“I’ve got nothing better to do. Duke texted this morning to tell me the dress and shoes were here, so I thought I might as well come get them, give myself a job, do something other than cry.”

“I am sorry—”

“Eh.” Kinley waved a hand over the steering wheel. “It’s not like this is the first time. Roland likes my money so much, you’d think he’d be better at hiding his hookups. But no. Anyway, let’s talk about you … So. The dress was here this morning, huh?”

Angel buffed her fingernails. She wasn’t going to trust Kinley with details.

“Alright. You’re not going to talk. Fine. But I want you to know, Duke is a good guy. He might drink too much, or get moody, but in his heart he is truly a good person. If you end up dating, he’d treat you right, if you gave him a chance.”

“I’m not sure we’re going to be seeing each other again. Things are too complicated.”

“Because of last night? I’d assumed he’d made it up to you, if you spent the night…”

Angel cut her eyes at the woman. “Haven’t you seen the news?”

“You mean today? No. Why?”

She sighed deeply and said through gritted teeth, “A sex tape of Regina and Duke went viral. Duke claims it was from last year.”

“You are kidding me!” Kinley’s mouth was open. “That bitch. Regina totally leaked it. She has some crazy in her, that one. Listen, I’m sure it really is from last year. I don’t think Duke has had anything to do with her since she left him.”

“Maybe, maybe not. He’s got a stack of letters on his kitchen table right now, from her. His personal life is too messy. I gotta focus on my career right now. I have to. I have to think about my son first.”

“I forgot you have a child.” Kinley didn’t look away from the road, but her mouth puckered.

“Yes,” Angel said with an edge. I will not justify myself—not to her, not to anyone else.

“I’m just surprised, that’s all.” Kinley’s face deepened in concern. “I guess this does make a difference when it comes to dating.”

Now I’m not good enough for Duke?

“Stop with the angsty face, Angel. I’m saying you might be right; Duke may be too messed up for a single mom.” Kinsley honked her horn at a car stopped at a green light. “He is a sweetheart, but he’s got issues. And I say that with love.” She leaned on the horn again. “Come on! Learn to drive! Anyway, are you sure Regina has been writing to him?” She shrugged her slim shoulders. “That’s just weird. She tells me she hates him.”