The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 645

Stella's hand was still swollen, making violin practice impossible for now.

A few days away from her instrument wouldn't hurt. In fact, it gave her a chance to sit down with Abby and discuss the details of their upcoming concert.

Joshua, however, seemed genuinely crestfallen when he realized Stella wouldn't be playing for the next couple of days.

Abby noticed and grinned. "Is Star's violin really that hypnotic? Can't fall asleep at night without your daily fix?"

She was only teasing, but Joshua nodded with complete seriousness.

"Ms. Cameron's playing has a magic to it—something that soothes the soul. If I go

a day without hearing her play, I simply can't sleep."

Abby blinked, then burst out, "Joshua, you really know how to flatter!"

She'd only meant it as a joke, but with Joshua's twist, it sounded like she'd compared Stella's music to an unforgettable melody that lingered in the mind for days.

Joshua always had a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. Abby found herself liking him more and more-though, of course, not that way.

She said, "I actually have a bunch of Star's recordings. Want them? Listening to those should help you sleep, right?"

Joshua's eyes lit up. "Abby, you're a lifesaver!"

our own. Joshua, you'd better

Joshua nodded earnestly.

afternoon, Stella received a phone call from

do you have any free time coming

this might be about. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm not practicing for the next couple of days,

aren't you getting ready for your

anyone how

swollen. I need to rest it for a day or two," she

a beat of concern on the other end. "Stella,

before replying quietly, "Just

second,"

hang up. Stella could hear the

moment, Mr. Burton came back on

ointment for swelling-good stuff. Rub it in

gone by

felt a

had been retired for

private practice

sake, he'd publicly hosted a reception

she'd managed to get on the wrong side

was the next head of the Burton