Ellie approached one of the young women, whose nametag read Desi, at the front table. Ellie held out her hand. “Hi, Desi. I’m Ellie McLeod. I was told to check in here.”
The girl, wearing a nose ring and vivid pink hair, brightened and took the offered hand. “It’s awesome to meet you, Ellie.” She stood. “I’ve been playing Myth Hunter ever since it came out. You have the most kick-ass voice for Nyx.”
“Thank you.” Ellie smiled. “I haven’t played the game yet, but I plan to.”
“You’ll love it.” Desi looked past her. “I take it you’re with Ellie?”
“I’m her bodyguard.” Tucker held out his hand. “Tucker Rawlings.”
“He’s kidding.” Ellie laughed. “I’m not in the big leagues.”
Desi dimpled at Tucker as she took his hand. “She will be. And as pretty as she is, she might need you to beat off all the young geeks.”
Tucker raised a brow, and Ellie laughed.
Desi escorted Ellie to a small table to the left of the main table. A life-sized cutout of Nyx was a few feet behind the chair where Ellie would be sitting. On the table, a sign read, “Meet Ellie McLeod, the voice of Myth Hunter’s Nyx Cox.”
Below that sign was another, listing prices for autographs, from signing personal items as well as on Myth Hunter merchandise, and a cost for selfies. Ellie couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to pay for her autograph, much less a selfie.
Desi brought a small machine that took credit cards. “Doug said you probably wouldn’t be set up yet to accept direct payments, so we’re providing this device for today. In the future, you’ll want to get something for the conventions.” She then handed Ellie a banker’s zippered case. “For any cash.”
Overwhelmed, Ellie mentally shook her head, but thanked Desi.
“Oh, let me grab a couple of water bottles for you and Tucker.” The girl looked at Tucker and pointed to three folded chairs leaning against a wall. “Feel free to take one of the chairs while you ‘guard’ Ellie.”
Tucker touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you, kindly.”
Desi left and returned with two bottles with Zephyr Game Labs labels. “There’s a cooler with more on the other side of the table.” She glanced at her watch. “Doors are opening in ten minutes. Get ready for a crazy day.”
“Ellie.” A male voice she recognized as Doug’s came from outside the booth. She looked up to see a geeky young man approaching her. He held out his hand. “It’s great to meet you in person finally.”
She shook his hand. “Doug, I’d like you to meet my friend, Tucker Rawlings.” She turned to Tucker. “This is Doug Eisenhower, the VP of Zephyr Game Labs.”
After the men shook hands and greeted each other, Doug turned to Ellie. “We’re so glad you’re here for our first game expo featuring Myth Hunter. Rave review after rave review have been coming out for your acting skills—you’re the perfect Nyx Cox.”
“Thank you.” Ellie smiled. “It was a fun project. I appreciate you bringing me onto the team.”
“We’re working on Myth Hunter II and want you to reprise your role.” Doug’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Nyx Cox wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Ellie felt excitement swelling inside her. I appreciate you inviting me here today. I'm not so sure about anyone wanting my autograph, but I’m game.”
“Don’t you worry about that.” Doug brushed aside her doubts. “Game fans are rabid.” He looked over her shoulder. “I see people starting to enter the main doors. Ready. Set. Go.” He flashed her a smile and turned away.
Ellie sat behind the small table while Tucker grabbed a folding chair. Rather than sitting by Ellie, he sat behind her. “I’m going to stay out of your way.”
She was about to tell him she’d like him to join her, but she saw a young man making a beeline straight for her. He pulled a Pop! vinyl Nyx Cox figurine out of his backpack and handed it to her. “Please sign this, Ms. McLeod.”
“Call me Ellie, please.” She took the figurine as the boy placed cash on the tabletop. She hadn’t known there would be Myth Hunter characters in the Pop! line. “I’m going to have to get myself one of these.”
The boy looked nervous. “Can I get a selfie, too?”
“Of course.” She gave him a big smile and got to her feet. He put more cash on the table, then hurried to her and took their selfie beside the life-sized Nyx cutout with his smartphone.
“You have the most amazing voice.” He shoved his phone in his pocket. “Do you do any other games?”
Ellie shook her head. “Myth Hunter is my first. I’ve done anime and other work.”
He awkwardly thanked her and left. Ellie’s jaw nearly dropped when she saw that there was now a line of people ten-deep waiting for her autograph and selfies.
