Gail Simmons smiled. The flatlanders wouldn’t understand the importance of community involvement, especially not in such a tight-knit town. Here, we rose and fell as one. Firefly needed this almost as much as I did.
“Why now?”
Two words. Two simple words, and yet, the question hit like a ton of bricks. Did I tell her I toyed with the idea of selling the store and moving to the city? Would it beappropriate to say that after living here my entire life, I might need something more? While I imagined the luxuries of moving to Portland or Boston, something tugged at my heart. No, this wasn’t just about me. I needed to answer on behalf of all the people in Firefly Valley.
“Because right now, we need more heroes.”
Gail’s smile widened. She pivoted, turning to the camera. “This is Jason Cowan, owner of Legend Comics and organizer of the first annual Firefly Con.” First annual? The weight resting on my shoulders doubled. “It sounds like it’ll be a great time for the whole family.” She continued with the specifics, and I stood there, hands in my pockets, trying not to be awkward.
“That’s a wrap,” Gail said. “We should air on the six o’clock news, and it’ll be on the website tomorrow. Amanda gave me all the details. I’ll make sure it goes out on our socials.”
Lost for words, I nodded.
“Us northerners have to stick together.” She winked and then waved for her cameraman to follow. I assumed a television personality had to be from the southern part of the state. I wanted to ask what high school she attended, but she was already out the door.
Amanda squealed as she charged at me. Her arms flung around my neck as her legs gripped my waist. “We’re going to be on the news!” It took a moment before reality set in. The entire state would hear about Firefly Con. She leaned back, staring me in the face. “Are you going to say something?”
I gasped. “We’re going to be on the news.” I jumped up and down with her. “We’re going to be on the news!” It was more than I could have hoped for. Not only were the residents of Firefly going to see the power of comics, but now half the state would know.
“Things are going your way.” She let go before poking me in the chest. “When were you going to tell me about Simon?”
“I invited him to Spectrum. I didn’t think?—”
“Didn’t think he’d show up in the park and ask you on a date?”
“How did you… That was an hour ago!”
“Abraham told Gladys. I heard something about a Viking helmet? But then Gladys was at the market to pick up eggs. She mentioned it to Dorothy. She texted me to confirm the rumor. And what do you know? I couldn’t confirm it.”
“God, I hate this place.”
“Why? We’re all rooting for you.”
“That doesn’t make it any better. You’re all a bunch of snoops.”
“I…” It had barely been an hour since we finished our game. Firefly gossip, the only thing faster than the speed of light. “It’s not a date. He wants me to show him around town.”
“Haven’t you shown him enough? Or does he want another tour of the back room?”
I fought to keep my jaw from dropping. I had been careful, making sure Amanda didn’t see him leave after ourhookup. If I asked how she knew, I’d be confirming her suspicions. However, the lack of blood in my face did the same thing.
“Don’t say anything.” She spun about and headed toward the stairs to her loft. “I heard what I heard.” Now I could cringe. Were we that loud? If I tried to remember, I’d have to adjust myself in my jeans.
“But if you don’t think it’s a date,” she shouted, “you’re being dense.”
I wouldn’t be surprised the moment she got upstairs if she texted Dorothy. Even if she partook in the rumor mill, Amanda wouldn’t mention the encounter in the back of the store. We had a pact to not disclose the specifics of our sex lives, an agreement of mutual destruction. If she blabbed, then I’d be free to tell Gladys that her daughter fancied Amanda between boyfriends.
Having heard it from the guys, and now Amanda, I wondered if I had it wrong? Was I being dense? I hadn’t thought it possible, but maybe Simon asked me on a date? The question of his sexuality made me nervous… and excited.
“I have a date with Simon.” It sounded too good to be true.
IT'S THE NAKED TRUTH
Knock. Knock. Knock.
With a quick sniff check, I verified I smelled like a fresh shower. I checked my t-shirt, ensuring I hadn’t stained it on the way over. I even put on a nice pair of jeans. After all, I wanted to impress.
The door swung open, and I was greeted by Simon in a button-down shirt and tie. I had to do a double take to soak in the image. The blue shirt had thin pinstripes and rounded his gut before being tucked into a pair of black pants. He preferred suspenders over a belt, and I had to remind myself to blink… and not drool.
