Page 33 of The Transfer
Yeah, I am taking a risk, but I have a feeling that Reagan will appreciate it. From what I know,Guardians of the Galaxyis her favorite Marvel franchise. She always goes for a good romance, and Star-Lord and Gamora fit that bill. I also know she has a huge crush on Chris Pratt, so it’s a win-win either way.
Jordan and the guys are also following suit with the Marvel hero theme. As I walk down the stairs of the basketball house, I take everyone in. Jordan is dressed like Captain America, and our captain looks like a genuine superhero. Moore took Hawkeye, who is a little more reserved and quieter, so it makes sense he would pick him.Carter is the Black Panther, and he went all out, wearing a leather suit and even claws. The man has overused the privilege of “Wakanda Forever” a million times over.
“Where is Williams?” I look around the living room, and my teammates are all holding in a laugh. This has Carter Smith written all over it. “Carter, what did you do to Williams?”
Looking like I just slapped him, Carter places a hand on his chest. “Me? Why am I the one taking the blame?” He can’t keep a straight face either, and soon, he is doubled over, and it must be contagious. All the guys are rolling, so whatever he did must be bad.
“I’m not going in this.” I hear Williams just before I see him walk into the room, and I instantly get why everyone was laughing. This giant, six-foot-ten man is wearing a Hulk costume. It’s definitely a good personality fit, but it is too small. Like, the pants are a good four inches above his ankles, not to mention how it fits inotherareas. I try my best, but I turn away from him, so he doesn’t see me crack a smile.
Jordan takes Williams in one more time before speaking. “Why is your costume so small, man?”
Glaring right at Carter, Williams explains, “Carter picked up my costume for me, but failed to mention they didn’t have my size…” At that, everyone starts laughing again.
Moore pipes in at this point. “I’ll tell you why he couldn’t go pick it up. Lindsey posted pictures of her costume, and the man basically came unglued.”
“Shut up, Moore,” Williams barks, and we all shut up. No one wants to mess with him when he gets pissed. Looking at Carter, Williams points at him. “This is all your fault. You’re going to help me fix it.”
Carter goes behind the couch and hands him a giant Hulk outfit in the correct size. Williams rips it out of his hands and stalks off to change. After he slams his door, every one of us is hysterical to the point of tears.
“Carter, man, you’re going to get punched one of these days,” Jordan tells our friend, who waves it off like Williams’s anger is nothing.
Once we are all dressed and ready, we hop in two cars and head toward The Draft. My nerves ramp up all over again, realizing I’m going to see Reagan soon.
TWENTY-FOUR
REAGAN
Walking into The Draft, I look over at Lindsey. “Girl, stop messing with your hair, you look incredible!” She adjusts her curls one more time. My friend dressed as Black Widow, and the guys are losing their minds about how insanely gorgeous she is. Her natural red hair and leather suit are on point.
“Sorry. I just feel insecure out here.” After she posted some pictures of her costume on Instagram, someone texted her, and she’s been off ever since. I have a sneaking suspicion of who it might be.
Pulling her aside, I attempt to squash this quickly. “Linds, you are a goddess and the absolute hottest woman here. Go and do what you came here to do: dance and flirt with cute boys.” Her smile lets me know she is ready to do just that.
“I don’t know about hottest because, Rea, you are rocking that leather too.” My friend is referring to my costume that I spent way too much time and money on. Everything I chose, down to the last detail, is next level for me. I’d give myself a 9/10 on the cosplay scale. I thought I’d feel self-conscious wearing something so revealing, but I feel the opposite. It’s liberating to spend the night dressed up, and I’m going to make the most of it.
Walking farther into the bar, I am amazed at all the decorations. This year’s theme is superhero. Posters of all sorts of Marvel and DC movies and shows adorn the walls. Everything from life-sized cardboard cutouts and replica merchandise scattered across tables to the servers in their own capes and masks, passing out themed drinks, creates a great vibe.
Lindsey and I walk up beside the bar, which gives us a great view of the entire place. It doesn’t take long before the music ramps up, and we both head out onto the dance floor. I lose myself in the rhythm of the song and barely notice someone coming up behind me. He hesitates at first, waiting for permission, and I give him a nod to scoot closer. Before I turn around, his voice is in my ear. “Hey, Rea Rea.”Drew.
We start to dance, and the boy has moves, I’ll give him that. I think about what I would have given to have had this moment with him in high school, as my inner voice speaks up.You’re not in high school anymore. His hands are on me, but he’s gentle and not pushy. As the song fades into the next, I turn to see his costume.
“Iron Man is a good look for you, Mr. Cole.” I smile, taking in his costume that he clearly went all out on. He even dyed his dirty-blond locks darker, and a little facial hair has him looking like Tony Stark on the runway.
Biting his knuckle, Drew takes me in. I’m proud of the costume I put together and how I look. Black leather pants with belts hanging at the hips and a matching vest make up the outfit. But what sets me apart from the rest is my makeup. Instead of a shirt, I painted my skin green and even put on a wig to really get the whole Gamora look.
“Rea Rea, you look incredible. Gamora, right? You’re a smoke show right out of my dreams. Tell me why you picked her.” I appreciate his words, but I’m a little surprised he doesn’t remember or know why I love theGuardianfranchise.
“It’s the love story, isn’t it?” A voice I know well pipes up.
Riggs.
He’s standing behind me, and the look on Drew’s face is pure rage.
Slowly turning around, I audibly gasp at the sight before me. Drew’s rage makes sense as my eyes take in Star-Lord, nearly identical to the real costume. Not only is Riggs Hart dressed as Gamora’s boyfriend but he also looks beyond gorgeous. My eyes devour him, probably longer than necessary, as I take in the outfit. When he removes the mask, those green eyes glitter with mischief.
“Did you get your fill, Gamora?” He says it with a smug smile, and I bark out a laugh.
“Looking good, Peter Quill,” I respond, and at that moment, it’s just the two of us. Until a body presses against my back and I realize Drew is still here too.
