“Whatever,” he snapped, cheeks reddening again. “I’m building something. Just because you were famous once, you think you’ve made it.” He stood, throwing his shoulders back. “Honestly, you’re just a sad cow who won’t make anything of your life.”

It took all of Ursula’s willpower not to slap his smug face. Rufus had brought up that tidbit up all the time when they were dating, as if her former celebrity status was some kind of personal affront to him.

“I never asked for my fifteen minutes of fame. The press showed up as soon as they found me. And besides, after that fourteen-year-old gave birth to sextuplets, I was pretty much forgotten.” She was desperate to tell him to sod off and head home, but she needed this bloody job.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

“Rufus, honey? Are you in there?” A neatly-coiffed blonde poked her head in, smiling for only an instant until her eyes landed on Ursula. “What are you two up to?”

Rufus blinked. “I… I didn’t know you were coming by now, Madeleine.”

“The lecturer let us out early.” She eyed Ursula warily, running a hand over a pink silk blouse. A week’s wages right there—and Ursula couldn’t even imagine how much her fat diamond earrings cost.

Rufus cleared his throat. “Madeleine is my girlfriend, Ursula. She’s studying mythological history and cryptozoology. She’s very accomplished.”

“That sounds really interesting,” said Ursula, trying—and failing—to mask her irritation. “Looks like it’s time for me to go.”

Madeleine’s eyes lingered over Ursula’s soaked shirt. “Did something happen?”

“Beer accident,” said Ursula. It was all the explanation she needed.

Madeleine’s hand flew to her throat. “Oh. Well, I stopped by so you could escort me home, honey. You don’t know what sort of creatures are lurking on London’s streets these days. Professor Stoughton said the city’s been filled with magical activity in the past few months. Witches, demons, all sorts of horrible things. He has a meter to measure it.” Madeleine blocked the exit, her voice laced with jealousy. “What were you two talking about, anyway?”

“I was discussing Ursula’s future here,” said Rufus.

“Oh?” Madeleine plastered on a saccharine smile. “There’s a future?”

“Well, that’s just it,” said Rufus. “I simply can’t keep someone employed who lights people on fire. It’s a liability.”

Ursula could feel herself heating up again, and the fever that had been quietly throbbing behind her temples turned into a dull roar. She held onto the door frame for support.

“Well, chin up. I’m sure you’ll be able to find another job,” said Madeleine, barely containing her glee. “It’ll be exciting. A new adventure.” She didn’t move from the doorframe, obviously savoring the moment.