I leaned on the desk and sighed. Another summer day wasted at work. Sun was shining trough big glassy windows, making little shop extremely hot. Some teenagers had popped up before lunch but no one had stepped in since that. Who would like to shop clothes on a day like that when you tried to get rid of as many as you could? I would have rather been on beach, getting some tan on my scarily white skin. Soon it would be September and I hadn't made any crazy summer memories yet.

I scanned the shop - empty - and started to read a paper. There was a small side news about Nick of Backstreet Boys getting into fight in a nightclub. Couldn't they ever come up with something new? I felt jealousy growing inside of me. Just day before I had been on the station saying goodbye to girls who left to the city where Boys were at that time. They left me standing alone. I couldn't go because of my job. And my boss didn't give me any days off, no matter how hard I tried. Girls had promised to call me and soon they probably would. I'd hear about their day, if they've seen Boys or not and what plans they had for the evening. I would close the shop at 7 pm, then go buy some food and get home to watch MTV or maybe a movie. If I would have any energy left to stop at the video rentals.

Lazy air floated all over me and I wallowed in self-pity. I noticed that someone ran on the street. It was just a flash in front of my eyes. I wondered why any one wanted to run around in a weather like that. People passing the shop were usually dragging their feet and refreshing themselves in various ways. Everyone was wearing as little as possible, and still clothes stack to skin. I turned my fan louder but even if it blew my hair, I couldn't feel any change in temperature.

Then I saw another girl not running but rushing on the street. I tried to listen, maybe there would be a fire or something. But it was completely silent, just the normal noise of the street. Then third girl passed the shop. I noticed that she was wearing very cool shirt, maybe one of ours. But then there went fourth girl, fifth, sixth and then a whole herd. I went to the door and tried to see if anything unusual was going on but all I could see were dozens of girls running on the street. Had I missed information of city marathon or something?

I shrugged and decided to go back in. It was just a bit cooler there. I turned another page of the paper and read an interview of Britney Spears. I showed my tongue at her picture; there was a lady who looked pretty good when being sweaty. Glance at the mirror confirmed that I didn't. I was just about to rip Britney's picture off the paper and shred it when someone came in. I looked up but then he was already behind me and desk crouching.
-Um... Can I help you? I asked and looked down.
-Just tell them I'm not here.
He looked up and then I recognized him. I didn't have time to make a scene because next thing I knew were dozen girls running into shop.
-Is he here?
-Who? I tried to play innocent.
-Brian. Brian! Is Brian here?
They screamed and looked everywhere.
-Who's Brian?
One girl stopped in front of me and the desk. I could feel Brian pressing my toes for silence.
-Brian Littrell! Brian from the Backstreet Boys! We saw him just few minutes ago and now he's missing. Oh my God, I can't believe I saw Brian!!!
Girl looked like she was about to faint. Well, I couldn't believe that Brian was on my feet.
-I haven't seen him, I said to girl.
-Are you sure?
-Yeah. This place has been totally dead.
She didn't know to believe me or not but then someone shouted:
-He's not here. He must be in the next place. Wait.
Her cell phone rang.
-Christina saw him in the square. Let's go!
Fast they came, faster they went. I scanned the shop - messy - and then looked down.
-You can stand up now.
-Are you sure?
I looked out. Scene was same than fifteen minutes before, dead.
-Yeah. I'm sure.
He stood up and stretched out.
-I thought it was safe to move around here incognito.
-It wasn't? I asked and knew that I sounded terribly stupid. 50 fans running after you isn't that safe.
-I don't know how they knew I was here, Brian said ignoring my question. I was grateful.
-I guess they have their ways.
-Anyway, thank you for saving my ass.
He smiled widely. He did look pretty good even sweaty.
-I would save your pretty ass anytime, I said and blushed right after. Brian laughed loudly.
-So you know who I am?
I shrugged and picked up some shirts girls running around had dropped. He came to me and offered his hand.
-Brian Littrell.
-Maya Corson.
We shook hands. Then I started to fold those shirts.
-What are you doing in when it's such a great day?
-What do you think? I asked. -I work here.
-Oh. So what do you sell?
-Look around. Clothes.
-Are these for teenagers or something?
-Yeah.
-Nice age to serve, aren't they?
-Actually most of them are very polite. I guess they like me.
-I like you too, he said and I turned to see him. Smile on his face told me that he was just joking, making small talk, trying to get something out of me. But I didn't know what to do. I mean there he was, Brian, my ultimate favorite Backstreet Boy but I couldn't start to cry or scream because that obviously wasn't what he wanted. But what did he want? I continued organizing the shop. He looked at some of the clothes.
-You know, I think I shouldn't return out there in these same clothes. Half of the city already knows what I'm wearing.
-What's your point?
-You are pretty straight up girl, aren't you? OK. I want you to pick me some clothes so that I wouldn't look like, well you know, me.
-What about these?
I showed him one very wide pants.
-But not like fifteen years old either. Can you find something for me?
-OK. I try.

-Which one of these is your favorite? Brian asked when I showed some t-shirts for him.
-Red one, for a girl. But for a guy I guess that green one would be best.
-This one?
Brian pointed at the shirt.
-I'll try it out. You know, I like these shorts, he said and went back to fitting booth. I had chosen him khaki shorts and a hat same color.
-You should try that red one on! he yelled to me.
-I can't! I replied.
-Why not? You work here?
-Because I've tried it on like 2000 times but I don't have money to buy it.
-Why's that?
-I'm saving up for going to Wien.
-Oh, cool. Maybe you should try it on anyway.
I crunched my face. Brian peeked between the curtains.
-Please? I would like to see you in it.
His smile was very flirty.
-Any other clothes you fancy?
I nodded.
-Try those too. Choose your dream outfit. Considering the weather of course.
I didn't ask why, just grabbed the clothes and went to another fitting booth.

-Ready?
-Set.
-Go!
We stepped out from our booths at the same time.
-Wow, Brian said and I whirled in front of him. -Couldn't tell we're wearing the same t-shirt.
-Come on, it looks good on you too.
-Does it?
Brian turned to see himself from the mirror. I didn't want to confess that I had enjoyed him more when he wasn't wearing any shirt.
-I don't look like me at all, he said.
-Isn't that good?
-It's perfect, he laughed. -Now I can go out and no one will recognize me.
-Yeah, you can.
I couldn't help sadness creeping to my voice. I mean, wasn't spending almost an hour with Brian enough? And I got to see him without shirt. But still... Feeling of losing him right there and then, it was unbearable. Next day it would feel just like a dream. And no one would ever believe he'd been there. No one.
-So how do you like your outfit?
-It's ok.
-Just ok? Just ok?
He coaxed me to smile and he succeed.
-I love it, I said shyly.
-Good! Now let me pay.
He gave me the price tags and I scanned those.
-Then yours, he said when I told him total.
-Mine what?
But he had already gone around the desk and trying to get tags out of my clothes.
-Oh no, I laughed because he tickled me. -Not mine... Oh no, not mine...
His fingers were in back of my neck and I wriggled.
-Here! he was victorious and showed me tag that was in two pieces. -Now, where do they put those on skirts...?
But before he had time to lay hands on me again, I had took it off.
-Are you sure about this? I asked before red line read the codes of the tags.
-I'm so sure you can't imagine. But are you ready to go?

I looked back to the door. Big CLOSED-sign shined far. Brian made it.
-I can't believe I just did that.
He looked at me and grinned. -I'm quite bad boy.
I punched him. -You are. What do you think my boss is gonna say when she finds out that I've shutted her little precious shop hours before it was meant to happen?
-But you tried to call her, Brian reminded.
-Yeah, to tell her that I'm sick. Which isn't true.
-She doesn't have to know that. Come on girl, let's have fun! You know this town, what can we do in here?
-In a weather like this?
It had started to wind a little, but it was still hot.
-We've dressed properly, haven't we? Brian asked and I had to agree. We looked good in our new outfits. -So where are you gonna take me?

I hadn't known so we just kept walking ahead until we came to the sea. Brian looked around for a while, looking thoughtful.
-You take care of this, he said and gave me pile of bills. -Me speaking could reveal my identity.
-What do you want me to do?
-Rent us a boat.

Not just any boat. Biggest and coolest you could find from that harbor. We told captain to take us out to sea. We sat on the deck and I showed him places that we passed by. City looked really good from that angle and heat was bearable, because wind blowed more on the sea. It was luxus. Unfortunately we had managed to rent that boat only for two hours before it was supposed to take some honorable guests to the next town.
-Oh, so I'm not that important? Brian asked making me laugh. He obviously enjoyed chance of being just regular tourist. -Are you hungry? Do you think we can go to some restaurant?
-Why not? We just have to choose one where you don't have to take your hat off.
-And I wouldn't! I love this.
-Thank God you're not like AJ or Nick.
-Why? You don't like them?
-I do. Just that hiding their tattoos in this weather would have been painful.
-You're right. You know that I have a tattoo too?
-You do?
-Sure. Wanna see?
Before I knew what to answer he revealed certain part of his body and showed his tattoo. -You like it?
I nodded. -It's cool.
-So are you. Where are we going to eat? Not McDonald's please.

It wasn't McDonald's. Just an average lunch place which that late hours of afternoon was half empty. Food was good though.
-Do you got a tattoo?
-Yes, I answered.
-Let me see!
-I can't.
He smiled at me naughty. -You can't?
-Well, not here, I said and blushed. -Somewhere more private.
-And what would that be?
-Wanna go to swim?
-Great idea! You know, Maya, you're the best guide I ever had.
That made me feel really good. We decided to skip desert in order to buy Brian swim trunks.

-You know what makes me sad? I asked when we were walking back on the streets with our stomach's full.
-What could possibly make you sad on a day like this?
-Well, for one thing, it's going to end eventually.
I saw him getting little irritated.
-And it's not a bad thing. I mean, I could spend eternity with you, I think, but it's just that no one will believe you really were here.
-You think?
-I'm positive.
-No, about that you could spend eternity with me. You think?
-I don't know you that well, I said and I really meant it.
-You're smart girl. I would have never got to think that. But you know what we do?
-What?
-We go there!

-Ouch! Do you really have to sit like that?
-Sorry, I tried to move. -You know there's not a lot space in here.
-Shut up and put the coins in.
I leaned forward and Brian made noises telling that he was in pain.
-These are only meant for one at the time, I defended myself. -Besides, it was your idea!
-I know, I know, Brian stammered. -Can you sit still?
I tried. When first flash lighted, he stack his fingers between my ribs making me jumping up at least twelve inches and scream like a baby. To him it was funny. I gave it back to him taking his hand up to my lips as I was about to kiss it and then bite it. He cursed in a way you wouldn't think Brian's able to.
When we waited for our pictures, I noticed that looks started to gather on us. And when Brian yelled loudly seeing our pics, I decided it was time to go.
-Where are you dragging me to? Look at these photos! No one will believe that it was you and me. Look! There's your belly and my fingers. And what's that?
I glanced the picture. -It's your butt.
-My butt? How is that possible?
-Don't ask me. But I think you're butt needs some swim trunks.
-Oh. Yes.

I wrapped the towel tighter around me. Beach was almost private and I had went bushes to take off my clothes. I had taken advantage of the situation and while Brian tried to find swim trunks that fit - I mean how hard can it be? - I went to another booth to change. But there on the beach I felt myself shy.
-This is great. I mean no one in sight! Except those few people over there, but I can't see that far. So they can't see us either.
I looked at him.
-Is that what you came up with?
-You don't fancy?
-Are you serious?
Brian had obviously taken a lot of effort finding the most discusting trunks in the whole store. And was happy to show those.
-No I'm not. So where's your tattoo?
Before I had time to react he was hanging on my towel. I hadn't any special reason to fight back but I did. I kept holding on my towel, so did he. We ran small circle on the beach, he even stumbled.
-You dirty little bastard, he said lying on his stomach. -Now my trunks are full of sand!
I went to stand in front of him and let my towel drop on his face.
-So you wanted to see my tattoo?
When he got towel out of his eyes, I was already on the water. He jumped up, ran to the water. But then he stopped, stood there for a while and looked back to the beach.
-Coming? I challenged him.
-Didn't anyone tell you that water is cold?
-Oh don't be such a baby, I yelled at him and started to float. Next thing I knew was Brian trying to drown me.
-Drowning, I'm drowning! I snorted. Brian started to hum the melody and kept splashing the water.
-Stop it, I ordered. -Someone's gonna think you're really in trouble and come help you out. Is that you want?
-Can't we have any fun?
I splashed some water on his face.
-Okay, okay. Now can I see your tattoo? he asked.
-You can see it all the time, I said. I had turned on my back and was floating again.
-I can? No I can't. Where is it?
-In my right leg.
-You're right leg. Where?
He took my leg into his arms making my floating extremely hard.
-Let go of me!
-Where is it? It's not in your ankle. Or in your knee.
-It's higher, I confessed because I was almost drowning - this time for real. Finally Brian spotted it. My tattoo is little crab in my inner thigh.
-Oh so cute. Can I?
Head under water I could feel his finger touching it. It wasn't in too private area but it still gave me chills. Soon after that Brian let go of me and I got my head back up. He looked at me.
-Maya. You're a great girl, you know?
I smirked and started to swim to the shore. His words were so clear signal.

In silence we aparted and went to different bushes to dress up. He was already waiting for me when I got back to the beach. He looked out to the sea. The day was turning into a very warm night. In few hours city lights would start to shine and music would fill the streets. People would sit on terraces, meeting friends, having a glass of wine, talking about heat, going in between sheets sweaty, skin attached to another. But he would have to go.
-So where can I drop you?
He turned to see me and I could see gratitude in his eyes. It wasn't easy but I forced myself to smile.
-I almost forgot, he said and searched for something. He took a camera out of his bag. -Tadaa!
I raised an eyebrow to him. -Do you think we're gonna do any better with that? Or does it have a timer?
-You never took pictures of yourself? Come here girl.
I went to him, he threw his arm around me, put his head on my shoulder, lifted the camera in front of our eyes and snapped a picture.

That wasn't the only one. On our way to the place where unevitable would happen we took pictures in different places. On bridges, on the street, we even asked someone to take few pictures of us to make sure that at least some would come out right.
Too soon we were there. Brian turned to see me. He handed me the camera.
-You take this. Send me some of those. Not the worst one. I have a wife to think!
He tried to laugh but I couldn't even smile. I was sad and tired. I would have wanted that day to go on forever. He probably guessed what I was thinking.
-Maya. This is one of the happiest days in my life for a long time. I mean, who could prevent something like this? I just happened to ran to your shop. And you could've turned me in to those girls.
I shook my head and he nodded.
-You couln't. 'Cause you're so sweet. Trust me, Maya, there's someone for you too. You don't have anyone yet?
I shook my head again, unable to answer.
-And now I ask! What if your bodybuilder boyfriend would have walked on us? I mean, you could have said good bye to little Mr. Littrell.
I tried to smile but it wasn't easy. Brian appreciated my effort, though. He petted my cheek and then gave me a quick kiss.
-Gotta go now. Remember to send me some photos!
He turned and walked away fast.
-Thank you, I whispered and held the camera against my chest. He raised his hand before getting into a car but didn't even turn to see me. I stood there, in the light of the setting sun looking as he vanished from my life.

Next morning I woke up early. I took film out of the camera and left to town. I had just one hour to wait until I would get the photos and rush to work. I went eat breakfast in cafeteria. While I was sitting there my phone rang. Girls were calling from other town.
-Can you believe we saw them last night? In front of the hotel, they gave us autographs and everything!
I said that I can't believe and smile warmly to my own memories. I told girls to have fun, I didn't need to ruin their trip by telling about Brian just then.
My photos were late and when I finally had them on my hands I was almost late from work.

I hurried to the shop, in time for my luck. But when I got there I saw it was already open. My boss had come to see me.
-So Maya, you finally turned up.
-I'm sorry. I had some business down town to take care of.
-Are you fine? I got your message late last night.
-I'm OK. I just got terrible headache yesterday. Must be because of the heat. I tried to reach you but...
-I know. It's my fault. Are you sure you're able to work today?
-Sure.
I just wanted to get rid of her so that I could see photos burning in my bag. I put it under the desk and opened the cash.
-What is the shirt you're wearing?
-This one? I bought it.
-Bought it?
-Well, actually someone bought it for me.
-Maya...
-I'm serious. Yesterday. Just before I closed the shop...
-You can't mean it. Maya, you weren't sick, were you?
I don't know how but I knew she knew so it's worthless to deny.
-My husband saw you downtown with a man. I can't believe you just closed the shop to get hanging out with guys!
-But it was...
-I don't care if it was son of our president! she said hurshly. -Plus that you lied to me about being sick and got me worried out of nothing.
-I'm sorry.
-You should be!
She looks at me. -I don't know what to do. Maybe you should go home. I've liked you so far, but I don't know if I can trust to you after this.
Quickly I took my bag and went out. Warm tears ran down my face. With shivering hands I took photos and looked those trough. Oh how childish and innocent me and Brian looked at those. But was it worth of losing your job?

I made a joke out of it. Even to Brian I wrote funny story about being unemployed now, just because of him. I didn't believe he would ever get the letter or that he would answer to it.

But one boring week later my phone rang. It was my boss. For the first time after that fateful morning. I didn't know if I still had a job or if I should look for another. But I didn't want to. I liked my job. Hell, I loved it. Hot summer days may not be that fun but most of the time it was very interesting and rewarding job.
-Could you come over, let's say 2 o'clock?
-Sure, I promised even if her official tone of voice told me what I needed to know; she was about to fire me.

Five to two I was standing outside the shop. She was running on business and I didn't dare to use my own keys for going in. So I stood there for five minutes. It had got chillier in city and it was getting back on old, busy track. Exactly 2 o'clock she rushed around the corner.
-Maya, oh why didn't you just go in?
She opened the door and kept babbling about every day things. I hated her. It was her way of making it even harder for me.
-Sit down. I went to buy us some goodies. Want to have some ice tea?
-Sure.
I didn't know what to think. We had always got along quite well. But this was really mean from her. She offered ice tea for me and sat down herself. I noticed that she hadn't taken sign from the door. Same CLOSED still written there by Brian. I sighed but then my boss started to speak:
-I guess you've had some time to think about what you did?
I looked down and nodded.
-Good. Yesterday certain man called me. I didn't believe him first. But he told me what happened then.
I looked at her stunned.
-I understand now why you didn't want to tell me, she continued. -These are sensitive things. But you should trust me, Maya, no matter what.
I nodded. I didn't understand anything.
-Your brave actions saved Mr. Littrell from a lot. And he wanted to thank you - and me too. He said he was sorry he couldn't contact me earlier, and they are very busy. He was very understandable about the situation he got you - and me - into.
-Brian? I have to ask.
-Yes, as I said, Mr. Littrell was very sorry and because of that he sent us some gifts. And not just some. We can have a whole contest of those products! Do you know how much we can sell more if teenagers come here to participate it?
I shrugged.
-A lot more! School is starting soon and everything. Now we just have to set it up.
She stood up and started to act.
-So... I'm not fired? I wanted to make everything sure.
-Of course you're not fired! Get to work, girl. And next time he comes to visit, let me know. Those Boys are pretty hot.

-Just put it there, I said to about 15 years old girl, who had thought about correct answers to coupon for a long time. It had been very busy. Not just the usual "School's starting - I need new clothes!" but extra busy. My boss was happy about it. Me - I didn't know. I had to work so hard. But then I got to think long, dark winterdays. And I figured that something like Brian running in wouldn't happen every other day. So I tried to enjoy of that. But when eleventh group of 12 years old ran in and started to giggle, cry and scream in front of just Brian's and other Boys' caps and CD's, I noticed that I was getting little crusty. I hadn't heard anything about Brian since the day we met. But girls got really jealous when I told them about my little adventure and showed the photos. Still they couldn't believe it. And as days went by, more irrational it came to me too.
One day over, I thought and was just about to close the door when a man stepped in.
-Can I help you? I asked because he didn't look like one of our regular customers. And because I wanted to get home fast.
-Yeah, hello. I noticed that you have some kind of contest...
-Just fill that, I showed him the coupons. He looked at me and smiled a little, timidly. He started to fill it and I noticed that he know exactly which option to choose.
-It's not for me, he said and looked at me. -Just that my little sister....
-Oh that's very nice of you to think them, I said. When he blushed I knew he was lying.
-So you want to see what you can win?
He nodded urgently. I showed him all the prices. He watched those and unaccidently we got to talk about Boys. And soon it was more than obvious that he was a fan himself. I tried to find some gay gestures of him, but couldn't. Could it be possible that this twenty something gorgeous, or at least cute, straight guy liked Backstreet Boys? I had to believe it.
I heard the door and turned.
-Sorry we're closed.
-What?
I saw braces and disappointened smile.
-OK. Here's a coupon for you. Fill it and bring it back tomorrow, ok?
I gave her piece of paper and shut the door. I locked it and turned the sing.
-So you're really closed?
-Yeah.
-I should go, he said.
-Oh don't. You should stay.
-Should I?
-Definetely. Wait that I close this place and we'll go get some ice cream. OK?
-OK.

Two years later we got married. I haven't heard from Brian since but even so I sent him a short letter telling about our marriage and how he actually got us together. I had told story to my becoming husband for many times and still it was too hard for him to believe.
-Nah. That's just some guy who looks like Brian, he tried when seeing photos.
-Well, that would have to be guy who looks exactly like Brian, I said and he'd shut up.

But finally he had to believe. Because three weeks after our wedding we received a package from US. It was from Brian. He'd made enlargement of one photo we took that day. He also sent us a note:
"Leighanne still jealous. Can you please send me your wedding picture so I can finally calm her down? You're still my favorite guide. If you ever get here, give me a call and I'll see if I'm any good. Best for you both!
Love, Brian."
So we sent him our wedding picture. My husband insisted on writing something to him. But I still don't know what it was. All I know that we're very happy. And I haven't got there yet so I don't know if Brian's guidance sucks. In this case someone's guidance worked out quite well.

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