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Jazzy gasps. “I’ll have you know that I’m equal opportunity if the voice actor is on point, sir! And for those times when I have to multitask, dubbed anime has saved my sanity and will continue to do so, at least until I become fluent in Japanese.”
“Yeah, I get you. I’m learning the language as well.”
“So, are you in for some awesome cos-play shenanigans?” Jazzy is all over him, causing him to lean away from her enthusiasm.
“I like shenanigans,” a familiar voice that I can’t place says from behind me.
Cameron glances up and his eyes bulge with a hint of alarm. I turn to see a gorgeous full-figured Black woman coming down the path. She and Glamma could share trade secrets on looking runway ready.
The newcomer takes one look behind me and clears her throat. “Hi, I’m Khadijah. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Her voice is a higher octave than the first time she spoke, but it’s her name that snags my attention.
“Khadijah as in Cameron’s sister, Khadijah?”
“He’s told you about me? I’m surprised. He can be so secretive sometimes.” She winks at Cameron.
“Hey, Deej, what brings you here?” Cameron grinds the words barely moving his mouth.
She clears her throat again. “I left something inside when I stopped by this morning. I intended to pick it up and bounce, but then I hear that fun things are about to go down.”
Cameron advances past me to grab Khadijah’s elbow. He whispers something in her ear and by the tension radiating from his body, he isn’t happy with her being here.
Jazzy, who I sometimes think is a chaos agent, also passes me to get a better look at the pair. “You know… ever since meeting Cameron a few seconds ago, I’ve felt there was something familiar about him. I get that sense about you, too.” Jazzy tilts her head as she studies Cameron and Khadijah.
Hearing her talk about Cameron’s familiarity sends a shockwave through my system. The night at Covo del Peccato wasn’t he wearing a mask? Cameron looks toward Khadijah, the growing panic more evident on his face. Then, he turns to study Jazzy.
Now it’s my turn to freak out. Jazzy can’t know about the connection she shares with Cameron. Never!
Finally! Let the truth set you free!Keating sings amidst my increasing turmoil.
“Jazzy, we should probably leave these two and be on our way. My makeup won’t do itself. Ha ha…” I pull ineffectually at her elbow.
Jazzy refuses to budge. “If that’s the case, we should invite Khadijah, too. The more the merrier.”
“I’m intrigued. What are you inviting me to?” Khadijah brightens with interest.
“We’ll have to decline. I don’t have an appropriate costume for the event.” Cameron’s eye twitches with the effort of holding something in.
Khadijah ignores him and is practically bouncing in place. “Costume? Now I really must know. What are we dressing up for?”
“Deej…”
“Just a fun and fabulous cosplay event. Tonight is the welcome party and contest for best dressed. Tomorrow there are panels and signings from some of the world’s media personalities, from animators to movie stars.”
Khadijah squeals and clears her throat. “Can attendees cosplay anybody?”
My life flashes before me. Jazzy will discover who Cameron is and I’ll have to sever our friendship forever or suffer her constantly pushing me into his arms.
Why are you tripping? You and I both know his arms are a damn good place to be.
Then there’s Cameron.
No, baby girl. There’s you. You keep putting the blame on other people when you know deep down in that repressed sexuality of yours, you just want to jump him day and night. The way you woke up this morning is your body telling you what your mind keeps rejecting. You want that man baaad.
Fine, I’m the problem! And as the problem at hand, the solution is to remove all temptation.
And I had such hopes for you.
“So we’re a go?” Jazzy says, making me realize I’ve missed the conversation.
