Page 9 of Saving Stella

Mr. Owens nodded.

“Who?” Papa asked.

“He’s a musician, dear.” Momma patted his hand. “Oh, Stella, you have a brother! I’m so happy for you.”

“I …” A dizziness came over her, and she braced herself on the coffee table.

“Stella?” Momma’s tone changed from giddiness to concern as she placed a hand on her back. “Breathe, darling. Just take a deep breath … that’s it.”

“I’m just … I can’t believe …”

Overwhelmed couldn’t even begin to describe what she felt right now.

Not only did she have a brother, but he was also the world’s biggest rock star.

“Now you can see why he wanted to remain anonymous,” Mr. Owens said. “He’s not just anybody.”

Truth be told, even though Stella was a music teacher, rock wasn’t one of her favorite genres. She preferred classical, jazz, and blues. Still, she knew who Devon Hale was.

Rock god.

Superstar.

And apparently, her brother.

“Mr. Hale himself found out the results this morning. He wants you to know he’s elated with the news and that he wants to meet you right away,” he said. “He’s actually waiting outside if you’d like to meet him.”

“He’s here?” Stella’s heart jumped into her throat. “Outside the house?”

He nodded. “If you’re willing, he’d love to meet you now. But if not, he understands. As he explained in his previous message, Mr. Hale will not pursue a relationship with you if you choose not to acknowledge him.”

Turning to her parents, she asked, “What should I do?”

They looked at each other, then Papa covered her hand with his. “This decision is yours, Stella. We can’t make it for you. Only you know what’s in your heart and what you want.”

“But we will stand by your decision,” Momma added. “And no matter what happens, we will always love you.”

She bit her lip. “Are you okay with having him in here? I mean, this is your house, and I want to respect that.”

“Oh, Stella …” Momma smiled warmly at her, the kind of smile that always made Stella feel better when she was done. “First of all, this may be our house, but it will always be your home. And yes, we welcome anyone into our home.”

“Mr. Owens?” Her nerves were frayed, but she managed to speak. “Um, yes. I mean, please ask Mr. Hale to come inside.”

Mr. Owens nodded and stood up. “I’ll go to the car and let him know.”

Time seemed to stretch out as she waited for the door to open. Her heart hammered so loudly in her chest that she couldn’t hear anything else, not even the comforting words her mother was saying. When the knob turned and the door began to swing open, her hearing returned, and the loud squeak of the rusty hinge made her jump to her feet.

“Stella, Reverend, and Mrs. Lennon,” Mr. Owens began. “This is Mr. Devon Hale.”

Stella held her breath as the tall man stepped in from behind the lawyer. She, of course, recognized Devon Hale immediately, and her brain went into temporary shock seeing a famous face in her parents’ living room. However, dressed in a dark button-down shirt and brown slacks, he looked nothing like the photos she’d seen of him on stage, where he was usually in a more … rock star-ey outfit.

“Hello, Stella,” he began. “I’m Devon.” He turned to her parents. “Reverend, Mrs. Lennon, thank you for allowing me into your home.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Hale,” Papa said.

“Would you like something to drink?” Momma asked. “We have tea, coffee, or water.”

“I’m fine, thanks, Mrs. Lennon.”

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