Page 71 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

“What do you think the band will say when I tell them what you just said?”

He scoffed. “They’ll never believe you. I’ve been helping them, working with them for over a year. I got them a photo shoot with Pixie Jupiter. I got them a show at Bryant Hall for chrissakes. You’ve been Jack’s little slut for almost a week and a half, and you think you have a damn clue about what’s going on?”

Paul was coming closer, trying to intimidate me. I felt myself backing up, unable to resist the urge to avoid him at all costs, but the railing was up against my spine.

“Jack might think you’re a cute piece of ass, but the rest of the band can’t stand you. You know that, right?”

“Lying. That’s charming. Is that how you talked your little brother into giving you a job? Did you lie to him and tell him that you were remotely qualified? Or did you just beg him like a little bitch?”

He lunged at me, reaching as if he wanted to smack me. I jumped back, but my foot slipped off the edge of the top step, sending me falling. I twisted in the air, breaking my fall with my left hand. I screamed in surprise, which instantly turned into a shriek of pain as my wrist began to throb.

Steve appeared immediately, looking confused as to why a man twice my size looked like he was about to start a fight with me, and I was on my ass holding my wrist on the verge of tears. “May I help you, Miss?” he asked, taking hold of me under my shoulders and gently standing me up.

“Thank you. This man just tried to throw me down the stairs.”

“Fuck you!” Paul screamed. “Lying little whore doesn’t even belong here.”

The guard pointed to the all-access pass around my neck. “Miss Keira is an associate of Miss Kelly, the band’s promotion coordinator. You, however, don’t have a pass, and you’re threatening a guest of the talent. I’ll have to ask you to leave, sir.”

“Bullshit,” Paul roared. “I’ll have you fired, you piece of shit.” He lunged for the guard like a maniac.

Before I could even blink, Paul’s arm was twisted up his back in a heartbeat, as Steve began marching him to the door. “Have a nice night, Miss Keira,” the guard said over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll be banned from the building. I’ll call one of the other guards to come get you – please stay right here.”

My head was spinning, and I felt like I was going to be sick. I’ve never had anyone physically come after me before. I’ve never been in a fight, or the target of rage. If this was what hanging out with dramatic people was like, I’d need to rethink everything.

“I’m with her now,” a tall blonde security guard said into his walkie. “Miss, may I please take a look at your wrist?” I hadn’t even realized that I was holding it with my right hand, clenched tight against my body. Holding it out, I could see that it was already starting to swell.

Hitting his radio button, he said, “I’m taking her to the doc now. Looks like a sprain. Yes, I’d say have him charged.”

“I don’t have time to go find a doctor,” I said. “I’m sure I’m fine.”

He smiled gently. “There is an on-site doctor at all big concerts. They call them a ‘rock doc’, and keep them on hand in case the band or crew need patching up. Dr. Friedman is a very nice lady. Come with me, please.”

Taking a step beside him, I noticed my left knee felt funny. Then the right. Then a hand grabbed my arm as the floor flew up at me.

42. Blue Pills

“There she is.” A calm, motherly voice cut through the hazy, beige fog until I was staring into a pair of clear blue eyes.

I started to sit up, but firm hands on my shoulders held me still. “You’re okay, but stay down, Keira,” a male voice said.

My eyes desperately tried to focus and make sense of things. I was in a small room, with a woman in a blue blazer. Beside me, his hands on my shoulders, was the second security guard who had been sent to take me to the doctor.

“Are you the doctor? How did I get here?”

She smiled warmly. “You passed out, honey. Jim here scooped you up and carried you. Have you ever passed out before?”

I had to think for a moment. “Yes. Once in grade six I was terrified of giving a presentation in class, and afterward in the schoolyard, I keeled over.”

“Delayed response. Your blood pressure likely spiked from terror, then when it normalized, it went too low. Open your eyes wide, please.” She examined my pupils. “Did she hit her head when she went down?” she asked Jim.

“No, I caught her.” He had released his grip since I seemed to be behaving. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. You dropped so fast I grabbed your arms pretty hard.”

I tried to smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’d rather have a few bruises than a bash on the head. Thanks for catching me.” He smiled, looking at the doctor for reassurance.

“I think you’ll be fine, just promise me you’ll take it easy for the rest of the day. No big excitement, okay?” I nodded, wondering if I could keep that agreement with what was sure to happen when Jack found out.

“Now, let’s see your wrist,” she said as she lifted my hand so my arm followed. A stabbing pain rocketed through me, and I visibly winced. She gently prodded a few areas. “You fell forward on it?” I no

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