Julie had helped me get my wardrobe ready for my time on the show, including an all-day shopping event over the weekend. Everyone had to be prepared to be filmed at any time, so I had to keep up my rocker look for the next few weeks. Today I was wearing a long, one-shouldered top over black-and-white-striped leggings and ankle boots. But I was more surprised by what Jared wore; over his black jeans, he had on a T-shirt with the classic Joker and Harley Quinn on it.

“Oh, wow, I love your shirt,” I said.

“Yeah? They’re my favorite Batman villains.”

“Mine too! They’re like the Bonnie and Clyde of comics.” I paused before revealing the next bit since it might cross the line, but I decided to let my geek flag fly. “I’m actually dressing up as Harley Quinn for Comic-Con next month.”

“Really?” he asked, as we moved to a spot near the revolving doors to wait for Kyle and Hector.

“I know, it’s pretty nerdy, but my friend Julie is making all the costumes. She’s going to be Poison Ivy and my other friend Carla is going to be Catwoman.”

“Gotham City’s most dangerous women. I like it.”

“That’s the idea.”

“You know, we’re all going to Comic-Con, too. Maybe I’ll dress up as the Joker.” He winked at me.

That wink was dangerous. It could get a girl in trouble. And was he saying he wanted to go as a couple? Or was I reading too much into that comment? “You’re all going to Comic-Con?”

“Yep. Hector’s going to promote his graphic novel, and he got me a ticket, too. Kyle is going with Alexis, who’s taking photos for the website she works for. I’ve never been before, so I’m excited.”

“We went the last two years. It was amazing.”

I told him about it as we waited for the other guys—waking up at 3 AM to get in line for the biggest panels, eating nothing but pretzel dogs and mini-pizzas for days, the unbelievable number of people crammed into the exhibit hall, plus all the incredible costumes and free swag. Jared listened intently and asked questions, and in return, I asked all about Hector’s graphic novel. Hector had done the artwork, inking, and coloring, but someone he’d met online had written the script. The band really did live up to their geeky name.