Chapter 6

Angel slept all through the night and part of the next day on the couch. Around one o'clock, she awoke, feeling quite a bit better. There was a glass of water on the table. It was cool, but not cold, and she was able to sit up and drink from it without throwing up. She even managed to make it to the bathroom on her own. The house was quiet, she could hear no one moving. She considered calling out to see who was about, then decided she wanted to nap a little bit longer. Surely someone was here somewhere.

Chapter 7

A few hours later, the door opened quietly and a man came in, followed by Abuelita and Julio, carrying a suitcase. Connie came out of the guest room, where she had been watching television so as not to disturb Angel. She softly greeted her grandmother and the stranger, who, to her surprise, swept her into a huge bear hug. Over her shoulder, he saw Angel sleeping on the couch. He put Connie down, excused himself and slipped softly to where she lay. Julio headed for home, his interpreting duties done, and Connie and Abuelita went into the kitchen to make some coffee and to give the two of them some privacy. The stranger knelt beside Angel and watched her sleep for a moment or two, then reached out, took her hand and bent to kiss her cheek. She awoke and looked at the man, confused for a second. Her whole face lit up as she recognized him.
"Collins!"
"Hiya babe."
"What are you doing here?"
"Your cousin called me last night. She said you weren't feeling any better, so I hopped on a plane and came down here." He looked really tired, she thought.
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you!" She kissed him fully on the lips.
"I'm glad to see you too. How are you feeling?"
"Much better now. I've been sleeping for most of two days."
"Good. I was so worried about you when we talked yesterday that I was about to come down here then, but I figured I'd wait 'til I heard from you."
"You should go to bed, you look terrible."
"Well, thank you, darling."
"No, I mean you look exhausted. You should get in bed."
Collins lowered his voice, leaned in closer.
"Does your grandmother speak any English at all?"
"No, not really. A little only."
"Would she understand if I said I was only getting into bed if you're in it?" He smiled that devious smile which instantly made Angel feel like a giggly teenager. She smiled and blushed a little at Collins.
"No probably not."
"I wonder what else I could say that she wouldn't understand." His voice was low and husky, exactly the tone which Angel could never resist. He knew he was making her squirm all the more because she was in her grandmother's home and she could not do all the things that she wanted. She kissed him again, this time slower and more deliberately. She ran her tongue along the edge of his top teeth and nipped his lower lip gently. He returned the kiss with as much passion as it had been given and thought of a million things he'd like to do to her. However, he respected her grandmother's home as much as she did. He would do nothing to undermine or disrespect Angel's family. He figured he would be sleeping on this same couch before long, with his love installed back in the guest room. He didn't mind. He was overjoyed to be with his Angel again.
Connie stuck her head back into the room.
"Mr Collins, would you like anything before bed? Some coffee or. . .anything."
"I'm fine, thank you Connie. I've got everything I need right here." He squeezed Angel's hand.
Connie beamed at Collins and switched to Spanish.
"Angel, are you feeling well enough to get up and get into bed?"
"Yeah, Connie, I really am. I think I'll sleep better there anyway."
Abuelita came in, a fresh glass of water in her hand.
"Angel-cita, drink this. Dr Ramirez says you're supposed to drink lots of water."
Angel obeyed and drank the whole glass.
"Good girl. Now I'm going to go get your bed ready for you."
To Angel's surprise, her grandmother went off in the direction of her own bedroom, not the guest room. A few minutes later, she was back.
"Angel-cita, you and Mr Collins can go sleep in my room, and I'll take the guest room."
"Abuelita, that's really not necessary. Collins can sleep out here on the couch. We don't want to put you out of your bed." Collins looked a bit confused. Naturally, he didn't understand what all the fuss was about.
"You'll sleep better and get better faster if you are comfortable. Any fool can see that you're more comfortable with him around. You can't both fit into the guest bed. You will sleep in my bed." Angel saw the stubborn line over her Abuelita's eyes, the one which always said 'Don't argue with me, I have spoken.' She laughed at her grandmother and held out her free hand to her. Abuelita came and took it. Angel pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
"Well, all," Connie said in English, "I'm going to go home." She came over and kissed Angel's forehead. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Angel."
"Thanks for taking care of me, Connie. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I have to work, but I'll be over in the evening to see you."
"Ok, sweet. Goodnight." Connie bent and hugged Angel. Angel hugged back and kissed her.
"Mr Collins, it was wonderful to meet you. I will see you tomorrow too, I hope."
"I'll be here." Collins smiled at her, a smile so brilliant it was irresistable. Or at least, so Angel thought.

Chapter 8

To her disappointment, Collins was as good as gold all night. Angel had no intention of misbehaving in her grandmother's house, but she had been looking forward to at least a little struggle.
Collins insisted on carrying Angel to the bed. He placed her in it, climbed in himself, put his arm around her waist, and snuggled up against her.
"Collins?"
"Yes, love?"
"How did you afford this trip?"
"Well, Connie wired me some money. . .and the rest. . ." he laughed "Darling, you don't want to know."
Angel laughed a little herself, snuggled down into his arms, and went to sleep with his breath in her short hair.