The One After [SHAWN MENDES]

Chapter 116

After my brief respite in my besties' bedroom, I rejoined the party. I went to the kitchen first for a non-alcoholic drink, and was on my way to check on the food when a voice sounded across the room.

"This place is amazing you guys! I love it."

I'd know that drawn out 'ahmaaaazing' anywhere. I looked towards the door and there stood Shawn, who'd apparently just arrived and was talking to Briya and Fallon. I was trying to will myself to look away from him when he turned my way and smiled at me, causing his eyes to crinkle in the most adorable way. I felt trapped like an animal caught in headlights. There was nowhere to run or hide, and I probably came across as an idiot by just staring at my ex-boyfriend, though he was doing the same thing.

He looked great, which was no surprise. Dressed casually, he had one of his striped 'grandpa' cardigans and dark jeans. I'd worn that sweater several times since it was one of my favorites, and I missed how cozy and safe I felt when I was wrapped in his oversized clothing.

I tore my gaze away from him and surveyed the food again. The table was in need to crudities, so I picked up the divided tray and hurried into the kitchen. After putting carrots, grape tomatoes, celery, and cucumbers in their spots, I refilled the center with more dill dip. I had no choice but to return the replenished plate to the dining room, so I took a deep breath and proceeded in that direction. Shawn had moved and was looking at the buffet, probably in search of things he could eat.

"Here you go," I said cheerfully. "You like everything except the tomatoes."

"Thanks, Lucy. It's nice to see you."

"Likewise. If you'll excuse me, I need to see if the girls need my help with anything else."

My friends were talking with an older couple who lived down the hall, so I scooched between them and tried to join the conversation. The man and woman were just leaving, and after they said their goodbyes, my friends leaned in close to me.

"You okay?" Briya asked.

"I don't know. Do I look okay?"

Fallon cocked her head. "You look frazzled, but I doubt anyone who doesn't know you well would pick up on it."

Shit. Shawn knew me very well and he was the one I wanted to appear unfrazzled to! "Maybe I should go."

"Don't you dare!" Fallon scolded. "Put a smile on that gorgeous face and be strong. He's probably just as nervous as you are."

The party had thinned out enough that I couldn't hide behind a group of people, so I did as my friend advised and sucked it up. I walked back to the dining area, where Shawn appeared to be texting someone, and helped myself to some food.

"What's in the mushrooms?" he asked after shoving his phone in his front pocket.

"Mostly sausage and breadcrumbs. Proceed with caution."

He took one and ate it. "That's really good."

"I've had to restrain myself from eating more than my share," I said with a light laugh.

His eyes combed my body and I could practically read his mind. He was probably thinking that it didn't look like I'd eaten much of anything. Maybe my overly-skinny physique repulsed him, because the look on his face definitely wasn't appreciative.

"How've you been?" he queried.

"Great. You?"

He was about to answer, when Liam came up to me. "I've got to run, but I was hoping to get your number. Maybe we could grab dinner one night soon?"