“You’re a real peach, you know that?” she said to him, but he’d already shut the door behind her. She considered pounding on it, making him open up so she could have the last word, but she was too tired. She could see why Duke was glad his father wasn’t home the night before.

A car turned into the driveway, startling her.

It was a Bentley, and Kinley was driving.

The reality TV star was as surprised to see Angel as Angel was surprised to see her. But the petite woman quickly got out of the car and approached Angel before she could run away.

Oh God, is she going to take a swing at me?

“Angel, wait. Don’t go!” Kinley pleaded. She’d been crying. But, of course, puffiness looked good on her. “I need you to tell me what happened last night.”

Angel rounded on her. “You treated me like trash. That’s what happened.”

“Angel, did you sleep with Roland? Just tell me.”

“You can go fuck yourself, Kinley. I’ve had it with you people!”

“Please, I have to know!”

“For God’s sakes, it was Regina.”

“I knew it!” The woman wailed, not caring that she was in public, on the street. “I didn’t want to believe it.”

“She and Roland seem like the perfect couple.” Angel instantly regretted her words, as Kinley’s forehead tightened and spasmed in pain. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I know we were horrible to you last night.” When Angel didn’t respond, Kinley continued, “I mean it. I feel terrible. I just didn’t know what to do. My head wasn’t right.” She swiped at her eye. “I should never have allowed her to do that to a guest in my home.”

Angel had no idea what to say. “That’s true.”

“I’d like to make it up to you. What can I do? Can I take you shopping?”

Angel drew in a sharp breath. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but can you hear how condescending that is?”

“No! That’s not how I mean it!”

“It’s fine. By the way, I left your dress and shoes here. I’m not sure where Duke put them. He’s not here.” Angel started walking down the sidewalk. “I have to get to the clinic. Thanks for loaning the poor girl an outfit.”

Kinley called out from behind her, “At least let me give you a ride. I can get the dress later.”

Angel thought about it. She could be stubborn and prideful, or she could let this woman appease her guilt while saving herself a bus ride. She nodded and followed Kinley back to the car.

“The clinic, then? Where’s that at?”

“A couple of blocks from the Peacock, in Mount Eden. I can take the bus, really.”