Page 82 of My Cosplay Escape
Stacey prompts another clue. “I know a post-make-out look when I see one. Adam is my friend. He’s Monique’s friend too. So you’re going to tell me what ‘the fudge’ is going on.”
I stare at the screen. The guy in the Padres hat appears to be knocking on all the surfaces, his date wandering around aimlessly behind him. “With the escape room people?”
“With you and Adam!”
I know. Goldfish, can I just go to my padded cell now?
Stacey prompts another clue and mumbles something about spoon-feeding not being in her job description. She glares up at me—and Shirley Temples, I’m scared.
“I don’t know,” I mutter. “He was upset. He said I was fired. I may have kissed him.”
Stacey folds her arms across her chest. “And meanwhile, you’re dating in real life but playing hard to get?”
“Stacey, you don’t get it. I’ve got a past. I can’t rush things. And I can’t let anyone know that this is how I’m paying for classes. If anyone finds out…” Goldfish, it would be worse than the first time. My costume is a thinly veiled dominatrix caricature. The fact that I enjoy wearing it is proof that I am a depraved lunatic with sexually repressed and sexually anxious fantasies. No one would want to have anything to do with me if they knew.
But Gwen knows. And Stacey knows. They haven’t bailed on me. Yet. And if I left through the front door of the gym like a normal person while in costume, Tony would probably know, too, and he wouldn’t care. But if Tony knew about my cosplay gig, then he’d also know that I’ve been lying about my schedule. I groan. That, he’d definitely care about.
“What?” Stacey demands.
“I’d lose my job at the gym.” If lying about my schedule didn’t get me fired, vaulting the wall every Thursday and Saturday night would. And while it may not be breaking and entering, I’m pretty sure it’s a serious OSHA violation. My employee membership would be revoked. I’d never see the inside of the Kids Club again. Once again, I’d be fodder for Brent and Jen’s front desk.
Stacey’s eyes narrow. “So you think you can make out with Adam all you want when you’re in cosplay because no one will find out?”
“No. It was one time.” I grab my cat ears. My cowl feels way too tight tonight. “Maybe two, although that could have been someone else.”
“You’re making out with other people too?”
“No!”
Stacey spreads her hands wide on the table. I’ve never seen her upset, and it is frankly terrifying. “Look. I get the fear. It’s scary to tell the truth, especially when it means you finally have to start being authentic with everyone. It means things will change in big ways. But, Sarah—”
The sound of my real name has me instantly riveted.
Stacey’s voice softens. “Do it sooner rather than later. Not just for Adam. But for you.”
My phone pings. My real number, not the Sabine Kennedy one. It’s Adam.
Adam: What are you up to tonight?
Me: Working.
Adam: Can I come say hi?
My heart skips.
Me: Yes.
Yes. Come. There’s nothing I’d like better than to prance around in my skintight vinyl while Adam looks—oh fudge. He means the gym.
Me: No.
Me: No!
Adam: Too late. Already on my way.
Oh, Shirley Temples. Blind panic starts pumping and forging new, unthinkable thoughts and sensations. Adam can’t find out. Not like this, not tonight.
“Stacey, I need a favor.”
