[ As nice as it is to hear someone talk about their friends so fondly, it makes Stella feel kind of scrunched up and jealous on the inside. It's not like things here are awful – in fact, considering the circumstances, things are downright cushy – but that doesn't change the fact that she's alone. Even if she couldn't have her family here with her, then at least having some friends would help soften things, but... nope. It's just her.

But that's nobody's fault. And getting wound up about it won't do any good. So instead of letting it show on her face, she forces a grin. ]

Oh, your husband, huh? Man, being in a band with just your friends is fun enough but I bet it's even more fun with somebody you love. It's like your pet project together, right?