Chapter: Just Siblings
POV: Hope
"I still can't believe you ordered a kale salad," I said, wrinkling my nose as I stabbed a chunk of my burger. "You're officially old."
Liam gave me a lazy glare as he chewed, setting his fork down like I just insulted his whole generation. "It's called discipline, Hope. Something you wouldn't understand, judging by the mountain of fries on your plate."
I dramatically clutched my chest. "Excuse you! These fries have been my emotional support system since the flight landed."
He smirked. "So have donuts, coffee, and three hours of sleep, I assume?"
"You forgot gummy bears," I said proudly.
Liam shook his head, but there was a light in his eyes I hadn't seen in a long time — not since before we both got too busy to just… be siblings. "I forgot how exhausting you are in person."
"You missed me," I said, grinning at him over my soda.
He didn't even deny it. "I did."
And just like that, the sarcasm faded for a second. We were sitting in his company's rooftop lounge — a clean, stylish space with floor-to-ceiling windows and the New York skyline stretching out in every direction. His office had class, no doubt, but it also felt a little… lonely.
I leaned back in my seat, taking a moment to really look at him. His jawline was sharper, his expression more composed. He wore the kind of suit you didn't pick off a rack. He looked like someone who belonged at the top. And yet, he was still the same Liam who once glued my Barbie's shoes to the floor just to mess with me.
"I'm proud of you, you know," I said quietly. "You built all this. From scratch."
He raised a brow. "You think I built the whole skyscraper?"
"Obviously. You probably laid bricks in a suit."
Liam chuckled, the kind that came from deep in his chest. "Nah. But I did hustle. A lot. Still am."
"I can tell. Your assistant looked like she might pass out when she saw me walk in."
"That's because you barged in here like a celebrity."
"I am a celebrity," I said, flipping my hair dramatically. "I have a skincare sponsorship and a whole 3.4 million followers. I'm practically royalty."
"You were already dramatic before fame. Now there's just a bigger audience."
I grinned. "Don't pretend you don't watch my clips. I saw your like on that one reel."
Liam paused mid-chew. "Damn algorithm betrayed me."
"I knew it!" I laughed so loud a couple people looked our way. I didn't care. This was the first real laugh I'd had in weeks.
We ate in silence for a few minutes, just letting the comfort settle in. He kept glancing at me between bites, as if to check I was really there. Honestly, I was doing the same. It had been too long.
"Your hair's longer now," he said randomly, eyeing my messy brown waves. "You used to hate letting it grow past your shoulders."
"I still do," I muttered. "But my director said it looked 'more ethereal.' Whatever that means."
"It means it takes you two hours to get ready now."
"It's called method acting."
He snorted. "You were playing a nurse."
"A celestial nurse," I corrected, pointing my fry at him like a wand.
He laughed again, and I knew I'd won.
"You sound like you've been working nonstop," he said after a beat. "How long were you on set this time?"
"Almost six weeks. Filming in Utah. Dust, fake blood, early mornings… ugh." I shook my head. "Honestly, I missed being around people who aren't actors."
"Oh, so I'm your emotional reset?"
"You're my emotional crash pad," I said with a smirk. "And a free lunch."
"You're awful," he said, but he was smiling. "I'm glad you stopped by."
"Me too," I murmured, suddenly serious. "I mean… I know I should've called more. But being on the move so much, I kept pushing it off and—"
"Hey," he interrupted gently. "Don't do that. We both got busy. That's life. Doesn't mean I ever stopped thinking about you."
My heart warmed. "Same. I always miss you."
He nodded, then looked away like he needed to blink something away. "So… you staying long?"
"Just a few days. I have another shoot in LA soon."
Liam let out a low whistle. "They really keep you moving, huh?"
"Yep. I've had more hotel pillows than actual sleep."
He chuckled. "You could crash at my place while you're here. The guest room still has that ugly purple blanket you love."
"You kept that?"
"Only because you threw a tantrum when I tried to donate it."
"It has character!" I exclaimed, earning another laugh from him.
I leaned forward, propping my chin on my hand. "But seriously, thanks. I think I might take you up on that. Just for a few days."
"You better," he said. "I need someone to finish that ice cream in my freezer."
"Say less. I'm moving in tonight."
We both burst out laughing again. God, I missed this. I missed him.
The moment stretched, soft and quiet now. The city moved around us, cars honking below, clouds rolling past the windows, but for once I didn't feel like I had to be 'Hope the Actress.' I was just Hope — Liam's sister. And that was enough.
"You think Mom and Dad would've been proud?" I asked suddenly.
He looked at me, eyes warm. "They already were."
I nodded, fighting the lump in my throat. "I just hope I'm doing enough."
"You're doing amazing," he said, firm. "But don't burn out trying to prove something. You've already earned your place, Hope."
His words hit deeper than I expected. I blinked fast, then smiled. "Okay, that's the second nice thing you've said to me today. Are you dying?"
"Third," he corrected. "I paid for your lunch too."
"You're such a softie now."
"Don't tell anyone. I've got a cold CEO image to maintain."
I raised my soda. "To being successful, sarcastic, and slightly sleep-deprived."
He clinked his glass to mine. "To siblings."