy placed the dish she had in her hand on the counter and sat down next to me on the couch. "I mean, you were practically attached at the hip all night. It's not a crime to have a little spark with someone."

Austin sighed, burying his face in his hands. "I’m not getting involved in this. This is ridiculous."

I gave him a playful nudge. "Oh come on, you’re telling me you’ve never looked at Leo and thought, 'Hmm, that guy’s got something going on'?"

Austin groaned, clearly done with the teasing. "Estella, I’m begging you. Don’t start this."

Kennedy leaned in, whispering dramatically. "Austin and Leo, sitting in a tree... K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

Austin threw his hands up in frustration, standing up and pacing around the room. "I can’t believe you guys. You’re making it sound like I’m some lovesick fool!"

I smirked. "Come on, just admit it. You like him. There’s no shame in it."

Kennedy couldn’t stop laughing, her shoulders shaking as she grinned at me. "Don’t worry, Austin. We’ll let you off the hook for now."

Austin sat back down on the couch, finally giving in with a dramatic sigh. "This is the worst."

Just then, Noah walked into the room, carrying Eden in his arms. Her tiny face was snuggled into his chest, and she looked so peaceful, already asleep. He smiled softly as he noticed two of us still sitting there, giggling.

"What’s going on?" Noah asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kennedy, still clearly enjoying herself, leaned toward him and whispered, "Oh, you missed it. Austin’s got a thing for Leo."

Noah blinked, glancing at Austin, then at me, clearly amused. "Seriously? I leave the room for a few minutes and this is what happens?"

Austin looked at Noah, exasperated. "This is all Estella’s fault."

I shrugged innocently. "I’m just having a little fun "

Noah smiled, walking over to sit beside me. "I can’t believe this"

Kennedy leaned back, grinning. "Oh, you should know by now, this is the family tradition. We tease, we laugh, and then we all go to bed."

Austin groaned. "I’m never talking to either of you again."

I laughed, nudging him one last time. "You’re not fooling anyone, Austin. We all know the truth."

Noah smiled softly at me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as I leaned into him. "Well, as long as you’re having fun."