Even a few of the ghosts, who she’d done her best to ignore as they had gathered to stand in the back, let out a chuckle.
Red faced, Natalie leaned back in her chair and forced a fake good-natured smile. Sure, she was a good sport. She could take a joke. Some good-natured ribbing.
Meanwhile, she prayed she could keep the angry tears she felt pricking behind her eyes at bay. She had a few choice words for the professor but she kept those inside too because she was the better person. Only a stupid horrible man belittled others to lift up himself.
He couldn’t talk to the ghosts who’d actually witnessed the history. He hadn’t found critical historic documents in his wall. He couldn’t even get his facts straight. Yet he felt he could make fun of her?
The more she thought, the more the anger began to boil hotter inside her.
Somehow, Natalie managed to keep that anger locked down tight for the remainder of the panel. It was either that or be the next viral video on YouTube and she refused to give her arch enemy the satisfaction of seeing her humiliated worldwide.
The hour came to an end, finally. The moderator thanked them and while the audience applauded, Natalie was up and out of her chair, heading for the door with Harper scurrying after her.
One person in the hallway told Natalie how much she’d enjoy the panel.
Natalie hoped but wasn’t certain she’d managed to thank her appropriately before excusing herself and rushing away. It wasn’t until they were out of the fray and clear of all the attendees before she slowed her pace.
Harper glanced at her sideways. “You okay?”
“Sure. Peachy,” Natalie said, heading for the exit. She bypassed the buffet of coffee and cookies. Refreshments for the event she would have enjoyed on any other day.
“So we’re skipping the afternoon reception?” Harper asked.
“Yup. And tomorrow’s breakfast buffet. If we don’t, I’m afraid I might murder the esteemed Professor Graves.”
“Okay, then.” Harper nodded. They paused to wait for someone currently coming in the door they wanted to exit. “You know, we don’t have to stay. Do you just want to drive home tonight? I’d understand completely.”
It was a tempting offer, but Natalie shook her head. “No. We have that beautiful room. And we were planning to visit some museums in the morning. Do some shopping. We can have breakfast in that cute place we passed.”
“If you’re sure…” Harper began.
“I’m sure.” She’d be damned if that windbag completely ruined her trip.
Harper smiled. “Okay. Good. It’ll be nice to see more than just the hotel and the conference room. And that breakfast place we passed did look adorable.”
“Then adorable breakfast place and sightseeing, it is.” Natalie nodded.
“Let’s just hope we don’t run into your favorite professor again while we’re in town,” Harper continued.
Natalie let out what could only be called a growl, causing the two women walking past to shoot her a look, which she chose to ignore.
If—when—she did see him again, he wouldn’t have an audience on his side to laugh at her. She’d meet him mano a mano… so to speak. There’d be no more talking over her. Mocking her with his sarcastic tone.
And when they got back to Mudville tomorrow, she was going to research her butt off. She would find concrete proof she was right and the professor was dead wrong, if it was the last thing she did.
Chapter Five
Liam meeting her at the door of her apartment with a warm hug and a big kiss should have been enough to yank Natalie out of her bad mood. Normally it would be more than enough. Not today.
“Hey, baby. Welcome home. How was Salem?”
“Fine,” she said with a scowl while her face pressed against his chest. After hours in the car with Harper, stewing over and rehashing every insult, Natalie was in a rare mood.
Liam drew back from the hug to study her before he said, “Uh, oh.”
She frowned at him. “Uh, oh, what?”
“Fine doesn’t mean fine. In fact, it means the opposite of fine.”
