Angel simply nodded, once. She couldn’t read Regina’s energy. She didn’t want to be nice if the woman was about to throw shade.

“You are lovely in red, by the way.”

“Thank you.” Angel let her guard drop a little.

“Awfully nice of you to loan out your closet, Kinley,” the model cooed to her friend. “I mean, the Balmain? You are very generous.”

The blood drained from Angel’s face. The ever-present hostility residing in her veins moved from a pale pink to burning red in a flash. She locked eyes with Regina, refusing to flinch. She thought Duke had sent it to her, as a gift. She turned to Kinley. “You? I didn’t know … I assumed…”

Regina grabbed a glass from a passing waiter, letting her comment hang.

You are an adult. Don’t throw punches.

“I sent the invitation so last minute,” Kinley said smoothly, flashing a disapproving look at Regina. “I thought it only fair I send over a dress.”

“I thought the invitation came from Duke.” If I could fall through a crack in the floor, I would.

“Oh, it did. The invitation came from both of us. I told him I’d take care of the details. And here you are. It worked out perfectly, even with only a few moments’ notice. You were really a good sport to work us into your schedule.” Kinley fluttered her hands, elegant and gracious. “I know you’re busy with school and work.”

Angel felt her blue collar light up and flash neon, despite Kinley’s kindness. “Thank you,” she said again, low, hating that everyone knew she was only here because of Kinley’s pity.

A few of the women appeared delighted at the tension Regina had created, leaning in for a catfight. But Angel really, really wanted to stay cool. If I let her know she’s getting to me, she wins. Fuck that. She blinked slowly. Visualize peace.

Not everybody was comfortable letting the conflict rise. Tiffani said loudly, “I have tried to get Kinley to loan me that dress, Angel. But now I see it on, I realize I wouldn’t look nearly as good as you. You’ve got the perfect bootie. And my mama jugs would not stay perky under those straps. Enjoy it while you got ’em.”

Kinley nudged her friend, saying, “Oh, stop it! You and your mama jugs are gorgeous.” Then she scanned Angel up and down. “Regina is right; you are lovely in red. I love that shade. Which reminds me … Tiffani, whatever happened to that red Vera Wang gown you wore to the New Year’s Eve ball a few years ago? If you’re not going to wear it again, I’d love to borrow it for my trip to Croatia next week.”