Fractured [SHAWN MENDES]

~43~

"You look really sexy, birthday boy," Taryn cooed from the passenger seat of Shawn's Tesla as she tousled his ever-growing locks. They were headed to Pickering for his birthday dinner.

"You're diggin' my hair, eh?"

"God yes. It's like it was at the end of the 2019 tour."

"That...that is a very specific reference. Were you a big fan?" he asked.

She could feel her cheeks turn pink. "There was a time when I was mildly obsessed with you, so I became quite familiar with the different eras of your looks."

"Oh yeah? What's your favorite?"

While she pretended to think about the question, she tapped a finger to her chin, even though she knew the answer immediately. "Let's see...the Illuminate tour era was pretty good. Those tight black jeans and button down shirts were hot. You went through the sleeveless period, which was when you started growing the hair out, and that definitely worked for you. I think your early covid-chic was great, too. I liked the slightly long hair and the casual clothes, because it felt like the real you."

He laughed loudly. "And now the realest version of me belongs to you, cracks and all."

"I was just about to say that the current Shawn Mendes is definitely my fave. I love him from his shaggy mop of hair to his Birkenstock-clad feet. There are some pretty good parts in between, too." She punctuated this thought by placing her hand on his crotch and massaging gently.

"Getting me excited when we're five minutes from my parents' house is downright diabolical!"

"You do it to me all the time when I'm at work!" she reminded him. He had a habit of whispering naughty things in her ear.

"Oh yeah? Well when you're aroused it isn't quite so obvious," Shawn groaned.

Giggling, she let go of him. "You are sporting quite the pants tent."

"The camper trapped inside isn't very happy about the situation."

"Tell him that he'll get round three of birthday sex later tonight. I promise it will be worth it," she said in a low voice.

"I should have insisted that your mom and Earl ride with us. I wouldn't be in this situation if they were in the back seat!"

"I tried to get them to, but my stubborn mother kept arguing that you and I might want to stay longer, and she didn't want us to leave early on their account."

Shawn turned into his neighborhood. "We're almost there."

"This is such a cute community!" she exclaimed as she looked out the passenger window at the passing houses. "When I was little, I wanted a house in a place like this."

"I took it first granted growing up, but I appreciate it more now." He pulled in front of his family home and put the car in park.

"So how's the camper now? Is he still mad or has he calmed down?"

"He's fine, no thanks to you," he growled, though it was clear he was joking.

They got out and walked up the path to the front porch. Before Shawn could ring the doorbell, the door flew open and they were greeted by an unexpected person.

"Surprise!" Aaliyah shouted. "And happy birthday!"

He just gawked at his smiling sister for a moment before stepping inside to give her a huge hug. "I can't believe you're here!"

"We can talk about it later, but for now let's just say that it's clear you're moving forward and I need to do the same. I don't want things to be weird between us anymore."