Dimples
Ed set the table, the faint aroma of tomato soup wafting through his cozy apartment. Cooking had always been therapeutic for him, a way to unwind and focus his thoughts. Tonight was no different, though his mind drifted toward Abigail and the lyrics waiting to be written.
He ladled the soup into a bowl and reached for a spoon, but the sudden chime of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Frowning, Ed wiped his hands on his apron and slipped it off. He wasn't expecting visitors.
As he opened the door, he froze. Standing there, leaning casually against the frame, was his elder brother, Zach Riggs.
"Zach?" Ed said, his tone laced with both surprise and suspicion.
Zach's icy blue eyes sparkled mischievously, and his perfectly styled dark hair looked as though it belonged in a photoshoot. His chiseled jawline, sharp cheekbones, and flawless skin gave him an almost ethereal appearance. Add to that his perfectly tailored black trench coat, and he looked every bit the god among mortals that people often whispered about.
"Hey, little brother," Zach said smoothly, a smile revealing the deep dimples that made women—and men—weak in the knees.
Ed's gaze darted past him to the empty street. "What are you doing here? And did anyone see you?"
"Relax," Zach replied, stepping inside uninvited. "I'm not that careless."
Ed shut the door firmly, running a hand through his hair. "You still haven't answered my question."
Zach shrugged off his coat and draped it over the back of a chair. "Jane told me where you were."
Ed's expression darkened. "Jane? She wasn't supposed to—"
"Calm down," Zach said, holding up a hand. "She didn't spill everything. Just enough for me to find you."
Ed sighed, frustration evident. "You're unbelievable."
Zach ignored the jab and walked into the kitchen, his sharp eyes scanning the counter. "Tomato soup? You've been holding out on the family. You still make it like you did back home?"
Ed smirked despite himself. "Of course. It's my recipe, after all."
"I'll take a bowl," Zach said, sitting at the table with a relaxed elegance that only he could manage.
Ed ladled out a second serving and joined him. Zach took a sip, his smile widening. "Just as I remembered. You really should've gone into culinary school instead of music."
"Yeah, right," Ed muttered, rolling his eyes. "Like Mom and Dad would've allowed that."
Zach chuckled softly, setting down his spoon. "They barely let you choose music. I still remember the fight."
Ed's jaw tightened. He didn't like to think about those days—about how much resistance he'd faced when pursuing his dream. "You made it easier for me," he admitted quietly.
Zach's smile softened. "Someone had to. And it wasn't just you. Nia, too. You both deserved to follow your passions. Business wasn't my dream, but…" He shrugged. "Someone had to keep the peace."
Ed's chest tightened at the familiar guilt. Zach had sacrificed so much for their family, stepping into the role their parents demanded of him without complaint. It was why Ed and Nia adored him—and why Ed hated the pressure that still followed him.
Zach's tone shifted, breaking the silence. "Speaking of Mom and Dad, they're at it again."
Ed groaned, already sensing where this was going. "What now?"
"They're preparing a wife for you," Zach said bluntly.
Ed's chair scraped loudly as he stood. "Are you serious? Why can't they just leave me alone?"
Zach held up a calming hand. "Take it easy, Ed. You've got time. Christmas is still months away. Just… figure out what you want to do."
"What I want?" Ed snapped, pacing the small space. "I want them to stop dictating my life! It's bad enough they still criticize my career. Now they want to control who I marry?"
Zach leaned back, unbothered by his brother's outburst. "You have options," he said, his voice steady. "Find someone you actually care about, or stand up to them. Either way, I'll back you up."
Ed stopped pacing, his anger slowly giving way to gratitude. "Thanks," he muttered.
Zach grinned, his dimples deepening. "That's what I'm here for."
As the two brothers sat in companionable silence, Ed couldn't help but wonder what else Zach had on his mind. He never visited without a reason—and Ed had a feeling this was only the beginning.