Queens of Geek

CHAPTER
1
TAYLOR “THIS IS IT, YOU GUYS,” I SAY AS WE APPROACH.
“EVERYTHING we’ve always dreamed about. This is our Holy Grail.”
Charlie, Jamie, and I stand before it side by side, tears in our eyes as we admire its indescribable beauty.
“Our Disneyland,” Charlie adds, her pink hair blowing slightly in the warm breeze.
Jamie nods as a wide smile spreads across his face. “Our Graceland. I can’t believe we’re actually here.”
We each take in a deep breath. “Are we truly worthy of so much awesome?” I ask. Charlie takes a brave step forward. “Yes. We are.”
When we say it, it’s a whisper, like the name itself is to be cherished: “SupaCon.” We take the final steps toward the building.
Crowds of cosplayers line the entrances. I smile at those who look my way.
We pass Batman posing for a photo with Groot, Jessica Jones walking hand in hand with Michonne, and Goku lining up behind Darth Vader to buy coffee. A little girl dressed as Captain Malcolm Reynolds runs toward a group of Marty McFly cosplayers and asks for a closer look at their hoverboards.
My geeky kindred spirits.
“For years,” I say as we get closer, “we’ve stalked the SupaCon posts of strangers on the other side of the world. And now here we are.”
“Charlie!” A woman with curly blond hair is speed-walking toward us, waving and smiling.
“Oh, hi!” Charlie lights up with excitement and hugs her. She gestures to us. “These are the friends I told you about: Taylor and Jamie. Guys, this is my new manager, Mandy.”
“Hey,” Jamie says with his stellar grin. I nod. “Hi.” “Hey, welcome to SupaCon! How was your flight?” “Long,” Charlie replies. “When did you get here?”
“Yesterday. Had to get a few things organized.” She starts rummaging through her handbag. “I’ve got three passes for you all, but I’m afraid I could only get one VIP pass for you. Your friends will have to stay on the public floors while you do your publicity rounds.”
Charlie’s smile fades, and she glances at Jamie and me apologetically. “Mandy, isn’t there anything you can do? Maybe you could call the studio and tell them these two are my entourage. I need them.”