Not A Small-Town Girl

"Danielle, I really enjoyed today. Rest well." David’s voice cut through her brothers’ fussing.

Danielle paused, slightly surprised that David hadn’t driven off yet. When he got out, he was surrounded by her brothers. "You too. Drive safe," she replied softly.

Her brothers exchanged a look as they watched the exchange. Though their parents had approved of David, they couldn’t help but feel protective. Danielle had only just come home, and they weren’t about to hand her over so easily.

"The world’s full of smooth talkers," Xavier muttered pointedly. "Danielle, don’t let yourself be taken in by sweet words."

"Goodbye, Danielle. And to you all as well," David said before getting in his car, showing no intention of trying to win over Danielle’s brothers.

Seeing David’s smug look, Danielle’s brothers glared after the car, watching it until it disappeared from view. Danielle found their over-the-top reactions amusing. "Why don’t we go inside?" she suggested gently, worried they might actually run after the car if she didn’t speak up.

At the sound of her voice, her brothers immediately softened, their fierce expressions melting away.

"Danielle, are you free tomorrow?" Xavier asked, his tone hopeful. "I’ve been meaning to take you shopping, but you’ve been so busy." He pouted slightly, as though deeply disappointed.

Danielle’s heart softened at his words. She did have plans for the next day, but seeing his enthusiasm, she decided they could wait. "I’m free," she said with a small nod.

"Great! I’ll take you out tomorrow!" Xavier beamed, more excited than when he’d won an acting award.

The other brothers groaned internally, cursing Xavier’s cunning nature.

"Xavier, are you serious? You’d just attract attention everywhere," Matthew said. "Danielle, you’d bebetter off going with me."

"Danielle, I’m free too," Joseph added quickly, not wanting to be left out.

"I’ve got nothing on tomorrow either," Austin chimed in, determined to stake his claim.

Danielle chuckled at their eagerness. She raised a hand, signaling them to stop. "Alright, alright," she said with a playful smile. "I’ll go with Xavier tomorrow. I’ll spend time with the rest of you another day, okay?"

Xavier couldn’t contain his grin, puffing up like a proud peacock. "Don’t worry, Danielle. I’ll make sure we have the best day. No fans, no interruptions, I promise!"

The other brothers, though a little disappointed, held back their protests. Danielle’s happiness was what mattered most, and they’d all get their turn eventually.

Unbeknownst to them, Audrey stood on the third- floor balcony, watching the scene unfold below. Her expression was dark and filled with jealousy.

She had never experienced anything like this. Sure, her brothers were kind to her, but they’d never gone out of their way to fight over her attention.