Rescue Me (Justin Bieber Love Story)

Chapter 2

• Erin •

I passed a shaky hand over my eyes. I was so tired. I knocked on Rose's door and stuck my head in. "Hey."

Rose looked up. "Erin, you're even paler now. Go home."

I nodded. "Sorry. Looks like I picked up Alice's bug."

She looked at me, shaking her head. "I doubt the other day helped either." Her voice was sad. "I wish you had told me about your phobia."

I sighed. "It's not something I talk about, Rose. Most people find it funny-they don't understand, so I simply try and deal with it. That's why Alice always goes up first." I paused and took a deep breath. "I didn't think they'd be in the sunniest place in the restaurant. The fuckers usually hide in the dark."

A smile tugged on Rose's lips.

"Anyway, I dropped off some cookies at the fire station this morning, and I thought maybe you could tell Ryan to extend a dinner invitation to, um, Justin? Him and his...girlfriend could come have dinner on me? To say thanks?"

She shook her head. "Justin is single, Erin. Although, I think he'd say yes to dinner-if it was with you."

I shrugged self-consciously. Justin had been larger than life the other day and made a huge impression on me. His low, warm voice had been the only thing to break through the intense panic I was feeling, and cradled in his arms, I had never felt safer. He hadn't made fun of my fear, instead showed me only understanding and kindness. He had been so gentle as he cleaned my hand, yet the look in his eyes when he stared at me in the bathroom, had given me shivers. I was certain if Ryan hadn't interrupted us, he would have kissed me.

And I wanted him to kiss me.

I had been hoping to see him this morning when I dropped off the cookies, but he and the crew were out on a fire alarm. So I had left the cookies with a short note to say thank you, hoping he'd get them when he came back to the station and enjoy them. I had also hoped he might call to say thank you back, but he hadn't. Now I was feeling tired, feverish and my hand was aching terribly; it had been all day and I must have used it too much, because now it felt like it was on fire.

"Go home, Erin."

I nodded. I was so tired and I really needed to lie down.

"I'll call you a cab. You look wiped-I don't think you should drive."

"No, I'll leave my car, but I'm going to walk. The fresh air will help clear my head."

"Call me later. Let me know how you are."

"I will."

The fresh air did feel good; cooling and soothing on my skin. But after only a couple blocks, my legs felt wobbly and I was exhausted. Even though I felt hot, I was shivering. I was grateful when I saw the empty bench at the bus stop. I sat down heavily, grateful to be able to stop walking for a short while.

I'd just rest for a few minutes.

I shut my eyes.

Just a few minutes.

• Justin •

"Bieber! You got a package!"

I jogged over to counter, mystified as to whom would be sending me something.

"Some girl dropped it off." Sam yawned. "Made me promise you'd get it."

"Girl?"

"Yeah, short, pretty, dark hair."

My heart started beating faster. "Did she leave a name?"

"Nah. She put a note in the box, though."