The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Rachel walked over with a bright smile. "Haynie, what brings you here today? Are

you here with Keen for target practice too?"

Haynes responded with a curt, indifferent nod, clearly in no mood for

conversation.

As Rachel drew closer, she seemed to only then notice Stella standing nearby. Her voice softened as she greeted her.

"Ms. Cameron."

Without hesitation, she settled herself right next to Haynes.

Rachel didn't seem the least bit bothered by Haynes's coldness; she jumped right

into chattering about anything and everything.

At first, Haynes managed a word or two in reply.

But as time went on, his expression grew colder, and he barely bothered to respond at all.

pretending not to notice, began reminiscing about

dating, you used to love hearing me play the violin for you. Every time we met,

it hadn't been for that time when a few guys started bothering me and you stepped in,

and on, her

without

only felt

Stella, almost unconsciously. To his surprise,

the slightest sign of annoyance or impatience-in fact, she seemed almost

tensed, his lips pressed

he couldn't take it anymore and cut Rachel

almost icy. "The past is in the past.

for a moment. "Haynie, I didn't mean anything by it. I

just think those were the happiest, simplest

trying to stir up old memories

saw right through

of their old friends-talked about the old days, Stella always felt like an outsider, cut off from a worl@she could

she found the whole thing rather entertaining,

Stella who spoke up, her voice gentle but