“You’ll have to queue like everybody else,” he said with a smug face.?
“Well, Mr. Security,” I said, trying for charm and missing by a mile, “I’m just here to see his manager, so if you’ll excuse me…” I winced. I sounded like a total Karen. I tried to push past, but he blocked me with all the self-importance of a hall monitor on a power trip.
Now people were staring. Fantastic.
Otis tugged on my sleeve.?
Mr. Security was clearly living for this. He tapped the earpiece like we were in some kind of low-budget spy movie. “Nighthawk here, we have a code three.”
“Oh, come on.” I groaned. “I just need to hand her this and then I’ll be out of everyone’s way.”
“Yeah, sure. One more step and I’ll have to escort you out, young lady.”
“Young lady?” My voice pitched higher. “I could’ve babysat you, you little shi?—”
He moved to tap the ear piece again.
“Fine,” I snapped. “Fine, I’ll behave.”
I turned and stormed back toward the line, trying to reclaim our spot—only to be met with scowls. One guy even adjusted a foam sword like he meant business. I clenched my fists and stomped all the way to the very end of the now-much-longerline. Otis opened his mouth, but I cut off hisI told you sowith a single glare.
I glanced across the vendor stalls. Maybe I could knock them all down with Thor’s Hammer—currently on sale for $29.99.
We waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Several times, I nearly bolted. I just needed to hand over the manuscript, give my little speech, and explain why I’d missed the deadline. Tell Emily how hard I’d worked, how little I’d slept, and how much this meant to me. Then I’d leave. Without ever even glancing at John.
Smooth. Confident.
I basically invented fake it ’til you make it.?
Only two people left in front of us. The current person at the table was gushing some version ofOMG I’m your biggest fan, blah blah blah.
Otis was throwing moony eyes at a guy dressed as Legolas.?
One more person.?
I rolled and unrolled the manuscript in my hands, annoyingly aware of my chipped red nail polish.Keeping a safe distance from the cosplayer ahead of me to avoid getting smacked by his tail, I craned my neck for a better look.
My stomach dropped.
The seat next to John Kater was empty.
What the?—?
Someone shoved my side. It was Otis, looking wide-eyed between me and the author. The author who grimaced at me—a look somewhere between a fake smile and…what the hell was her problem?
We were next, and I was frozen to the spot.?
I swallowed. “Where did she go?” I pointed at the now-empty chair beside him.
John Kater’s smooth brows lifted.?“Emily had to leave,” he murmured, voice low and velvety.
“Now?” My voice, on the other hand, bordered on hysteria.
