Chapter Nine

"Have you known each other long enough?" Amelia asked as she walked Alex through the park. She was still carrying the stuffed penguin in her arms.

" Yes, he was Megan's friend. " Alex replied without much prompting.

She realized that his expression was closed and irritated.

" Ah... " she let slip. " And you don't like each other very much it seems.... " Amelia commented, slowly investigating.

" Shall we change the subject? I'm hungry and would love a sausage with plenty of mustard. " He said, heading over to the sausage stand.

Amelia agreed, but was not convinced and would get into that later. She followed Alexander and reached into her purse for her wallet afterwards.

"Two sausages and two soft drinks. " She asked the attendant, smiling at her.

" Aren't you going to let me pay? " Alex asked, crossing his arms.

" In theory, you're paying. I'm using your money. " Amelia commented as she winked at him.

" So if I'm paying, I want a beer. " He replied, looking at the attendant.

"You can'