Romancing the Fangirl

by Ginny Sterling

  * * *

  Katherine happily held Leslie’s purchases as it was now her turn to meet the actor. She watched from a reasonable distance as Leslie was brought up and a photographer moved into place. Snapping a few shots on her cell phone, Katherine was told to put it away. No other photos were to be taken back there other than professional ones. Typical, but she had to at least try. Cell phone pics were free, their photos were costly and she hated the wait it took to see them available for sale online.

  She put her phone back in her purse with a sigh, vowing to get it back out when they were done so she could continue her afternoon looking at everyone and everything. She saw Leslie give him a hug and jump up and down excitedly, her wig falling sideways. Katherine noticed that the man just kindly smiled politely and offered to straighten it up for her. She watched Leslie’s beaming face come running around to switch places with her. It was now Katherine’s turn.

  * * *

  Katherine felt extremely hesitant for some reason. She assumed it was because she didn’t follow the show. Katherine hoped he didn’t ask her about it, but instead took a photo and shooed her off into the crowd politely to get to the next fan. Her pulse was racing and she could almost hear a roar in her ears from anxiety that she didn’t know she had. Why on earth was she nervous? Yes, he was good looking. But in two minutes flat, she would never see him again unless it was on television. That was if she had time to watch the show. Taking a deep breath, she smiled politely and stepped forward to meet the star.

  5

  Alexander Weber had been almost dreading the convention. This was not the first one he had been forced to attend as per his contract, but each one brought on a bout of nerves he didn’t realize he had. It was one thing to shoot a scene in front of twenty people or more, it was another to have hundreds lined up to meet with you. Each one wanting a hug, a mock bite, or an autograph.

  He felt ashamed that it brought on such nerves when he came out to each convention and it was getting easier over time for the small town guy. Alex knew that he was blessed in having been discovered and the career path he was getting to take with his life. It was just a bit overwhelming sometimes for the homebody he was. He was discovered by a talent scout while at the grocery store one day on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. There, to start a new job his friend had gotten him; only to take the position and give his notice two weeks later. The lucrative contract that was offered had ended up being actually official. He had thought it was a joke at the staggering amount of money offered. When it was factual and the agent had called, Alex moved to Santa Monica with a new home, security guards, and a career that exploded into the Hollywood scene. He was thankful and knew that it all rode on his fan base, which is why his contract required him to attend three conventions a year and do photo ops.

  The first convention was quite eye opening and he felt almost “pawed” by a few of the fans. After a quite vigorous groping, Alex was finished and refused to be assaulted. When he explained to his agent, Tom, the man informed him that there were ground rules he could lay down to make sure each visit was a pleasant one for him. Tom also informed him that it was “career suicide” to break a contract that gave him such freedoms.

  Alex’s agent made sure that if he wanted water, it was done. He wanted space from the crowd? Again, it was provided with no strings or questions. If he wanted someone to step in if someone got “handsy”? It was handled quickly and efficiently. Now, there were no meet and greets without extra security in place to escort someone out who got out of line. It was getting better. But each time he walked out in front of a crowd, he still felt like a regular person and was humbled by the ferocity of the fans. These settings reminded him of his new path in life and it alarmed him at times.

  * * *

  Alex watched the twentieth woman dressed as Princess Leia walk up for her photo opportunity. He noticed “Leia” hand off her bags to another woman behind her in line and assumed the female had accompanied her to the convention. The tall woman in the frumpy costume gown had long, smooth, willowy lines to her frame that made her look almost ethereal in the frilly getup she was wearing. Alex caught himself attempting to pay attention to the lively woman in front of him, but instead kept looking out of the corner of his eye at the woman dressed in pastel, waiting.

  She was incredibly pretty but lacked the energy and enthusiasm other fans had displayed. It was quite refreshing and a bit unnerving. Did she hate the show? Was this to be his first negative fan experience? The other actors teased him because he didn’t receive the same volume of hate mail compared to the “bad guy” of Bloodbath. That actor received quite a bit and almost relished in his bad boy persona. That was not Alex’s style. Most fans loved his character and weren’t hesitant to show it. But this was woman was different from others.

  * * *

  Alex saw the brown-haired, diminutive space princess in white head back towards the group and exchange packages with the blonde-haired woman he had been admiring. She had been waiting patiently. He watched her step forward and saw she was suddenly nervous. This reaction he recognized and expected, due to experience. This, he could handle easily. Laying on his most charming smile, he waved her forward to take the photo.

  * * *

  She was different.

  * * *

  This woman did not have the recognition in her eyes that others did. Nor did she have the same drive to grab at him, touch him or pull him into a photo that some of the other women and men had. She looked tentative, almost unsure of herself with a kind smile that seemed to be for him…not the actor.

  Alex was almost taken aback. The surprise must have shown on his face, because he saw the security guard step forward quickly to move into action if needed. Raising his hand and smiling, he wiped the surprise from his face and focused on the woman in front of him.

  She was taller than he had originally thought. She was almost his height. But it wasn’t ungainly at all. She moved with a smooth grace that suited her. The pale complexion of her face was interrupted by large, expressive, dark chocolate eyes that crinkled as she smiled. The peach dress was pretty on her, but looked out of place. She looked just as uncomfortable as she did adorable.

  “Hello, Princess,” he said lightly, teasing at her cosplay outfit. Alex noticed that the crowd seemed to disappear as he looked at her and was surprised as it happened. “What do you like about the show?”

  * * *

  Katherine was surprised to feel her pulse beating a frantic rhythm as she walked up to him for her turn for the photo opportunity. She was nervous and this surprised her. Alexander Weber was even more gorgeous up close and his blue eyes lit up when he smiled.

  * * *

  “Uh, hello,” she replied quickly. “I’ve never watched the show,” she said on a rush and nearly bit her tongue. Stupid answer! You don’t tell a famous actor that you are there to see that you have never watched the show! What’s wrong with you? She thought frantically and continued on, “But I do plan on watching it soon. My friend told me all about it. I am here with her. The Princess Leia you just met.” she said rambling on nervously and looking around. Why am I so jittery?

  Surprised at his honest laugh, she felt a blossom of happiness inside of her that she didn’t realize was missing until now. The timbre of his chuckle sparked a warmth that spread to her fingertips and made her tentative smile match his own grin. He was standing so close to her that she could smell his cologne and see the stubble on his chin. My God that man has a beautiful mouth, she thought suddenly and flushed, looking away from him.

  * * *

  Alex couldn’t help but grin at seeing her cheeks turn red and hoped she hadn’t been offended by his reaction. This was refreshing! “You don’t watch the show, huh? Well, don’t judge me too harshly and remember that it’s all pretend,” he said lightly with a wink. “Let’s get our photo, shall we?” He smiled as he saw her nod of acquiescence.

  * * *

  Photo ops tended to be easily done. Smile, look at
the camera, sign a few items and move to the next person. Occasionally, he would have a fan request a proposal photo with him on one knee or vice versa. Sometimes it was a photo with a mock kiss on the cheek from a safe distance, a request to sit in his lap, or a silly pose overall. Some pictures were fun. Some were downright uncomfortable, hence the need for the security guards. He even had one person request he sing to them. That was a flat “no” and he was chastised by Tom for not singing a couple of lines from a nursery rhyme or some other song. “You give the public what they want,” Tom had chided.

  This woman didn’t know the show, so he was free to improvise.

  “Let’s stir up some excitement with your photo, Princess,” Alex said suddenly, surprising himself. “You know it’s a vampire show, right?” he asked. He watched her nod silently. “Shall we pretend then?” he questioned softly and stepped forward. He wanted to be closer to her and couldn’t pinpoint the reason why.

  * * *

  OMG! What is he doing? Katherine thought wildly and caught her breath as Alexander stepped towards her and slipped a possessive arm around her waist. She felt him pull her towards him. His free hand curled around her neck gently, his thumb on her chin, turning her face away. Katherine closed her eyes and breathed deeply of his scent. She felt the heat of his hands on her. Oh! This is heavenly! and sighed softly at the embrace. His warm body against hers felt so very right.

  * * *

  Leaning towards her, Alexander gently arched her neck as if to bite it like a vampire would. The press would love the shot and, honestly, he couldn’t wait to see the photo himself. Her scent was so delicate and clean. The soft arch of her neck beckoned to him as if he really was a vampire. He didn’t want her blood, but he did want to taste her and resisted licking the delicate hollow of her neck. Instead, he dropped a gentle, lingering kiss at the very base of her neck where it met her creamy shoulder. He could practically feel his body awaken suddenly with need at the gentle embrace as he held her slight frame.

  * * *

  The crowd that had faded into the background for Alex when she stepped forward suddenly roared into action, screaming wildly at the embrace, reminding him where he was. Grimacing, he knew each woman still in line would be wanting the same damned pose now and he just could not do it.

  He stepped out of her arms, frustrated by his lack of forethought, and pulled away as an assistant stepped forward to escort Katherine away from the photo area. Alex turned momentarily back towards the peach-colored vision moving away from him, his eyes drinking her in. “Thank you, Princess,” he said gently and turned to the security guard standing nearby.

  * * *

  Embarrassed at the singular attention and her own reaction to it, Katherine let the assistant rush her off to the side exit in order to join a stunned Leslie who waited, holding the bags. She had never felt such a longing as the one she felt now after she was in Alexander Weber’s arms. She wanted to look back at him but could not. She’d give in to her new blooming crush at home alone with the TV and some ice cream.

  * * *

  Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Katherine turned and saw the security guard from the photo booth. “I didn’t do anything,” she stammered nervously as the large man towered over her intimidatingly. He was huge! The massive guard never broke character, nor made eye contact. Instead, he took out an ink pen and a card, handing it to her. “Mr. Weber would like your phone number,” he said quietly. However, it drew a loud gasp from Leslie who was standing behind her.

  Looking at the small blank card, her mind raced. Did he do this often? Should she actually give him her number? Hands shaking, she wrote her name on the card and her cell number. Seeing the guard nod abruptly, he tucked the card into his shirt pocket and promptly walked off, returning to the crowd.

  * * *

  Katherine felt Leslie tugging at her arm as she continued to stare at the guard’s retreating back as he walked off. She wished she could see if Alexander was watching her right now, but the crowd was too thick. The atmosphere of the convention had changed in the last two minutes from a light, fun event to a jealous atmosphere as women stared at her and made snide remarks under their breaths. Bitterness and jealously, she thought, because they wanted to be in his arms as well.

  “I think it’s time to go, Leslie,” she hinted to Leslie. She was ready to get away from the crowds and needed to process what had just happened. She also couldn’t wait to see the photo of the two of them and was glad she put the photo registration number in her purse because her hands were still shaking.

  * * *

  Leslie stared at Katherine, still not believing what had just happened. She had never seen that look of rapture on Kat’s face, ever. It felt like she had seen them practically make love in front of everyone! Alexander Weber had practically wrapped himself around Katherine as he had held her for the photo and kissed her neck. The camera flashes had gone off and the crowd that had been holding its collective breath at the scene had erupted when he finally kissed her neck. The two had definitely embraced! And now Alexander Weber wanted Kat’s phone number?! This was insane!

  “Yes, I think it’s time. We have got to charge your phone, woman, and figure out some ground rules,” Leslie said, halfway laughing and half-serious. Alexander Weber was interested in Katherine! This could not be bigger news!

  6

  Katherine halfheartedly listened to Leslie on the way back home. She was glad they had left when they did. She had been tired from walking all day, probably still recovering some from work. As she partially paid attention to Leslie’s excited ramblings, she simply wanted to absorb the afternoon’s events. Maybe she was making too much of it all.

  It was a depressing thought to believe that Alexander might treat a lot of women that way when she had felt so very special while she had been in his arms. The thought of being entangled in a relationship or being with a man had been so far from her mind for so very long. Now, suddenly, it was in the forefront and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. She was outside of her realm of expertise! She could sew together bullet wounds, deliver babies and set broken bones. But having a relationship or even talking with a guy on a personal level left her stuttering.

  Forget it, Katherine. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill, as her mother would say. She needed to focus on enjoying her time off and lose herself into work so she wasn’t alone or thinking of the losses she had in her life. Maybe she would pick up a shift instead of taking the three days off so she didn’t have to think about things.

  “… and I think you should cut back on your hours and spend some time talking with Alexander Weber, if he calls,” Leslie coached absently as she steered the car through traffic and dug for change in the cup holder in order to pay the upcoming booth.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening. Besides, I doubt he will call me. He probably does that at every convention looking for a booty call,” Katherine said dejectedly. It was really bothering her thinking that she had been played for a publicity photo. She felt a bit disappointed and thought she was a better judge of character.

  “You just have no confidence, do you? Gimme a quarter, Kat,” Leslie ordered quickly while she rolled down the window on her Ford. Throwing the toll into the unattended booth, she rolled back up the window and sped off. “You need to give yourself a bit of credit, you know? Any guy would be lucky to have you, including Alexander Weber himself,” she retorted.

  “Can we talk about something else instead?” Katherine asked and gave a large sigh. She just wanted to get home and get out of the itchy dress. Maybe have a hot cocoa in her new coffee mug and hide under a blanket for the rest of the afternoon. That definitely sounded like a plan. She invited Leslie to join her, but on the strict condition that they didn’t discuss her lack of relationship with any person, much less having one with an actor.

  Leslie agreed, and Katherine was honestly relieved as well as disappointed. She wanted to review the photos on each other’s iPhone as well as watch the show Bloodbath just t
o see Alexander again. However, both activities would probably lead to discussing the handsome actor. She wondered if Leslie had a chance to sneak a photo and decided not to ask. She was not a rule breaker and since Katherine had been told to put away her phone, she was positive Leslie had as well. Katherine, instead, opted to stay silent. She would buy a set of the Bloodbath DVDs on her own at some point this weekend and, instead, watch a new episode recorded on her DVR with Leslie.

  The two women settled in comfortably at Katherine’s. She made popcorn and they relaxed with hot tea to unwind for the day. She was relieved she was off tonight and had company. It was when Katherine was alone that she felt empty and headed to the hospital simply to fill her time.

  As much as she didn’t want to talk about the encounter with the actor, she couldn’t resist looking at the pictures they had taken of the day. They scrolled through the photos on her phone first, marveling over the details in some of the costumes.

  Every time her phone beeped, alerting Katherine that she had a new email, Leslie would jump in her seat and look pointedly at her. The first time, admittedly, they both jumped, laughing at their reaction to it. Her heart had pounded until she saw it was not actually a text but just a notification. The seventh time it chimed to alert her, not so much.