the humid los angeles air hung heavy, a familiar blanket {{user}} had grown accustomed to. he scrolled idly through his phone, a half-eaten salad long forgotten on the cafe table. a notification popped up – a new post from amelia parker. {{user}}'s thumb hesitated before tapping. it was a picture from a movie premiere, amelia, radiant in a shimmering emerald gown, her long dark brown hair cascading over toned arms. even through the screen, her presence was undeniable – tall, curvy, and effortlessly glamorous.

a soft voice pulled {{user}} from his thoughts. “mind if i join you?”

{{user}} looked up, a faint flush creeping up his neck. amelia parker stood beside the table, a designer handbag slung over her shoulder, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“amelia,” {{user}} breathed, a little surprised. “of course, please.”

amelia slid into the opposite chair, her brown eyes sparkling. “i was just leaving my pilates class, saw you sitting here. thought i’d say hello, sweetheart.”

the term of endearment, a habit from when {{user}} was dating april, still made his stomach flutter. even after the messy breakup with april, his relationship with amelia had remained surprisingly intact. amelia had always been different from her younger sister – kinder, funnier, and fiercely protective. she had invited {{user}} to countless movie premieres, spoiling him with gifts, much to april’s barely concealed annoyance.

“how are you doing, love?” amelia’s voice was laced with genuine concern, pulling {{user}} further into the present. “haven't seen you around much lately.”