Nina Cox Must Date

Chapter 3 - Sailor Moon

My throat feels raw, and my eyes are tired. Taylor and I have spoken with many people, and half of the inventory I brought is gone. We've taken notes on those interested in particular toys.

I glance at Taylor as he chats with a group of girls. He doesn't realize how they look at him. He is very attractive, with a million-watt smile. His skin has a sun-kissed tan, and his impossible blue-green eyes stand out. I love how he wears a gray beanie in the winter to control his unruly blond hair.

When he's not helping me at the barn, he works at a computer store doing repairs. I know he doesn't have it easy. He lives independently, but often feels frustrated by the barriers he encounters daily. Recently, we went to a trendy restaurant for lunch, only to discover they only had booths. The hallway was too narrow for him to fit in his chair. I wanted to leave, but he insisted on staying, so he had to hop onto the booth bench while they moved his wheelchair out of the way. I glared at the people who looked at him with pity.

Unfortunately, I've been so busy that I haven't had the chance to check out the rest of the convention. I even had to make a quick run to the bathroom and chug a bottle of juice to avoid fainting. I'm glad I listened to Taylor and brought some protein bars to eat, even if they are somewhat unappetizing. I'm really looking forward to a proper dinner tonight—steak and a potato with tons of butter.

My craving for food is interrupted when a group of guys approaches our table. One of them stares at me, and I hold his gaze, feeling unbothered by it. Elijah and I used to have staring competitions all the time.

"Do you also trace anime figures?" one of the guys asks.

"I do. It isn't my specialty, but I know many collectors. What are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for the Sailor Moon dolls. The five toys that were released in the '90s," he replies, causing the guys with him to snicker.

"They will definitely match your bedspread," his friend says.

"Ha-ha. Very funny. How much do you think those things will cost me?"

I cringe at the idea that this guy has a Sailor Moon-themed bedroom, but decide to keep going anyway. I'm doing well, but of course, I can always use new clients.

"I know which ones you're talking about. They are about eleven inches tall with fabric clothes. I've seen those go for about 200 dollars, and they weren't in mint condition. If you want mint, prepare to pay double. That's excluding my fee, of course."

The guy gulps, and his friends burst out laughing. All but the man who was staring at me are howling with amusement.

"Do you think your mom can raise your allowance?" his friend jokes.

"Fuck off!" he snaps, pushing the guy.

The friends start pushing each other and getting aggressive. I glance at Taylor, who is staring at the fight with wide eyes. Looking around, I see that people have gathered to watch. If this escalates, we're going to have a problem. It's not easy pushing a guy in a chair through a panicking crowd.

The crowd parts, and I spot a furious Evan pushing through with some intimidating-looking security personnel. They separate the men and escort them away.

"Are you okay? Were they giving you trouble?" Evan asks as he approaches me.

"I'm okay. It started with them bickering, and it escalated too quickly," I reply.

"What were they arguing about?"

"Sailor Moon dolls," I say.

Evan looks at me in shock, and his lips slowly form a smile.

"You've got to be kidding me," he says.

"I wish I was."

"Madness! Take care, Nina. You have a dangerous business," he says as he walks away, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Did you make that up? What you just said to Evan?" Taylor asks, trying to maintain a serious expression.

"No, I didn't," I reply, unable to contain my laughter.

Taylor and I burst into laughter, drawing odd looks from those around us. The situation is utterly ridiculous. Eventually, we manage to calm down and avoid looking at each other for the rest of the convention, afraid of another fit of giggles.

After helping a guy locate a Stormtrooper in the remaining boxes and taking an order for several action figures, I notice the man who had been staring at me now standing right in front of me.

"Hello, are you looking for something in particular?" I ask, trying to sound helpful.

"Can you trace anything?" he inquires.

"Yeah, pretty much, as long as it's a toy."

"Good. Can I have your card?"

"Sure," I say, pulling one from under the table and handing it to him. "Emailing is usually best, as I sometimes visit distributors. What are you interested in?"

"Just you. I'll give you a call soon," he replies, giving me a wink.

I'm momentarily frozen and don't realize Evan is standing right in front of me.

"Earth to Nina," he says, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

"Oh, hey," I respond.

"I came to check if you need help breaking down," he says, and Taylor joins us. "I know you're parked next to the door, but after a day like today, I don't know if you want to make multiple trips to bring everything to your van."

"Usually I'd complain, but this time I'm grateful for the help. I'm exhausted. All I want to do is eat and sleep," Taylor admits.

"You and me both," Evan replies. "Unfortunately, I can't leave until this place is empty. I'm glad you guys signed up for this. Those blue bags of yours are unmissable. I saw them everywhere, so I guess you did well. Hopefully, I will see you both next year," he says, shaking our hands.

"You will definitely see us next year," I confirm.

Help arrives soon, and we find we have a lighter load than when we arrived, so we finish the breakdown reasonably quickly. Once we're back at our hotel room, I crash onto the bed, and Taylor does the same.

"What about room service?" I ask.

"Sounds heavenly. Do I have to shower?" Taylor replies.

"No, do I have to?"

"No."

"We are pigs," I say lazily as I pick up the phone to order room service.