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Morgan nodded. She was used to people like Francine, throwing their weight about, shouting to make a point. It was something she tolerated at work most days. But what made it even more frustrating, was Francine was a pro at this.

“And Morgan?” Francine called after her, waiting until she turned around and gave her her full attention.

“Yes.”

“Don’t ever let me hear you call herHer Highnessagain. That woman deserves respect. Got it?”

“It was just a joke.”

“Well, it’s not a funny one.” Francine walked away, leaving Morgan with her tail between her legs.

Chapter Thirty-Two

“You’re very quiet.” Alex said. Morgan sat beside her in the back of the car, staring out of the window. She hadn’t said a word since they’d climbed in and Mike had set off.

“Hm?” Morgan replied, not really paying attention. Her mind was still on what Francine had said:don’t call her Her Highness.

“I said, you’re very quiet. Is everything alright?” Their little fingers touched on the seat between them, and Alex hooked hers over the top of Morgan’s, linking them together.

Morgan turned her face towards her. “I said something earlier that I’m not proud of.”

“Oh, do you want to talk about it?”

Morgan sighed, before admitting, “I called you Her Highness, and Francine took me to task.”

Alex chuckled. “I can imagine how that went.”

“Yes, and the thing is, she’s right and I feel pretty churlish about it right now, and embarrassed.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Alex reached out and covered Morgan’s hand with her own on the seat. “I’ve been called worse.”

“You’re not upset about it?”

“No.” Alex turned, smiling. “Honestly, it probably helps. If Francine thinks that you think I’m a bit of a princess, shewon’t be thinking that we’re…” She smirked and leaned closer, whispering even though Mike couldn’t hear them. “…enjoying each other the moment the door closes on the world.”

Morgan smiled. “True.”

“Why did you call me that, anyway?”

Morgan sighed again, feeling like a very immature child as she explained, “Because Francine rubbed me up the wrong way, and I just said something flippant in response and then she ripped me a new one.” Before Alex could respond, Morgan continued, “She’s just so condescending. ‘Can you manage that?’” she said trying to sound like Francine. “Like I’m some kind of incompetent with a Brownies first aid badge, who needs everything spelled out for her.”

The car pulled up outside of the hotel, a small group of fans congregating around the door, waiting to catch a glimpse, or get an autograph from Alex.

Alex’s eyes narrowed at her. “I want you to go straight to my room, get undressed and wait for me.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” Before Mike opened the door, Alex touched her cheek. “You need some quiet time, and then I’ll relax you.”

“Oh.” Morgan grinned. “Yes, I probably would enjoy that, but I’m supposed to be relaxing you.”

“That will relax me.”

The door opened andSashastepped out. Waving to her small group of fans who had congregated, hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrity, she smiled and said, “Hi, thank you so much for coming. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

From her periphery, she could see Morgan sneaking past quietly, nobody really noticing her. Taking a pen that was offered,Sashabegan signing everything that was held out to her until finally, Mike intervened and made her excuses for her.

“Thanks, Mike,” she said graciously as they headed inside and straight into the manager. “Get something to eat, Mike. I’ll be down as soon as I’m ready.”