The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"Stella, wait a moment."

Stella frowned. "What is it?"

"Will you have some time later?" Haynes asked. "Could you come with me to pick up Keen?"

"Can't you go get him yourself?" Stella shot back.

Haynes fell silent for a beat. "Your father's had Keen for several days now. Every time I go, Mr. Williams just tells me to come back later."

Stella's voice was tinged with mockery. "Haynes, be honest-how many times have you lost Keen already? Is that really how you look after a child?"

"That's not what happened this time," Haynes replied, defensively. "Mr. Williams came to the O'Brien house and said he wanted Keen to stay with him for a few days. My mother agreed, so he took Keen with her permission."

Deanna O'Brien had always wanted to get close to the Williams family, and now that she knew Skyler was Keen's grandfather, she was more than happy to let Keen stay at the Williams estate. Truth be told, if the Williamses wanted to take Keen for good, Deanna wouldn't hesitate.

Stella knew exactly what kind of person Deanna was—and she was even more familiar with Skyler's stubbornness.

If Skyler wanted Keen to live with the Williams family, he'd never let the boy go easily.

It was no surprise Haynes hadn't been able to bring Keen back.

"I understand," Stella said quietly.

"Did you need something from me?" Haynes asked.

Stella hesitated; she really didn't want to ride in Haynes's car. There was a good chance either Jasper or Rachel-or both-would be there, and she had no patience for either of them. Rachel, after all, lived in the same neighborhood as the Williamses; it'd be right on their way.

"Why don't you come pick me up instead?" Stella suggested.

That way, if Rachel or Jasper tagged along, she could simply refuse to get in.

Haynes was quiet for a moment. "Alright."

After ending the call, Stella turned to Abby and Joshua, who were waiting nearby.

"I need to go pick up Keen, so I won't be able to drive you guys home."

She glanced at Antoney. "Would you mind giving them a ride?"

"Of course," Antoney said.

Stella said her goodbyes to everyone.

Before leaving, Neville smiled at her. "Star, I'll be waiting for that portrait."

Stella returned his smile with a nod.

Not long after the others left, Haynes arrived.noveldrama

To her surprise, Haynes was alone-Rachel wasn't with him.

"Where's Rachel?" Stella asked.

Haynes's tone was even. "I figured you wouldn't want to see her."

Stella shot him a sideways look. "Seems you do have some sense after all."

In the past Haynes had never cared about her feelings. He'd always brought Rachel around, even though he knew Stella couldn't stand her. The thought flickered through Stella's mind and was gone.

"Let's get going," she said.

Haynes slid into the passenger seat.

As the car pulled away, Haynes glanced around. "You got a new car?"

Stella answered with a neutral "Yeah," clearly not interested in elaborating.

Haynes, usually so reserved, actually tried to make conversation. "Did you have it modified?"

Stella looked over, a little surprised. "How'd you know?"

"The engine sounds different," Haynes replied.

The last time Stella's car was in the

shop, Abby and Antoney had surprised her with a souped-up ride They both knew she used to race cars, back when she was younger. Abby, especially, loved seeing her behind the wheel, confident and fearless, and hoped Stella might pick up her old hobby again.

Art was what Stella had truly

devoted herself to over the years. She hadn't raced in ages-her skills were a little rusty now. Still, every once in a while, she'd take Abby for a fast drive, just to feel the wind and clear her mind.