Page 104 of Ghostly
She looped an arm around his elbow. “We’ll get used to an occasional barb. And they’ll get used to us. You’ll see. After the news spreads of what a happy couple we are, they’ll forgive much easier.”
Gabriel looked at their interlocked arms. He’d met Wynona at a party just like this one; their fingers accidentally brushed as they reached for thesame champagne glass, and back then, he thought he’d felt something at her touch. He was so certain he did. So where had that feeling gone?
“You’re frowning.”
He tried relaxing his facial muscles, but only grimaced more. “Did you ever consider how ridiculous these dinner parties are?”
“You mean you call it a party, but all you do is talk business?”
“Yes, but also…” He spread his free arm. “We’re in a restaurant with two Michelin stars, and the best, most filling food we get is this?” He raised the tiny half of a quail egg, topped with some pate, on a thin slice of zucchini. “It’s absurd.”
Wynona drew her eyebrows together. “You want more food?”
“I want proper food!” Gabriel lowered his voice as a nearby man glanced at him in alarm. “I’ve been working for twelve hours a day, every day, since last week. Today I’ve had thirteen coffees and some stupid protein bar Ollie brought me. I’m hungry.”
If he was back at home—no, in hisrentedhouse in Buttons—he’d have dinner by now. Maybe he’d even invite his neighbors, and Ida would be there…
Wynona’s mouth made a tiny O. “Then eat more of these? Or, I saw some cheese over there—”
“That’s not the point.” He shook his head. “No, wait, that is exactly the point. This isn’t food, it’s something to munch on so you look busy while you wait for someone to come suck up your ass.”
“Gabriel.” Wynona tightened a grip on his arm. “I don’t know what’s come over you, but get yourself together. How about you drink something? That will make you feel fuller.”
His stomach, maybe. But he didn’t dare think of the other emptiness inside.
But to play along, he still glanced around for the closest passing waiter with the champagne. Instead, his gaze stopped on a black-clad figure, looming on the other side of the room. “No way.”
“What?” Wynona followed his glance.
“No way she’s here. Don’t move.” He wriggled himself out of Wynona’s grasp and headed for the inner wall of the room. Natalie Waller, the one and only, stood by a table with more useless “food” and drink. Her lips were pressed together tight, her eyebrows lowered, as she examined the room. Even out of her daily suit, in a simple black dress and an updo, she stood out from the crowd; perhaps she simply didn’t have the ass-licking energy everyone else had.
“What are you doing here?” he hissed as he approached.
“Mr. Vane. What a surprise.”
“Yes, I can hear that in your voice.”
“Oh, no, I truly am surprised.” Natalie’s eyes lazily passed over the crowd. “I’ve learned to control my voice. It’s better not to show any emotion when dealing with your kind.”
He would’ve laughed if he wasn’t so annoyed.
“I didn’t expect to find you here,” she said.
“You thought I wouldn’t bounce back?”
“No.” Natalie’s voice remained flat and serious. “I thought you didn’t care.”
He scoffed. “Why wouldn’t I try to regain my rightful place?”
Liar,that same annoying voice went.You know you would’ve been happy tostay in Buttons if things had worked out with Ida.
Natalie picked up a champagne flute and lazily twirled it between her fingers. “When I was Buttons, talking to the locals, I found out a lot about you. Interesting, because at that point, I was no longeraskingabout you.”She fixed him with a curious stare. “There I was, trying to sniff out their secrets, and they wouldn’t shut up about themarvelous Gabe. For someone who was supposed to be hiding, you surely got friendly. ‘Such a kind man, helps me carry the groceries,’ one would say. ‘He took care of my dog for a week, and I swear, she now likes him more than me.’ An elderly lady in the pawnshop told me how it’s a shame you don’t seem to be looking for romance—”
Oh for god’s sake, Mrs. Rosenberg—
“—because she has a niece that would be a perfect match for you. And Morgue Man—”
“Jason,” Gabriel ground out.
