Torn [SHAWN MENDES]

~32~

Shawn put his mom's car in park and took a deep breath. "No bringing up the past. Keep it light," he muttered to himself. He got Piper out of her seat and walked up to the front door to ring the bell.

Taryn answered almost immediately. "Hi! I put Hen in the backyard so that he wouldn't knock you over."

"I seem to recall you being the one who fell. Did your knee heal up okay after our last visit?"

She laughed. "There's a small scar but it's fine. Do you want some coffee? It's late, but you used to drink it all day."

"I'd love some," he said as he entered the kitchen. "Is Jules here?"

"He's at work. Poor guy had a night shift, came home and slept eight hours, then went right back to the hospital. I was at the bar until three, so I'm not much better off."

She hadn't spoken to her fiancé at all since he'd been asleep when she got home and then he'd left without waking her. He had no idea that Shawn was visiting, and she knew he'd be upset when she told him later. But being Jules, he'd undoubtedly forgive her faster than she deserved.

Taryn made Shawn a mug of black coffee, set it on the counter, and pushed a plate of scones towards him. "Help yourself to one of these. My mom made them. Baking is her new hobby."

"Do you mind holding Piper?"

She smiled. "I thought you'd never ask!" Hendrix came to the door and woofed at them as he wagged his tail excitedly. "Shall we sit outside? It's pretty warm today."

"Sounds good."

They moved to the patio and Taryn sat down with Piper just like she had during the last visit, while Shawn wrestled with the dog.

"How's it feel to be one?" she asked the baby.

"Da!" Piper pointed to her daddy.

"This again? Next you'll be saying dog!"

The toddler nodded. "Dog! Dog!"

"Okay! We can go see the doggy." She got up and approached Shawn and Hendrix. "Sit!" she said commandingly and both Hen and her ex sat down. She handed the baby to her dad so that he could guide the interaction with the dog.

"Remember, sweetie, you need to be gentle with Hendrix. Soft touch," Shawn told Piper.

Taryn had just started across the lawn towards the patio when her foot went in a divot in the grass, causing her to fall. The fact that she'd gotten hurt again was embarrassing, so she tried to get up before Shawn could help her. It was no use, though. Her ankle hurt too much to put weight on it.

"Were you always this clumsy?" Shawn joked as he offered her his free hand.

"I've gotten clumsier with age, and I don't think that's going to do the trick," she winced. "I'm in a lot of pain."

"Shit! I didn't realize you were hurt. Let me put Hen inside and then I can put Piper down and help you up. Just sit tight."

"Grab the quilt off the bench by the door. She can sit on that."

He got the dog and baby situated and then used both hands to pull Taryn upright. He carefully guided her over to the chairs. "Want me to take a look at it?"

"No. I think I'm okay. It hurts, but if I rest it a little I'm sure I'll be fine. You can let Hen out again since he's the reason you're here."

The dog definitely wasn't the only reason he was there, but he'd promised her the night before to not talk about anything heavy.

When he'd booked the trip to Toronto, he swore an oath to himself that he'd leave Taryn alone. He needed to try to forget her and make his marriage work, no matter how hard that was. Then she magically appeared in Pickering and suddenly all bets were off. He was shocked when she extended an invitation to see Hen, but he'd been overjoyed by the offer. His parents and Aaliyah scolded him, saying no good could come from him spending time with Taryn, but they knew he wouldn't listen.