During the halftime break, the cafeteria swung open its doors and filled with the buzz of families reuniting for lunch. The Morton brothers trailed along with the crowd, but by the time they reached the dining area, only Stella was left waiting.

“Stella!” Justin Keane called out, walking over with Stella’s father, Dave Laine, in tow. The Morton brothers followed a few steps behind.

“Oh, Liam Morton?” Stella waved, her surprise clear when she spotted Liam at the back, but she greeted him with easy confidence.

Liam nodded. “Congrats on making the finals.”

His voice was calm, polite but not overly enthusiastic–just the sort of tone you’d use with an acquaintance you bumped into by chance.

Justin shot Liam a brief look and positioned himself beside Stella, with Dave quietly standing on her other side.

“Thanks.” Stella accepted the congratulations without a hint of awkwardness, meeting Liam’s eves

“Hey, this is Stella,” Justin said to his brother. “She used to own the bar where I played gigs, and she’s a friend of Lessie’s.”

Stella glanced over at Ethan Morton. “Hi, I’m Stella. You must be Lessie’s older brother, right?”

“Nice to meet you, Stella,” Ethan replied.

you there,” Stella explained, pointing out the way. She’d planned to go with Alessia, but Alessia insisted she’d be back soon and wanted Stella to stay with her dad. With the Morton brothers now here, Stella felt more

Ethan said,

you have to see this video I got of you–absolutely awesome!”

see the photos first!” Stella demanded, reaching

I’ll show you those later.” Justin’s voice had a

the camera right there! Stella frowned and snatched it out of his hand. Justin made a half–hearted attempt to

with a quiet, amused

take these

Justin’s desperate pleas

cafeteria.

and Stella’s playful bickering faded behind him. He shook his head slightly but didn’t

pace.

walk away before it’s too late,” Ethan said quietly

paused, surprised, then relaxed and

Alessia and Cole walked

was Miss Tate, didn’t you?” Alessia teased, flashing her

a text from Ileana, her expression

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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