Chapter 2 - Chapter Two: Unwritten Questions

Angelina's fingers danced over her tablet screen as she sat across from Miles in the modern living room, her digital recorder blinking red beside her. The sleek interior buzzed with quiet activity—wireless speakers hummed low music, and a smart mirror on the wall flashed sports headlines with Miles' face on one. "So," she said, eyes scanning her digital notes, "you've had an amazing season. But what fuels you, Miles? Why football?" He leaned back on the couch, his smartwatch lighting up with a notification he ignored. "Family," he answered plainly. "Family?" she echoed, lifting a brow as she paused her recording. "Yeah. My sisters, cousin, Aunt Anna… they're my reason. Every game, every win—it's for them." Just as she was about to dive deeper, a loud bang erupted from upstairs, followed by yelling. "Sarah!" came Delilah's irritated voice. "You took my Bluetooth earbuds again!" "They're mine! You just never gave them back!" Angelina blinked as the noise grew louder. Miles gave her a sheepish grin. "My sisters," he said with a chuckle. Seconds later, Sarah appeared at the stairs holding one earbud triumphantly while Delilah marched behind her waving a smart speaker remote. "We agreed last week—those were MINE!" Delilah snapped. "Only because you threw a tantrum!" Sarah shot back. "Ladies," Miles said firmly. "We have company." Both girls turned and finally noticed the guest. "Ohhh," Delilah said, instantly transforming her expression. "You must be the journalist. Angelina, right? I follow your Substack." Sarah crossed her arms. "Didn't know interviews were ambush-style now." "Sarah," Miles said. "Relax." Angelina smiled coolly. "I prefer honesty over pleasantries. It saves time." Sarah gave a brief nod, oddly impressed, while Delilah offered her a lopsided grin. "I like her." Margaret appeared in the hallway holding a tray with steaming mugs and a plate of cookies. "Snack break?" She wore wireless earbuds and tapped her smartwatch to pause a podcast. "Fresh from the air fryer," she added. "You're a lifesaver," Miles said, taking a mug. Angelina stood, closing her tablet. "Thanks, everyone. This was more insight than I expected on day one." "You'll come back, right?" Delilah asked, one brow raised. "We're more fun once you know our drama." "Count on it," Angelina replied. Miles walked her to the door, his phone buzzing in his pocket. "That was… interesting," she said, glancing back at the house. "It's chaos, but kind of perfect." "Yeah," he said with a soft smile. "That's home." Later that night, the house quieted. Sarah curled up with her e-reader, Delilah scrolled through a playlist on her tablet, and Margaret studied on her laptop in the dining room. Miles stood out on the balcony, checking the stars through a sky-map app on his phone when Anna joined him. "She's got something," Anna said without preamble. "Angelina?" he asked. Anna nodded. "And it's not just for the story." He gave a light laugh. "You always see ahead of us." "I just pay attention," she said. "And I saw how you looked at her." Miles didn't respond, but deep down, he knew something was shifting. Angelina James had come with her gadgets, her goals, and her guarded smile. But what she would find inside the Gordon home might just rewrite more than her article—it might change her life.