The One After [SHAWN MENDES]

Chapter 5

Ever since COVID hit, I'd been working from home as a bookkeeper. I used to share an office with my dad at his bakery, but I preferred crunching numbers at my dining room table in my pajamas, so I made the arrangement permanent.

"Inky," I said to my black cat as she pawed at my keyboard, "you're going to add an extra zero to something and mess up this spreadsheet." I picked her up and placed her on the ground. She let out a meow and ran off to my bedroom where she'd probably find a patch of late afternoon sunlight to sleep in.

My phone dinged and I saw that my dad texted to see if I wanted him to drop off dinner. His bakery had some incredible stuffed breads, and at least twice a week he brought me something. I replied that I'd love a couple pepperoni or sausage rolls. A few seconds later my phone dinged again and I glanced over at it, expecting another text from Dad. Instead there was one from a private number. Several others followed.

Hey party girl

I'm having a birthday party

Wanna come?

It could only be Shawn. I picked up my phone and typed a short message.

Who's this?

The three dots appeared and then his response.

Sorry should have said

Shawn

I couldn't resist messing with him a little more.

Shawn who?

A selfie appeared on my screen. He was sitting in front of a well lit vanity looking very handsome. Did he have a show tonight? If so his audience was in for a treat because he was wearing a sleeveless shirt that showed off his muscular shoulders.

Hi, Shawn Mendes.

When and where is the birthday party?

A second later I had an incoming call from a private number. I let it ring three times before picking up. "Hello?"

"I figured it was easier to talk than type everything out," he said.

"I'm working, so I can't speak long."

"You're on the boat this early?" he asked.

I laughed. "No. That's just a side gig. I work as a bookkeeper and sometimes I help my dad at his bakery."

"I guess I need to change you in my contacts to 'part-time party girl,' eh?"

"That would be more accurate," I told him.

"How've you been?"

"Great, thanks. How's the tour going?"

"It's been amazing," he answered, drawing out the last word so that it sounded like ahmaaaazing.

"I'm envious of people like you who get to see the world for your career."

"I'm very lucky. So listen...are you in for my party? I was working out some details, and I realized that I needed a party girl for ambiance."

"Am I expected to push bottle service?" I played along with the joke.

"Nah. There will be an open bar so it's not necessary."

"I'd love to come if it fits with my schedule."

"That's great," he said. "The party is on August 8th. I'm going to text you my email, but please don't share it. I need you to respond with your full name, birthdate, and address."

"Why do you need all that info?"

"For your plane ticket and hotel reservation. It's all my treat."

I was silent for several seconds as I tried to wrap my head around this.