"I promise to be good." Justin said trying to encourage her to enter his room.

"Said the spider to the fly." Shelby replied dryly.

"Come on. What could it hurt."

Shelby was silent for a few moments thinking about the pros and cons about being alone with him again.

"Earth to Shelby." Justin said waving a hand in front of her unblinking eyes.

"Sorry I was thinking." Shelby answered feeling a pool of blood gathering in her cheeks.

"I knew I smelled something burning." Justin teased closing the door behind her.

"Now that we're alone what brings you here?" Justin asked.

"Well, like I said, I wanted to make sure you were okay." Shelby shrugged sitting on the edge of his bed.

"As you can see, I'm alive and kicking. I'm not sure if we're together right now as I basically kicked her out, but dammit she wouldn't listen to anything I said." Justin explained throwing himself on his bed.

"Sounds familiar." Shelby stated boldly; referring to her past experience.

"Karma's a bitch." Justin answered understanding what she meant.

"I'm sorry," Shelby apologized

"For what?"

"I don't know, it seems like my fault. If I wasn't here then you'd still be happy and she'd still be here." She answered with a downcast shrug.

She didn't really want Justin to be with Cameron, but she wanted him to be happy--even if that meant sacrificing her own happiness.

"I should have guarded my phone. I had a feeling something would happen when I took that picture."

"What picture?" Shelby asked.

"Oh, it was stupid. I took a picture of you that day you fell asleep in my dressing room. I wanted an up to date picture of you so I took one of you asleep then Cameron went snooping in my phone and found it."

"Damn."

"Yeah, I don't want to talk about this without wanting to get roaring drunk. I also want to go to Friday's. Do you want to come?" Justin asked.

"Are you sure? I mean after what happened." Shelby said biting her lip; a nervous habit.

"Of course I'm sure. I don't want to go by myself." Justin answered standing up.

"Okay. Does Mike gotta come?" Shelby asked standing up to join him.

"Always. Why? Tryin to get me alone?" Justin smiled moving his eyebrows up and down suggestively.

"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of not wanting to get bombarded by your die hard fans."

"Well I think I like what I said better." Justin winked.

"Ryan thinks that we may get big fast," she said changing the subject. "I hope that's true to an extent. I want my privacy, but I don't know how possible that is if I was famous."

"It's possible to be famous yet remain low key. It might be more difficult for you because you are a female. I say that because the paparazzi seem to target female celebrities more. It's hard to say really, basically just stay out of all the hot spots and you should be fine." Justin explained heading out the door.

"He's absolutely correct. It's all about your attitude and how badly you want to remain quiet." Mike added overhearing part of their conversation.

"I'll do whatever I can. I don't want the girls growing up in the media. I mean I want people to know I'm a mother. I'm not ashamed of that at all, but I don't want them to be hounded by media."

"I totally understand." Justin nodded.

"Where we headed?" Mike asked changing the direction of the conversation.

"Friday's. I crave some wings." Justin answered.

"Will the children be joining us?" Mike asked as they passed Shelby's room.

"No, they're with Carrie and Nancy. Having her has been a real god send." Shelby answered.

"Yeah. I bet it's nice to have a little time without them. I'm glad you're not like some women though, who hire a nanny to do everything and never spend any time with their kids. That just makes me sick. I see it a lot with celebs when I'm with Justin." Mike added.

"Yeah. I love my girls and I want to spend time with them. Their my girls, even if Gracie isn't my own flesh and blood I still love her as my own. I would do anything for them." Shelby said smiling.

They took a taxi to Friday's and had to wait a good twenty minutes before being seated.

"I hate waiting, you never realize how hungry you actually are until you have to wait for a table." Justin whined.

"Yeah, I could use some food." Shelby nodded.

"It shouldn't be much longer." Mike told them.

He was alert and watching out for anybody that may recognize his charges but also paid attention to what they were talking about.

"Stop whining Justin, it's not going to make this any faster." Shelby told him getting annoyed.

"Why don't they hurry?" Justin whined again.

Shelby opened her mouth to answer just as their host came over to seat them. Justin was very vocal with his finally getting seated and Shelby wanted to slap him. There was no need to be rude when it clearly wasn't her fault. She told him as much when they were seated.

"What makes you the expert." Justin said opening his menu.

"Wow I seriously can't believe you asked me that! Do you not know anything about me? I mean--hello--I worked at Denny's for how many years." Shelby said before smacking him up side the head with her menu.

"Oh. Yeah. Sorry, I forgot." he answered looking a little sheepish.

"Bitch please, betta recognize." Shelby nodded her head once firmly.

"Okay then," he said raising a single eyebrow in question.

"I have no idea, don't ask." Shelby answered dryly.

"What you gettin?" Justin asked closing his menu. "Did you want to share my appetizer, I'm getting hot wings?"

"I'm not a huge fan of spice, but I suppose I could try it," Shelby nodded. "I think I'm going to get this cheesy chicken and shrimp platter, it looks really good."

"I guess. I'm getting the ribs, they look really good." he added stacking his menu on top of hers signaling the waitress that they were finished deciding.

Their waitress came several moments later and took their drink order and were surprised that they had already decided.

"Well we've been waiting a while when you were all busy." Shelby answered giving her a smile.

"This is true. All right folks, I'll be back with those drinks and that appetizer in a few minutes." Rosie, their waitress, took their menus and went to put their orders in.

"I should have gotten a beer. Before we go back to the hotel we are picking up some alcohol. I want a drink." Justin told Shelby.

"I don't know if I should. I remember what happened last time I drank. I don't want a repeat of that." Shelby shook her head and played with her set of silverware.

"Well look at this way, at least you'll be with me this time. I'll make sure that nothing happens to you. You'll be in good hands."

Shelby felt those words deep down in her stomach with the fluttering of butterflies. She needed to keep control of herself and her emotions. Just because Justin and Cam had had a fight didn't mean he could turn to her. If he did it wouldn't be out of love it would be more of a rebound regardless of their history.

"What's got you looking so upset? What's going on in that brain of yours?" Justin asked sensing the change in her facial expression and mood. "Oh look there's a blush it must be something good.

"Oh stop it. Don't tease me," Shelby said covering her face with her hands.

Justin put his hands over her arms and pulled them away from her face. "Don't hide from me."

Shelby crossed her arms on the table in front of her and looked him in the eye.

"That's better." he nodded.

Rosie came back with their drinks and set them down and informed them their appetizer should be right out.

"Food glorious food, it's almost here." Justin said clapping his hands together.

"Wow, you are spastic. If I didn't know any better I'd that you had never had a huge fight with your girlfriend." Shelby said before taking a drink from her iced tea.

"I'm trying not to think about it, but thanks for bringing it back up. I really don't want to talk about it here. Maybe later if I'm drunk, but it hurts to think about it let alone talk about it." Justin said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking." Shelby said regretfully.

"It's okay, I just don't want to talk about it." Justin said folding his arms in front of him on the table mirroring Shelby.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Let's talk about you and Brad. This is the first time we've really had a chance to talk since you told the world that you had broken up."

"Why would you care about that?" Shelby asked.

"Because we're friends. I mean if you don't want to tell me then that's cool, but if you do then that's cool too." Justin shrugged.

"Well, I told him that I didn't love him and I would never feel anything for him other than friendship. I don't know," Shelby shrugged. "It was a lot easier than I thought, but at first he got really mad so I walked away. And of course he realized what an ass he was and apologized so now we're just friends."

"Nice." Justin said nodding. "You're lucky if you guys can stay friends. A lot of friendships are ruined after crossing over to try a romantic relationship.

"I know. I don't see a problem with it. We were really close before we started dating and when we were together we drifted apart. I suppose it could be all my fault because I avoided him. I had a good reason though, he changed after we were together. He always wanted to know what I was doing and that just pissed me off."

"I'd want to know what you were doing when I called, but nothing like that. What did he say?" Justin asked.

"You mean when he would call?" Shelby questioned then continued when he nodded. "I don't know just like; what are you doing, who are you with, stuff like that. Then there was that one time he told me I should have checked with him before I signed that contract with JIVE. I told him where he could go because we were not married nor had we been dating long. I was so pissed."

"Yeah for real. He sounds really controlling." Justin commented; disliking the man even more than before.

"He only did that stuff as a boyfriend though. I've never had problems with him being controlling when we were friends." Shelby answered.

Their waitress came back with their hot wing appetizer before Justin had a chance to respond. They dug right in and conversation was limited--especially Justin.

Shelby stared at Justin while he ate his food and couldn't help but be amazed. He was like a vulture tearing at his chicken. It was really amusing to watch.

The plate was quickly demolished with Justin eating most of them. Shelby wasn't a huge fan of the spice but she finished two of them herself.

"Sorry, once I started I couldn't stop." Justin said wiping his face and hands with the wet nap they'd left them.

Shelby couldn't help but smile at the sheepish look on his face. He looked like a big kid sitting there cleaning up his face and hands. He returned her smile with a crooked grin and shot pangs of love to her heart. She hoped her face wasn't showing what she was feeling as he watched her.

"I swear that made me even more hungry." he whined throwing the wet nap on his plate and pushed it to the side of the table.

"I believe that's what appetizers are designed for. Its a mere snippet of what's about to come. Here it comes, yummy."

Rosie set their plates down in front of them and asked if they needed anything else.

"Can I get a refill?" Shelby asked handing her the almost empty glass.

"I don't need it hon, I'll just bring you a new one. Can I get you a refill sir?"

Justin nodded and she left to get the refills.

"That looks good." Justin said eyeing her food.

"It tastes good." Shelby answered having tried a piece of chicken.

"Can I have a shrimp?" Justin asked.

"What? You have your own food." Shelby said looking at his full plate of ribs.

"Please." Justin pleaded with a whine.

"Fine, as long as you stop whining."

"Yay!"

Shelby smiled and picked up a piece by the tail with her fingers and held it out expecting him to take it from her with his hand. Her eyes widened when he took it with his mouth. She felt a warming in the pit of her stomach and lower region when he took her fingers in his mouth and sucked gently. He held her gaze in his and after a long sizzling moment he moved back.

"Delicious." he said; his voice sounding husky even to his own ears.

Shelby had to force herself to look away because the pull between them was really strong. She had to be strong and not give in to the temptation sitting in front of her.

If she could have a choice to do anything without a regard for any consequence she would have jumped him right then and there--theoretically of course as they were in a restaurant after all.

They ate the rest of their meal in contemplative silence. Justin had a ton of thoughts running through his head. He never should have done that because that made him want her even more. The look on her face when he took her fingers in his mouth--oh my god it was a look of innocence and pure ecstasy He needed to get his mind off of her before it became really apparent that he wanted her.

"Did you save any room for dessert?" Rosie asked coming back.

"I'm good." Shelby smiled.

"Me too." Justin nodded.

"All right, here's your check. I'll be your cashier at the table whenever you're ready." Rosie said with a smile.

"Here, you can just take my credit card now." Justin said taking out his wallet.

"Thank you, I'll be right back." she answered taking his card.

"How much do I owe you?" Shelby asked digging in her bag for her wallet.

"Nothing. I invited you out, the least I can do is buy you dinner." Justin said shaking his head.

"Are you sure? I can pay you back."

"Don't even worry about it." Justin said ending the topic.

Shelby nodded and took a drink of her iced tea, "What are we doing now?"

"Going to get some alcohol and junk food we shouldn't consume." he answered.

"I thought pigging out on junk food was a female thing to relieve stress." Shelby commented

"I can pack away a lot of junk when I'm stressed or if I have something on my mind. I'm luck though, my metabolism is really fast. That and when I'm on stage I could easily two to three pounds per show. This club tour isn't as intense but when it's a full arena show with dancing I sweat buckets."

"Nice." Shelby nodded.

"Here you are, sir. Please sign the top copy and the bottom two are yours. You both have a good one."

"Thanks Rosie." Shelby said with a smile.

Shelby watched her walk away then looked at the ticket. "We need to leave a good tip, she was a good waitress."

"I know." Justin agreed filling out the information on the receipt. He wanted to get out of there so he just put twenty dollars down for a tip and signed it.

Shelby was impressed and secretly pleased that he left such a big tip. She didn't say anything about it she just stood up and followed him out the door where they met up with Mike again.

"Don't you ever get sick of just hanging out in the background surveying the area and all that?" Shelby asked falling in step with Mike.

"No. It's my job, this is what I get paid for. Besides I couldn't trust anyone else to guard him. I had an emergency once and had to leave for a week and my replacement somehow let the kid get mobbed. Since then I haven't let anyone else near him. When I get sick he stays in." Mike explained

"It was a horrible experience I don't want a repeat of that." Justin added shuddering at the memory.

"Did you get hurt?" came the concerned reply.

"A few bruises and some hair got ripped out, but I survived." Justin shrugged

Shelby walked between Mike and Justin so she thread her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're okay.

Justin didn't reply he just nodded and grabbed her small hand and held it in his not wanting her to get away.

They got a cab and went to Walmart to pick up some junk food and after that they were going to head to the liquor store.

"What do you want to get while we're here?" Justin asked when they got inside Walmart.

"I don't care." Shelby shrugged.

"Well you're going to stay with me right?" Justin asked then continued when she nodded. "Then let's go get something that you want too. If you need anything at all feel free to get it." Justin told her.

"Okay. What are you getting?" She asked.

"I was thinking chips and maybe some cheese dip, maybe some Whopper's. I don't know, we'll just have to check out the candy aisle." Justin answered

"You sound like a girl on the rag." Shelby said with a faint chuckle.

"Hey, now, I don't need to be hearin anything about that," Justin added.

"Why are men so disgusted or disturbed to hear about ragging? It's not something we can help. Sometimes I wish you guys could experience a period, then you'd never bitch about it again."

"Why are we talking about this?" Justin asked

"Because you're squeamish when it comes to periods and I'm having fun exploiting," Shelby answered fighting to keep a straight face.

Justin took her by her shoulders and held her in a head lock and rubbed her head with his knuckles.

"Stop, that hurts." Shelby laughed trying to push him away and get out of his choke hold.

"Say you're sorry first." Justin said tightening his hold on her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, let me go." Shelby said between her laughing fit.

"Can you two keep it down and not create a scene?" Mike asked dryly.

Justin reluctantly let go of her then grabbed her hand and tugged her closer to his side. They headed to the snack aisle passing first the toys.

"Aw, look at that cute teddy bear." Shelby said getting distracted by a large light brown bear adorned with a crimson red bow around its neck.

"That one?" Justin asked pointing to the one she was looking at.

"Yes," she said. She walked over to it, picked it up and gave it a hug.

Justin watched her hug the bear and smiled tenderly. He loved these spur of the moment child like antics. She looked so cute standing there hugging the giant stuffed animal.

She set it back down and spotted some fake plastic light sabers and picked one up. "I challenge thee to a duel, do you accept, or do you yield?"

"I accept. You are going down." Justin picked up another of the plastic sticks and faced his eager opponent.

Shelby lunged toward him making the traditional light saber hum sound effect but was unable to get a hit as he blocked her access.

"Oh, a most worthy opponent." Shelby said trying not to smile.

"Indeed I am." Justin nodded swiping his own saber at her.

"Hey, don't forget the noise." Shelby said meeting his swipe with one of her own followed closely by a humming noise.

Their epic battle continued as both of them got really into it. Surprisingly none of the Walmart associates came by to stop them. Mike tried to stop them several times only to have them turn their attentions to him.

Shelby lunged at Justin and while she lunged he jabbed her in the side. Shelby knew she'd been defeated as she felt the plastic hit her side. She dramatically fell to her knees and held her side and moaned in agony for a few moments then fell forward to her ultimate death.

"Bravo." Justin said clapping.

Shelby sat up to her knees and took the hand Justin had extended to help her up and smiled. "I'd like to thank the academy and all the little people I had to stop on to get here."

"You are crazy." Justin laughed casually putting his arm around her shoulders pulling her against his side.

"Nonsense, I just know how to have fun." She said smiling up at him impishly.

"Let's pick up that bear for you and then go get what we came for." Justin smiled.

Shelby's face lit up as she stared at him. She turned into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. She pulled away just as quickly and went to grab the bear.

Justin was secretly shocked that she'd hugged him. His brain barely had time time to register her arms around his waist before she pulled away. He had to admit it felt really nice.

"Are we going to need a cart?" Shelby asked holding the bear close to her chest.

"I had a basket but I think I lost it before our big fight." Justin chuckled.

"Do you think any one is using that cart?" Shelby asked eyeing an empty cart farther up in the aisle.

"It's empty and no one is around so I'm sure it's abandoned and if not well," Justin shrugged. "You snooze you loose."

Shelby put her bear in the cart and affectionately named it Oklahoma because that's where she was when she got it.

"Ready?" Justin asked ready to push the cart.

"Yes, let's go to the fattening junk food. I'll have to visit the gym after this, can't afford to gain any weight. I'm packin a few extra as it is." Shelby said placing a hand on her stomach.

"You don't need to be losing anything Shelby, you look great. Wow, I can't believe I never told you before. Was it hard to lose weight?" Justin asked after complimenting her.

"It was, but I was dedicated. I gained a lot more with Danielle and after I had her I knew I had to lose it then or it would just get worse. I went to a dietitian who helped me with a meal plan because I couldn't just diet when I was breast feeding. They helped me develop a meal plan and I got a personal trainer who helped me twice a week. It took about a year and a half to loose a hundred pounds. I reached my goal weight of 150 and have been maintaining it since then. I'm still a little heavy, but I like myself. And having Danielle gave me bigger boobs."

Justin listened carefully to her story feeling proud of her for taking a stand and making a true commitment to change her life. His eyes couldn't help but wander down to her breasts when she spoke so boldly of them and then back to her face. He smiled at her as her face turned a becoming shade of pink and he told her he was proud of her.

"I think it's great that you chose to make such a commitment to lose weight and you actually followed through with it. A lot of people wouldn't have the drive to do that."

"Thank you. It wasn't easy by any means, but I knew I had to do it. It's a lot easier to keep it off though, than it was to take off." Shelby added.

"I believe it. Here we are at the wonderful candy aisle. Get anything you want." Justin told her pushing the cart down in front of them.

Shelby perused the candy and saw some dark chocolate truffles and felt her mouth water. There weren't very many in one container so she grabbed two of them and took them to the cart and showed Justin. "Is it okay we get two of these?"

"Oh my god, those are good. Get another one." Justin said eyeing the delicious dark chocolate truffles she held.

They were dark chocolate spheres filled with a rich dark chocolate filling that left you wanting more. They were expensive but so very worth it as they melted in your mouth.

Shelby didn't really see anything else that really jumped out at her so she started walking back to the cart. She was walking back toward Justin when she saw something that made her smile. They had a pack of candy jewelry complete with the necklace, ring, and a bracelet. Shelby was feeling giddy as she picked it up and took it to the cart.

"You're really going to get that?" Justin asked raising an eyebrow in question. "It's pure sugar."

"Oh, and those two bags of pixie sticks aren't?" Shelby said pointing to the giant bags of sugar sticks.

"Whatever." Justin said giving her his all too cute lopsided grin.

"We're going to be sick as dogs tomorrow if we consume all this sugar and alcohol. It might not mix very well."

"We'll be fine, besides I only plan on drinking hard liquor. No beer or wine coolers for me." Justin answered.

"Makes sense." Shelby nodded. "Are we done here?" she asked leaning on the cart's handle.

"Yeah let's go to the chips now." Justin said nudging her out of the way so he could proceed with pushing the cart forward.

"Watch it now." Shelby said nudging him back.

"You watch it," he retorted.

"Make me." She taunted elbowing him in the ribs.

"Don't tempt me."

Mike watched their playful banter and smiled. They really were perfect for each other. Justin needed a type of girl who could hold her own, but also needed a hero now and again. Shelby was that girl. She was a strong young woman, but there were times when she was really vulnerable and needed someone there to protect her if you will.

Mike new Justin was hung up on Cameron, but by what it sounded like they'd had a huge fight. He hoped the younger man would take that as a sign and leave her.

He was so into his thoughts that he didn't see the screaming girls until it was too late. When he looked up a group of about seven adolescent girls surrounded Justin and Shelby. A group so small shouldn't be that bad, but they got really physical pushing to get at Justin.

Justin didn't even realize what was happening until he was surrounded by a bunch of girls yelling his name and pulling at him. His first thought was of Shelby who got ripped away from him. Normally six or seven girls was no big deal but these chicks were violent.

He heard Shelby telling someone to get off her and tried to locate her among the girls, but they kept pushing. It was almost like a game to them as they kept pushing and shoving for what it seemed to be no reason.

"Okay ladies, break it up." Mike shouted pushing himself between the girls while pulling Justin out of there.

The store managers made it back to where they were just as Mike was trying to break it up.

"What's going on here?" the guy in charge asked them.

"These girls attacked my client." Mike explained between Justin and the girls.

"I'm sorry, sir. Ladies, we're going to have to ask you to leave. You can't just go attacking people no matter who they happen to be." he sternly reprimanded the girls.

"Fuck you," the apparent leader spit out.

"Would you like to press charges?" he asked Justin out of spite after she said that.

Justin proceeded to think about it while playing the same game as the manager by putting the girls on hot coals. "No I think that's okay," he said moments later.

"You wouldn't dare press charges against one of your beloved fans. What would the press have to say about that?" the gang leader sneered.

"You are not my fans, you're just a group of posers looking for your fifteen minutes of fame." Justin said calmly.

"Anyone got a tissue? My freaking nose is bleeding." Shelby cut in holding her face.

"Yes ma'am, I'll get you some," one of the other associates offered.

Justin was angry when he saw that Shelby had been injured even in the slightest amount by these posers causing trouble.

"If I knew my friend was hurt, I might have said yes. What were you ladies trying to prove? It's Walmart for freak's sake."

"Sorry she made us do it. She's hated your music ever since the Nsync days. She has dirt on all of us otherwise we would never have done this." one of the girls admitted.

"Is that true?" Shelby asked the rest of them. She stood next to Justin and her nose had stopped bleeding so she was able to join their conversation.

"You bitches better not turn on me."

"So it is true. What a winner. I've met people like you before. You are jealous and want everything for yourself so you go attacking people to make yourself feel better. I bet you're a bully too. You pick on everyone else because you have your own insecurities and flaws. You think that if people are looking at someone else they won't see through your mask."

"How did you know all that?" the girl asked a look of shock on her face.

"Because I used to be the one on the other side. People used to say bad stuff about me all the time. I turned myself into a cutter and I almost killed myself. When you're that far into depression you learn to read other people." Shelby explained holding her audience captive with her story.

"How did you get out of it?"

"What's your name so I'm not thinking 'ring leader' when I talk to you." Shelby asked her.

"My friends call me Daphne. I used to really like Scooby Doo." She shrugged.

"Well don't worry Daphne, I've been called Velma before." Shelby smiled thinking of Justin's nickname for her.

"Cool."

"So can we borrow you for a few minutes?" Shelby asked wanting to talk to her without her friends nosey ears listening in.

"I'll escort you ladies to the front of the building. You can wait for her there. I do still want you to leave." the manager said anxious to resolve the situation.

"Why do you care?" Daphne asked crossing her arms defiantly over her chest.

"Because you're obviously in need of help. You're crying out for it." Shelby answered.

Justin watched Shelby take over the situation with all the maturity of a woman much older than herself. He was still learning things about her all the time. She could switch from child like to a mature young woman in a flash. It was obvious that she liked helping people and that she was really good at it. If she became an icon she could do a lot of good with her power. He trained his mind back to the conversation at hand and focused again.

"Why do you think you're ugly? You're very pretty." Shelby told her.

"My father told my mother left us because I was ugly. I used to get mad at him and tell him it wasn't true, but then he'd hit me until I admitted it. After a few beatings I just started to believe it. I was only eight at the time. Wow, i can't believe I just told you that, I've never told anyone. You're really good," Daphne told her astonished that she could actually tell her story.

"It's okay. None of that was your fault and shame on him for making you feel that way. I'd love to stay and finish this, but I need to be going. How about I give you my card and you can call or email me if you need to talk," Shelby said digging in her wallet to find her card.

"You have a business card?" Justin asked wryly.

"It's not just mine. It's for the band. Ryan made them for us to carry in case we meet someone who could sign us or something. You know what I mean." Shelby said waving him off.

Daphne looked at the card Shelby handed her and her eyes widened. "You're in the band Broken Angel?"

"I am. You've heard of us?" Shelby asked lifting a brow in question.

"I saw the show you did in Florida with AFI. It was the night you went on stage with them. I can't believe I didn't recognize you before." she said getting star struck.

"Wow, cool. Why were you in Florida?" Shelby asked.

"I know it seems a long way to go just to see a show. My best friend moved to Florida when I was twelve and we've kept in touch through the years. It was her eighteenth birthday on the day of the show so I skipped some school and went to see her and took her out."

"That makes sense." Shelby nodded. "Okay, if you need anything just call me. And stop being so mean, it really isn't necessary."

Daphne looked at the ground and scuffed her shoes on the floor. "I know, I'll try to stop."

"Take care Daphne." Shelby said hugging the younger girl.

They moved away from Daphne and made their way to their next stop to get ice cream.

"I want the cappuccino fudge blitz, that is the absolute best." Shelby said perusing the Blue Bunny ice cream looking for her favorite.

"That sounds strange." Justin answered.

"Oh my god, its so good. It just melts in your mouth and not just because it's ice cream. All the flavors blend together to create this amazing palette. I just can't describe it." Shelby explained getting very passionate about the ice cream in question.

"Wow, that's pretty intense." Justin replied staring at the woman he'd once loved.

He didn't know she was this deep when they were together before. She had grown into a very mature strong young woman.

"Earth to Justin." Shelby said interrupting his though's by waving her hand in front of his face.

"What?" he asked staring at her blankly.

"Are you ready to go? Or did you need anything else?" Shelby questioned.

"Sorry, spaced out." Justin apologized shaking his head.

"I noticed." came the dry reply.

"I just need to stop and get some Coke for mixed drinks." he answered.

They got all the soda they needed then left for the liquor store where Shelby was carded as soon as she walked in the door and received much teasing from Justin.

"I can't believe he thought you were eighteen." Justin said laughing

"Shut up. People always think I'm a lot younger than I really am. I don't know why." Shelby added.

"What's your poison?" Justin asked changing the subject.

"Blue raspberry vodka." Shelby answered spotting a tall blue bottle of UV vodka. "Oh, and let's try this cherry one too."

Justin watched her put the two bright bottles into the basket he held. "Dangerous," he said after she'd finished adding them.

"We'll see.'

"Where is the rum?" Justin asked.

The clerk pointed them in the right direction and they bought the other bottles they wanted along with shot glasses and some plastic cups then left.

"We're gonna be sick of each other before we even get back to the hotel," Shelby said wryly.

"Not possible. I could never get sick of you, Shelby," Justin said smiling at her.

Shelby mentally cursed herself as her face grew warm from the blush that was slowly making its way to the surface. Why did she always have to be so responsive to this man and anything he said.

"What is it that makes you still blush around me Shelby? I thought you would be used to me now and you wouldn't turn red at the slightest comment. Don't get me wrong; I love that I can make you blush because I still think it's very becoming on you." Justin said complimenting her.

"I don't know, it just happens. I can't help it." Shelby shrugged trying not to feel exasperated by his question.

"Simmer down now, don't get your wand in a knot."

"Okay, Hermione." She replied sarcastically.

Justin just winked at her and got out of the car as they had finally reached the hotel. He paid their cab driver for their fare and tipped him good, after all he was with them the entire ride and had waited for them.

"Let's take this up to my room and then if you need to get anything from your room you can do that," Justin suggested.

Shelby nodded and grabbed an armful of bags; ending up with twice as many as Justin.

"Give me some of those, I should be carrying more than you." Justin said trying to be the gentleman.

"Well I've already taken them, so you'll just have to be content with those. I don't need you to be chivalrous. Just because I'm a female doesn't mean I can't carry a few more bags than you," Shelby said putting him in his place.

"Touché."

They unloaded their packages in Justin's room then Shelby left him to change her clothes into something more comfortable like maybe pajamas as it was nearing eight and she wasn't going to be doing anything other than hanging out with Justin.

She wasn't sure she should be alone with him what with everything that had happened with Cam, but she longed for his company.

Over in Justin's room he was a little anxious, but wasn't sure why. He got everything put away and even had time to get ice from the machine down the hall. On his way back he met Shelby heading to his room and grinned when he saw what she wore.

"Nice outfit." he whispered in her ear coming up behind her.

Shelby jumped and put a hand on her chest. "You ass. That scared the crap out of me," she said turning around to slap him.

"What, I just complimented you on your attire," he replied feigning innocence.

"Whatever."

"I really do like it. That used to be my favorite shirt," he added softly leaning close to her ear.

Shelby couldn't help but get shivers down her spine when she felt Justin's warm breath on the nape of her neck and the low octave of his voice. She wondered if she was making a mistake as she walked into Justin's room and watched him shut it behind him.