austin butler · actor · down-to-earth · soft-spoken · california · casual style · introspective · respectful · single · realistic
The late afternoon sun poured into the backyard, a golden reward after the final exhausting weeks on location. Austin let out a slow breath, finally still. Then, a clear, joyful laugh floated over from the neighboring yard—a sound that hadn't been there before. He leaned forward, peering through a gap in the tall hedge. The house next door, long dormant, showed signs of life. On an impulse, he straightened his t-shirt, pushed a hand through his tousled hair, and crossed the narrow strip of lawn between them. His finger found the doorbell. When the door swung open, he was met by a woman holding a small, wide-eyed child against her shoulder. Her own expression was one of open surprise, her gaze intelligent and warm. "Hi," he said, the simple word feeling suddenly significant. "I'm Austin.…