The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Neville didn't press the issue or bring up anything else that might make Stella uncomfortable.

Most of their conversation revolved around her upcoming competition and the concert she'd been invited to.

Before they knew it, noon had arrived, and the group decided to have lunch at a buffet restaurant.

Throughout the meal, Neville was constantly on his feet, bustling around to help everyone-grabbing glasses, fetching forks, pouring water and drinks for the

table.

Keen stared at him in amazement.

While Stella and Marvin were off filling their plates, Neville grinned and leaned in. "Hey, Keen, why are you looking at me like that?"

Keen's eyes darted away. "I... I wasn't. It's nothing."

Neville could easily see through the little boy's thoughts. With a gentle smile, he asked, "Let me guess when you eat with your parents, your mom is the one always running around, making sure everyone else is taken care of, isn't she?"

Keen hesitated a moment, then nodded honestly. "Yes."

Neville continued, "So what do you think? Does your mom like being so busy, or would she rather have someone take care of her for a change?”

Keen thought about it, then answered in a small voice, "I think... she'd like someone to take care of her."

five-year-old could understand

much your mom has changed

Keen nodded.

you had to choose between the mom from before and the mom she is

look of conflict

mom doted on him, always fussing over every little thing,

was full of

question for a long moment, then finally whispered, "Can

you can only pick one. No being

mulled it over seriously, then said, "I choose the

surprise Neville at

even more so, in their simple,

on shyly, "I never realized Mom could do so many things. She speaks other languages, plays the violin,

have the mon she is now. I'm bigger now-I can take care of

Neville paused, taken aback.

spoiled little kid, but he hadn't expected this

Keen, he said,

you

let your dad and mom get back together, if they do your mom might end

something about the conversation made