Page 40 of When the Angel Falls First

So, why does it feel so empty standing next to her?The scent and glow of her need was all but gone, turned bitter black, like dead rose petals.

I would be mourning that loss for the rest of my existence.

“Of course, right. And that’s the other reason I stopped by.” She stood a little straighter, setting her jaw in determination. “We need to work on your couples now. Can you come by after the shop closes tomorrow?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got two couples left, and, fair warning, they’re both doozies.”

“Well, call meThe Little Engine That Could, because we’re going to get them taken care of in no time.” She punched me lightly on the shoulder just like I had her, and then spun on her heel. “Got to get back to the shop now—so many things to do—but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” I called after her retreating back. She didn’t turn around.

I still want her to turn around.

“You’ve barely touchedyour lemonade. Are you sick? Do I need to call a doctor?”

Victory’s joking question startled me out of my malaise as I stared at the passing traffic. I wasn’t even using my senses. I was truly just staring out into the void.

Heavens help me, I had it bad. Seeing Josie that morning, keeping her at arm’s length… It had taken a toll.

“I’m fine, just distracted.” I forced a smile, but I knew she didn’t buy it.

“Okay, well, you’d better drink up or else I won’t be able to earn my tips today.” She rapped twice on the table before leaving me to my gloom, heading off to a table of orc warriors. They could be mistaken for humans—most likely pro wrestlers, given their bulk, but humans nonetheless—if people didn’t notice the small tusks protruding up from their bottom lips. An odd supernatural race because they looked terrifying but were actually quite family-centric. These were unmated males, though, perhaps looking for a female.

I might have used my senses any other day to see if there were any likely prospects I could nudge that way, but my heart wasn’t in it.

Instead, I picked up my lemonade and took a swig to give myself something to do. It didn’t taste the same, and I set it back on the table listlessly.

“Boy, for a man who just spent the evening fixing familial bonds so successfully, you look like somebody just kicked your dog. Or… do you prefer cats these days?”

I nearly spit out my lemonade at Gabriel’s sudden appearance.

“Gabe, we’re on a public street. You can’t justpoofinto existence?—”

“Relax, Caleb. Everyone passing by will think I’ve always been here. Nobody on this patio is even a little bit surprised by a sudden appearance.” He shot me a cocky grin and propped one heel up onto his other knee, the epitome of relaxed indifference.

“The waitress is nearly human.”

“The waitress is fending off five rowdy orcs who can smell that she’s fertile. She didn’t notice. What’s gotten into you today?”

“Nothing,” I snapped, and then immediately regretted it. Gabriel was one of the few members of the heavenly Host who’d stood by me, even when I screwed up. He had always been a friend, close as a brother. And here I was biting his head off.

“I’m sorry, Gabriel. Truly. I just… last night was complicated. And those complications overflowed into this morning.”

“How so?” His pose didn’t change a millimeter, but the energy in the air between us did, imperceptible to anyone without our talents.

I had to tread lightly, or even Gabriel wouldn’t deign to visit anymore. And without him to recommend my reinstatement to the Host, I’d surely be struck down permanently. But what did I tell him?

“I had to kiss her. To sell the ruse. Her parents didn’t believe I was really her boyfriend.”

His eyebrows shot up, and his foot clunked unceremoniously to the pavers beneath our feet.

“You kissed the human girl?”

I nodded, unable to hide my grimace. That was all she was to him, some human girl. But to me, she was so, so much more. And all of her was out of my reach.

“Ah, I’m sure it will work itself out. Humans have short memories; even if you stunned her a bit last night, she’ll move on.” He raised a finger to flag Victory down, already over the news of the kiss.

Me, though? I would never get over it, over her.

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