Diagnoses, Doses, Delusions, Doctors, Do not resuscitate …

Angel’s studying led back to the Ds, time after time.

Drunk. Duke.

The school’s library was chilly, raising goose bumps on her arms, even though she was wearing a thick cardigan. I hate early spring. Wet and filled with hope—a hope that too often gets rained out.

Her phone ringer was off. She wanted to stay happy and content a while longer. She’d made it home in time for a quick nap, and then she’d gotten Jose quietly off to school. She’d left a note for Gabriela, who was still asleep on her couch. Angel was glad she didn’t wake up. She wasn’t ready to share the night with anyone else, not just yet.

Angel finished reading and highlighting her notes from anatomy. Do I go over these again? So much to do. She sighed and removed a slim binder from her backpack. She was not ready to dive back into the reality of her research paper, but the final draft was due.

A white paper cup was placed on the table in front of her, steam rising into the bookish air.

“Hi,” said a strong, melodious voice.

She nearly got whiplash, jerking her head up. “Duke!” she said, earnest joy spreading across her face before she could control it.

“Gabriela told me I’d find you here.”

“I—I don’t—”

“I know. I had a great time, too.”

She giggled. Like a child. For the first time in years. Oh, please bend down and kiss me. Instead, he pushed the coffee toward her and took a seat.

“I wanted to apologize again about last night. They were awful to you. I was awful to you.”

“I remember a few times last night that were pretty okay,” she said, turning fire-engine red.

He laughed. “I remember a few times you … Never mind. Anyway, I was hoping you didn’t leave because you sobered up and realized you hated me.” He was so earnest, like a nervous little boy. “But I’m not leaving until you give back the clothes you stole from me—just before sneaking away without saying good-bye.” He folded his arms, one eyebrow arched over his sparkling eyes.

“Uh, yeah, about that.” She squirmed in her chair, ashamed, but was thrilled he had sought her out. “I’m sorry. I’ll get the shorts and shirt to you tomorrow. I had to get home to Jose.”

He smiled, relief etched into his face. “I’m glad it wasn’t because you thought you made a mistake.” He picked up his coffee and sipped. “I’m not here to badger you. You have to study. Maybe I can help.”

Her words tumbled out in haste, before he changed his mind. Or she changed hers. “Jeez, that would be great.” She thought he could probably see her heart beating through her shirt. He smelled delicious. Like sex and candy, she sang to herself.