Page 113 of Steel Beauty

Together, we carry the dishes to the dining room, where a long table is set with understated elegance. White linens drape gracefully, neatly folded napkins rest at each place, and the soft glow of candles creates an inviting warmth. Once everything is in place, we settle in, the atmosphere shifting into something even cozier, more intimate.

Malie gestures to the large bowl in the center of the table. “This is faiai eleni—mackerel baked in coconut cream with onions and vegetables. It’s a dish that always reminds me of home.”

She motions to a plate of golden bread beside it. “And this is fa’apapa—coconut bread with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for scooping up the other dishes.”

Alex leans forward, his excitement evident. “You’ve got to try it with the sapasui. It’s Samoan-style chop suey. My favorite.”

Curiosity piqued, I take a bite of each, the flavors bursting on my tongue—rich, sweet, savory, and completely unique. “This is incredible.”

Malie beams at the compliment, her pride unmistakable. “I’m so glad you like it. Food is a way of bringing people together—it’s how we share our hearts. And food is one of the best ways to share our love and culture. It’s what mothers do—feed everyone until they’re stuffed.”

Her words stir something bittersweet inside me. That’s not what my mother did. Robin Steel’s idea of love was always about taking care of herself, not nurturing others. My grandmother, Charlene, was no different. Love wasn’t baked into casseroles or poured into homemade pies; it was fleeting, selfish, conditional. The kind of warmth and care Malie radiates feels foreign, like something plucked from the pages of a novel I once read but could never imagine living.

Malie’s voice gently pulls me from my thoughts. “Where are you from, Magnolia?”

“I grew up in Mississippi, but I live on the East Coast now, in South Carolina.”

“Aleki says you work in interior design?”

“I do—specifically, the psychology of decor. I love what I do. Every project is different, and I get to think about how spaces affect people’s moods and energy. There’s a lot of psychology involved—choosing colors, textures, and layouts that make people feel welcome, calm, or even inspired.”

Malie nods, her interest clear. “That sounds fascinating. I’ve never thought about how much intention goes into a room.”

“It’s incredible how much impact a well-designed space can have. It’s not only about aesthetics—it’s about how a space can make someone feel safe, happy, or even empowered. It’s subtle, but it matters.”

Alex’s hand brushes mine under the table, a small but reassuring gesture.

Alexander’s eyes brighten with intrigue as he exchanges a glance with Malie. “What an intriguing concept. We’re planning a remodel of the hotels next year, and someone with your skills could make a real difference.”

“It sounds like an exciting project.”

“We want to refresh the spaces. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of elegant luxury—where guests feel not only pampered but also valued. It sounds like you’d know exactly how to make that happen.”

Malie’s lips curve into a smile as she looks between us, her eyes sparkling. “Perhaps you should hire Magnolia. I bet she’d bring a fresh, unique perspective to the Melbourne locations.”

Her expression softens with curiosity. “Do you see yourself staying where you are, or could you be lured away?”

I hesitate, her question settling over me as I glance down at my plate. “Actually, I’ll be returning to the U.S. in a month when my assignment here wraps up.”

A gentle quiet settles over the table, the moment tinged with something unspoken. “Well, that’s too bad. I hope your time in Australia has been unforgettable.”

My gaze drifts to Alex, catching the way his eyes fix on me, soft and filled with something that makes my chest tighten. “It’s been more memorable than I ever could’ve imagined.”

Malie’s smile widens, her words carrying a gentle excitement. “We’re all so happy you’ll be joining us in Samoa next week. The rest of the family is eager to meet you.”

Alex groans, rolling his eyes as he shoots his mother a playful look. “Ugh, Tina! That was supposed to be a surprise.”

“Oops.” Malie claps a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening with guilt. “Sorry, Aleki.”

Surprised, I glance between them. “You didn’t tell me it was time for one of your trips to Samoa.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be this soon, but my grandfather’s health has been declining, so we want to move the trip up. And” —he pauses a moment— “I couldn’t imagine being away from you for a whole week when you only have a few weeks left here. I want you to come with me.”

I look back at Malie and Alexander, their warm, expectant smiles easing the nervous flutter in my chest. “Of course I’ll come. I’m looking forward to it—truly. Thank you so much for including me.”

After dinner, I follow Malie into the kitchen, eager to help with the cleanup. She nods in approval as I start stacking plates and transferring leftovers into storage containers while she loads the dishwasher. The quiet rhythm of our tasks fills the space, but I can feel her eyes on me—a gaze that’s warm yet probing, like she’s peeling back layers to see what lies beneath.

She raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her expression. “You know, I’ve never seen Aleki this smitten before. He talks about you constantly—always with that special look in his eyes.”

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