Upstairs, she chewed the tasteless peanut butter sandwich, flipping through a textbook listlessly. I know I shouldn’t, but I miss Duke. I told him to leave me alone … Why did he have to listen to me? She got up and retrieved Gabriela’s things, putting the wrap on the couch, laying the gold-and-diamond bracelet across the lovely white fur. Gabriela would see them later. And Angel could glance at them as she studied. A lot had happened the night she’d dressed up and attended the party, so much of it exciting and wonderful. Would she go back if she could?

No, I don’t belong in that world. I can’t pretend I’m royalty. And I don’t want to.

Angel arrived at work, nervous tension bringing her shoulders up to her ears. No matter how many deep breaths she slowly exhaled or fields of flowers she pictured, she couldn’t relax. But after a suspiciously pleasant few hours, she started to second-guess herself.

Dr. Collins was polite, even normal, assigning her reasonable tasks, acting as if nothing had happened. Maybe I’m remembering the conversation wrong. Was I being a drama queen?

Halfway through her shift, she felt a text notification vibrate from the phone in her pocket. On her break, she found a message from Duke. It was not what she expected. Actually, she hadn’t expected anything.

I know you don’t want to talk to me, but I need to see the doc right away. Today. It’s an emergency. Do you think you could sneak me in the back? Last favor I’ll ask, I promise.

Low levels of anger rippled through Angel. He didn’t respond to any of her messages after she graciously tried to apologize for blowing him off, despite the fact that she’d spent the night with him and then saw him having sex with Regina … Now he wanted a favor? It boggled her mind. She fought cynicism, but it won.

When exactly did you realize how handy it is to have a nurse under your belt?

There was a full moment before he responded.

I did not bring you home just so I could use you. But I can see why’d you think that and I’m sorry. I really did like you.

He said did like, past tense. That was disappointing, in a confusing sort of way. Then he sent another text.

Angel, please, we need to talk. But getting to Collins is a matter of life and death. Can you open the back door, 5 minutes?

She’d at least get to see him, to clear her conscience and apologize to Duke for not letting him speak his side yesterday.

Okay, fine. Btw, Dr. Collins is obsessed with you paying your bill.