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We drove the rest of the way in silence. I was embarrassed. I had no idea what to do other than just put my hysterics behind me and concentrate on promoting my business. We checked in and carried our luggage to our rooms which the hotel had been kind enough to make adjoining. "Do you need help unloading and setting up or just want me to give you the keys?"
"I think we need to talk," he said.
"I think I've said more than enough. Let's get ready for the show."
We went to the vendor area and checked out our booth space, before unloading the truck and setting up for the show. Chance talked to me as though nothing had changed between us. Giving me orders about how to set up the booth. When we finished, we walked around the hall and Chance introduced me to some of the other vendors before heading back to our rooms to change for dinner.
As we got close to our rooms, Chance reached for my hand. My first reaction was to pull away, but I was curious what Chance was up to. He pulled me into his room and over to a box that was on the bed. "Here. You might want to wear these all weekend."
I opened the box and pulled out a deep orange thermal shirt with Hairy's logo on it. It was similar to the shirt Chance had been wearing all day.
"Thanks, Chance. I never thought of this. They're great. “Chance being so thoughtful only made me feel worse. “I was thinking I might just have dinner in my room tonight."
"You not feeling well?"
"I'm fine, just not ready to deal with people I don't know."
"You really should come down and get acquainted with some of the other vendors and presenters. Is this about me?"
I glared at him. "Let me go change into one of these then we can go."
After I put on my Hairy's shirt, I checked my phone. There was a message from Tom. "Know you're busy. Msg when you get there safe."
I sent him a message and told him I'd try to call later. I brushed my hair and knocked on Chance's door.
"It looks good," he said, looking at my shirt.
"Glad you like it. Seriously, thanks. It was a great idea. I should have thought of it."
Sitting at a table with several other cryptid hunters, dinner was fun. I didn't contribute much to the conversation, but I enjoyed hearing them tell stories of their cryptid adventures. Everyone was sitting around enjoying coffee, when someone asked the question I'd hoped no one would ask.
"Chance, how'd you injure your leg?"
He looked at me and winked before launching into an explanation that didn't mention me at all. It also didn't include a shred of truth, but it was a good story.
As people started drifting off, I whispered to Chance, "I'm going to call it a night. I'll see you for breakfast in the morning."
He put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me closer. "Do you need me to tuck you in?"
"I'm good, thanks." I headed back to my room looking forward to some phone time with Tom and Krista. I washed off my makeup and got comfy in my Georgia Bulldog pajamas. I dumped out my totebag on the bed. I wanted to get an Earl Grey tea bag so I could have a cup of tea to sip while I talked to Krista. The manilla envelope I'd found taped to the table in Harry's lab fell out on the bed. I'd forgotten I stuffed it in my bag. Tea forgotten for the moment, I sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled over the envelope. There was no writing on the outside. I started to rip it open, then wondered if I should or not.
Setting the envelope aside, I picked up my phone and called Krista. "What have you done now?" she asked, before I even said hello.
"Acted like an idiot. Again," I said before launching into a detailed recounting of our trip to the conference. By the time I finished, she was snorting. "OK. I called for support not to have you laugh at my pain," I whined."
"Is Chance still in the top spot or is he off the list?"
"I wish I knew, but I'm leaning toward Tom. When we finish up, I'm going to call and see if he's in the mood to talk."
"A little pillow talk, huh? Enjoy. Let me know how it goes."
I called Tom but had to leave a message. "I'm in my room for the night. Call if you're in the mood to talk." After my insanity with Chance, I decided that Tom was the bachelor that was the best fit for me. There was no denying I was attracted to him, but unlike Chance, Tom was a good guy. He regularly risked his life to save people he didn't know. I could see a business relationship with Chance in my future, but I'd have to work on my self-control where he was concerned.
While I waited to see if Tom would call me back, I walked down the hall to get a Coke. A man stepped up behind me as I made my selection from the machine. "You here for the conference?"
"Yes. I have a table in the vendor room. Are you a cryptid hunter?"
"Sort of. You don’t see many women at these things?"
"I hope that changes, Jerry. I’m Everly. Have a good night," I said as I took the can and headed back to my room. Looking back over my shoulder when I neared the door to my room, the man was still standing there, but he wasn't holding a can. Something about him seemed off. I got comfortable on my bed to read while I waited for Tom's call. I woke up when my wake-up alarm sounded.