Chapter 7

Keen scrunched up his little face, saying, "My stomach has gotten a lot better. The doctor said it's okay to have a little sometimes. But Mom always wants to control and make me do what she says."

Hearing the word "control" out of a five-year-old's mouth felt oddly mature.

As Haynes was about to respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He answered, and Rachel's voice came through the line somewhat hesitantly. "Haynes, are you home now?"

"Yeah, I'm."

"And is Ms. Cameron back yet?" asked Rachel.

Haynes paused. "Why do you ask?"

"Well," Rachel stammered, "I saw Ms. Cameron. She's having dinner with a young man, and they seem pretty close."

There was a brief silence before Rachel cautiously added, "Do you think

today that upset her? Maybe you should try

Stella ditching dinner at home to

turned colder.

Rachel provided an address.

Haynes said

...

diner, Antoney Watson watched Stella intently. "Have you

"Nocturne Stella is a piece my mom had composed for me, and I've put it on hold for the

sighed wistfully, her eyes

"Rejoining the performance circuit will keep you incredibly busy. You might not have much time

a hint of irony. "Besides, he doesn't need

Antoney pressed, "Will he be okay with

a chill to Stella's eyes. "I don't need his

he won't approve of you

need

said this, Stella felt a pang of guilt remembering how she'd distanced herself

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