“Crush,” Joe muttered, reading the sign. “I like it.”
I turned to survey the crowd behind us. There were clusters of young guys dressed as memes that I was shocked I recognized, a football player, an incredibly fit Tinker Bell whohadto be freezing in her tiny green dress, a few zombies, an Edward Scissorhands with killer biceps, a bald circus strongman complete with fake dumbbell, the Sanderson sisters fromHocus Pocus, and more.
“He really knows how to draw a crowd,” Carly said, glancing around. “What’s he like?”
I was deciding between “self-absorbed” and “shallow” when Andrew came strolling around the corner clutching a pair of giant scissors, grinning and waving at the crowd like he was a celebrity.
My breath caught. His hair was down, and the Andrew I knew had been transformed into something wilder, like thesexiest dirtbag in a biker gang. The rogue pirate with a heart of gold. The dashing rake who couldn’t be tamed. The smoldering vampire you’d gladly welcome inside. I was desperate to try to hate this side of him, but my body seemed to have other ideas about the way he looked.
“Oof,” Carly said, her eyes widening at the sight of him.“Hello.”
Andrew’s costume didn’t register at first because he was in a black leather vest and tank top paired with jeans. But then I saw the fake fish scale tattoos running down both his arms and the jade pendant hanging from a leather strap around his neck.
“Street wear Aquaman,” I muttered as I realized for the first time just how much he now resembled the superhero. His low-key costume made my tight dress and wig seem silly. I should’ve been dressed to work, like him, not to show off.
“Well, I feel like a dork now,” Joe said, plucking at his blue floral nightgown then glancing back at Andrew.
“Yeah, you shoulddefinitelystart training with him,” Carly said, reaching back to smack her husband’s midsection without looking away from Andrew.
“Hey, folks, we’re going to get started,” Mayor Wilson repeated a few times, clapping his hands and trying to get the crowd’s attention. When everyone finally settled he continued. “I’m excited to welcome all of you to the launch celebration for Wismer’s newest business, Crush.”
A few people hooted and clapped.
“Crush’s owner, Andrew Gibson, is going to say a few words, then we’ll cut the ribbon and begin the party.”
“Thank you, Mayor Wilson.” Andrew shook the mayor’s hand, then stepped into the spotlight. “Hey, everybody!”
His voice rang out strong and clear, like someone had plugged in a microphone to make the crowd stop chattering and take note. The change from the mayor’s low-key vibe to Andrew’s upbeat energy seemed to electrify everyone.
“I can’t tell you howpumpedI am that you’re here with me tonight!”
This time everyone broke into wild applause and cheering.
“I see friends who made the drive up from DC...” He glanced around the crowd. “I see new friends that I’ve made here in Wismer as I got set up...” He scanned everyone until his eyes landed on me and I could’ve sworn he staggered a half step as his eyes raked up my body. It was a moment of connection that sent warmth to my cheeks that I was sure everyone would notice. “Uh, I see, uh... old friends...” He cleared his throat and composed himself. “And monsters and zombies and all sorts of other scary stuff. Huge thanks for being here with me to celebrate, I appreciate each and every one of you. Now let’s cut this ribbon and have some fun!”
I glanced at Carly and Joe and they were both clapping like their candidate had won on election night. Andrew maneuvered behind the ribbon and held the scissors over it, smiling as people snapped photos.
“How is he not freezing?” I asked, trying not to notice the way his arms flexed as he pretended to cut.
“Yeah, it’s not like he has any body fat to keep him warm,” Joe said with awe in his voice.
Carly and I exchanged a glance.
“Looks like I have some competition,” she deadpanned.
Joe met her laughter with a puzzled expression.
“Gimme a countdown,” Andrew yelled at the crowd. “Five... four...”
“Three... two...” everyone joined in.
“One!”
The second the scissors cut through the ribbon the low rumble of drums sounded out as the entire Wismer High School marching band rounded the corner playing a fight riff loudly enough to be heard by the rival school in the next county.
I glanced at Carly and saw Geneva looking panicked in her arms, trying to scale up her body.
“She’s scared, you should get her inside,” I told her, scowling at the noise. “I need to find out how long this is going to last.”
