The One After [SHAWN MENDES]

Chapter 7

The elevator took me to the top of the hotel, and I stepped out to look around, trying to gather my bearings. I saw a gentleman with a tablet and approached him. "I'm here for the birthday party."

"Welcome! Can I have your name, please?" I gave it to him and he checked that I was on the list. Then he handed me a piece of paper. "Can you please sign this? It's an agreement that you won't take or post any photos from tonight on social media, though you're welcome to take pics of the view."

I'd done some research before coming and had seen photos and videos from some of Shawn's previous parties, but maybe they were ones he'd allowed or approved. Or perhaps this form was for people he didn't know and trust, which was understandable. I signed and handed it back to him.

"The party is outside. Enjoy!"

I walked through a pair of large glass doors and saw that there were probably close to a hundred people gathered on the stylish patio. A drink was in order, but I hadn't eaten all day, so I found the buffet first. It wasn't the type where you picked an assortment of food yourself, but instead there were small plates filled with various tiny bites. I took one and popped a crustless quiche in my mouth followed by a cucumber topped with a cream sauce and caviar. Both things were delicious and I wondered if it would look bad if I ate several plates. I looked to see if anyone was watching and set my first one down on a stack on a side table and took another that had different options. Stepping away from the buffet, I moved over to the railing and looked at the view of the Brooklyn Bridge. I couldn't wait until the sun set, because I knew the city would look incredible.

When I was done eating, I found the bar and ordered a Manhattan because it seemed fitting. I looked for a tip jar and saw none, so I offered the bartender a five.

"I'm sorry, miss. The host is taking care of our tips at the end of the night, so that's unnecessary."

I gave him a smile and thanked him before finding a seat on a cushioned teak chair. This was a wonderful opportunity for people watching, so I let my eyes wander over the groups of guests who were happily eating and drinking. Shawn was nowhere to be seen, but I spotted several of his friends from the cruise. One of them made eye contact with me and walked over to where I was sitting.

"Lucy, right?" he asked as he sat opposite me. "I'm Brian."

I remembered who he was because I'd spoken with him and his cute blonde girlfriend. "Nice to see you again," I said.

"It's great you're here. Shawn was worried you'd say no."

I was flattered to hear he cared that much. "Where is the birthday boy?"

"He had to take a phone call, but I'm sure he'll be back soon," he replied offhandedly, but I noticed he avoided eye contact as he spoke.

We talked for awhile and I learned about how he knew Shawn and what his job was on the tour. After a bit, his girlfriend joined us and I learned her name was Meg. I felt like I was monopolizing them when they'd probably prefer to be with their friends, so I excused myself to the restroom, which was inside. I was about to turn a corner when I heard the distinct timbre of Shawn's voice, which made me stop in my tracks.

"I know, but I still thought she might show up," he was saying to someone.

"It's been almost a year since you told me things weren't working out," a woman with a British accent said, "and you've been officially broken up since November. Shawn, you need to let go. I understand you're friends and that's why you invited her, but it would be uncomfortable for both of you if she was here."

"Then why'd she call me to wish me happy birthday and to say that she was in New York? It's like she wanted me to know she could come if she really wanted to!"