𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐥 | 𝐒.𝐌

6 | Bourbon

Shawn just looks at my face for a moment, noticing it upsets me and he looks away, his eyes focused on the forest on the other side of the cliff.

'Is there a restaurant near here?' He asks, changing the subject.

I close my eyes, sighing from relief.

'No, but we do have a pub. It's a little far. Through the meadows, across the river and then the next path to the right. I don't go there often, Elijah does not like it when I go there alone.'

Shawn sighs, clearly irritated.

'It's a good thing you're not going alone then.' Shawn says, standing up.

It still surprises me how different he is now. He is like a completely different person and I just can't seem to understand it. Of course, I play some sort of role when I'm working, the secret fantasy every man wants, but that's me being different, not the client. 

It's like he also plays a role when we have sex. Kind of like his dark side that he doesn't show to anyone... but me.

I climb to my feet and Shawn grabs my arm to make sure I don't fall to my death. I stand up and pat the back of my legs, trying to clean all the filthy stuff I just sat on. 

We make our way back to the big meadows, walking in the direction of the pub.

Twenty minutes later we arrive at the pub and Shawn opens the door for me, waiting until I walk inside. I thank him and pull my hoodie away from my head, the owner recognizes me immediately.

'Lockhart!' He shouts, holding a pint of beer in his hand.

'Mercury! How are you?' I ask with a smile on my face as I walk to him.

He stands up from the barstool and grabs my arm, pulling me into a tight hug. 

Mercury is the typical pub owner. A big beer belly, a bald head and with the biggest welcoming smile on his face every time a client enters his pub. Today he's wearing a black t-shirt, tucked in his jean shorts. 

He orders someone to play some music to celebrate my visit. I thank him with a smile and start to feel a little awkward when he brings out a toast.

'I thought you never came to this pub?' Shawn whispers with a smile in his voice, standing behind me with his arms crossed.

'I don't, but it's quite the party when I do.' I whisper back, smiling over my shoulder at Shawn.

Mercury sees me talking to a tall man standing behind me and his smile turns into a confusing frown.

'Oi! Who's this handsome chap you brought with you today?' Mercury walks to Shawn and puts his hand on his back.

You know when dad's hit their sons on their back as a greeting, but it basically knocks all the air out of your lungs? Well, that's how Mercury just greeted Shawn.

'This is Shawn Mendes, a friend of mine.' I decide to say.

I guess Shawn just got upgraded from "client" to "friend". 

Mercury blinks a couple of times, looking confused, waiting for the punchline. I shake my head a little and he stares at Shawn for a moment.

'I know you.' He whispers with his strong Liverpool accent. 'This is that chap from the "I know I can treat you beetteerrr!' Mercury sings with a hoarse voice.

Shawn and I both start to laugh and Mercury joins us, hitting Shawn on his shoulder a little and pulling at his denim jacket.

'Yeah. I'm the Shawn Mendes who made that song. Glad to hear you know it tho.' Shawn says with a smile.