fandom_clinic | FTEC, Wednesday Night

She really shouldn't be grinning. She should still be angry with him -- angry for lying; angry for avoiding her, to keep from telling her the truth; and just, well, angry. The bad thing about being a vampire, however, was that Natalie could feel Nick's shame, how sincerely apologetic he was. Add that to the stupid little boyish grin he had, and she couldn't stay mad. Even when he deserves it, she thought.

But he had taken time out to call her that morning after shift. Nothing bad -- just to talk, and it was wonderful. He'd wanted to come down that night and see her, but she had shift. She probably could have changed, but it was better this way. Instead, she would be going to Toronto for the weekend. It would give her the opportunity to see him, as well as see some of her old friends -- Grace in particular.

Natalie was still grinning as she finally settled in at the front desk with the laptop, the wireless connection, and her instant messaging program. There was a copy of The Lady Eve running in the background. She wasn't in the mood for stories about impossible relationships, anyway.