My Penpal

13- The Beef

Amelia’s smile faltered as she saw her sister, Macy, approaching from across the yard. There was a flicker of unease in her eyes, but she stood her ground, bracing for whatever her sister had to say.

Macy stopped in front of her, her arms crossed, glancing briefly at Blake before her eyes settled on Amelia.

**"So, you finally brought someone home,"** Macy said, her tone neutral but with a hint of something Amelia couldn’t quite place.

Amelia raised an eyebrow, keeping her voice calm. **"Yes, I did."** She glanced at Alexander, who was still at the grill with their father, seemingly unaware of the tension that had just arisen. **"And it’s going well, in case you’re wondering."**

Macy shifted uncomfortably, then sighed. **"I’m not here to start anything. I just... I don’t know. I didn’t think you'd find someone like him, especially after everything with Michael."** There was an awkward pause before Macy added, **"He seems... decent."**

Amelia’s posture softened slightly, but she remained guarded. **"He is. More than decent."**

Blake, sensing the tension but wanting to lighten the mood, chimed in with a grin, **"Decent? Honey, he’s the whole package."**

Macy rolled her eyes at Blake’s comment but said nothing more, offering Amelia a small nod before walking away, leaving Amelia feeling a strange mix of relief and frustration.

Amelia sighed, shaking her head slightly as she watched Macy walk away. **"Yeah, I know,"** she muttered. **"She just can't help herself."**

Blake chuckled, leaning in closer. **"Oh, it’s killing her. You’ve got this perfect guy—strong, sweet, and, well, let’s face it, sexy as hell. And she knows she messed up with Michael. This is probably eating her up inside."**

Amelia gave him a knowing look. **"I’m not worried about her anymore. Alexander’s different. What I had with Michael was... nothing compared to this."**

Blake grinned. **"You’re right. Alexander's the real deal, baby cakes."** He glanced over at the grill where Alexander was still chatting easily with their father. **"And he’s definitely got the whole family swooning."**

Amelia smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection as she watched Alexander, feeling grateful to have him in her life. **"He makes me feel... safe. Like everything will be okay."**

Blake smirked, nudging her playfully. **"Well, just don’t let Macy get too close. She’s probably scheming as we speak."**

Amelia laughed softly, brushing off the thought. **"She can scheme all she wants. Alexander’s mine."**

As Amelia and Blake helped their mother with chopping the vegetables, her mother glanced at her with a soft smile.

**"I'm so glad you found Alexander, Amelia. After everything with Michael, I was worried for you. But now..."** She paused, giving her daughter a warm look. **"It’s good to see you smiling again."**

Amelia returned the smile, feeling a sense of peace. **"Alexander’s been a blessing, Mom. He really has."**

Meanwhile, outside by the grill, Macy sauntered over to Alexander, her eyes flashing with interest. She leaned in, her voice low and coy.

**"So, you’re the famous penpal who swept my sister off her feet,"** she said, her smile sly. **"You know... I always wondered what it would be like to get close to someone like you."**

Alexander stiffened slightly, recognizing her game. He already knew Macy had been a major factor behind Amelia’s messy divorce, and there was no way he was falling for her manipulations. His eyes turned cold and calculating as he calmly turned down her advances.