These 22 all-new tales pay tribute to the true heroes-the people who enable and put up with heroes. From what it's like to be Hercules' wife (complete with an appearance by Hercules in drag) to the trials of H.P. Lovecraft's housekeeper, from the perils of being King Kong's girlfriend to the downside of dating a shapeshifter, this anthology turns heroism on its head, revealing the behind-the-scenes drama, as opposed to glorious rescues. From the Pied Piper's power trip to David acting like a giant you-know-what after slaying Goliath, these stories show heroes in all their ignominy and shine a light on the unsung faithful standing in their shadows. Contents:Introduction Denise Little - Geeks bearing gifts Kristine Grayson - The horror in the living room Adrian Nikolas Phoenix - Take my word for it : bad idea Mike Moscoe - Merry maid Jean Rabe - The problem with dating shapeshifters Nina Kiriki Hoffman - Reclaiming his inner ape Terry Hayman - For a few lattes more Annie Reed - Beloved David H. Hendrickson - Inspiration Phaedra M. Weldon - Honey, I'm home Pauline J. Alama - Ballad of the groupie everlasting Robert T. Jeschonek - The quin quart Laura Resnick - How Jack got his self a wife John Alvin Pitts - If the shoe fits Dayle A. Dermatis - Big man's little woman Dory Crowe - Boldly reimagined J. Steven York - Roxane Peter Orullian - A long night in Jabbok (or, Who, exactly, is in charge here?) Janna Silverstein - Love in the time of car alarms Ken Scholes - The problem with metaphors Steven Mohan, Jr. - If I did it Allan Rousselle - Clay feet Kristine Kathryn Rusch -