Stella knocked once on Andrew's study door.
He didn't look up. “What is it?"
“I want one dinner," she said. “Just you and me."
A pause.
Then: “I think it's better if Ella joins."
Stella blinked. “Why?"
“To keep things calm."
She laughed, short and bitter. “You think she brings calm?"
Andrew stood. “She brings context."
“No," Stella said. “She brings chaos in perfume."
---
The restaurant was dimly lit, linen-draped, and privately owned by one of Andrew's clients. A booth in the back, candles flickering.
Andrew wore control like armor. Ella wore Stella's old pearl earrings.
They made Stella's ears burn.
“Thanks for doing this," Andrew said, cutting his steak.
“I didn't come for pleasantries," Stella replied.
Ella sipped her wine. “Then let's be honest."
Stella glanced at And
