Chapter 22

Stella

I'm playing with the paper of my straw wrapper as I wait for Nick to meet me at The Café. Miracle of all miracles we've made time for one another, just like we said we would. A week later than originally planned, but better late than never. He's running late, which isn't unusual for when we meet each other like this. He knows I'll wait, and I know I'll be waiting. It's our own little thing.

Leigh comes over to the booth I'm sitting in, and I can't help but notice how Ransom has her smile. "Hey Stella, how's it going?"

"Not bad," I answer, nervously rubbing on the pearl studs in my ears. For some reason, I think this woman should be able to tell I've been sleeping with her son. "Just been busy. I'm going back to school," I announce to her, an edge of excitement in my voice.

There had been a late drop out in the nursing program, and because my family is well-connected in the community, and Aunt Blaze is who she is, some strings had been pulled and I'd been accepted.

"I