Page 56 of Cosplay & Consequences

Danny began to sputter, and my cheeks were burning, but we were both rescued by Faye’s delighted scream.

“FIONA AND THE WASTELANDS?! That was never shown in the books! We heard about it in The Chaos Trail, but it was just a one-liner she tossed off as if it were nothing!”

“All right, you big nerd,” Paige said, getting up. “Let’s give these two some privacy.”

“You do not understand how important this is, Mother!” Faye protested.

“Oh, God. Now I’m being called Mother,” Paige grumbled as she pushed her daughter out the door.

Finally alone, Danny and I just stood there with each other. I began rubbing my arms, feeling my face burning red with that heat sinking down in my chest.

“I can’t believe how happy you made Faye,” he said, breaking the silence. His voice was warm, and his eyes were soft.

I tried to shrug it off, but his words made my throat tighten. “It was nothing.”

His smile softened. “We both know that’s not true. You gave her something your grandmother shared with you and you alone.”

His tone was so grateful, I ducked my head a little in embarrassment. If I continued to listen to him, I might melt into a puddle again. “It was just something out of instinct. I mean, it was an easy decision. It’s not often I find someone who’s as big a Tyrant fan as I am,” I joked.

He didn’t laugh, but the smile remained on his face. “You can’t fool me. She hugged you. She never hugs anyone anymore. You did something very special.”

“She’s really special. She’s been a part of my community for a few years. She’s not a total stranger. We’ve chatted online about books together,” I replied.

“You don’t think this entire thing between us was some elaborate set up, do you?” He joked.

I chuckled. “I doubt it, but I wouldn’t put it past her.”

His expression shifted into something more serious. “Thank you. For that and for coming today.”

There was a long pause as we stood on opposite sides of the dressing room. I realized we were both hesitant to take a step closer. Mustering a little courage, I decided to break the line drawn between us. I went over to pick up the stack of books and the marker that Faye left for me. As much as I wanted to respond to him, I awkwardly changed the subject.

“Did you know that Faye figured out the connection between me and my grandmother?”

Danny took a moment before he took a seat at the dressing room table and began taking off his stage makeup. While his back was to me, his eyes stayed on me through the reflection of the mirror. “No, but it doesn’t surprise me. She’s always been smart. Much smarter than when Paige and I were her age.”

I scribbled out a message to Faye in the first book and then fanned it a bit to make sure the ink dried.

“Can I see what you wrote?” he asked. I smiled and slipped the open cover next to him.

He picked up the book and to my delight and horror he read it aloud.

“To: Faye, my favorite person that I just met, though we’ve known each other forever.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me.

“Online relationships can sometimes be hell on the English language and verb tenses,” I explained.

“I expected better from someone who edits books for a living.” He said with a little smile.

I tried to glare at him, but I couldn’t hold it together with the laugh that slipped out. “Shut up, or I’ll throw this pen at your head.”

He laughed at me and continued reading. “Your sharp mind and unstoppable persistence are qualities that will take you far. Further than you might even dream right now. My grandmother would have been proud to know someone like you reads and loves her books. And just so you know, I’ll always be your biggest fan. Love, Jess.”

I sat and listened to him speak. They were my words, but something in his natural voice made them warm and comforting. I glanced up to see him watching my reflection in the mirror. “Did I lose you?”

I shook my head, a slow smile coming over me remembering Stella’s words. The jolt was gone now. Now it was the slight feeling of euphoria that still buzzed in my head. “Just listening.” I went back to signing the other volumes.

He gave me a sly smile. “Would you prefer my other voice?” he teased.