Guidebook ↠ Shawn Mendes

Chapter 16: The Walk Back Home

Part 6: Assist her in falling for your friend

London

"So you and Shawn?" Jessie asks awkwardly. I give her a small glare and nod. She shifts uncomfortably. "I'm really sorry for flirting with him, I know you noticed. I didn't know you two were, uh, a thing."

"I appreciate the apology." I say simply. Jessie doesn't really seem to know what to do so she just walks away and begins talking to Lexi.

"Are you okay?"

I turn around. Shawn is standing there with his hands in his pockets. He has the cute little endearing smile on. It's the one that used to make my heart melt. I try to smile slightly back, but it feels fake. I don't know why I'm not happy.

"I'm fine." I lie. "Just tired, it's been a long day."

"No kidding." Shawn walks next to me and wraps his arm around my waist. I close my eyes for a moment. Once upon a time, I yearned for this, wished for it, wanted it more than anything. Now? It doesn't make me feel bad or anything...but that's the thing. I don't feel anything.

"I'm going to head out." Sophia approaches us with Lexi following close behind. She glances around to make sure no one else in close enough to hear. "Good show guys."

"Thanks." My throat feels unusually tight.

With Shawn by side, we say our good-bye's to our friends. One by one, they all leave until it's just me, Shawn, and unfortunately, Matt.

"So what do you think of everyone?" Shawn asks me.

"They're all great." This time I'm speaking honestly. "Sweet guys."

"But not sweet as me right?"

I giggle. "Oh absolutely not."

Shawn smiles widely at me. Why does it feel like I'm leading him on? "You ready to go? I can wave down a taxi."

"I was actually just going to walk." I shrug."My house isn't far from here."

"No way, it's too dark."

"Shawn," I protest. "I'm not a little kid."

"I'll walk with you then."

"Your house is miles away, I'll be fine." I argue.

"I can walk her home, my house is close by too." Matt interrupts our petty arguement.

Oh god. Shawn, please pull the over protective best friend card.

"Thanks so much Matt, take care of her."

Shit.

"No problem." Matt nods. I can't read his expression. He has a good poker face. Then again, he has a good face in general.

I manage to smile weakly and wave down a taxi for Shawn in an effort to seem more normal.

"Alright, be safe London. I"ll call you tomorrow, okay?" Shawn says right before he climbs into the car.

"Okay." I don't know what else to say.When did everything become so complicated? Before I can do anything, Shawn leans in and gives me a quick kiss on the forehead before disappearing behind the dark tinted windows of the taxi. I watch, partially to avoid looking at Matt, as the car speeds off into the dark night.

"Ready?" Matt's voice brings me out of my little daze.

"Yeah." I nod and follow him as he walks down the street. This is so awkward. Why is it awkward? It's never been this awkward between us. "You really don't have to walk me home you know." I attempt to break the silence.