CHAPTER ONE

Time Square was packed for a quarter ‘til five, and screaming girls seemed to be around every corner I turned, but then again, I had to remember who was on TRL today even if it was for five minutes or so. I rolled my eyes and continued down the main street looking at the shops, debating which ones to go into and which ones to stay away from. Finally one caught my eye, it was just a little shop, but from my shopping experience I knew it had some cute clothes in it.

I walked in to see Melissa working the counter. Out of all the employees there she was my favorite, just because she was honest and very knowledgeable, that and she wasn't afraid of conversation. She was with someone when I walked in so I just waved and headed over to a rack of sweaters that had caught my eye from the window. Shopping for Riss was so much fun, then again when I thought about it shopping for anyone but me was fun. I smiled when I came across a black sweater that said 'ANGEL' on it in the rack I was thumbing through. The silver letters were snow capped which totally added to the whole reason why I was shopping for her in the first place. I looked down at the bags that I had placed at my feet and sighed. "Man I spoil this girl.” I giggled silently to myself as I pulled the sweater off the rack in her size and slid it over my arm.

"Hey Michelle. Weren't you in here just a few days ago?"

I turned to see Melissa standing to the side of me. "Yeah but that was for me. Now I am shopping for my friend who is flying in from Florida."

"Neat is she going to go with you to Denver?"

"Yeah. I can't wait to go. I really need a vacation."

"Sure you do.” she said with a laugh. "Well girl I would love to stay and talk but I have so much stuff to do. Let me know if you need help though. Okay."

"Will do. Thanks girlie."

"Oh you are more then welcome. You have got to let me see what you get her too."

"You bet." I said as she took off to help some other people who were having a hissy fit in the fitting room. "Geesh I hate stupid people sometimes." I sighed under my breath as Melissa was trying to tell them something about not taking tags off or something along those lines. I held up the sweater admiring it again when I heard a deep voice behind me.

"That sweater seems to fit you because you look like an Angel to me."

I turned around to see a man standing in front of me. He was wearing a baseball cap low over his eyes, a pair of khaki pants, and a black tight shirt that showed off his well physic. I couldn't help but laugh. "You have got to be kidding me. That was the corniest pick up line I have ever heard.”

He laughed to. "I am sorry. I didn't have much time to think of anything else."

I smiled at him. I had to admit he looked pretty hot. "That's ok. You are the only one who thinks I'm an Angel but to tell you the truth I am far from it."

"Is that so?”

"Yep, just ask my friends. They can tell you. I am such a bitch it isn't funny."

"That is hard for me to believe. You don't seem like one to me."

"You just don't know better." I said as I picked up my bags and headed to another rack of clothes. He happened to follow me.

"My name is Alex."

I looked at him and smiled. "Hi, I'm Michelle."

He smiled back then grabbed a shirt off of the rack. "Michelle can I ask you something? Does this make me look fat?"

I couldn't help but to bust out laughing. "Actually Alex, it is a nice color for you. It brings out your eyes."

 He laughed and put it back. "So why all the bags? Are you on vacation?”

I laughed again. "No. I live in New York. My friend is flying in tonight from Florida, and I know for a fact that she doesn't have any warm clothes." I said, as I looked at some more clothes on the racks. I decided just to get the sweater and call it a day.

"Hey that doesn't look like any warm clothes to me.”  He said while pointing at a bag that had a wall scroll in it.

"That could be because it isn't." I said laughing.

"Oh really. And what could it be then.”

 "A wall scroll of her favorite guy." I said smiling. "I had to give her a little something extra you know."

"Do you mind if I see?”

"No not at all." I said as I pulled it out and opened it revealing a ceiling to floor wall scroll of Howie Dorough.

"She's a BSB fan?"

"Are you kidding we both are. She loves Howie so when I found this I had to get it."

He laughed. "Who's your favorite if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all. I like AJ and Nick. They are my babies." I laughed as I told him and put the wall scroll back into the bag. This guy must think I am nuts. I already knew who it was I was talking to. "So I know you aren't surprised to hear that you are another girl's favorite."

"No not... hey how'd you know?"

I laughed as I started to pick up my bags so I could pay for the sweater and head home. "Please. I am not as dumb as I look Alex. The first thing that tipped me off was the pick up line."

He laughed and took some of my bags. "Well hey I got to meet a nice girl off of that pick up line, no matter how corny it sounded."

I laughed as I walked up to the register and handed Melissa my things. "This is it Michelle. My you didn't find anything else. This is a shocker."

"It is, is it?"

 I laughed. "Yes Alex. This is one of my favorite stores, but I didn't really find anything that I thought Riss would like. Maybe next time Melissa." I said as I handed her my credit card then signed my receipt. Alex followed me out of the store to a bench where we sat and talked some more.

* * * *

"It's about time Nick, what were you doing sleeping?

"No. Just lying on the bed trying to sleep. What do you want?"

“Kristen made dinner reservations for seven and it’s already five-thirty. We need you to go find AJ. He's been gone since we got out of TRL."

"Kev why not let somebody else do it. I don't want to go anywhere, let alone dinner."

"Nick you ARE going. So go find AJ." He said as he tossed the keys for the rental car at me and walked away. I groaned as I slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed a baseball hat and headed out to find AJ. I knew he was most likely still in Time Square so that is where I headed hoping it wasn't as packed as earlier and that he would be easy to find. I so wanted to go and fight Kevin on going to dinner but I knew I wouldn't get out of it so it was useless to try. It was always a losing battle with Kev about things that his mind was set on. I climbed into the rental car and headed on my way.

By the time I reached Time Square it was already a little after six. I sighed as I parked the car and got out. I pulled my jacket to me as a nice breeze started to blow. By my guess, New York was going to see snow sometime soon. I fixed my baseball cap to where no one could see my eyes and began my search. While walking I noticed two people sitting on a bench talking and laughing. As I got closer I could see that it was AJ and that he was obviously macking with some girl. I rolled my eyes. I honestly didn’t know how he could do it. As I got closer I could hear that they were talking about something about her moving from Florida. I must say she was a smart chick, I hate Florida, and the only thing good there is the ocean if you ask me.

“Yeah, I moved out of there as fast as I could. I wanted to move north so here I am. “, She said with a giggle.

“Don’t you miss the warm weather?”

“Man AJ you can be so stupid at times.” I thought as she began to answer.

“Yes and no. I miss my friends and the beach most of all, but the warm weather I can so do without. I love the cool crisp weather more.”

I must say she caught my attention with that statement. I looked at her and instantly wanted to know more about her. Don’t ask me why I just did. I envied AJ at that moment because I wanted what he had, the ability to learn about and talk to this girl.

“Hey J.” I said nonchalantly as I finally reached them.

“Nick?” he asked as he looked at me.

“Yeah it’s me. I am being made against my will to come get you. Kristen made dinner reservations for all of us, and Kev sent me to go find you. We need to get going.”

“Well then I guess I’ll head home. It was nice talking to you Alex. Hopefully we’ll meet again. Bye guys.” She said as she picked up her bags and started to head away. I don’t know what I was thinking but what I said next I think took us all by surprise.

“Why don’t you come with us? I am sure Kevin wouldn’t mind.” Boy did I know that sentence was dead wrong. Kev would have a cow about us bringing her along.

“Yeah why don’t you? You said your friend’s plane doesn’t land until close to ten anyway. So come join us for dinner.” AJ said agreeing with me. I smiled while we waited for her answer.

“Well I guess I could, though I have to go home and change and put these bags away.”

“That’s not a problem. We can drive you there, you can change then we can be on our way.”

“Nick’s right. The others will love you. I know it. Please.” AJ said while putting on the worse puppy dog- face I have ever seen him do, but I have to admit it worked.

“Fine just stop with the face.” She said giggling.

I smiled, probably the first true smile in a while. Both AJ and I reached out and took her bags though she protested all the way. “Guys I CAN carry my own bags you know. I have all day now.”

“Nonsense.” I said as we walked to the rent-a-car.

“Fine then I get shotgun” She yelled as she ran and grabbed the door handle before AJ could say anything.

“Not fair!” he yelled at her.

“It is to. You’re just slow.” She said laughing.

I couldn’t help but laugh too. She had beaten AJ at his own game. “AJ just let her sit up front.”

AJ pouted but gave in and sat in the back. “By the way, Nick, this is Michelle.”

“Hi Nick”, she said as she waved at me.

“Hello Michelle.” I said as I started the car and headed to Michelle’s apartment with her help.

* * * *

When we got to my apartment the guys again wouldn’t let me take any of my bags. I just sighed and let them do what they wanted to do. I figured it was useless to try and fight them on it. I opened the door and walked in. “Sorry about the mess guys. I wasn’t really expecting company.” I said as I turned on the light. The house was sort of cleaned but there were still some clothes lying around and some dishes in the sink.

“Please, this is probably the cleanest house I have ever been in.” AJ said as he put the bags down in front of the couch like I had pointed for them to do.

“Yeah, J’s house is never this clean.” Nick said while laughing following AJ’s lead.

“Nick I wouldn’t talk. I’ve heard you are just as bad as J when it comes to cleaning.” I shot at him while I went into the kitchen and looked at the answer machine. There were four messages but I figured they could wait until I got back from dinner. I walked back into the living room where the guys were looking at the posters of themselves that I had framed and hung up. “Sorry I should have warned you guys. I have you all through the house.”

AJ laughed. “I see you even paid to have us framed.”

Nick just looked in awe. “You have every single poster we ever put out.”

“Yeah. I have to admit, that’s my downfall. My mom swears that I am your guy’s biggest fan.”

“Were you there for TRL today?” Nick asked.

“No I despise TRL, especially Carson. So I didn’t go or watch it. Besides, I had other things I had to do today."

AJ laughed again. “You are too much Michelle. You are the first person I know who actually would say that out loud about the man.”

“Please I would say it to his face. If you only knew the plans I had for some people if I were to ever meet them, you two would probably faint.” Nick gave me a puzzled look so I decided to explain myself. “Take Carson for example. He had no right bringing up Willa today when you guys were on the show. He just did that for one, publicity, and two, to get you aggravated. Which I know must have worked either way. Personally I think the ass deserves the bitch.”

AJ again busted up laughing. I just smiled. “So you see, you guys most likely would not have wanted me there, because with my big mouth I would have said something to him.”

Nick chuckled which made me feel better. He was really upset, I could see it and I don’t know why but I could swear I could feel it. He was majorly depressed and I really wanted to know why but I figured I wouldn’t be nosy, which for me, is hard not to be. “So Nick, what should I wear to dinner? You never did tell me or J for that matter where we were going.”

“Oh, Kristen made dinner reservations at some place that was semiformal from what I gathered.” Nick said. “Kev didn’t really tell me.”

I laughed and headed to my bedroom to change. “Ok give me a few, I will be right out.”  I picked out a short black dress that fell right above my knees. It was spaghetti strapped and was tight in the bodice but flowed out a little once it hit my hips. The back was open, which I loved. This was my favorite dress I owned. I did my hair to where it was half up and half down. It fell to the middle of my back so it looked nice but not to fancy. I put on some make-up and began to analyze the situation I was in. I have to admit to myself, I was very nervous about this. When is it that you get to meet two people from your favorite group, then get the chance to meet the rest, plus have dinner with them all in one day. I put on some high heels then started to get a small purse ready for the evening. I couldn’t help but wonder what the guys were talking about in the next room over where I left them.

* * * *

“You didn’t tell me she was a fan AJ.” I said totally amazed by her apartment.

“You never asked.” He said while making himself comfortable on the couch.

“Do you believe she would have said something to Carson about when he asked about Mandah and me?”

“Actually Nick, I believe she would have. Just like I can see her beating the shit out of Amanda for everything that has happened.”

I just looked at him. “You have GOT to be joking.”

He shook his head. “Nope. I know she would if she got the chance. That is the way she is. She doesn’t take things lightly, especially when it comes to us. She told me that herself.  She also told me she has a friend that is just like her.  Can you believe that one?”

I shook my head as I sat down across from him in a chair. “She is something else. She seems fun to be around. You know, kinda, sorta, different.”

AJ laughed. “You’re telling me. She actually told me I was corny.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that one. “But J you are. I have been telling you that for years now.”

We both heard the bedroom door open and our attention snapped up to Michelle. I couldn’t help but get knocked off my feet. She was gorgeous. Her dress showed off her hourglass figure and her auburn hair was done to where it added to the dress. She was just….. gorgeous.

“Well guys, I am ready when you are. I have everything I need so if need be I can just take a cab from dinner to the airport to get Riss.”

I smiled and opened the door as we walked out. “Well let’s go I can already hear Kevin complaining now.”

AJ laughed. “Nick that is nothing new and you know that. That man complains about anything and everything.”

Michelle giggled. “What’s so funny missy?” I asked while I looked over at her beings she was sitting in the passenger seat.

“Just that I can see Kevin complaining when you two tell him that there is an unexpected dinner guest. What do you mean you invited a fan!” she added in a tough man type of voice that sent us all laughing hysterically.

“I could so see him doing that too.” AJ chimed in laughing the entire time.

I couldn’t help but laugh too. “You know he is gonna say something along those lines, right AJ.”

“I know. We are definitely gonna hear it because it’s already six and you said that Kristen made the reservations for what, seven?”

“Yeah that is right,” I said as I parked the rental car in front of the hotel while the bellhop let Michelle out. I handed him the keys and we headed into the lobby. Sure enough as I thought, Kevin, Kristen, Brian, Leighanne, and Howie were waiting in the lobby for us. Michelle all of a sudden got real quiet and walked behind us. AJ walked right up to the group like nothing was wrong.

“Hey guys.”

“Nick! It’s already a quarter after six. Where the hell did you find him? Hurry up and get dressed. We have to get going.” Kevin boomed as I walked up.

* * * *

I walked behind the guys knowing that Kevin wasn’t going to be pleasant right off of the bat. I just sighed and looked at the ground. Luckily I easily hid behind Nick’s six-foot stature. AJ just went and jumped right in with Kevin. I knew Nick didn’t really want to go and was hoping that Kevin would let him off of the hook. Kevin did the complete opposite of what Nick was obviously hoping for. He totally went haywire when Nick finally made it to him about where we were, or more like where they were. I was beginning to think that this was a bad idea. I should have just stayed home.

“For your information Kevin, I was in Time Square talking to a very attractive young woman.” AJ defended himself. I felt my cheeks get warm when he said that I was attractive. I knew that was a fluke of his opinion and that I would have to tell him that later.

“AJ are you CRAZY!”

“I’d like to think so sometimes.” He answered him. I could tell by the sound in his voice he was smiling. “Oh and she is here. She is going to join us for dinner.”

“No AJ you just didn’t do this to me” I thought. I just wanted to leave.

“Nick is he for real?” Brian asked.

Nick nodded his head then reached behind him and grabbed my arm pulling me out of my hiding spot. I looked up at the guys and smiled. I just wanted to run. Kevin really didn’t look too happy.

“Great AJ. Just invite every girl you meet on the street why don’t you. I swear it’s like you don’t think!”

I just looked at the floor. I knew I shouldn’t have come. Why is it that I always put myself in bad predicaments? I never can just live a normal life, than again has my life ever been normal?

“Kevin chill. She is very nice.” Nick said in my defense. I looked at him and he took my hand and squeezed it softly. “This is Michelle, and if you are going to make me go to dinner then she is coming with us.”

Kevin rolled his eyes. “Fine. Go get dressed. We have to leave soon.”

As AJ and Nick turned to go up to their rooms I shot a panic looked at them. Nick leaned down and whispered in my ear. “It’s ok. He’s not so bad. Be down soon, ok.”

I just nodded. I didn’t have much choice. I watched them go to the elevator and get in. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Brian standing next to me.

“I am so sorry for what Kevin said. He blows up like that when people are late. So how’d did you run into the peanut gallery?”

“I uh… I met AJ in a store. He used a cheesy pick up line, then we were talking and that is when Nick showed up. They invited me to dinner so I came, but now I don’t think it was such a good idea. Maybe I should just go home.” I said hoping to get my way and get away from Kevin. I hated when people just thought that I was some teenybopper that would tear them up to shreds if they let me.

“No way. You are here now and you are coming to dinner.”

“Brian is right. Kevin can be a grouch sometimes and I am sorry that he said that to AJ about you. I’m Kristen.” A blonde haired woman said to me. She had short curly hair and was very pretty. I recognized her from magazines.

“Michelle.” I said as I shook her hand. Leighanne came over behind Brian.

“Hi Michelle. I’m Leighanne. Don’t let gramps over there ruin your evening. He’ll get over it.” She said with a smile.

“Thanks.” I said as I looked back at the ground.

“Believe me he will hear it later on tonight.” Kristen said.

Leighanne and Kristen went over to where Kevin was to talk to him about what he said. Brian took the opportunity to talk to me so he lifted my chin so I would look at him. “I have to thank you.”

“For what?” I was completely confused.

“Well I have to say that the smile Nick had on his face was one that I haven’t seen in about two weeks. I don’t know what is going on but I have a feeling that it has to do with you and I want to thank you.”

“I don’t understand but ok, you’re welcome.” I smiled back at Brian.

“Ok can we please go? I am hungry.”

“Nice entrance Alex. How do plan on getting a girl’s attention when you make your presence known like that.” I said as I spun around and looked at him. Brian just laughed.

“Hey you lost your chance sweetheart.” He shot back.

“No I chose not to jump at that corny pick up line that you threw at me. I need to teach you some moves, you’re getting a little rusty.” I said with a smile.

“Ouch honey that was deep.” He said with a pout on his face. I couldn’t help but stick my tongue out at him.

“Well you brought it on yourself Mr. McLean.” By this time everyone was around us again and laughing at our childish banter. “AJ stop pouting. It doesn’t suit you.”

“AJ I think that you met your match here.” Leighanne said with a laugh.

“I must agree. She is way too feisty for you.” Brian added.

Nick laughed and everyone looked at him like they hadn’t heard him laugh in ages. Brian looked at me and mouthed ‘Thank-you’.

“Ok let’s go guys.” Kristen said as she looked at us all. “I do want to eat sometime tonight.”

“A woman after my own heart. Thank you Kris.” AJ said.

We all headed out to the two cars that we had to take and went on our way. Kevin, Kristen, Brian, and Leighanne went in one car while AJ, Howie, Nick, and I went in another. Two men climbed in each car too and I assumed that they were bodyguards. I shook my head a little as I wondered if Marissa would believe me when I told her about this or not. I wasn’t even sure if I believed it myself and it was happening to me.

* * * *

The car ride to the restaurant was a little to long for my liking. I began to wonder where Kristen made the reservations. I watched Michelle stare out the window as we drove down the highway. I looked in the back seat at AJ and Howie and saw that they were busy in conversation. I sighed and leaned over to Michelle to talk.

“Whatcha thinking about?” I asked.

“Huh!?” she looked at me. “Nothing really. Just wondering if this is all a dream or not.”

I laughed a little. “No darling, this is all real.”

She smiled at me. “Man, I guess today must have been my lucky day or something.”

“What makes you say that?” I asked, my curiosity taking over.

She leaned in to where she was sort of leaning on me, “Well, first off, I got to meet my two favorite guys from my favorite group, then, I got a wonderful dinner invitation from them, causing me to meet the rest of their group.” She finished with a smile.

I couldn’t help but smile at her. She had the most beautiful smile that I had ever seen and I must admit it was quite contagious.  All of a sudden I jumped; I looked down to notice she poked me in my side. “So Mister what are you thinking about?” she asked still smiling.

I sighed; I really didn’t know what I was thinking about, all I knew was I was actually having a good time. She poked me again.

“Well I’m waiting.”

“I…uh… I don’t really know what I am thinking about just that I know I am having a good time.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

She laughed. “We haven’t even done anything yet.”

I reached down and took her hand in mine lightly hoping she wouldn’t pull away. She didn’t which made me feel even better. “Actually just being with you right now is helping.”

She smiled. “Thank you Nickolas.”

Normally having somebody call me by my real name bothered me, but Michelle said it differently and I actually liked hearing it. We talked and laughed the rest of the way to the restaurant not paying attention to anyone else in the car.

* * * *

Howie and AJ were deep into conversation when Nick leaned over to Michelle and struck one up. AJ lightly tapped Howie on the shoulder. “Hey look.” He said while pointing at Nick.

“Is he really smiling and laughing?”

“Yeah. I can’t believe it. Nick actually looks happy. I mean ever since Jill left with no warning I couldn’t get him to even smile.”

“So did you really try to pick her up J?”

“Yeah. I thought she was really attractive and I saw her in a pair of jeans and a sweater.” AJ replied sheepishly.

Howie laughed. “Yeah and look at her now. I mean she is basically drop dead gorgeous.”

AJ shot Howie a dirty look. “Do you not think I haven’t noticed?”

“Geesh I am sorry dude. Don’t get so defensive.”

AJ just sighed. “I’m sorry man but I really wanted to try and have a relationship with her.” He looked up at Nick and Michelle and saw them laughing. “But Nick and her look really happy talking. I hope that it works out for them.”

“AJ if it is meant to be it will happen. Just go with the flow right now.”

“I know. It is obvious that he is digging her.”

“I have to agree with you on that one there, but he doesn’t look like he is going to rush into anything which is surprising for him.”

“Maybe for once he is being smart. I mean all of his other relationships he rushed into them and look where they got him.”

Howie was about to reply when the car stopped. “It’s about time we get here.” AJ added as Nick opened the door and climbed out. AJ let Michelle get out first then jumped out behind her. After Howie was out they went to where Kevin and the others were waiting.  They were lead in by Charlie, which was a host that Michelle knew.  Nick looked at Michelle curious to know how she knew the host.

“I have eaten here before. Charlie was my host then too.” She answered hoping they wouldn’t press her about it. She had a secret that she wasn’t ready to share with them.

* * * *

Dinner was going very well. I was thoroughly enjoying this and was glad that AJ met Michelle. We were all talking and having a good time. Kevin actually apologized for what he said earlier to AJ about her. Kristen just winked and smiled at her when he did so. I guess Kris had a stern talking to him on the way here about it. I have to admit this place was really nice. Out of all the times I have been to New York I never remember eating here. When we were seated I made sure to sit next to Michelle, obviously AJ had the same idea because he sat on the other side of her. The seating arrangement went, me, Michelle, AJ, Brian, then on the other side of the table continuing in a circle, Leighanne, who ended up sitting right across from Bri, Kristen, Kevin, and then Howie.

“So Michelle what is it you do?” Kevin asked.

I looked over at Michelle to see her face was one of complete shock. I don’t think she was expecting that question to arise. I swear leave it to Kev to put somebody on the spot.

“I… uh… “She stuttered over her words.

 I reached under the table and squeezed her hand telling her she didn’t have to answer him if she didn’t want to. I couldn’t believe that he could do that to somebody.

“It doesn’t matter what she does Kevin.” Brian shot at him. Leave it to Brian to stick up for someone.

“I was just curious.” Kevin said looking at Michelle.

I looked at her to see she was looking at the table. “May I be excused for a moment?” She said very abruptly pushing her chair back and standing up. I watched her walk away then glared at Kevin.

“Smooth move slick.”

“Nick calm down. I am sure she just went to the ladies room or something.” Lee said.

“I don’t think so. She seems to be a little upset.”

“Upset!? Howie, I think she is a little more then upset. I really hope you didn’t make her leave. I swear I will never go anywhere with you again if you did.” I said trying not to let the fact that I was upset be heard; though I don’t think I did a very good job of hiding it.

“Nick calm down. Give her a few minutes and we’ll see what happens.” AJ said trying to calm me down a bit. I sighed and nodded. I didn’t have any other choice but wait. I stared at my plate hoping she didn’t walk out those front doors leaving me here alone.

The other guys were wrapped up in conversation that they really didn’t notice how much time had occurred from the time Michelle left to what time it was now. I glanced at my watch again, it read 8:15, and she left the table at 8:05. I couldn’t help but start to get a little fidgety.

“Nick, you ok hun?” Lee asked, as she looked at me shift in my chair for what was probably the millionth time in the past ten minutes.

“Yeah, it’s just that it’s been ten minutes and Michelle isn’t back….” I was cut off when I heard laughter heading for our table. I looked up to see Michelle walking back with a little girl in tote. She must have been no older then ten years old.

“Hey guys. I want you to meet my new friend Alisha; she is a big fan and was wondering if you could give her some autographs.” The little girl clung to Michelle’s hand for dear life.

I looked at Michelle and smiled. “I don’t have a problem with that.”

AJ laughed and motioned for the girl to come near him. She hesitated then looked at Michelle who nodded for her to go. The little girl bounded past me and over to AJ. He whispered something in her ear and she laughed and nodded. After about five minutes of talking to her and signing autographs, her mother came up to get her. She thanked us and started to head towards the door but not before she stopped and talked to Michelle. The mother hugged Michelle, whispered something to her, and then headed on her way. Michelle then turned and looked at us.

“I am sooo sorry guys. I know you just want to eat a normal dinner but you just made a very sick little girl’s dream come true.” She said smiling. We just looked at her in disbelief as she sat back down at the table.

“What do you mean Michelle?” Kevin asked.

“That little girl has a rare disease and is slowly dying. I ran into her sister in the ladies room. We just happened to get talking and she told me about her sister and how much of a fan she was. I told her to let me talk to her so I went and got her and brought her over. I figured that since I could make her dream come true I would.”

I was in complete shock. I didn’t know what to say. I don’t think any of the other guys did either. I think it was a mixture of what was just said about the little girl and how unselfish Michelle really was. I really wanted to know more about her at that moment then I had the entire night.

“It’s ok. I am sure none of us mind. Especially now that we know it was a dream of a special little girl. Thank you Michelle, for doing what you did.” Brian said. Everyone else at the table nodded in agreement. We went through the rest of dinner and desert talking and laughing. We all seemed to have had a very good night and I really didn’t want it to end.

* * * *

When Kevin asked me what I did for a living, I didn’t know how to answer him. I knew that the question was going to come up but I wasn’t ready to tell them. I tried to find the words to tell them but all I ended up doing was stuttering over myself. I felt Nick take my hand and give it a little squeeze. I figured he was trying to tell me that I didn’t have to answer Kev if I didn’t want to. I let out a little sigh that no one noticed and looked at my plate. I couldn’t help but feel a little ashamed that I couldn’t tell them. Here they were being nice and letting me into their lives and I couldn’t even tell them this one little thing.

“It doesn’t matter what she does Kevin.” Brian shot at him. Leave it to Brian to stick up for someone, though it didn’t matter.

“I was just curious.” Kevin said. I knew he was looking at me.

“May I be excused for a moment?” I said abruptly pushing my chair back and standing up. I just walked away from the table without getting an answer from them. I didn’t want one because no matter what they said I was going to get up and walk away.

I just walked until I was in front of the ladies room. I sighed and went in. I just looked at myself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe I couldn’t tell them. It wasn’t like they were going to get mad about it. Why couldn’t I tell them? I guess it was because they didn’t know who I was, either that or they didn’t notice and that made my life seem just a tad bit normal. I sighed again. I didn’t know what to do. I knew that the moment I would go back out there they would ask why I left like that and then the question would arise again and I would have to face the music. I laughed at that thought.

“Face the music Michelle. Geesh, you do that everyday.” I said.

“OMG! You…you’re Star!!” I turned to see a girl that couldn’t be any older then sixteen standing there with her purse on the floor with everything spilled out of it.

I walked up to her and started to help her pick everything up off of the floor. I smiled at her as she snapped out of her trance and started to help me. “Yes I am. Please calm down a little honey, I don’t need the whole restaurant to know that I am here.”

She laughed. “I am so sorry. It’s just that I didn’t expect to see anyone famous here like my parents kept telling me and my sister.”

I stood up and handed her back her purse. “Don’t ever underestimate who you will run into. That is something that I learned today as well.”

“Really?” she asked while looking at me

.

“Yeah. I ran into someone whom never in my lifetime did I think I would meet. I am actually here with him and his friends having dinner.” I said while she stood there still in shock.

“Who…. Who are you here with?”

“The Backstreet Boys.” I answered her while turning to the mirror to fix my hair.

“Really!? OMG. My sister is dying to meet them.” She said ecstatically.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Who are you dying to meet?” I couldn’t help but ask. I was curious.

“You actually. I can’t believe I am having a conversation with Star. I must be dreaming.”

I laughed. “Actually I asked myself that earlier this evening and Nick told me no so you must not be dreaming.”

“I saw you in concert. I love your music. I can relate with all of your songs. I know you must get this a lot but can I please have your autograph. I promise I won’t say anything to anybody here. I promise.”

I laughed. “It’s ok honey. What is your name?” I asked while she handed me a little pad of paper that was in her purse along with a pen.

“It’s Allison. I still can’t believe that I am standing in the bathroom of Shapiro’s talking to Star.”

I smiled at her. “Well Allison you are. Tell you what, since you got to meet the person you were dying to meet how about we let your sister’s dream come true too.”

She gasped. “No way you would do that for her. I have to thank you so much if you would. We just have to go talk to my mom first, but I think she would let you.”

“Well let’s go.” I said as I headed for the bathroom door. She bounded out of it in front of me. We talked all the way to her table, which was on the other side from where the guys and I were sitting.

When we reached Allison’s table her mother looked at us like we were crazy.

“Allison Davis, where have you been? I know it doesn’t take you five minutes to use the restroom.”

“I am sorry mother, but I ran into someone and I brought her to you to meet. Mom this is Star.”

Her mother’s mouth dropped as she looked at me. “I am so sorry. I didn’t even recognize you.”

I smiled and giggled. “With out the star over my right eye who would. My name is Michelle and since I made Allison’s wish come true tonight I decided I would do the same to her sister. I was wondering if I could borrow her to meet five people who she is dying to meet.”

Her mother’s eyes went wide again and she was speechless. “I…uh… I don’t know about that sweetie.”

“Martha, let Michelle do this. You know Alisha might not live to see another one of their concerts and it’s her wish.”

I looked at them confused.

“My sister has a rare disease and she is slowly dying. All she wants is to meet the Backstreet Boys. “Allison filled me in.

“Mom I couldn’t… Allison where have you been… OMG it’s….”

I placed my finger over my mouth and she quieted down. “You must be Alisha.” I said as I leaned down to her level. She nodded at me not knowing what to do. “How old are you sweetie?”

“I’m twelve.” She answered. She was really short for a twelve year old; I could have sworn she was nine or ten.

I smiled and signed a napkin for her. “Well this is an autograph for you, but I am gonna steal you away from your table for a few minutes. Is that ok.”

She looked at the others to see if it was ok. Her mother nodded. “I guess it is. Why though?”

“I have a surprise waiting for you over there.” I said pointing across the restaurant to where my table was.

“We are paying now so I will get you when we are ready to go ok.” Her mother said. Alisha nodded and took my hand has we headed back to where I was seated.

When we reached the table I saw that Nick was worried about where I was. He was shifting in his chair as if he was debating whether to run after me or not. Alisha gasped, as we got closer to the table.

“Is that my surprise?” she whispered and stopped walking.

“Yes it is.” I said as she smiled at me.

“Thank you so much Star.” She said as tears filled her eyes.

“Call me Michelle sweetie and you are more then welcome.” I said as I wiped a tear off of her cheek. “Let’s go meet them.” I said as we continued back to the table.

“Hey guys. I want you to meet my new friend Alisha; she is a big fan and was wondering if you could give her some autographs.”