Page 36

NO KISSING BAD GUYS

“How excited are you?”

I turned, trying to keep my cool. “I’m about to pee myself.” To my right, my best friend wore a unicorn horn and wings on her back. Amanda’s StarPony costume was exactly what I expected. Did she abandoned her couple’s custome with Jon as a subtle jab at my love for the comic.

“If you ruin that costume, Lucy will kill you. If you make Lucy angry, I’ll kill you.” Amanda didn’t bother hiding her lusty feelings for Simon’s ex-wife.

Lucy swore my costume was the same one used by Sentinel during the Centurion Movie.

The purple and black leather looked great on screen, but in reality, nobody could stop crime in this.

I didn’t care how much I had to suck in or that I couldn’t sit down properly.

By God, I was going to live in this outfit.

I turned back in my chair, eyeing the man to my left as he munched a multicolored snow cone. When we suggested the costume contest, I assumed it’d be me and Gladys or Bonny making up arbitrary scores. I tried tempering my emotions as I smiled at Chris Wilde. Nope, that was my creepy stalker face.

“Thanks for coming. It means the world to me… to Firefly. We’re not a destination for movie stars.”

He slurped the liquid from his snow cone. “This is the best con I’ve ever been to.”

“Are you serious?”

“I can’t wait to show Micah Breen the statue I found of him.”

“You mean… the Micah Breen? That played Sentinel?” In the presence of Hollywood royalty, I had two modes, star-struck or creepy fanboy. If I kept it up, I’d drool, and by next week, I’d have a restraining order in my mailbox.

I’d risk it.

“I like conventions that aren’t swamped. It gives me a chance to hang out with the fans and talk. The big conventions are dull. I sign a bunch of posters, smile for the camera, and repeat. If you decide to do this next year, let me know.”

“Really?”

“Of course, really,” Amanda interjected. “This is Firefly Con, the weirdest comic book convention around. Now, if you two chatty Cathy’s don’t mind, the family costumes are up next.”

Turning in our seats, we resumed our roles as diligent judges.

We had thirty-two people take part in the solo round.

Costumes ranged from superheroes to favorite television characters.

We had a dancing werewolf, a choreographed dance number by a ninja, and even a mechanized suit of armor.

The kids from the high school yearbook sat in front of the judge’s table, ensuring we documented every moment.

Our first cosplay contest had been a success.

“We’re ready for the family costume contest.” Peter’s voice reverberated throughout the mill. I never thought a florist could command the stage, but Amanda had commented on his previous job as an auctioneer. For as much as I knew about this little town, it seemed there were more tidbits to uncover.

Peter stepped through a row of dark blue curtains into the area the volunteers taped off, creating a suggestion of a stage.

Next year, we’d make the con even better, with real risers and lights so everybody could see.

For now, the crowd stood around, waiting for our next contestants to jump through the curtain and show off their creative costumes.

“It seems we only have one entry for our last contest.” He didn’t need to say who. There were three people who had yet to take the stage and for me, it meant we had saved the best for last.

“Hold on. Hold on. Seems we have a special request.” Peter backed up to the curtain, his head disappearing inside.

“It seems there’s trouble in Firefly,” Peter shouted. “We’re being attacked by a supervillain!” He paused before looking over his shoulder. “I said, we’re being attacked by a supervillain!”

Simon stumbled his way through the curtain. My beautiful bear had refused to change. He spent the day walking around in spandex, and it took all my willpower not to drag him into a dark corner. It took a moment before he straightened his back, puffed out his chest, and placed his hands on his hips.

“Firefly! I’ve come to conquer your town. All except for Bistro on Maine. I hear they have the best brunch in town.” The audience laughed at his self-promotion. “Are there any who dares to challenge me?”

“Your boo is adorable,” Amanda whispered.

“Agreed,” Chris added.

“I will challenge you!”

Lucy jumped out from behind the curtain.

The audience gasped, but not loud enough to hide Amanda’s infatuated sigh.

Lucy held up her fists, circling Simon. When she went in, fist drawn, he caught her hand and spun her about in a dance.

Their history played out as they moved in synch.

Now that my jealousy had been quelled, I appreciated their bond.

“You can’t defeat me, Hellcat!” He whipped her about, and she continued spinning in circles as she vanished into the crowd. Everybody laughed at the over-the-top theatrics.

“I might need to hire them for the next movie,” Chris said.

“I’m unstoppable!” Simon boasted. He waited for a moment. He scooted toward the curtain and poked his head through. When he returned, I could see a moment of panic on his face. He whispered to Peter.

“If only Valiant were here,” Peter cried. “It seems our hero needs help. Do we have another hero to aid him?”

The crowd rumbled. I half-expect my mom?—

“Sentinel!” Amanda shouted. What? No. No way in — “Valiant needs your help, Sentinel.”

“I hate you,” I mumbled.

Chris gave me a pat on the back. “When the city calls, every hero must answer.” Yes, he quoted his movie to me. “Go save the day.”

I nearly died recording a video for social media. I’d never be able to live this down. Pulling the mask over my face, I hopped to my feet. It was the closest I’d ever get to being a superhero. I’d never get another chance to live out this fantasy. “Arson! You’ve come to the wrong town.”

Running around the table, I struck a pose. The audience clapped. I almost forgot who surrounded the stage. This wasn’t just my fantasy. Most of the attendees had thought the same thing.

“He’s nervous,” Simon whispered.

Hmm. I wouldn’t let Lucas down, not now, not ever. I had an idea.

“Maybe if we all help Valiant.” I walked around the stage, raising my hands as I chanted, “Valiant. Valiant. Valiant.” When Amanda jumped up and joined, the audience followed suit. Even Chris got in on the community spirit.

A moment later, the curtain was flung to the side, and our tiny Valiant had arrived. “I’ll save you!” He ran up to his dad, who picked him up and spun him in the air. He set Lucas down and fell back on his butt. Lucas got into character as he pushed his dad down and placed a foot on his chest.

The audience roared. I fought back tears. My eight-year-old self shared in Lucas’s victory. We all did. From florist, to grocery store owner, to the hair stylist, this belonged to all of us. Firefly had its victory.

I helped Simon to his feet, prepared to retreat to the judge’s table. Lucy joined us on the stage, holding Lucas’s hand. Before I could step away, she grabbed me by the utility belt, pulling me in with the trio. “The whole family.”

She pushed me next to Simon, who spun me about. With his arms around my waist, he hooked his foot behind mine, sweeping me off my feet. Simon dipped me before planting a kiss on the lips for the entire convention to see. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and the audience cheered.

“We have a winner!” Peter shouted.

Me. I was the winner, and I couldn’t have done it without Simon, Amanda, Jon, and the rest of Firefly.

“Ew. Heroes don’t kiss bad guys,” Lucas said.

In our love story… they absolutely did.