ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green, and I continued driving. "I'm almost home.”

Stella's voice sounded a bit moody as she said, "Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone to talk to."

"Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building." I glanced at the kindergarten, turned the car around, and headed back.

At the coffeehouse, Stella was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. "It's for you."

I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. "What is it?"

"It’s from the latest YSL collection. I just got it," she said.

I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. "I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself."

"I ordered it just for you." She glanced at me. "And you gave me a treat, didn't you? Consider it my way of saying thanks. Just take it."

"Well, thank you then," I replied, not wanting to