The Sloth Zone, page 20
“And now we’ve hopped across the pond and are back in sunny Los Angeles.” Gemma yawned. “This has indeed been one for the books. I’m exhausted thinking about it.”
“You’re the real star, Gem. How are you holding up? If it were anyone else, they’d be resting in bed.”
Gemma had elected to have her labrum repaired the Friday Tim’s spring break had begun. Being an early release day meant it worked out well for both of them. Since it was an outpatient procedure, Tim had dropped her off on his way to school and picked up her on the way home.
She blinked her eyes lazily. “Everything today is pretty sore.” Tim opened his mouth. “But before you say anything . . .” She glanced over her shoulder, “I’m not willing to spend the day in the hotel. I want us to keep sailing full steam ahead. We need to put every spare moment of your spring break to good use.”
“I’ll say we’ve more than done that.” Tim stopped pushing the chair momentarily. “Do you need some meds? You didn’t take any when you woke up.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m tired of them playing games with my stomach. I’m an athlete; I can handle the discomfort.”
“If you change your mind, I have some ibuprofen in my bag. Dr. Zhang thought you might need some over-the-counter stuff just in case. I picked some up at the airport store.”
“You did?” She cocked her head to the side. Tim’s mask made it difficult to read his expression.
“Yup.”
We got in so late that I didn’t even notice he’d gone out. He’s definitely a keeper.
Her cheeks warmed. “I’ll, er, take one, then.”
Tim fumbled around under the chair. Gemma could hear the sound of him rummaging through her backpack. “Here’s a water bottle and the pills.”
“Thank you.” She popped the cap off and took two, downing it with some water, then handed the items back to him.
“What’s your pain on a scale of one to ten right now?” he asked in a hushed tone.
“A five. It’s a lot better than it was on the plane.”
He nodded. “If it gets worse, let me know immediately and we’ll head home.”
“Okay.”
He started pushing the chair again. As the pain started to dull to an ache, she relaxed and began to soak in more of the details of those around them. A Star Wars stormtrooper, a Sailor Moon, and a Captain America walked past them, each of their costumes more detailed and impressive than the last. How did these people have the time and resources to put outfits like this together?
“Sleeping Beauty, Batman, great costumes!”
“Thank you,” they called out in unison.
“Maybe next year, I’ll be able to get you to wear a costume that’s a little bolder, like a Catwoman suit, or maybe even Poison Ivy.”
“We’ll see. Just wearing this is a big step for me.”
“And aren’t you glad you did? It makes the experience even more fun.”
Gemma didn’t want to admit he was right, but he was. Changing the subject she asked, “Er . . . which multiverse is Poison Ivy from?”
“Batman. She’s one of his archenemies. Not as much as someone like the Joker, but Ivy is definitely up there.”
She frowned. “Wait a moment . . . Ivy . . . that’s the name of the cat that lives in the comic book store back in Sequoia Valley. Do you think the owner named her after Poison Ivy?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. All cats are evil.”
She leaned back and looked at Tim’s masked face. “They are not.”
“Yes, they are. Every time I get within ten feet of a feline, they try and scratch me or hiss at me.”
She huffed. “I find that hard to believe.”
“Believe it or don’t.” He shrugged. “I’m a sloth person. Not that it matters—I’m not planning to get any pets unless it’s a Chia Pet.”
We’ll see if you change your tune when we visit the animal shelter next week. I bet I can convince you to adopt a cat. Gemma loved dogs, but she’d always grown up with cats. She needed one in her life again. If she adopted one, by default, he’d become a pet guardian too.
As they entered the main exhibitor’s hall, Gemma had to blink several times to soak in just how many different booths there were selling everything from comics and vintage toys to full-on life-sized garden statues of characters. It reminded her of the antique market she sometimes frequented with Suzy. “Wow, there is so much stuff here.”
“I know!” Tim’s voice jumped up an octave.
“Just remember, whatever you buy has to fit in the car.” She sniggered.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Tim suddenly slowed his pace, his head turning from side to side. Gemma could tell he was itching to stop and shop. This was his happy place.
She sighed. “Why don’t you drop me at the booth Hank is running and come find us in an hour.”
Tim hesitated. “Gemma, this is your first convention; I want you to get a little taste of everything. I can shop later.”
She pressed her lips together. “Tim, we have all day to poke around. It would be more efficient if you got your shopping out of the way now. Plus, I haven’t seen Hank in a few weeks; it would be nice to catch up with him.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
As if she were riding in the Batmobile itself, Tim flew down the aisles at lightning speed to one of the largest vendor booths. Hank waved to them. “Hey Tim, Gemma. If it isn’t two of my best customers,” he joked. “It’s good to see you guys.”
“Hey Hank. Right back at you. Looks like a good turnout this year,” Tim said.
“It definitely is.”
“Is your lovely wife around?” Gemma asked.
“She’ll be here later with our grandkids. They’re spending the morning at Universal Studios.”
“Sounds like fun.”
A customer called for Hank’s attention. “I’ll be right back,” he said.
She brushed Tim’s arm. “You can set me over there. Then go shop.”
Tim set her next to a box of T-shirts with various telly show logos. After promising he wouldn’t be more than an hour, her boyfriend pecked her on the cheek, then power walked down the aisle, his cape flying wildly behind him. She grinned. The shapely, formfitting costume was a good look on his powerful frame. Maybe she should ask him to model some of his costumes around his cabin.
She thought about just how quickly the last few months had flown by. So much had happened. She’d moved to a cabin in Sequoia Valley, had settled into life as a coach, and had fallen deeper in love with Tim. Although it hadn’t always been easy, she was finally beginning to find her stride. Fernando would soon be moving to the area too.
At the start of the new year, Dreams on Ice had begun to find ways of getting rid of its more veteran skaters. Gemma had counted herself lucky to have escaped when she did. News eventually broke that DOI had been acquired by the tech company Wilde Enterprises. Their website announced that DOI was going to be rebranded to be more relevant and more in tune with current trends in the market.
Gemma, Frankie, Fernando, and Mel lamented that it was the end of the family-friendly company they’d once known. With all the large lawsuits being tossed at the company for how they’d handled letting the skaters go, Gemma doubted it would survive the year.
“Sorry about that Gemma,” Hank said as he straightened a box of comics. “Did Tim rush off already?”
“He did. I could tell he was chomping at the bit to get out there and see what was for offer at different shops.”
“I hope the kid doesn’t overspend.” Hank chuckled. “Last year, he dropped three grand on a collection of limited-edition Star Wars light sabers, and he doesn’t even care for Star Wars. I ended up buying them from him for the shop. He gets it in his head that something is limited edition and suddenly he has to have it.”
“Oh no.” Gemma giggled. “He promised he wouldn’t go too crazy.”
“If you think that’s bad, you should hear about one of my customers who’s crazy for dinosaurs.”
“Dinosaurs?”
“Oh yes. His name is Lucas and we met at a Jurassic Park convention a couple years back.”
* * *
Later that afternoon, after enjoying a panel with some of the actors slated to be in a remake of a popular spy film, Gemma and Tim sat outside enjoying a snack.
“I meant to ask you earlier, did you have a good haul? You only came back to the booth with two bags.” She licked the top of her strawberry soft serve.
“It was all right. I picked up a couple of comics and a Sloth bust of that character from Zootopia for the garden at your place.” His shoulders hunched. “The selection was a little disappointing this year.”
“Were you looking for anything in particular?”
“Not really. I mean, I’m always on the hunt for vintage Batman books, but most of the good ones are outside my price range. I try to keep my big-ticket purchases under five grand. I keep hoping that someday I’ll get lucky and find something that was produced early, like a number-ten comic, in lousy condition. I’d be happy just to have a rare book in my collection. I wouldn’t have to worry about treating it with kid gloves. I’d actually be able to read it and enjoy it.”
Gemma’s lips twitched. “And what would you say about number one or two?”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen anytime soon.” Tim laughed sarcastically. “One of those costs as much as a house.”
Sitting taller in her seat, she gestured to her backpack. “I know your birthday isn’t until next week, but there’s something I want you to have.”
“Gem, you didn’t have to get me anything. Just you being here at the convention with me is plenty.”
“I didn’t buy it. Your gift kind of just fell into my hands.” She pointed to the big zip pocket. “Just make sure your hands are clean before you open it.”
Tim finished his ice cream, then excused himself to go wash his hands. Gemma sat giddy, excited for what was to come. She’d been waiting for just the right moment to surprise him, carrying around the comic in her bag for the last few months.
When he returned, he set his Batman mask on the table and retrieved a package wrapped in sparkly red Christmas paper. He raised an eyebrow.
“What? I had a lot of paper left over.” She had her hand behind her back with her fingers crossed.
Tim’s hands made quick work ripping off the paper. As he peeled back the wrapping, he inhaled sharply and leaned forward. “No way! Batman number two?!” He turned it over in his hands, his fingers stroking the edges. “This has to be a grade seven! I mean this is . . . this is . . .”
“A good gift?”
“Better than good.” His head snapped up. “It’s better than anything I’ve ever received. Where? How?” His voice came out strained.
Warmth spread throughout her body. “Thank Hank.” Gemma explained how she’d received it all those months ago after looking for a gift for him.
“I don’t believe it.” He laughed.
“Gemma, you are amazing. I mean you could’ve sold this and made a huge profit, but you didn’t.”
“A gut instinct told me that it was intended for you, and I knew you had to have it. I just didn’t know when that time would be.”
He leaned forward in his seat and kissed her. “I’m so lucky you’ve come into my life.”
“And I’m lucky you’re in mine, too.”
“I have something small for you, too.”
She wondered what exactly he could be carrying. His suit was formfitting. There were no pockets. Was the item in her backpack? As he reached down into his boot, she realized he had a small, zippered compartment.
Oh, that’s where he keeps his ID, credit cards, and phone. I’d wondered about that.
Pulling out a small black velvet box, he placed it on the table and slid it to her. “Open it.”
Her heart began to race. “Tim?”
“Open it,” he repeated.
Her hands closed around the velvet. Inside was a dainty gold necklace with a Celtic knot charm.
“Tim, it’s beautiful.” She carefully took it out of the case and placed it around her neck. “Thank you so much.”
His lips twitched. “Mom helped me do a little research about Celtic jewelry. This particular knot is supposed to signify growth. I thought it was perfect to symbolize just how far we’ve come as a couple.”
Gemma touched the knot and squeezed it in her hands. “This is perfect.”
“I love you, Gemma, and I hope that with time, I’ll continue to fall even deeper and more madly in love with you than I already am. Not that I need an occasion to give you gifts, but happy seven-month anniversary.”
“Happy seven-month anniversary to you, too. I love you,” she whispered.
As they kissed again under the golden sun, Gemma imagined a bright future for the pair of them built on love, laughter, and happiness. Oh, and maybe filled with a sloth or two, too. Life couldn’t get any more brilliant than this.
Bonus Content
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Acknowledgments
Writing a book is by no means a singular process and there are many, many people working behind the scenes who have helped to bring Tim and Gemma’s story to life that I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards.
First, I’d like to thank my amazing editor and friend Joanne Lui. A year ago, you inspired me to write a figure skating book because we were tired of seeing stories with so many of the same age old cliches. I never imagined that Frankie’s story would grow to become a full series! Thank you so much for not only your brilliant editing work, but also for letting me bounce ideas off of you, and for opening my eyes to the world of exhibition baseball. I truly could not have done it without you.
To Brooke Gilbert. What can I say, you are another person that I am so very proud to call a friend. You’re always there to provide me encouragement, especially on a particularly difficult day. Without your proding, I never would’ve been brave enough to take on designing my own covers. Thank you so much for all that you’ve done.
To Charity, thank you so much for your keen eyes. You are my proofreader extraordinaire!
To all of the teachers who have shaped who I am, thank you. Although you have each been wonderful, I’d like to single out two individuals in particular—my 6th grade English/History teacher, Mrs. S, and my 10th grade World History teacher, Mr. K. You two have been the single greatest influences on my life and are the reason I am pursing an advanced degree in history. I know there are countless other students you have inspired over the years too. On behalf of everyone whose walked through your classroom doors, thank you.
To all of the teachers around the world, I’d like to express my gratitude toward you all. It takes a special person to become a teacher and in my opinion, you are all among the hardest working people in the world. Society tends to undervalue and underappreciate you, but I want you to know that I see you! Coming from a family of educators, I know exactly what goes into teaching. You are real-life superheroes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
To the Savannah Bananas baseball team thank you for revolutionizing how the game of baseball is played. Your dedication to your fans has not gone unnoticed.
Lastly, to my family and friends, thank you all for your continued support as I continue my writing journey. This last year has been tough and I am so thankful that you are there to remind me that being an author is a marathon journey. Not a sprint. I could not do what I do without you.
To my wonderful treasured community of readers, thank you for your support. It means the absolute world to me that you are there and enjoy my work. I literally would not be here if it wasn’t for you.
About the Author
Tomi has been dreaming up stories since she was a little girl. Her first published novel, Dancing With a Royal, made its debut in 2020. She currently writes sweet, feel-good romance novels.
Outside of her day job and attending graduate school, Tomi enjoys figure skating, watching HGTV, and traveling. She also enjoys hunting year-round for new pumpkin flavored foods to sample. Her current favorite item are pumpkin spice flavored milano cookies.
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Also by Tomi Tabb
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BOOKS BY TOMI:
The Skaters of Sequoia Valley
-The Rules of the Rink
-The Sloth Zone
