“You mean Cosplay?” I ask and sit up. “Yes, I still do that nerdy costume stuff and really enjoy it. Ben’s a fan of my nerdy costumes, aren’t you, Ben?”
Mindy’s face scrunches up like someone just ripped a stinky fart. “Ben likes wearing costumes?”
“He doesn’t wear them,” I clarify. “I said he’s a fan of my costumes.” Well, just one costume, but I’m sure he’ll like others.
“Ben, really?”
He smiles. “I feel like I shouldn’t say anything because your brother is in the room and he won’t want to know.”
“Huh?” Jake says. Then it clicks. “Oh, ew. Yeah, no details please. I don’t even want to—nope. Just stop.”
Everyone else laughs. Everyone but Mindy. I know the woman hated me in high school for some unknown reason, but why be a bitter bitch now?
“Don’t you feel a little old to be dressing up in costumes?” Mindy asks.
I’ve been asked that before, many times, actually. “No. There’s not an age limit at Comic-Con, and Cosplaying in my spare time doesn’t hinder my adulting. Well, not that much. I still go to work and pay my bills and all that. I don’t see how it’s any different than any other hobby. Some people jog and knit and do other … uh, things. I like to sew costumes.”
Mindy raises her eyebrows. “Yeah, sure. I think it’s weird.”
“Just because it’s weird to you, doesn’t make it weird,” Ben cuts in. “Felicity is right, again. I say to each his—or her—own. As long as your hobby doesn’t involve chickens, Vaseline, and a dark shed, what does it matter?”
“All I’m saying is there’s a reason hardly anyone is into that stuff.” Mindy purses her lips and leans back. Danielle is beginning to look mortified, which makes me like her a little more, even if she’s friends with Mindy and her sister.
“Do you know how many people attend Comic Cons?” I ask. “A lot. And I like that it’s not mainstream.”
“Life is too short to worry about the opinions of others,” Ben says pointedly. “Not a lot of people are brave enough to do what they love without fear of judgment.” His eyes meet mine. “It’s just one of the things I like about you.”
I’m smiling, and the background fades until it’s just Ben and me left in the room. My heart flutters and Ben’s fingers press into my skin.
“Want to go outside?” Ben asks. “I want to look at the water. It’s inspiring.”
He takes my plate, sets it in the kitchen, and we go out the front door.
“You should fire Mindy,” I say and look down the driveway for Erin’s car.
“I’ve thought about it,” Ben confesses. “But she’s actually good at selling stuff, and I hate interviewing people.”
“Meh, I guess.” I take Ben’s hand and make a mental promise to myself. No matter what, Mindy is not ruining the rest of the day. I’m not going to talk about her or bring her up. I’ll save her from drowning if need be, though I’ll wait until she goes under and ruins her hair and makeup before diving in. Other than that, I’m ignoring her.
Today is all about fun and friends, and she’s neither of those.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“He is seriously perfect,” Erin whispers. “I can tell he really likes you.”
“I hope so,” I say back. “Because I really like him. It’s been so intense since day one. I can’t even with the passion. Like it’s just so much.” I shake my head and smile. “I just hope that he doesn’t feel this way about anyone else.”
“I don’t think he’s seeing anyone else,” Erin says and leans on the sink. “Not with what you’ve told me, and not with the way he looks at you.”
I wobble when I stand, turning to flush the toilet. We ran inside before the fireworks started to use the bathroom and gossip. “But we never had a relationship talk. He said he dates other women.”
“When did he say that?”
“Uh, before we hooked up the first time.”
“Things can change,” Erin slurs. I’ve lost count of how many alcoholic beverages I’ve had. I still got my wits about me—okay half my wits—but I would say I’m drunk. Erin is probably just as drunk and she’s had two wine coolers. Such a lightweight.
I wash my hands and run them through my messy hair while Erin uses the bathroom. I give up on my hair. I need something more substantial than my fingers, and loosen the ties on my bikini top. I kept it tight to hold the girls up, but my neck is starting to hurt. The struggle is real when it comes to these puppies. But it’s a love-to-hate problem.