“Where are you broken this time?” Lillian asked when she returned.

“Her ankle,” said Emilia.

“And you’re standing on it, why?”

“It’s not that bad.”

“This is why I went into small animal medicine.” Lillian positioned herself next to Morgan. “Let’s get you downstairs.”

Morgan shot Emilia a rueful look and allowed Lillian to place her arm around her shoulders and lead her, limping, away. Emilia stared at Morgan’s back and was glad no one could see her face as she pictured digging her nails into the smooth, freckled skin. Maybe Anna Maria was right.

“Oh yeah,” Angie said when they showed up in the living room. “Forgot to tell you. Morgan’s home.” She stroked the still bristling James with an expression of feigned innocence. It occurred to Emilia, as it should have sooner, that Morgan’s friends must have opinions of their own about her sudden appearance in Morgan’s life.

“I’m just going to head out.” She turned, the box of painting supplies shifting awkwardly in her arms, and fled.

• • •

Morgan sank into the armchair with a groan. “Thanks for that, Ange.”

“What? It’s not my fault you didn’t put a shirt on.”

“I would have if I’d known Emilia was here.”

“Why? You’re decent.”

“By your standards, maybe,” said Lillian as she pulled up Morgan’s pant leg to examine her ankle.

“The human body is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Angie.

“I’m not ashamed of my body.”

“Emilia’s seen women in sports bras before. I assume she’s gone to a gym at least once in her life.”

“Ange . . . Ow.” Morgan didn’t finish her sentence. Lillian’s gentle rotation of her ankle had ended, and she began poking around one of the more tender areas.

“You should stay off this for a few days.”

“You know that isn’t an option. I’m booked.”

“Then let Stevie drive and use crutches as much as you can.”

“I’ll try.”

“Let me get you some ice. Where’s the dog?”

“With Stevie still. Traitor.”

“You really didn’t see Emilia’s car when you pulled in?”

“No.”

“Look.” Lillian returned with an ice pack and placed it on Morgan’s elevated ankle. “I know you’re being very noble about the whole situation, but there’s clearly something going on between you two.”

“Can we focus on my ankle?”

“No,” Angie said before Lillian could answer. “Because I don’t understand the problem.”

“The problem is that Morgan thinks Emilia is fragile,” said Lillian.

“That’s not her call,” Angie said.

“Nope. It also isn’t the reason she’s scared.”

“Right here, guys,” said Morgan.

“Kate?” asked Angie.

“Kate.”

Morgan tried to stand as she had zero interest in hanging around for the rest of this conversation, but Lillian shoved her back down. “Stay off the ankle.”

“Then can we not talk about this?”

“Hell, if you’re not into her, I could be,” said Angie.

“She’s not your type.” Morgan couldn’t help bristling.

“I could make an exception.”

“What’s going on with Lana, anyway? I thought you were done with her.”