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

has changed

Keen nodded.

"So, if you had to choose between the mom from before and the mom she is now, which

of conflict crossed Keen's

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

little unfamiliar, was full of surprises. He liked her just as much maybe even

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

only pick one. No

it over seriously, then said, "I choose the

didn't surprise Neville

strength-and children, even more so, in

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 myself. What

Neville paused, taken aback.

always assumed Keen was just a spoiled little kid, but he hadn't

Keen,

you

dad and mom get back together, if they do your mom might end up unhappy again.

something about the