Chapter 2
Dreaming of Blue Eyes

My heart is pounding and my hands won't stop shaking. When I make sure that I am far enough away from Felix's house, I pull off to the side of the road and shut the engine off. I step out of the car and welcome the cool, refreshing California air. I close my eyes and take a deep purifying breath. While I lean against the car, I try to gather my scattered thoughts as it begins to sprinkle

No man have ever affected me the way Felix Kjellberg has, and I can't figure out why. Is it his looks? The fact that he's from Sweden? Or just because he's YouTube famous? I can't seem to understand why I'm having this reaction. Shaking my head, I breathe an enormous sigh of relief and get back in the car. As my heart steadies to it's regular rhythm, I start the car back up and head off back towards San Francisco and into the rain.

As I leave the city behind me, I begin to feel foolish and embarrassed as I replay the interview in my mind. Oh God, I can't believe that one of the questions asked if he was gay. Why would Lily want to know that? I think she's been reading way too many of them smutty guy on guy fanfictions. Well actually I read that stuff, too in literature, but I'm sure Felix has a girlfriend. So where was she during the interview? But then again, maybe he's not in a relationship right now. And that adoption question was just way too personal. Ugh! I just wish the ground would swallow me up right now!

I check the speedometer and notice that I am driving more cautiously then I would on any other occasion. The memory of those hauntingly, penetrating blue eyes, and that stern Swedish accent telling me to drive carefully comes back into my mind. I shake my head and chuckle at the fact that Felix Kjellberg acts like a man twice his age. Of the few videos that I've seen, he acts like an immature teenager. He's like two different people. While playing video games, he looks carefree and looks like a child, but in person, he acts older and more mature. He's very attractive, polite, and kind of intimidating.

Forget it Elizabeth, my subconscious scolds me. Well, at least I never have to see him again, and I'm cheered by that thought. Switching on the radio, I turn the volume up, and sit back, listening to the beat of the rock music. As I reach the highway, I realize that I can drive as fast as I want. Turning on cruise control, my Mercedes drives down the highway at just above 65.

Lily and I live in a small suburban neighborhood just a few blocks away from the University. It's been my home since I was born, and Lily became my roommate three years ago when my parents decided to give me the house. It's a big house, too as it was originally a frat house when it was first built during the early 1900s. Five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a sunroom/smoking room that was also used as the game room back when my father used to have poker games with his army buddies...

Trailing away from my wandering thoughts, I pull up into the driveway, and I know that Lily is going to badger me for questions the second I walk through the door since she is always so tenacious. At least she'll have the digital recorder so I won't have to elaborate much beyond what had been said during the interview.

When I walk inside the house, I see Lily sitting in the living room, surrounded by books. Clearly she's been studying for the final exams. She looks up from her work and smiles.

"Hey, you're finally back!" She bounds over to me and hugs me. "I was beginning to get worried. I was expecting you back sooner."

"Oh, I think I made pretty good timing considering that the interview went by pretty quickly." I give her the tape recorder and she smiles like an excited child on Christmas morning.

"Elizabeth, thank you so much for doing this for me; I definitely owe you one," she says. "So, how was it? What was he like?" Oh no, here we go. The Lily De Luca Questioning Hour.

Oh damn, what can I tell her?

"I'm just glad it's all over since I never have to see him again," I say. "He was a little intimidating in person, even though he acts so carefree in his videos. He's really focused, and young. Really young. He's very courteous, very formal and polite. He doesn't talk like a man of twenty-something years old. How old is he anyway?"

"He's just turned twenty-seven," Lily replies. "He's so dreamy isn't he?"

I smirk and roll my eyes. "Oh yeah, so dreamy," I say sarcastically and she laughs.

"I'll start transcribing the interview," Lily says.

"You look much better. Did you eat your soup?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Yes, and thank you for making it for me, it was really delicious. I'm feeling much better too." She smiles at me.

I check the time on my watch. "I have to get to work."

"Aren't you the least bit tired from the drive?" Lily asks.

"Nah, I'll be fine. I'll see you later. Get some more rest."

I've worked at Rossi's Books since I graduated from high school. It's a very small bookstore in downtown San Francisco, but it gets pretty good business. We carry a really good selection of books by many famous authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Harper Lee, Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov, Mario Puzo, and many others.

When I arrive, I'm glad I can make my shift so it at least gives me something to focus on that isn't Felix Kjellberg or YouTube. We're buzzing with business today since it's getting close to the start of the summer season, and people are stocking up on books to read for vacation. My boss, Mrs. Giovanna Rossi looks surprised to see me.

"Elizabeth, I thought you weren't going to make it today, dear," she says.

"My appointment didn't take as long as I thought it would. I can do a couple of hours if you'd like."

Mrs. Rossi smiles. "That would be just fine, dearie."

She sends me into the back room to start unpacking several shipments of books that were delivered to the store this morning. After unpacking, I load the book cart and heading to the floor, I stock the shelves, and soon enough, I'm absorbed in my task.

When I arrive home at the end of the day, Lily is wearing her headphones and working on her laptop. Her nose is still pink, but she has her eyes glued into a story. She's concentrated and typing very fast. I'm thoroughly drained of my energy and completely exhausted by the long drive to Sacramento, the interview, and all the work I had to do at Rossi's. I slump down onto the couch, thinking about the essay I have to write and all the studying that I didn't do today because I was interviewing him.

Lily nudges me with her foot. "You've got some really good stuff here, Elizabeth. Well done. But I can't believe you turned down his offer to work at YouTube headquarters and to see how he makes videos. He obviously wants to spend more time with you." She gives me a fleeting look.

My cheeks heat and my heartbeat increases. That couldn't have been the reason, could it? He just wanted to show me how he makes videos because I know nothing about YouTube. I realize at that moment that I'm biting my bottom lip and I hope that Lily doesn't notice, but she's absorbed in typing out the interview.

"I hear what you mean about his politeness and being formal. He has a really beautiful voice. Did you take notes?" she asks.

"Uh, no, I didn't," I say. "I'm sorry."

Lily smiles. "That's okay. I can make a fine article with this. It's a shame that we don't any up to date photos of him. Good looking man, isn't he?"

"Yeah, I guess so." I try my best to sound not so interested, but I don't think Lily buys it.

"Oh, come on, Elizabeth," she says. "I can tell you're quite taken by his good looks. Every time I say his name, I see you blush." She raises her eyebrows at me.

Crap, she's right! I feel my cheeks heating up once more so I decide to distract her with flattery which is always a good ploy.

"If you'd gone to this interview, you probably would have gotten a lot more information out of him than I did," I say.

Lily scoffs. "I highly doubt that. But come on, he practically offered you a job. I know people who would kill just to work for YouTube."

She glances up at me while I make a hasty retreat to the kitchen.

"So what did you really think of him?" She asks, following behind me. Damn, she's always bugging me for answers. Why won't she let this go? Think of something to say, Elizabeth; quick!

"Well, all in all, he was very nice, polite, charming, and also a little intimidating. I'm kinda fascinated by what he does," I add, hoping this information will shut her up once and for all.

Lily snorts. "You? Fascinated by him? Well, that's a first."

Grinning, I walk over to the cupboard to start gathering up the makings for a sandwich so she can't see the look on my face.

"Why did you want to know if he was gay?" I ask. "That was by far the most embarrassing question. I felt mortified and he seemed a little pissed when I asked him. I mean it seems he has nothing against gay people, but still, that question was really rude."

"Whenever he appears in articles, he never has a date." she replies. "And from all of his videos that I've seen, there's never a girl with him, except for that annoying little sister he has. She acts like a fucking twelve year old."

"Well it was totally and utterly embarrassing," I say. "The whole thing was embarrassing and I'm just glad that I'll never have to see him again or do another interview for as long as I live."

"Oh, it couldn't have been that bad," Lily says, smiling. "You know, from what I heard on the recording, I think he's really taken by you."

Taken with me? Felix Kjellberg? No way, that's ridiculous.

"Would you like a sandwich?" I ask, hoping to get off the subject of PewDiePie.

She nods. "Yes please."

And so for the rest of the evening, we talk no more of Felix Kjellberg or anything YouTube related. After we've eaten, I'm able to sit in the living room with Lily while she works on the article, and I'm able to work on my essay. By the time I finish, it's almost midnight. Saying goodnight to Lily, I make my upstairs to my bedroom. Once in my pajamas, I curl up in my queen sized bed, and almost instantly, I fall asleep. That night I dream of palaces and bright blue eyes.

For the rest of the week, I busy myself into studying for finals and my job at Rossi's. Lily is busy too as she studies for the final and finishes up the article for the student newspaper. By Thursday, she's feeling much better and I no longer have to see her wearing her pink pajamas. Later that evening, I call my mom in Florida like I promised so she can wish me luck on my final exams. She tells me about the latest news that has happened and the remodeling of her new house. I just hope that she hasn't broken the bank in the process. And I hope that my dad is keeping an eye on her.

Friday night, Lily and I decide to take a break from studying, working, and the student newspaper. At that moment, the doorbell rings, and standing on our doorstep is my good friend Vincenzo Luciano holding a bottle of champagne.

"Vinnie, it's so great to see you!" I give him a big hug.

Vincenzo Luciano and I met in middle school when him and his family moved to San Francisco from Italy, and ever since then, we've been really great friends. We both started college at USF at the same time, and he is studying to be a computer technician. He's really smart, but his real passion is photography.

"I have some good news." He smiles, his green eyes twinkling. "The San Francisco Gallery is going to exhibit my photographs next month."

"That's awesome, congratulations!" Excited of his news, I hug him once more.

"Way to go, Vinnie!" Lily cheers.

"Let's celebrate. I want you to come to the opening night." Vinnie looks at me and I blush. "Both of you," he adds, glancing over at Lily.

Vinnie and I are good friends, but I know deep down that he really likes me. He's cute and has a great sense of humor, but he's just not for me. He's like a brother I've never had. Lily often teases me that I'm missing out on the boyfriend/girlfriend experience, but the truth is I just haven't met anyone that I'm attracted to.

Until recently, my subconscious whispers. No! There is no way I'm going there, not after that embarrassing interview. Are you gay, Mr. Kjellberg? My inner goddess hides at that memory.

Pushing the memory from my head, I watch Vinnie open the bottle of champagne. He's tall, and in blue jeans and a red t-shirt. He's all broad shoulders, tanned skin, light blonde hair, and green eyes. The cork makes it's loud pop and I look up at him and he smiles.

Saturday at Rossi's is moderately busy with customers buying there favorite books. By lunchtime, I check shipments on ordered books while I'm sitting behind the counter at the register. I'm engrossed in the task, checking the shipped items and making a check list. Then, for some reason, I glance up from my work, and I find myself locked in the blue eyed gaze of Felix Kjellberg, who is standing there, staring back at me.

Holy shit.

"Miss Callahan, what a pleasant surprise to see you here." His gaze is intense.

Holy crap. What the heck is he doing here, wearing his cream colored sweater, jeans, and his converse shoes? My heart rate has skyrocketed through the roof and I can't seem to locate my voice.

"Mr. Kjellberg," I whisper, which is all I can seem to say. He smiles and his eyes are lighted with humor as if he's enjoying my reaction of him being here.

"I was in the neighborhood and I walked by here and I thought I'd stop in to buy a few things," he says by way of explanation.

I shake my head as I try to gather my scattered wits. My heart is beating at a fast tempo and for some reason I can't seem to stop blushing under his gaze. I am thrown by the sight of him. He's literally a perfect model of male beauty and he's here in Rossi's.

"It's Elizabeth. My name is Elizabeth," I mutter, finding my lost voice. "What can I help you with, sir?"

He smiles at my politeness. "I'm looking for some good books to read."

"Do you have any book titles in mind?" I ask.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could recommend me a good book," he says.

Oh my. He wants me to choose a book for him? "We just had a shipment come in yesterday morning. Have you ever read The Godfather by Mario Puzo?"

Felix shakes his head. "I've heard of it. I haven't read it. Have you?"

I nod and smile. "Oh yes, it's one of my favorites," I say. "Would you like to buy a copy?"

He nods and I walk out from behind the counter.

"After you, Miss Callahan," he says.

I blush and walk towards the novel section as he follows behind me. My legs feel like Jell-O and my heart is in my throat as I head down the aisle to look for the book that he wants. Why is he here in San Francisco? Why is he here in Rossi's? My subconscious smiles. He's here to see you! she shouts sarcastically. No way. I dismiss it immediately as I run my fingers along the books until I reach the P's. Why would this beautiful Swedish man from YouTube want to see me? When I find The Godfather, I take the book down from the shelf and hand it over to Felix.

"Are you here in San Francisco on business?" I ask, my voice breathy.

"I was visiting the college to practice for my speech that I will be giving at the graduation ceremony," he replies.

"Oh," is all I can say. See? my subconscious sneers at me. He's not here to see you. I ignore her. "Is there anything else?" My voice is husky and somewhat breathy.

"What other books would you recommend?" His voice mirrors mine which makes the insides of my belly clench with need.

I shrug. "How about The Great Gatsby? I suggest.

"I read that in grade school and I'm actually interested in reading it again," he says. "Have you read it?"

Is he serious? "Yeah, I have," I reply, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at him.

Keeping my head down to hide my blushing cheeks, I lead the way down the aisle and immediately I find The Great Gatsby. I take it down from the shelf and hand it over to him.

"What are your favorite things to do, Elizabeth?" he asks out of the blue, his accent soft.

I gaze at him. "Well, I love to read," I whisper. "Books are practically my life."

"What kind of books do you read?" He cocks his head to one side and gazes at me impassively. Why is he so interested all of a sudden?

"Oh, you know, the usual classics like British literature, romance, science fiction, fantasy. Mainly novels." I reply.

He runs his index finger and thumb along the stubble on his chin.

"Is there anything else that you need?" I ask, hoping to get off the subject of books.

Felix. "No, I think I'm all set," he says. "How's the article coming along?"

Oh finally, a normal question that I can answer.

"I'm not writing it, Lily is. Miss De Luca. My roommate is the writer and she's very happy with it. She's the editor of the student paper and she was disappointed that she wan't able to meet you in person." Damn it, I sound like I'm babbling. Stop babbling, Elizabeth! my subconscious screams at me. "Her only concern is that she doesn't have any up to date photographs of you."

"What sort of photographs does she want?" he asks with curiosity.

I shrug my shoulders. "Would you be willing to do a photo session?" I suggest, hoping that he'll say yes.

He thinks for a moment. "Well, I am around. How about tomorrow?"

"Really?" I squeak. Oh my. Lily is going to be in seventh heaven when she hears about this. My inner goddess is jumping around in celebration and my subconscious is grinning from ear to ear. You'll get to see him again too, she whispers. I ignore her and smile at him. I feel like I'm on cloud nine. "Lily will be absolutely delighted. I know a photographer, too. He'll be really happy to meet you."

He smiles. "Well, let me know about tomorrow," he says. Reaching into his back pocket, he retrieves his wallet. "Here's my card. It has my cell number on it."

I take the card from him and grin. "Okay." Lily is going to be absolutely ecstatic.

"Elizabeth!"

I look down at the end of the aisle and see Tino Rossi who is Mr. and Mrs. Rossi's oldest son, standing there. I had heard that he was home from visiting his grandparents in Austria, but I wasn't expecting to see him today.

"Excuse me for one moment, Mr. Kjellberg." I walk past him and hurry over to Tino. He scoops me up into his arms and gives me a big bear hug.

"Elizabeth, hi, it's so great to see you!" he exclaims.

"Uhh, Tino, you're crushing me," I breathe.

He sets me back down on my feet. "Sorry," he mutters apologetically.

I smile. "Hey Tino, how are you?" I ask. "You and Francisca home from visiting Austria?"

"Yeah," he replies. He examines me at an arms length "You're looking well, Elizabeth. Very well." I blush as he drapes an arm over my shoulder.

When I look up at Felix Kjellberg, he's watching me and Tino. Oh dear, he looks a little jealous.

"Tino, I'm with a customer right now. Someone you should meet," I say.

I lead Tino over to meet him and it feels as if the temperature in the atmosphere has gone cold.

"Tino, this is Felix Kjellberg." I tell him. "Mr. Kjellberg, this is Tino Rossi. His parents own the bookstore."

"Tino." Felix holds out his hand, and the expression on his face is unreadable.

"Felix." Tino returns his handshake. His eyes then widen with surprise. "Wait hold up. The Felix Kjellberg? As in PewDiePie of YouTube?" He goes to awestruck mode in less than a second.

Felix gives him an embarrassed smile and his blue eyes twinkle. "Yep, that's me." he says.

"Dude, you are like my number one favorite YouTuber!" Tino exclaims. "Wow, is there anything I can get you?"

"Elizabeth has it covered. She's been very helpful in finding some reading material for me." His expression is impassive, but his words are somewhat polite.

Tino looks at the books that Felix is holding. "The Godfather," he says, impressed. "Good book. The Great Gatsby was pretty awesome too. Hey, would it be okay if I could get a photo of you?"

Felix nods. "Sure, bro."

Tino fumbles around in his back pocket for his smartphone and he hands it to me. "Elizabeth, would you take the picture for us?"

I smile. "Yeah." I hold up the phone and focus the camera on them. They pose and smile as they do the brofist. The camera clicks and I hand the phone back to Tino who is grinning ecstatically.

"Thanks." he says, as they shake hands once more. He turns to me and smiles. "I'll catch you later, Elizabeth."

"See you later, Tino." I watch him disappear around the corner of the aisle towards the back room. I turn towards Felix and he's staring at me. It feels very unnerving. "Well, shall I ring those up for you, sir?"

He smiles and nods. Taking a deep breath, I turn and head for the register. I ring up the two books.

"That will be twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, please." I glance up at Felix and I wish I hadn't. His beautiful blue eyes are burning into me. "Would you like a bag?" I ask, as I take his credit card.

"Please, Elizabeth." His accent caresses my name, and once again I'm blushing furiously while my heart pounds at a wild pace. My inner goddess is swooning and fanning herself to keep cool. Hurriedly, I put the books in a plastic bag for him.

"You'll call me for the photo shoot right?" He sounds all business like. I nod, feeling speechless and hand him back his credit card.

Felix smiles. "Good," he says. "Until tomorrow, perhaps." He turns to leave, then pauses. "Oh, and Elizabeth, I'm glad that Miss De Luca was unable to make the interview." My face flushes and he grins. He strides out of the store, leaving me a quaking mass of raging female hormones. Holy shit, did he just say that? My inner goddess has fainted and it takes me several minutes to return to planet Earth.

Okay. I like him. I really like him. There, I've admitted it. I cannot hide these feelings anymore. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I find Felix attractive. Very attractive and beautiful. But all of this is just a lost cause and I sigh with regret. I think it was just a fluke that he stopped by. But still, I can admire his beauty from afar. And if I can get Vinnie to do the photo shoot tomorrow, I can admire Felix all I want. Biting my lip and grinning like a schoolgirl, I take out my cellphone and call Lily.