Page 108 of Players and Pages
Who could have predicted that one fateful game of baseball could have brought me so much happiness?
THREE MONTHS LATER
It was finally here. We were standing in front of the convention center and I kept pulling the hem of my dress down. The scars from the fire took away a good chunk of my self-confidence, but everyone assured me that I rocked the medical officer outfit.
“Who’s idea was Star Trek again?” I asked my guys, knowing it was Jackson’s. “And why do you three get to wear pants?”
This got a laugh from my guys.
“Because, you’re the only one of us that has the legs to pull off that dress,” Jackson reminded me with a wicked smile. “And I fully intend to fuck you in it later, sweets.”
“Fine, but next year I get to pick out our outfits and I’m going to make you pay for this,” I promised with a smirk.
“At least you aren’t a dog,” Matthias grumbled. Taryn and her pack, along with Bea came as The Scooby Gang.
“Dude, you lost at rock, paper, scissors, fair and square,” Ash told him. “Unless you wanted to be Velma.”
“You’re just jealous that I’d look better in a skirt than you,” he shot back, throwing up his middle finger to his packmate.
“Well, I’ll bring you the skirt tomorrow and you can both try it on for Taryn and she can judge for herself who pulls it off better,” Bea said before crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. Between the fake glasses and attitude that was all Bea, it shut them right up. She looked downright lethal. “We are here for Jackson, no more arguing.
Matthias and Ash both looked like scolded puppies at her words but didn’t talk back.
“Come on, the convention is starting,” Jackson said gently, taking my hand and pulling me forward.
“Lead the way, Captain,” I teased as I laced my fingers with his.
I still didn’t walk as fast as I could before the fire but no one complained at our slower pace.
It helped that Jackson insisted on us stopping and taking pictures at the entrance, then inside at the insane displays. He was in full-out ‘nerd’ mode and it was hot as hell.
“Okay, I’m gonna pose everyone and then we can take the picture,” Jackson started as he moved me the way he wanted me.
Cy and Griff didn’t even complain when he did the same to them. They were used to his level of extra.
His face was so serious it was hard not to laugh. I couldn’t look at my other mates or I knew we’d lose it. Jackson’s dedication was adorable.
Once he was satisfied, he took his place next to us and Bea took his phone and moved in front, taking the picture for us.
“Say, nerds!”
“‘Nerds!’” We all shouted it at once, not caring if anyone was watching. This moment was perfect and I was just grateful we made it here.
It was hard to stop looking over our shoulders but I was finally starting to feel normal again.
We moved onto a new display, Jackson trying to fit us all while taking the picture.
“I can help,” one of the convention officials offered.
“Thank you,” I said, offering my phone before Jackson could protest. She was so patient as he finally got both packs and Bea settled.
“Okay, I’m gonna count to three and you guys smile and say cheese,” she said as she fiddled with the perfect angle.
“Instead of cheese, let’s say Dani’s pregnant,” I whispered to my guys. The three of them nodded but were still looking forward, smiles in place so they didn’t give it away.
“One! Two! Three!” the lady called out.
Everyone else yelled cheese, but our voices were louder.
