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."

could

again. "Keen, have you noticed how much your mom has changed

Keen nodded.

had to choose between the mom from before and the mom she is now,

of conflict crossed Keen's

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

was full of surprises. He liked her just as much maybe

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

you can only pick one. No being

seriously, then said, "I choose the mom she is

didn't surprise

strength-and children, even more

many things. She speaks other languages, plays the violin, and even paints. She doesn't fuss over

little happier now So, I'd rather have the mon she is now. I'm bigger now-I can

Neville paused, taken aback.

Keen was just a spoiled little kid, but

at Keen, he said,

you

way she is now, then you can't let your dad and mom get back together, if they

automatically, though something about the conversation made