Lose Control (The Jewel Project #5)

6.2|| Much Needed Escape

Angie had found it very hard to focus during her lectures. Law was fascinating, a field she clearly wanted to work in, but all she could think about was Sam, how hurt he was, how... ruined. And then there was a text from Christine.

Angie, we need to talk. Why aren't you answering your phone?

Because she didn't want to talk to Christine. What would she even say beside yelling at her and questioning how she could hurt Sam like that, throw everything away? Everything that had happened was surreal and it was hard for her to accept it, figure out how to feel about it.

She and Christine were friends, but now that it had come to this, she realized she couldn't take her side. Sam was her friend, too, and a better one at that.

She hated the situation. It had such a negative impact on Tom, it actually made him scary. It had triggered all his jealousy buttons and a part of him she'd long thought dead was coming out. And she hated that part.

"Hey, you okay?"

Suzanna nudged her shoulder, almost sending her against the wall, smiling her one hundred watt smile, as usual. Angie tried to smile back, but it was hard.

It had become increasingly harder to make friends over the years and Suzanna was the closest she'd come to outside the group. She was all about fun and school, helping Angie with projects, taking her out dancing after exam session was over.

So a little mid-walk nudge was okay. She should be paying more attention anyway, not zone out while walking. But with lectures finally over, her mind had gone in meltdown mode. She needed sleep.

"Just had a rough night," she answered. "I can't wait to get home."

"If I were you, neither would I. I don't know how you leave home in the morning." Suzanna winked obviously and Angie fought the need to roll her eyes.

Yes, there was that. Even if she treated Angie like any other human being, Tom was a different story. Suzanna would always stutter in front of him and then gush about him when he was gone.

"Did you change your perfume?" Suzanna asked all of a sudden.

"No," Angie said, surprised. "I've had it for years."

"I love it. Got one too, but yours always seems to smell better."

Angie let out a laugh. She'd never had enough money to buy proper clothes, perfumes or cosmetics before, so she still felt flattered when anyone complimented her style. Christine had helped a lot with it, making sure Angie found her own inner goddess, like she called it.

People had always responded positively and Suzanna liked it so much, she tried to copy it most of the time. Which Angie was starting to find annoying rather than flattering, but whatever. She appreciated having a friend too much to whine about trivial things.

"Want to have a study session at my place later this week?" Suzanna asked. "It's been a while and I miss you around."

"I know. Things have just been hectic." Especially with her undercover work at Sarajevo. Unfortunately Angie could never make plans ahead of time. Snitch Gravel or the Agency were always sure to ruin them.

"So, is it a date? Or won't Tom let you go?" She winked again.

"Tom doesn't own me or tell me what to do."

"I'd totally let him," Suzanna gushed. "I know he's just old news to you, but wow. I'd probably still be fawning over him if I were you."

Angie raised an eyebrow. Her relationship with Tom was great, but they'd stepped well out of the honeymoon stages. Was that bad? Should they be spending more time together? Had her relationship... fizzled? No, that was stupid. They were fine. It was just this Christine thing messing with her head.