ound. When one guy rushed at her, she moved fast-blocked

sound before collapsing, kn

but in an instant, they erupted,

brutal kick right into another's ribs. He crumpled to the floor, wheezing and

t, invisible Stella-fightin

ing the rumpled hem of her crisp white dre

ausing on Owen, and her lips

roat, voice forced and shaky. "If you want everyone's attention so badly, go ahead and flaunt that dress.

ow, glancing nervously at his

rs streaming down his face. "Owen, do

eally going to let he

you said before. Just yel

ourse. In his mind, Stella was still the

hed them up, so it's only right for you to say sorry. Anyway, it's alm

ted walking, never doubting for a second that she wou

huckle slipped fr

He always insisted on fancy lunches off campus,

e could afford was a sad sand

anymore. Still, she remained silent a

ckground. "No surprise. She still

or a scrap of Ow

pot and sat down

trailing behind in a noisy pack. They marched straight to Stella's table,

set in front of her, tracing his finger down the options. "I'll have the foie gras, the caviar

rinned. "Order anything y

sitation. One boy scoffed, "If she can't cover all this, she mi

, clearly entertained

another, silver lids lifted with a flourish. The group feaste

study in patience, simply watching

veryone lounging in satisfaction, Stella lifted he

waved a hand at the server

lla. Without even glancing down, she let a

, her voice calm and even. "Why would

. "Stella! You promised to patch things up. Isn't this h

e just happened to choose the same resta

n Owen's cheeks. His mouth opened

in. "So... who's actually

into empty pockets. He didn't

l in shock. The amount was enough to wipe out

pleading. "Stella, why not just pick up the tab? Owen's

ay, "Exactly! You've been r

off are thanks to him, and now you wa

worst luck ever, p

hter was shar

paid, whose designer watches and shoes all came from her pocket, whose entire rich-boy

cold. "Then go ahead and ask him to pull up the proof. Let's see the bank transfers,

f nobody can do that, I'll have every right

h anger. "Are you out of your mind? I'm warning you for the last time-either pay the b

gged at her lips. "That

iberate emphasis, she responded, "We're done. From now on