Twenty-Three
Today is my day. Saturday—Comic Con day, with over 100,000 people expected. My phone pings with a text as I put the finishing touches on my makeup. I’ve applied a small silver infinity tattoo next to my left eye. It looks cool—subtle but effective.
On your way?
Elijah. I grab my phone and type, careful not to get silver eye shadow on the screen.
Whoever gets there first gets in line.
The lines to get into the convention center usually wrap around the building before the doors open. I don’t mind, though, because everyone’s in a fantastic mood, excited for the day and checking out each other’s costumes.
I can’t wait for a full day of nerdvana. After the dramatic unveiling of Emergent’s Twitter criminal, life at work has been sort of crazy.
Cruz quit after his buddy Lewis was canned, Dad managed to salvage the Stockwell Suds account, and things are looking good for the Rockies Roast account, too. Dad had a big staff meeting in which everyone processed their feelings and ate donuts and pledged their undying loyalty and corny stuff like that. Afterward, everyone adjourned to the roof to play foosball and bond.
Also, Trish and I have eaten lunch together every day since the troll takedown. She helps me scout photo locations and I give her…romance advice. Don’t ask me how that happened, but apparently she has a crush on an uber-nerd at CU, so she wants tips on how to woo a geek.
My love life is still nonexistent. I told my heart to officially give up on Carlos. Not because I’m still mad at him—looking back on everything, I can see why he was unsure about Jason’s innocence. He was worried about Jason ruining the internship for everyone. I think he was even worried about my dad’s business, since he admires him so much.
I haven’t seen Carlos for days, since he’s been traveling around with his mentor checking out local restaurant chains. I’m glad for him because I know how much he wants his experience to pay off for his family. One day last week when he was gone, I finally snuck a peek at that book he’s always reading. It wasn’t a novel like I’d hoped; instead it was a fat, boring textbook about small business expansion.
Then after I left work yesterday, Trish texted me a blurry photo of Jason and Carlos up on the roof playing foosball together. “Look who’s bonding.”
I wasn’t surprised—Carlos was the kind of guy who admitted when he was wrong. I hoped he’d stay friends with Jason after this summer was over.
Pushing aside thoughts of Carlos, I remind myself it’s my day to celebrate. I can’t wait to spend it hanging with Colorado’s nerd herd. My phone pings again.
I am Groot.
I smile as I reply to Elijah. I thought you were Star-Lord.
You know what I mean, Jedi.
I laugh because I am Groot means whatever we need it to mean. That was the genius of his character. I practically skip down the stairs from my bedroom.
Dad looks up from his coffee and newspaper when I enter the kitchen. “Will we see you at all this weekend? Or is your cult holding you captive until Monday?”
I fake-scowl at him as Mom hands me a toasted bagel with cream cheese, wrapped in a napkin so I can eat it on the train.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Remember the first time we took you to Comic Con?” Mom sighs happily.
Like I could forget. I was twelve years old and dressed as Violet Parr from The Incredibles. Being around so many other nerds made me realize I wasn’t alone in my love of sci-fi and fantasy, and I’d had the best weekend of my short life.
“That was when you wanted me to wear a red bodysuit, right?” asks Dad.
“Yep.” I’d wanted our whole family to dress like The Incredibles, but they hadn’t. Still, my parents had taken me to the event all three days and indulged me with awesome souvenirs from the trade booths. Kendra had only joined us for one day, but she’d been cool with my geek rapture.
“Don’t be out too late,” Mom warns. “I don’t want you downtown by yourself at night.”
“Panels go until eleven tonight.” And I’m staying until the bitter end.
Mom and Dad exchange a glance that means trouble.
“I can pick you up,” Dad says, but he doesn’t look happy about it. “You’re not riding the train home that late.”
I huff out a frustrated sigh. I don’t want to drive because parking will be impossible. Downtown Denver isn’t exactly a hubbub of criminal activity, but I understand their worries. Fortunately, I have a plan B.
“Lexi’s coming to get me, then I’m spending the night at her house.” I wish she was coming to the con, too, but she’s stuck working at the water park all day.
Mom frowns. “When were you planning to let me know that?”
I shrug. It’s a constant tug-of-war lately with Mom as I push for more independence and she holds on tight. I know it’s because she realizes I just have one more year at home. Plus the Twitstorm sort of freaked her out, especially me confronting Lewis.
“Better Lexi than me.” Dad snaps his newspaper closed. “And this way Mom and I can have a date night without having to pick you up in the Millennium Falcon.” He’s been a barrel of bad jokes ever since Lewis was caught.
“I appreciate your concern, Vader.”
He grins, then turns his attention to Mom. “She’ll be fine. She’ll be in the company of harmless nerds.” He stands up and swoops Mom into a hug. Next thing I know they’re kissing, which is my cue to leave.
…
At the light rail station I join a crowd of costumed revelers lining the platform. I love how the con celebrating starts on the train. We all admire each other’s costumes and answer questions from the regular passengers who are amused or confused by our appearance. At each train stop, we pick up more cosplayers and by the time we get downtown, it’s a full-on train party, everyone bouncing and chattering with excitement.
I text Elijah as soon as I step off the train and he says to me to meet him at the bear. The Denver Convention Center has an enormous two-story statue of a blue bear peering into the building.
At the base of the statue I spot Star-Lord and Gamora waving at me. Giddy with anticipation, I run to meet them. They look as excited to be here as I am, which makes my stomach swirl with happiness.
“Laurel, this is Alisha, AKA Gamora. Alisha, this is…” Elijah scratches his head. “So who are you?”
“She’s Qa’hr!” gushes Alisha, and I immediately love her. “I love those books.” Alisha scans me up and down, her dark eyes dancing with excitement. “Great costume. You made it, right? I wish I could sew. I bought mine online and paid a small fortune.”
Elijah grins at us. “You two were separated at birth.”
Alisha and I smile at each other, then I realize we’re going to have to go to the very back of the line since they didn’t save us a spot.
“Dude, I thought you were going to wait in line.”
Elijah looks smug. “Got it handled, Jedi. Somebody’s saving our spot.”
“Don’t call her Jedi,” Alisha admonishes. “It’s Qa’hr. Show some respect.”
We all laugh as we cruise the line, Elijah scanning the crowd for our space saver. The creativity of the costumes thrills me. I can’t wait to start taking photos.
“There he is.” Alisha points.
When I follow her finger, my heart stutters to a halt, because standing in the midst of superheroes, manga characters, videogame villains, and comic book characters is Carlos, wearing jeans and a faded Avengers T-shirt. Next to him is a boy about ten years old, I’d guess, based on his size. I can’t see his face because he’s wearing a giant cardboard Minecraft head.
I don’t realize I’m frozen in place until Alisha gently squeezes my shoulder. “We should get in line.” Her face softens with concern. “Laurel? What’s wrong?” She glances toward Elijah’s retreating back as he heads toward Carlos.
“Uh, I didn’t expect…” I take a breath and swallow. Realization dawns in her beautifully made-up eyes as she follows my gaze. Her lips curve into a reassuring smile.
“I see.” She nods. “Take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay.”
“Did you guys all come here together?” I ask, plotting to kill Elijah later for keeping this a secret.
Alisha shakes her head. “No. Carlos and his brother got here early to get a place in line.” She takes a step toward the line. “Come on. It’ll be fine.” Her smile veers from reassuring to speculative. “You look fantastic, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
Of course that’s worrying me, along with a hundred other things, like untangling my feelings for Carlos. I’d planned on a fun day of geekiness with Elijah and Alisha, but now…
“Yo, Jedi! Gamora!” Elijah hollers, causing the people around him to stare. “Get over here!”
“He just can’t get your name right today, can he?” Alisha loops her arm through mine. “Come on, Qa’hr. Since when are you scared off by a hot guy? You vanquished an entire alien platoon in your trilogy.”
Maybe she’s right. The whole point of Comic Con is to revel in fantasy worlds. Today I am Qa’hr, not Laurel.
“You’re right.” I square my shoulders as we walk toward the guys. I keep my eyes on Elijah until we’re just a few feet away, then I let my eyes drift to Carlos. I catch him scanning me from head to toe, and when his gaze returns to my face, he swallows. We stare at each other for a long moment, until Elijah breaks the tension.
“Name that character, Rubio,” Elijah challenges. “Do you know who Laurel is?”
Carlos shakes his head. Why isn’t he saying anything? Maybe he thinks I look ridiculous. Maybe he thinks this whole con is ridiculous. Maybe he wishes he’d stayed home. I turn my attention to the boy with the cardboard head.
“Hi,” I say. “Cool Minecraft head, bud. I’m Laurel; what’s your name?”
“Christopher,” says a muffled voice. “But today I’m Minecraft Steve.”
“Yes you are.” I glance at Carlos, whose dark eyes are fixed on me. “Today I’m Qa’hr. Nice to meet you, Minecraft Steve.” I reach out to shake his hand and he obliges, his hand sticky with something. Food, probably. I take a breath and look at Carlos again.
“Too cool for a costume?” I tease, because that’s what Qa’hr would say.
Carlos blinks, then shrugs. I’m still waiting for a smile but it’s not happening.
“I…uh…yeah. I mean, no, not too cool. I’m not good at stuff like that.” He points to his Avengers T-shirt and a hint of dimple flashes. “This is the best I can do.”
“He helped me tape my head together,” says the muffled voice.
“That’s great.” I grin at Minecraft Steve head, wishing I could see Christopher’s face. At some point I’m sure I will, when he’s hungry or thirsty and needs to access his mouth.
Elijah and Alisha wrap their arms around each other’s waists and whisper together. Their cozy intimacy destroys some of my fake Qa’hr cool. Carlos must feel awkward, too, because he turns away from them and nods at me.
“So your costume is, uh…great. Really, um, nice.” His gaze strays to my legs clad in thigh-high boots and my entire body flushes with prickling heat.
“Thanks.” I face forward, staring at the backs of Elijah and Alisha so Carlos doesn’t see me blush. I should’ve gone with green skin paint like Alisha. Note to self: never show up at Comic Con without knowing the entire guest list.
The line starts to move and the crowd’s energy level amps up. Somewhere behind us a chant starts: “Comic Con! Let us in! Nerds Unite!” Pretty soon everyone’s chanting and laughing as we surge toward the doors. A huge, gorgeous guy dressed like Thor stumbles into me with an apologetic laugh. Carlos reaches out to steady me, his hand lingering on my waist a beat longer than necessary. We glance at each other, then quickly avert our gazes.
Once inside the convention center, Elijah leads us to the prop check-in table.
“What’s this?” Carlos asks, as we stand in line with a crowd of people carrying all sorts of props.
“Peace bonding,” Elijah says. “They give you a wristband to show your prop is approved. They don’t allow real weapons or anything that looks too realistic.” He holds up his 3D molded blaster gun. “As epic as this is, it’s obviously a prop, so it’s allowed.”
“Wow.” Carlos glances down at his brother. “Good thing I didn’t let you bring your metal sword.”
Cardboard-head shrugs. “Maybe I’ll buy a new one.”
“Did you drive or take light rail?” I ask Carlos.
“We drove. I’m not sure how long Chris can hang in, so I figured I’d drive in case we leave before you—”
“I’m staying the whole time!” the muffled voice is loud and gets a laugh from the Deadpool standing in line behind us.
Carlos ducks his head, looking slightly embarrassed. “I guess he’s stoked for this.”
“As he should be.”
We finally smile at each other for real. I tell myself to pretend we’re at work, that this is just a normal day, but it doesn’t help.
After Elijah gets his wristband, we huddle up. Carlos flips through the program while I retrieve my camera to get ready to take photos. Elijah and Alisha are my first official posers. Minecraft Steve photobombs the picture, making us all laugh.
“Dude,” Carlos warns, “dial it down.”
“Oh, cut him some slack,” I tease. “He’s in heaven.”
Carlos sighs and runs a hand through his hair, which I know by now is one of his nervous tells. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I told him he can’t mess up the day for you.” His neck blotches. “And, um, Elijah.” He glances at Gamora. “And Alisha. I know this is a big day for you guys.”
I study him, trying to determine if he’s sincere or condescending. Considering his spreading blush, I’m going with sincere. And that makes me even more nervous.
“Hey Qa’hr.” Elijah brandishes his program like a weapon. “You gonna do sci-fi speed dating?”
Now it’s my turn to blush. “I think you have to be eighteen.” I cringe inwardly and try to restore my Qa’hr confidence. “Anyway, I’m not here to hook up.” Oh, much better. Way to make it really awkward.
Everyone gapes at me, even Minecraft Steve, who tilts his cardboard head back to study me through his eyeholes. “I thought you were Carlos’s girlfriend.” And this time, his voice is barely muffled.
Argh. I grab my camera and hold it up to my face. I frantically snap photos while Carlos leans down and speaks to his brother in a harsh whisper.
“All right,” Elijah announces, “time to indoctrinate the newbie. I say we go upstairs and check out the merch and displays. I’m not interested in any of the panels until after lunch.”
We crowd onto the jam-packed escalator. A trio of girls dressed like Sailor Moon, in very short skirts and plunging sailor tops revealing a lot of cleavage, are on the step right above Carlos. I don’t even want to know if he’s checking them out.
We fan out at the top of the escalator. I move to the edge of the balcony looking down on the main level. I love taking photos from up here because it’s a great vantage point. Part of me knows that if I don’t stick with my friends, odds are good we’ll get separated and lose sight of each other in the swarming crowds.
A finger taps my shoulder. It’s Carlos, minus his cardboard shadow.
“Elijah said I should wait for you, that you won’t be able to find the group once we go in there.” He tilts his head toward the doors. Security guards man the doors, checking badges and herding people inside the exhibition hall.
“Yeah, he’s probably right. Is your brother with Star-Lord and Gamora?”
Carlos nods. “Yeah. He can tell they’re much cooler than me. In a nerd way.” He bites his lower lip, which is not good for my equilibrium. “I mean that as a compliment.”
I nod and turn back to the balcony railing, putting my camera up to my face. “I want to take more photos.” I glance over my shoulder. “You don’t have to wait for me. I’ll find you guys.” That sounds harsher than I intended, but I need a few minutes to myself, to breathe. To absorb the energy of the con. To get into my Qa’hr groove, which is proving much more difficult than anticipated.
Carlos takes a step away from me. “At least give me your cell number so we can find each other.” He frowns, and I wonder if we’re both remembering how I never texted him after our park kiss.
It’s a reasonable request, so I search my contacts for “Poe” and text him. “That’s me.”
“You had my number in your phone but you never texted?” His dark gaze locks on mine and I shrug, embarrassed. He doesn’t even glance at the sexy Harley Quinn who brushes past him.
“Okay, whatever. Text me or Elijah.” A frown flits across his face. “If you want to connect. I mean, if you’re doing your own thing with photos or whatever, maybe we’ll see you later.” He shrugs. “Or not.”
Is he mad at me? I study his face. Unreadable emotions cloud his eyes.
“I won’t be long. I’ll find you guys soon.”
“Up to you.” He shrugs, then strides away.
Is it possible he came to the con to hang out with me? But that can’t be it. He brought his little brother, who’s clearly a legit nerd. And to hang out with Elijah. This isn’t about me.
I return to what I do best—hiding behind a lens and experiencing life vicariously.
…
After I’m satisfied with the photos I’ve taken from the balcony, I enter the main exhibition hall. Once inside, I absorb the cacophony of noise and endless aisles of merch booths. Freestanding booths sell everything from manga to steampunk costumes to weapon replicas to every possible nerd T-shirt a geek like me could want.
The crowd jostles me as I slowly make my way down an aisle of comic book artists signing books and posters. Two girls about my age dressed like Poison Ivy in sexy green skintight dresses, long red wigs, and ivy leaves twined around their arms pause to check out my costume.
“Are you Qa’hr?” asks one.
I nod and her face breaks into a grin. “Awesome! Do a selfie with us!”
Flattered, I pose with them on either side of me as they snap selfies with their phones. A few people walking by take photos of us, and I feel my con energy returning.
I wander down another long aisle, checking out booths full of tempting merch. I’ve learned it’s best to scope out all the booths before making any purchases, because you never know when you’ll find something you love even more than the item you just bought.
A booth of custom chocolates catches my attention. I doubt I’ll find another chocolate spaceship vendor, so I buy three ships—a Millennium Falcon, an Enterprise, and a Serenity, planning to share them later.
My phone buzzes in my hand.
Where are you, Jedi? Your boy is grumpy.
Elijah.
I step out of the crowded aisle, finding a quiet spot near an emergency exit door. My thumbs fly over the screen.
Sorry. Where are you?
I watch the dots, hoping my text gets through. It’s time to buck up and stop hiding out. Carlos is a great guy, and I don’t want us to end this summer on bad terms. I’ve forgiven him for the Jason stuff.
Today we’re just…us. Friends having fun at my favorite event of the year. Or we will be, once I track everyone down.
Elijah’s reply finally pings my phone: Ghostbusters car.
That’ll be easy to find. Last year the Knight Rider car was a big hit, and the iconic Ghostbusters car is here every year. I make my way toward them, telling myself it’s time to have fun and relax.
I spot Star-Lord and Gamora first, hamming it up and posing for photos, and then I spot Carlos and his brother. Christopher poses in front of the iconic white station wagon while Carlos takes photos with his phone. My pace speeds up; I should take photos of them; I can offer that much, at least.
Carlos jumps when I tap his shoulder, spinning around to face me. His dark hair falls over his eyes, and his hesitant smile pinches my heart.
“Hey,” he says. “We thought maybe you ditched us.”
I guess I deserve that.
“I’m sorry. Got carried away with the photography.” I point to his brother, who’s attempting to crawl into the open car window, his cardboard head crashing against the window frame. “Want me to take a picture of you guys together?”
“Probably a good idea, before he destroys his fake head.” He yanks his brother up and away from the car. Christopher’s arms flail in the air, his muffled yelp making me laugh.
“Lean against the car. Cross your arms over your chests like you’re tough Ghostbusters.” They follow my orders and I take a burst of photos. I love how bursts capture fleeting expressions and movements. Also, I now have another legit reason to take Carlos’s photo.
“Hey, what about us?” Elijah asks, sidling up next to me.
“You’re next.” I turn back to the Rubios because I might as well take some close-ups while I can, right?
“I know what you’re doing, Special K,” Elijah whispers in my ear. “You’re gonna be drooling over those pictures later, aren’t you?”
“Whatever he said, ignore him.” Alisha whacks Elijah on the shoulder, but he laughs and hops out of her reach. I motion for them to join Carlos and his brother by the car. I take more photos, laughing at their silly poses.
“We need one with you,” Alisha calls out. She waves over a mom who’s been watching us, along with her two young boys who are also fascinated with the car. “Can you please take our picture?”
Alisha reaches out to pull me into the group, and I find myself sandwiched between her and Carlos. I’m 90 percent sure she did that on purpose. Carlos drapes his arm over my shoulder and Alisha’s hand squeezes my waist, like she’s sending me a secret message.
I’m unable to breathe, but it’s not because of Alisha.
“Say cheesy!” Minecraft Steve hollers through the cardboard and we all laugh as the mom takes our picture. Carlos’s arm is still around my shoulder. I don’t know whether to extricate myself or stay frozen in place to soak in the feel of his warm hand on my bare shoulder.
“Let’s see,” Elijah demands. We crowd around as Alisha scrolls through the photos. We’re all laughing in the first two, which is great, but in the last photo Elijah and Alisha are grinning at each other and Carlos is looking right at me, as I smile dorkily at the camera.
I shrug out of Carlos’s grasp, nervous energy spiking through me. Photos can reveal a lot, and this one…this one definitely reveals something. Something that takes my breath away.
“I’ll text these to you,” Alisha gives me a sly smile, then glances at Carlos. “To you, too.”
“Cool, thanks,” Carlos says, distracted by his brother’s antics.
Maybe he doesn’t look at photos the same way I do—that wouldn’t be a surprise. I’m used to deciphering emotions through the filter of a lens, but not everyone is. Alisha winks at me; she’s clearly seen the same thing I have.
“I’m starving,” Elijah announces. “Let’s get some grub.”
…
After we stand in long lines for food and eat together, we split up. Elijah and Alisha go downstairs to an author panel about villains and anti-heroes, while Carlos, Christopher, and I stay upstairs to cruise the display booths.
Carlos is exactly the big brother I knew he’d be: patient and indulgent, with a sliver of frustration showing through just when I start to think he’s too perfect.
As his brother agonizes over how to allocate his twenty dollars of personal spending money, Carlos heaves a huge sigh and gives me an apologetic shrug.
“This probably isn’t how you planned to spend your day, watching a kid have a brain freeze over which plastic sword to buy.”
I laugh. “It’s exactly how I planned to spend it; I just didn’t realize I’d know the kid.” I lift my camera and tell Christopher to pose. He does, striking threatening poses with each sword.
Another boy wanders over to give his opinion on the swords, and the two kids launch into a vigorous debate about the swords’ various abilities.
Carlos steps closer to me. Part of me longs for his arm to wrap his arm around my shoulder again, while the rest of me panics as he leans in close. He speaks softly so that only I can hear him.
“How long are you staying down here? For the duration?” His breath tickles my ear and I inhale sharply.
“I, um, yeah. My friend Lexi is picking me up since my dad doesn’t want me taking light rail late at night.”
Carlos glances at his brother, who’s still engaged in a heated debate with his new friend, then turns the full power of the Hershey’s eyes on me. “I can give you a ride home. If you want.”
My throat constricts as I try to form a reply. Unfortunately he mistakes my hesitation for a no and steps away, stiffening his shoulders. “Hey, Chris, hurry up and decide already.”
His brother shoots him a glare, then returns to his debate.
“I, um, thank you for the offer,” I squeak. “But I live pretty far, almost to Castle Rock, and I wouldn’t want you to go out of your way.”
He nods, his eyes still on his brother. I feel a wall of ice building between us. I briefly imagine the Wall from Game of Thrones, and me climbing it with ice picks, aiming straight for my own version of Jon Snow.
A barrier between Carlos and me is the last thing I want, but I’m not sure how to melt it. Maybe I should launch myself at him and plant a kiss on those lips I can’t stop dreaming about, like that crazy redhead did to Jon Snow.
“No fraternizing.” Carlos speaks so quietly I’m not sure if I heard him right.
“What?”
He turns to face me. “Rule number eight. Are you planning to stick to that rule and pretend that kiss in the park never happened?”
My heart stutters in my chest. I’ve got one shot at melting the ice between us. One shot at telling him how I really feel.
“Some rules are made to be broken. With the right person.” I say this with my Qa’hr voice, strong and confident, and I can tell he’s as surprised as I am.
Craacck. I feel the ice between us thaw. Even better, heat builds between us as his gaze locks on mine. A fire starts in my toes and works its way up to my chest. “So…do you—” he starts, but a voice interrupts him.
“Hey, Carlos!” Christopher calls out. “I need five more dollars.”
Carlos squeezes his eyes shut, then opens them to shoot a glare at his brother. “No more cash, dude.” He mutters something under his breath that almost sounds like “worst” and “date.” Christopher reluctantly puts both of the swords back, then wanders to the next booth to check out the enormous Funko Pop selection.
“You’re such a mean brother,” I joke.
“I know, right?” Carlos grins, rolling his eyes.
We follow Christopher to keep him in our line of sight, but hang back so we can talk just the two of us. Even though we’re surrounded by thousands of people, it’s like we’re a tiny island of two, occasionally crashed into by a wave of aliens. Like, literal aliens.
“My sister texted me. She’s picking Chris up at six o’clock,” Carlos says. “He’s gonna pitch a fit, but he’s got a sleepover at a friend’s tonight that I didn’t know about.”
I nod, wondering where this is going, not daring to get my hopes up.
“So that’s why I can give you a ride home if you want. I figured I’d hang out with you…um, and Elijah…until whenever.” He reaches out to grab a small Rey figurine from a display. “You should get this. It goes with your collection.”
“What collection?” I take the tiny plastic Resistance fighter and make eye contact with her instead of Carlos as my pulse thuds in my ears.
“The one on your desk.”
“Oh, right.” I hand the Rey figure back to Carlos, a flush heating my cheeks as our hands touch.
Christopher races over carrying a Minecraft Steve mini-figure. “I need this,” he announces. “Like, badly.”
“Like, no,” Carlos retorts, but he ruffles Chris’s hair. “Your twenty should cover it.”
Christopher’s dark eyes widen in mock horror, looking so much like his brother I want to laugh. “It’s only five dollars.”
“Great,” Carlos says. “That leaves you enough to buy a present for Landon’s sleepover.”
Christopher blinks up at him. “What sleepover?”
“Tonight. Rose is picking you up later. Much later.”
Christopher opens his mouth to protest, so I jump in.
“You won’t miss anything,” I say. “All the good stuff is done by dinner time.” It’s a white lie, but definitely allowed under the circumstances.
“Pick out a present for Landon,” Carlos says. “He likes dorky stuff, too, right?” Carlos glances at me. “I didn’t mean dorky like a bad thing…I, uh…”
“It’s okay.” I’d forgive just about anything right now.
Christopher’s calculating gaze moves between Carlos and me. “Okay, but you have pay for Landon’s present.”
Carlos shakes his head. “Nice try, kid. Remember what Mom said. Presents mean more when you pay for them and pick them out.”
“That’s true.” I jump in before Christopher can protest. “My favorite presents are surprises from my friends, ones they picked out just for me.”
Christopher’s shoulders slump, but he turns back to the overflowing display shelves with a new mission. Carlos and I smile at each other and he steps close, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. The energy between us shifts, and blood thunders through my veins.
“Not the best place to break the rules,” he says, his voice low. “Unfortunately.” He glances at his brother, then back at me.
“I’ll take a raincheck.”
That earns me both the dimples, and I take a mental picture because I don’t want to ever forget the way he’s looking at me right now.
…
As the con winds down for the night, Elijah, Alisha, Carlos, and I walk the downtown streets, surrounded by laughing and yelling cosplayers and other Saturday night partiers. I texted Lexi hours ago to tell her I had another ride home. She sent back an entire paragraph of emojis letting me know exactly how she hoped I’d spend my evening.
“We’re parked down here,” Carlos says as we stop at corner and wait for the walk light. “Catch you guys later.” He and Elijah do the bro dude hug, while Alisha hugs me.
“Cold?” he asks.
I am sort of cold in my thin Qa’hr shirt. A cool breeze has moved in, making me shiver. His eyes are as melty as that day at his restaurant. He wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me in close.
Omigod. Is this really happening? I glance up at him and notice the chin stubble in the glow of the streetlight. Why am I so obsessed with this? Probably because I’ve never kissed someone with actual man stubble before. That afternoon in the park he was clean-shaven. Not that he’s going to kiss me again. I mean, I hope like crazy he will, but—
“Laurel?” We’ve stopped walking and he’s staring down at me.
I meet his intense gaze. “Yes?”
He pulls my body around so that I’m pressed against him, wrapping me in his arms. “I have a lot to say. But I don’t want to mess it up.” He glances up at the dark high-rise buildings surrounding us and his grip on me tightens.
“I’ve spent all summer trying not to break the rules. But then I did, because I wanted to. And then that crazy Twitter stuff happened, and I freaked out. I worried I’d get fired, that I’d lose my chance to help my family.” He looks down, his eyelashes brushing his cheeks. “And I was confused…honestly, I was jealous. About Jason.” He sighs. “I’m sorry. For pulling away from you, and for not trusting you about Jason.” He tucks a stray curl behind my ear. “Jason’s a good guy. His dad situation sucks. I can’t even imagine it.”
“I know.” My voice is soft. “You and I have great dads.” I reach up to touch his stubbled jaw, and his arms tighten around me. “I forgive you for your temporary jerkiness. 99 percent of the time you’re pretty amazing.”
“I am?”
“Like you don’t know that.” I run my finger along his jawline to his throat. I feel his Adam’s apple as he swallows. “But I should remind you—I’m the boss’s daughter and technically off-limits for three more weeks.” He starts to speak but I keep going. “It’s why I pulled away after that park kiss. You could be disqualified if anyone knew we—”
He touches a finger to my lips.
“I don’t care whose daughter you are, or how many days I’m supposed to stay away from you.” His hands slide up my back, over my shoulders, and when his fingers slide into my hair, my bones melt. “I practiced a whole speech for you, Qa’hr. Princess Leia. Whoever you are tonight.” His eyes are as dark as the sky above us. “But I can’t remember any of it right now.”
“You know what’s better than speeches?”
“What?”
“Kissing,” I whisper recklessly, “and I already know you’re good at that.”
And then Qa’hr takes over—or maybe it’s me. Somebody does. Someone pulls his head down and presses his lips to mine and feels the planet start to spin…and then I forget to think about who’s doing what because all I can feel and taste is Carlos.
Yeah, he’s definitely skilled at kissing. Expert level, in fact. And the stubble? It’s kind of scratchy but I like it. After a long, long time, we pull apart.
“Wow,” Carlos breathes.
“Yeah. Wow.”
Carlos reaches around to his back pocket, then hands me something small and plastic. It’s the Rey figurine from earlier. “Don’t hide her in a drawer.”
“I won’t.” I squeeze my fingers around the best present ever.
I wonder if my smile could light up all of downtown Denver, but I don’t get the chance to find out because suddenly we’re kissing again, and my mouth has much better things to do than smile.