When I stand, she looks me over with a smile, and to my surprise, she moves the hair out of my eyes and just looks at me. No words, just a simple smile.
We walk down the stairs together and walk into the kitchen. Lileah places a mug of hot chocolate in front of me, as I reach thecounter, her smile isn’t fake, it’s genuine and it makes me feel welcome.
Did Hayden say something to everyone before I came down?
I clutch the mug, my fingers warming against the ceramic, not sure if I should join the conversation or let it carry on. I still feel like I shouldn't be here.
I hear laughing coming from the other side of the room, beyond the archway, I see Hayden, Mason, Miles, and Declan gathered in the pool room. Laughing. Loud. Normal. It’s nice to see them like they used to be.
Cain and Autumn aren’t there as I look around the house for them, my glance stops at Hayden’s mom, who catches my look and chuckles.
“Cain doesn’t do family stuff,” she says. “He only comes because we make him. That man would rather face down a bear with a toothpick than sit through any family night.” She laughs, Lileah snorts, and I let myself smile for the first time in what feels like months.
“He’s gotten better since Autumn's been with him, I even saw him smile the other day.” Lileah says which makes Hayden’s mom laugh.
“Come on, let’s see what trouble the boys are getting themselves in.” She looks at me, as I sip my hot chocolate, so I don’t look worried about going in there. “No one will say anything.” Her soothing voice helps but not as much as I would like it.
I slowly follow them into the pool room quietly and stand in the corner away from everyone as they continue with their conversation and jokes.
My fingers wrap tighter around the mug, heart clenching as I see Hayden smiling, and laughing. Just like he used to, I never thought I would hear him laugh again.
I don’t know where this night is going, but for now, I’m standing in a room where the family still have love for each other.
The guys are already mid-game, shouting over each other about how one of them is cheating. Laughter fills the room, something I’ve not heard in so long, and it’s crazy how much I like it.
“Foul! You leaned over the table!” Mason snaps, pointing his cue at Miles.
“Get over it. Your shot sucked anyway,” Miles grins, sinking another ball like he planned it. He looks way too smug for someone cheating so shamelessly.
Declan groans, his cue stick resting on his shoulder. “You’re both idiots. I should’ve stayed with the girls and stolen more cookies.” He looks at his mom with a smile as she puts out the plate of cookies in front of him.
I smile into my cup, then I feel someone at my side, and when I glance over, Lileah is there, arms folded, one brow arched. “You’re braver than I thought,” she says, tone light.
I blink. “What?”
“Standing here, in this lion’s den of testosterone, knowing full well that they’re all basically Hayden’s clones.”
I choke on a laugh. “I… yeah. I guess I am.”
She smirks, nudging her shoulder into mine. “You don’t have to hover in corners, you know. You belong here more than you think.”
I’m not sure what to say to that, the kindness in her voice makes my chest ache.
Before I can respond, Mason’s voice cuts through the noise, loud and shameless. “So, Hayden… Is she staying in your room tonight?”
A pool ball clinks off the table and rolls across the floor.
Hayden doesn’t say anything, doesn’t even look at Mason. He calmly picks up the ball and tosses it back on the table with a sharp clack.
Miles grins, eyes flashing with amusement. “Bet he gave her a good pillow too.”
“Shut up,” Hayden mutters, deadpan, but I catch the flush in his ears. His back is to me, but I swear I can feel him. The tension in his shoulders, the subtle shift when I glance his way.
I shrink a little into the corner, cheeks burning, heartbeat uneven. Lileah, ever the mischief-maker, leans in and whispers, “They only tease when it matters.”
I stare at her. “What do you mean?”
She shrugs innocently. “They don’t tease about any of the other girls.” I can’t tell if my stomach drops or flips. How many girls have there been? Did any of them mean anything to him?
