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."

a five-year-old could understand something

mom has changed since the divorce? She's become so much more impressive and

Keen nodded.

between the mom from before and the mom she is now, which one

look of conflict crossed

fussing over every little thing, and sometimes he wished she'd go

of

for a long moment, then finally

can only pick one. No

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

didn't surprise Neville at

to strength-and children, even more so, in their simple,

She speaks other languages, plays the

the mon she is now. I'm bigger now-I

Neville paused, taken aback.

Keen was just a spoiled little kid, but he hadn't expected this

at Keen, he

you

let your dad and mom get back together, if they

though something about the conversation made him feel