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She frowned “Not with that attitude”

“Then stop staring, Cinderstella”

“No proble in the darkened room

I couldn’t blame her That wasn’t the warain, I wasn’t one to invite people to eat with me Over the years, I’d learned to enjoy my solitude For so many years of my life, people sent h to have that opportunity Besides, I liked being alone Loneliness was safe People couldn’t hurt you when you were by yourself

Stella plated herroom

Please keep walking

She didn’t, of course because Stella liked to talk

“I think we need ground rules,” she stated, picking at her food with her fingers

“I thought our rules were to avoid one another?”

“Yes, but we can’t do that all the time”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s silly” Solid reason, Stella “Plus, rooether?”

“Absolutely not”

“And laundry?”

“I do my own”

“What about guests? If you are going to entertain women, or men, or well, I mean anyone in a romantic way, you can let me know, and I’ll stay in my room the whole time”

“And same with you”

“I won’t be having Jeff over, actually I think it ht be too odd”

I nodded because I didn’t care

She raised an eyebrow “Is there…?”

“Is there what?”

“Someone in your life?”

“You’re asking if I’le?”

“Yes Not that it matters, but, well, if your person—”