I all but shoved people out of my way as I ran to POW!.

POW! is the only decent comic shop in Cardinal City, and my absolute favorite place to be when I’m not at home with Des or in the library. Not to mention, it’s so cool! I was surprised that Mr. Powers even called me for an interview. I had applied to a million and one places in CC before he gave me a ring.

I slammed the door open, and the bell jingled traitorously. I tried to straighten myself out and lower the sound of my wicked embarrassing wheezing as I noticed who was staring at me from the counter.

Colin Powers… I let out a little sigh as he smiled at me. Please, please, PLEASE, don’t have seen me looking like a crazy lady.

“Rushing in again, I see.” He looked as amused as ever. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that this wasn’t the first time he’d seen me and my tardiness. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.” He winked.

Colin’s brief flutter made my heart do the same. He’s the storeowner’s son. For goodness sake, the store is practically named after him! Colin is always incredibly cute—border-lining most times on unbearably sexy—kind, funny, mysterious, and doesn’t even realize I’m a girl. By that, I just mean that in the last year and a half that I’ve been working here, he hasn’t shown any kind of hint that he knows how I feel—which by now, most people would say pathetic and desperate. I prefer to call it hopelessly romantic.

“Thanks,” I said as I placed my bag behind the counter and leaned against the display case with him. “So, what are you working on today? Is it top secret or can I check it out?”

Colin’s brown eyes shifted uncomfortably between me and his sketchbook. After a brief pause, he looked away shyly. “Sure, you can look, Penn.” He started to slide his sketches towards me. “It’s not done yet. It’s kinda just something I’m playing with right now. I’m not sure if I’ll do anything with it truthfully.”

I stared mutely at his unfinished artwork. Colin is super secretive when it comes to his art, but he’s so incredibly talented that I never understood why he tried to hide it from the world. He’s far better than me. I dabble a bit here and there, but he’s like a modern-day Picasso—the only exception being everything he does is proportionate, and not quite as festive. Maybe I should learn the names of more artists…

This particular drawing showed a shadowy figure that seemed to be facing an unknown adversary. Now, whether this guy was good or bad, I couldn’t tell.

“Wow, Colin,” I turned to him. His eyes peeking at me through his shaggy auburn hair. “This is amazing! It almost looks like you’re trying to make your own comic.”

He smiled in this embarrassed way that made him look boyish. “Well, I think I’d like to. Someday…”

“You should definitely do it!” I cheered. “It would be so awesome. I’d be your number one fan. I’d be the first person in line for an autograph.”

I elbowed him lightly as he laughed and took back his sketchpad. “Well, I don’t know about that, but thank you. I’m still trying to work out the kinks and figure out what exactly I am drawing.”

I smiled. “When you figure it out, let me know. I’d love to hear it.” I placed my hand gently on his forearm. “You know I love a good idea.”

“Thanks, Penn.” He began to move away, grabbing his stuff. “I should start heading to class. Have fun. Maybe I’ll see you before the shop closes.”

“Yeah,” I whispered, giving him a wave goodbye. “I hope so.”

*****

I stared around my sanctuary, wondering how anyone could resist coming into this place. POW! had two levels of awesomeness. The first level had wall-to-wall shelves filled with comics separated by brand. It was mainly filled with Marvel and DC, but there were some others like Image, Valiant, and the like. There was also the anime corner filled with TokyoPop, Bandai Entertainment, Viz Media, et cetera. Throughout the room were life-sized images of different characters—my favorite being Sheldon Cooper and the ridiculous face he makes when he smiles—and glass cases filled beautifully with some of our older comics—the ones that were actually worth some major cash.

My personal favorite was the Amazing Fantasy number fifteen—the introduction of Spider-Man. Boy, does that man have wit.

In a corner was a small wooden table and chairs for the authors and artists that made appearances in the store. It usually happened during our annual comic con week. Different authors and artists would come every day. Occasionally, POW! would get someone with a Stan Lee or Alan Moore status. Those were usually the times I became like a child in a candy store and had to be dragged away by Des or Colin—preferably Colin.

On the second level was where the figures, posters, and movies were displayed. There was even a section where people could sit and read the comics and magazines they just got. Customers could sit right in front of the windows that spelled out the store’s name, which were outlined with neon lights.

All-in-all, POW! was one majorly cool place. Sometimes I wondered if the people in CC even really appreciated the jewel that was this store.

Whatever. More greatness for me.