I Heart Geeks (4 page)

“The costume lets you be someone else, someone different.” Kit gave her a stern look. “Don’t get too involved.”

Julie sighed. “I know, I know, but I don’t think I can help it. He makes me laugh; he holds doors open for me, and he makes me want to ride him like a cowgirl at a rodeo. He’s just so damned…”

“Perfect?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s not you know.”

“My brain knows that, but my emotions sing the hallelujah chorus each time we touch.” Julie turned her head to look at her roommate. “So how was your day?”

“Pretty good. We’ve rehearsed and I think all the bugs are out of our performance. So, you’ve signed up to do the scavenger hunt?”

“Yeah, it was Adam’s idea. And we’re going to be playing together.”

Kit laughed. “Do you realized what you said?”

Julie frowned. “What?”

“Never mind. So do you have a plan for tomorrow?”

Julie shrugged. “Not really. Probably do the scavenger hunt and then help you with your costumes.”

“So.” Kit paused. “How was it?”

“How was what?”

“The kiss.”

“Mmm,” Julie closed her eyes reliving the press of his mouth. “I give it a nine point seven six.”

“That high? Hmmm who knew he had such a talented mouth.”

“He’s got moves alright.”

“So will you be seeing him after the Con?”

“I’d really like to, but…”

“But what?”

“What if he’s like the Bastard? Or what if he’s not interested?”

Kit’s jaw dropped. “Not interested? From the looks of that lip lock, he wanted to devour you whole. That is
not
the act of an uninterested man.”

Julie hugged her arms around her. “Really?” Giddiness filled her.

“You’re such a dork.” Kit grabbed her computer. “But I bet we could do a quick search for Batlips.”

“Ha. Ha. You’re
so
funny.” Julie got off the bed and rummaged in her suitcase. “While you do that I’m getting ready for bed.” She yawned. “Who knew just walking around in character would be so exhausting?”

Kit snickered. “Told you so.”

Julie headed to the bathroom, reflecting that Kit had indeed warned her how exhausting the Con could be. She’d probably be a zombie by next week, and truthfully, she was probably getting too old for partying all night. But what the hell, she was having fun.

She exited the bathroom and crawled under the covers. “So what did you get?”

“So far not much. His social media use is okay, and there’s nothing negative, so I’d say he’s on the level.” Kit hesitated a moment. “Remember he may not be as awesome as he seems. He could be just like what’s his face and turn into a stalker. Just be careful, okay?”

Julie yawned. “Okay. What is your plan for tomorrow?”

“I’ve got four panels on the list and then prepping for the contest.” Kit got ready for bed and turned out the lights.

Julie woke early and hopped in the shower. Getting into the Catwoman outfit took pulling, wiggling, and cursing; using moves that would pain a contortionist. Once in, she wasn’t getting out of it until late afternoon, when it was time to help Kit.

She sat at the table while waiting for Kit to get out of the shower and looked over the scavenger hunt sheet.
What the heck?
Many of the items were unfamiliar. Who was Wil Wheaton? What was a tricorder? Hopefully, Adam would know what they were. Otherwise they were in trouble.

Kit and Julie left their room, both dressed as their characters, Julie as Catwoman and Kit as Callisto. As they waited for the elevator, Kit took out her phone. “Text me and we’ll do lunch.”

Julie put the reminder in her phone. “Sounds good.”

They hugged and parted ways in the lobby and Julie surveyed the room to see if she could find her arch nemesis.

Batman stepped forward with a list in one hand. “Are you ready, Catwoman?”

Julie put a little extra sway in her hips, gave him her flirty smile. “I’m ready whenever you are Batman. May the best Cat or Bat win.”

His laughter shook his frame and he answered her with a wink.

He held out his arm and when she placed her gloved hand on it, led her to the coffee shop. “What would you like?”

Julie grinned and requested a mocha latte with soy milk and a blueberry muffin. He ordered the same. With breakfast in hand, they began their search. While the event was still crowded, Batman was able to keep Julie’s mind off the ebb and flow of the crowds as people moved around the Con.

“Who is Wil Wheaton and where do we find his cutout?” Julie asked.

Batman stopped and stared. “Could you repeat that? I’m not sure I heard you.”

“Who is Wil Wheaton—” Batman held up a hand stopping the rest of her question. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times. What was wrong with him?

Julie began to feel self-conscious. What did she say? Heat then cold flashed through her entire body. “Um, nevermind.”

“No, no, it’s okay. Wil Wheaton starred in
Star Trek: The Next Generation
. He has a gaming blog and is a guest star on
Big Bang Theory
.”

“Okay. So where do you think his cutout is?”

“Probably around the corner toward the dealer room.”

They saw two cutouts, one of Wil dressed in a uniform. That must be Wesley Crusher. The second one appeared to be his normal self.

“Which one do you want to have a pic with?” Batman asked.

“The non-
Star Trek
one of course.”

“Don’t like the intrepid boy hero?”

“Hell no.” Julie scowled.

“Maybe you should get a picture with your hands around his neck?”

“How purrrfectly entertaining.”

She handed her phone to Adam and walked over to the cutout and placed her hands around the throat. Snarling, she turned toward Adam. He snapped a pic with her phone and then one with his.

“What about you?” she asked.

“I’m going for heroic.”

Julie took both phones and Adam stood in his best heroic pose while Ensign Crusher looked unimpressed. She took the pics with his phone and one with hers, wanting a pic of him for herself.

“That’s it. Who’s next?” Julie handed his phone back to him.

Adam pulled out the list from one of the many pouches on his utility belt. “We’re to find our favorite Avenger.”

“Hmmm, where do you think Emma Peel is hiding?” Julie asked.

Batman looked stumped for a moment. “Emma Peel?” His lips turned down and Julie assumed he was frowning beneath his cowl.

She sighed. “Perhaps with John Steed?”

Adam shook his head. “What?”

Julie put her hands on her hips, arms akimbo. “You know the 1960’s British spy show? The Avengers?”

Understanding lit his gaze. “Oh. Wrong Avengers.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, why?”

Julie pointed “Because I believe Emma Peel and John Steed are right over there.”

Batman turned. “You get one with them and I’ll get one with the superhero Avengers.”

Julie patted his cheek as she passed and walked up to the two. “Excuse me, but could I take a picture with you?”

“Sure,” Emma replied.

They posed with Julie in the middle, her hand in the shape of a claw. Adam gave them a thumbs up when it was taken.

“I say, are you participating in the scavenger hunt?” John Steed asked.

Julie nodded. “And I’m using you as my favorite Avengers.”

“That’s decent of you. May we also get a pic with you and the Caped Crusader?”

Julie nodded. “We’d be purrrrfectly delighted.”

Phones changed hands and pics were taken and uploaded.

“Thanks!” John and Emma waved as they parted ways.

“Okay who is next on the list?” Julie asked.

The morning zoomed by as they covered the floor of the Con multiple times in search of their targets.

At eleven, Julie turned to Adam. “It’s been a wonderful morning, but I’ve got to go, I’m meeting Kit for lunch.”

Adam nodded. “May I join you?”

Julie bit her lip. “While I would say yes, I don’t want to impose on Kit.”

He nodded. “I understand, let’s ask her.”

“Good idea.”

They walked hand in hand to the restaurant where Kit had made reservations for lunch. They found her surrounded by people wanting pictures.

Kit extracted herself. “Catwoman, how lovely to see you!”

Julie hugged Kit back. “You too, Callisto. I do hope you managed to eliminate that do-gooder, Xena?”

“Not yet, but I do have something clever planned. I see you’re still attempting to impress your arch nemesis.”

“Of course, how else can I best him if I don’t keep an eye on him at every moment?”

They both laughed.

Adam bowed and raised Kit’s hand to his lips. “Lovely Callisto, may I beg the honor of dining with you and Catwoman?”

Kit’s eyebrow arched. Oh, how Julie wished she could do that.

“I don’t see why not, perhaps you’ll give up your silly crime-fighting ways and join the villain’s side. After all,
we
have cookies.”

He laughed. “Unlikely, but you and Catwoman are welcome to try and convince me.”

They headed toward the restaurant hostess, when Batman snapped his fingers. “I forgot. I need to get in line to get tickets to the Costume Contest tonight.”

Kit waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it, I have two extra tickets and I’d like you and Catwoman to be my guests.”

“That’s very nice of you Callisto, perhaps there’s hope for you yet?”

Kit shook her head. “I think the odds of you turning into a villain are better than me becoming—” she shuddered “—law-abiding.”

They were shown to their table and the menus were passed around. The restaurant was filling with cosplayers and even though there was plenty of room between the tables, Julie felt closed in. Cold air began to blow on her face from the vent above the table and she was able to take a deep breath, holding the panic at bay.

Kit turned to her. “How was your morning?”

Julie showed off the pics from the scavenger hunt.

“Looks like you got some great pics,” Kit commented.

Once lunch was over, they headed to the lobby. Kit turned to Julie. “I’ve got to get ready for my panel. Don’t forget I’ll need your help this afternoon.”

“I won’t.”

They exchanged a hug. “Good luck at the panel.”

“Thanks.”

Kit blew a kiss to Batman. “Take care of my girl or I’ll be dining on barbecued Batribs.”

“Your darling is safe with me, Callisto.”

Kit winked and walked off.

“Batman!”

They turned as the Boy Wonder hurried to Batman’s side.

“Old Chum! I was wondering when you were going to arrive.” Batman said, clapping a hand on Robin’s shoulder.

Robin grinned. “Sorry, I’m late, Batman. I was in line to get tickets to the Costume Contest tonight, but they were sold out.”

“That’s okay, Old Chum.”

It was then that Robin noticed her. He jumped back into a fighting stance.

“Holy Felonious Feline! What are you doing with this villainous vixen?”

“Easy there Robin, Catwoman was kind enough to accompany me to lunch.”

Behind his mask, Julie saw Robin’s eyes narrow. That glare. She’d seen it before, but where? She’d ask Adam about him later. But for now, perhaps it was better to be on their way.

Julie tapped the list with her claw. “We need to get the last couple of pictures, so if you’ll excuse us, Boy Wonder?”

“I don’t think so Catwoman, I’m coming along to make sure you don’t sink your claws into Batman.”

“But he might enjoy it.” She purred, hiding the rising anger. Who was this idiot?

“Not from you, he won’t.”

“Enough!” Batman stepped between them. He looked at Robin.

“The mark of a true gentleman, Robin, is rising above petty jealousies and being polite to everyone regardless of how we feel about them. I’ve invited Catwoman to accompany me on the scavenger hunt to show her the benefits of remaining a law-abiding citizen.”

“Gosh Batman, you’re right. I’m sorry, Catwoman.”

Julie would have believed the apology if it wouldn’t have been delivered through clenched teeth.

Batman held out his hand for her. “Shall we?”

Julie smiled and placed her hand in his, thankful she was away from Robin.

Adam led her away and Julie hoped they were leaving Robin behind, but her hopes were dashed when he looked over his shoulder and asked. “Coming Old Chum?”

Julie glanced back to see Robin glaring daggers at her.

“Of course, Batman, who else will guard your back against the vicious cat by your side?”

Adam’s arm tensed beneath her hand. “Robin, behave.”

Robin bowed his head, and through clenched teeth, replied. “Of course Batman.”

This was going to be a hellish afternoon.

They were able to find all but the last challenge in a short amount of time.

Batman still hadn’t taken his picture with the Avengers, and so they set out to hunt up the comic book heroes.

Julie was the one who saw them first. “Oh look, Batman, I do believe I see your Avengers, well at least Loki, and what’s his name.”

“Thor?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

She pointed a claw to the windows, and there stood Loki and Thor. She squinted. Hmm for some reason they looked exactly like the movie posters. Which was impossible, right? There was no way the actors would be here, dressed up and playing their parts.

They walked toward the two and when they got close, Batman stopped moving.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“I think that’s really them,” Batman whispered.

“So what’s the problem?”

He turned and she saw the awe and panic in his expression. And she understood the panic. It happened to her every time she met one of her favorite authors. But if she could get over it, so could he. She tightened her grip on his arm and pulled him forward.

“Excuse me Loki and Thor. But I was wondering if I could get a picture with the two of you?”

Loki smiled and came forward, lifting her hand to place a kiss on her fingers.

“It would be our pleasure, Catwoman. As long as we get the same pictures in return?”

“Anything for you, Loki,” Julie couldn’t help fluttering her eyes at him. Devilishly handsome didn’t even begin to describe how dreamy Loki looked. And that accent! She’d melt into a puddle of goo if she hadn’t caught Robin’s sneer.