#1 Fan by Andrew Hess Page A

else.”
                  The store was much smaller than the one they visited earlier that afternoon. The bookshelves were higher and left little space to maneuver around. His table was hidden in the back behind a wall of shelves. Evan was escorted by one of the associates before disappearing into the back room. They returned moments later with a box filled with books.
                  “Can we get you anything, Mr. Taylor?”
                  “A bottle of water and something to sign with should be fine.”
                  The employee scampered off with the box of books towards the front of the store, leaving Evan alone. His mind wandered off, forgetting about the signing and thinking more about meeting up with Sara later that night. His eyes were fixated on his phone, wondering if she would message him again before the signing. The screen remained dimly lit with a picture of a sunset as the wallpaper.
                  “Oh stop,” Kat said as she strutted towards the table. “You’ll see the girl in a couple of hours.” Her fingers wrapped around the top of the phone and gently lifted it from Evan’s grasp. “Let me hold onto this. I’ll find a charger so your battery doesn’t die. Besides, we’re starting in a few minutes.”
                  Evan sat up in his chair, smoothed his hands over his suit jacket, and wiped the glazed look from his eyes. A bottle of water sat at the edge of the desk, waiting, just like he asked. He took several sips before placing the cap on it.
                  “I think I’m all set,” Evan said. Kat nodded to the employee standing at the front of the line. He remembered the first fan stepping up to the table, and then, everything became a blur. It was a steady stream of people walking up to him, holding books for him to sign before taking a picture with him. After an hour, there was only an open space.
                  “That’s everyone,” the employee said. “You can hang out back here if you want in case any more people come in.”
                  “Thanks,” Evan replied. He stared blankly at the bookstore employee until they turned and headed towards the front. “What time is it?”
                  Kat checked white crystalized cell and placed it back in her purse nonchalantly. “It’s five-thirty. We’re supposed to be here for another half hour.” She walked to the edge of the bookshelves and checked out the front of the store. “It doesn’t look like there’s anyone else coming. Do you want me to call the limo and have it meet us out front?”
                  “Sounds good, but…can I have my phone first?”
                  Sure,” Kat replied with a giggle. “Let me get it for you and let the sales people know we’re leaving in a few minutes.”
                  Evan got up from the chair and paced back and forth. Thoughts of Sara pulled at his stomach. It was a feeling he couldn’t explain. She was some random woman he met at a bar, but somehow felt like she was more than that. She was someone he wanted to get to know more.
                  “Hey loverboy,” Kat shouted from around the corner. “Get ready; the limo will be here any minute.”
                  Evan’s pace came to a halt. His eyes caught a glimpse of Kat smiling from the aisle. “Awesome,” he whispered loudly. She led the way to the driver, whispering something in his ear which went unnoticed by Evan. The driver nodded in agreement while holding the door open for her.
                  Once inside, the limo drove to the nearest florist and parked out front. The driver opened Evan’s door and waited for him to exit. “What’s going on,” he asked. “This isn’t the hotel.”
                  “I know.” Kat turned to face Evan. “You like this girl; right?” Evan’s silent