The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1165

She'd found like-minded friends in Lauretta, Katrina Greene, and Wendy Burke. Lately, she'd even gotten to know Neville, Marvin Connolly, Foreman, and Mr. Burton.

There were plenty of people who couldn't stand her, but honestly, just as many who liked her.

Stella was about to say that both she and Abby could be his friends when Joshua's voice cut in again.

"Actually, there's another reason I wanted you to come with me today."

Stella lowered her voice, "What reason?"

Joshua took a swig of beer. "Today's my birthday."

Stella froze. "Wait-today's your birthday?"

It hit her then she hadn't prepared a gift.

"I'm sorry," she said hastily. "I didn't know. When we get back, I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Joshua just shrugged. "No one ever remembers my birthday anyway. You coming here with me is enough. Really."

A pang of regret tugged at Stella. If she'd asked more questions when he first mentioned taking her somewhere, maybe he would've told her.

She said softly, "I'll remember your birthday from now on. You won't have to spend it alone again."

shimmering like a lake under a starry

"Really?" he asked.

replied without

promised to spend every

he was talking about someone special from his

how about this-let's just make a plan for next year. Next

lines of his face softened, as if washed in

He nodded. "Deal."

stuck out his pinky finger. "Pinky

help

always said pinky swears were childish, and he hadn't done one with

hand, linking her pinky with

"Alright, pinky swear."

such a short time. Stella thought, as long

side, keeping the

would be easy

had no idea just how wrong

night air had grown chilly, and it was getting

"It's getting late. Let's

from the grass, already planning ahead-maybe she could reserve a table somewhere nice and treat Joshua to a birthday dinner. make up for not having a

to drive back to the city. She texted

later, Aicken replied: everything