chapter eighteen

I walked into Eliza's office at Press Pate with a grin plastered across my face. The door clicked shut behind me, and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle as I spotted her sitting at her desk, mid-conversation on FaceTime with Arthur.

Her face lit up in a way that made me want to both roll my eyes and tease her mercilessly. It was rare to see Eliza so completely at ease, so of course, I had to have a little fun with her.

"Oh hell, you booed up at work," I said, smirking as I leaned against the doorframe with my arms crossed.

Eliza's eyes narrowed, and she gave me a look that could curdle milk. I knew she was already anticipating the incoming barrage.

Arthur, who had a grin as wide as mine on the other end, laughed, the sound warm and easy. "Hey, sis, where my brother and niece?" His voice was rough, but there was a softness to it, one that made me feel like I'd just stepped into a scene from one of those Hallmark movies my mom loved.

"At the house, chilling, you know he making a Big Zilla cave in the house," I said.

Arthur's laugh deepened, rolling out from the speaker in that way that told me he'd heard this story before.

"I want a room," Arthur said, almost half-joking but not really.

I arched an eyebrow, smirking at Eliza, who was trying her best to act unbothered but was failing miserably.

"I think you mean you want a room at Eliza's house," I said, crossing my arms and giving Eliza a pointed look. I could practically feel the eye roll she was suppressing.

"Why are you like this?" Eliza asked, pretending to sound exasperated, but I could see the corners of her lips twitching. She loved me, she just didn't always love how much I loved to get under her skin. I leaned in, determined to drive the point home.

"You should stop by and see Eliza's house, she got plenty of space for you, and your future fifty-eleven chirren y'all about to have," I said, nudging Eliza's chair playfully. Arthur's laughter came again, more subdued this time, but I could tell he was amused.

Eliza huffed, flapping her hand like she could physically shoo me away. "Why did Zilla make the same comment in the group chat, not y'all sharing a brain cell," Arthur added, half chuckling.

"Oh, don't you dare bring that up," Eliza said, and the way she scrunched her face made me feel like I'd won a little victory. We both knew Arthur was right. Zilla and I were like a single unit, our brains operating on the same frequency, but Eliza would never admit it out loud.

"Look, it's not my fault you're letting my brother get all up in your space. Next thing you know, he'll be on your couch, eating your snacks, and asking if you've got any more of that plant-based 'chicken' in the fridge," I teased, leaning into my role as the queen of teasing.

Eliza shot me a glare that was half-hearted at best. "Stop playing, Kayla," she said, but I could see that soft little smile lurking beneath her fake annoyance.

Arthur's voice cut in, easy and teasing. "I'm just saying, Eliza, I wouldn't mind a permanent stay if I could get a taste of that plant-based 'chicken' you're talking about." He waggled his brows at me through the phone, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"See? You just need to come over, Arthur. She'll hook you up with the good stuff," I said, rolling my eyes at Eliza, who was now turning pink in the cheeks. She always did this when she was embarrassed, and I loved every second of it.

"Kayla, you're gonna give me a complex," Eliza muttered. Her eyes darted to the phone, and then back to me, trying to gauge how far I'd go with this teasing session. I could see her resolve crumbling, so I decided to push just a little further.

"It's not a complex if you're already used to it," I said, giving her a wink before I turned to Arthur. "Speaking of which, Arthur, you need to start teaching Eliza how to say her future last name?" The question was meant to redirect the conversation, but Arthur had already seen through me.

"Yeah, and don't think I don't see you stirring the pot over there, Kayla," Arthur said, voice rich with mirth. I flipped my hair over my shoulder and made a show of innocence.

"What? I'm just being supportive," I said, but Eliza snorted, and we all knew better.

"Eliza, you know this payback ," I said.

A small smile curved her lips when I called her out, confirming my suspicion.

Arthur's voice was suddenly quieter, more sincere. "Don't be teasing my baby." His words, though spoken lightly, carried a weight to them.

I could feel Eliza's eyes softening, too, and I had to say, it was nice to see them both like this. Even if I did tease them more than a person probably should, I didn't mind it. If teasing kept them smiling, I'd do it till my voice was hoarse.

"You're too sweet, Arthur," Eliza said, her voice quieter now, and I could hear the small catch in it. I almost felt like an intruder, watching this little slice of their world unfold. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not when it made me see my sister so raw, so real.

"Hey, Kayla," Arthur said, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Tell Zilla I said keep an eye out on my girl."

"Will do," I said, fighting the sudden tightness in my throat. The way he said it made me realize how much he liked Eliza.

"Alright, let's get back to work, though," Eliza said, clearing her throat and shifting back in her chair.

I could see her returning to the professional persona that she wielded like armor. I respected it, even if it wasn't as fun as seeing her smile like that.

"Sure thing, boss lady," I said, winking at her one last time before heading out the door. But before I left, I turned back, letting my eyes meet hers.

"Don't let her talk you into not coming to see her house, okay?" I said. Eliza raised her eyebrow and glanced at the phone before laughing.

"Noted."

As I walked down the hallway back to my office, the light chatter from their call faded behind me. The air felt lighter somehow. And maybe, just maybe, it was because I knew that in this little family of ours, teasing wasn't just a way to get under each other's skin—it was how we said we loved each other without ever having to say it out loud.

And that was just fine by me.