“Yup.”
We got in so late that I didn’t even notice he’d gone out. He’s definitely a keeper.
Her cheeks warmed. “I’ll, er, take one, then.”
Tim fumbled around under the chair. Gemma could hear the sound of him rummaging through her backpack. “Here’s a water bottle and the pills.”
“Thank you.” She popped the cap off and took two, downing it with some water, then handed the items back to him.
“What’s your pain on a scale of one to ten right now?” he asked in a hushed tone.
“A five. It’s a lot better than it was on the plane.”
He nodded. “If it gets worse, let me know immediately and we’ll head home.”
“Okay.”
He started pushing the chair again. As the pain started to dull to an ache, she relaxed and began to soak in more of the details of those around them. A Star Wars stormtrooper, a Sailor Moon, and a Captain America walked past them, each of their costumes more detailed and impressive than the last. How did these people have the time and resources to put outfits like this together?
“Sleeping Beauty, Batman, great costumes!”
“Thank you,” they called out in unison.
“Maybe next year, I’ll be able to get you to wear a costume that’s a little bolder, like a Catwoman suit, or maybe even Poison Ivy.”
“We’ll see. Just wearing this is a big step for me.”
“And aren’t you glad you did? It makes the experience even more fun.”
Gemma didn’t want to admit he was right, but he was. Changing the subject she asked, “Er?.?.?. which multiverse is Poison Ivy from?”
“Batman. She’s one of his archenemies. Not as much as someone like the Joker, but Ivy is definitely up there.”
She frowned. “Wait a moment?.?.?. Ivy?.?.?. that’s the name of the cat that lives in the comic book store back in Sequoia Valley. Do you think the owner named her after Poison Ivy?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. All cats are evil.”
She leaned back and looked at Tim’s masked face. “They are not.”
“Yes, they are. Every time I get within ten feet of a feline, they try and scratch me or hiss at me.”
She huffed. “I find that hard to believe.”
“Believe it or don’t.” He shrugged. “I’m a sloth person. Not that it matters—I’m not planning to get any pets unless it’s a Chia Pet.”
We’ll see if you change your tune when we visit the animal shelter next week. I bet I can convince you to adopt a cat.Gemma loved dogs, but she’d always grown up with cats. She needed one in her life again. If she adopted one, by default, he’d become a pet guardian too.
As they entered the main exhibitor’s hall, Gemma had to blink several times to soak in just how many different booths there were selling everything from comics and vintage toys to full-on life-sized garden statues of characters. It reminded her of the antique market she sometimes frequented with Suzy. “Wow, there is so much stuff here.”
“I know!” Tim’s voice jumped up an octave.
“Just remember, whatever you buy has to fit in the car.” She sniggered.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Tim suddenly slowed his pace, his head turning from side to side. Gemma could tell he was itching to stop and shop. This was his happy place.
She sighed. “Why don’t you drop me at the booth Hank is running and come find us in an hour.”
Tim hesitated. “Gemma, this is your first convention; I want you to get a little taste of everything. I can shop later.”
