"He just took me for lunch." I said, but at the same time, Shawn said this...
"So what if we were on a date?"
I look at him, taking a step back. I gave him a 'the fuck?' look and Andrew was quite surprised as well.
"I mean, we just went out for lunch. Nothing serious. You had to be there for the conversation to know why we were holding hands," Shawn explained. His face showing not one hint of red.
"Well, make sure you tell the press what you two are. Don't make it private then. Fans want answers," Andrew scolded. His finger pointing at both of us.
"Okay. I have a meeting with Mr. Landon. I'll be back in an few hours," Shawn said rushing off. He waves and gives me a flash of his straight teeth.
"So, Athena, what's on your agenda today?" Andrew asked.
"Well, uh, I was supposed to meet Mr. Senty for a production lesson, then attend my online college course," I say.
"Mr. Senty's out. You can work on your course right now. There should be an empty room in 316. Go in there if you'd like," Andrew smiles and walks off. I sign, being in the lobby alone. Bright, large windows covered the floor. I walk slowly, my shoes making a noise vibrate throughout the empty space.
This is my place. The place I've wanted to be for a long time. It's just not the position I wish I was in.
--------------
Time skip (few weeks)
After weeks of work, I find myself once again in the arms of this work space with my name on it. I've been trying to avoid Shawn since that lunch/kinda date thing, but he wouldn't back away.
"Athena! It's time to leave," Shawn said, walking into the room I was currently working in. My session just ended and I started to pack up. Shawn stood up, leaning his back on the table, crossing his arms.
"So, wanna go to my place? I can order pizza for tonight," he offers.
"No, it's okay I don't think-"
"Please? I'm just so lonely. Geoff has work stuff and Brian's in Canada, and guess what? I'm a loser and have no friends," he makes a fake frown, giving me puppy dog eyes. After a moment of debating, I spoke up.
"Let's go," I sigh, picking up my shoulder bag and putting it around my neck. He cheers like a three year old and we walk down the hall.
"My car is over here, parked in back," he said, putting on sun glasses as we walk down the narrow alley. It was only 5 and the sun was starting to set. My phone in my back pocket started to ring. My sisters name flashed on the screen.
"Hold up. Got to take this," I say to Shawn. He nods and stays quiet, while I answer the green button.
"Hey Vic, what's up?"
"Hey, uh, I have a dilemma. So, my job wants me to be promoted-"
"Vic! That's great!"
"-but, I need to go to New York for a month."
I stop walking. Looking at Shawn, he looks back, his eyebrows furrowing.
"But, I don't have the support for rent, the place is yours and I couldn't-"
"Athena, listen. I'll give you the rent. Besides, it'll be one payment. I want this so bad, and I hope you want me to be successful. I just don't want you to be alone. I know how you are."
"I want you to be successful. Always. And, I won't be alone. I have friends here. And I'll be busy at work and courses. So, go to New York. I'll try not to burn down the place," I say with a smile. Shawn smiles a bit to, from me saying I have friends.
"God, I love you, Athena. Oh, and I leave sometime next week, so I'll be packing and shit," I could hear her smile through the phone.
"Okay. I'll be back soon. I'm going to hang at a friends house."
"WAIT. IT IS SHAWNS HOUSE, ISN'T IT?!" Victoria screamed. I even think Shawn heard.
"Bye. I love you," I say and quickly hang up. I sign and jog to catch up to Shawn.
"It's right around here," he said pointing to the right side of the building. Behind the large wall was a Jeep, clean and hidden behind shade. Shawn opens the passenger seat door for me, and I climbed in. Shawn came around and sat next to me, turning the engine on.
"I'm guessing this hasn't been the first time you've been with a girl. So, how many ladies have you picked up in the last month, hm Shawn?" I say, nudging him with my shoulders and moving my eyebrows.
"There really isn't a good answer for that. If I say many, then I feel like a fuckboy. But, if I say none, then I look like a loser," Shawn smiled as the sun hit its face. My hair was blowing from the wind. He had the windows open, making his hair go many ways as well.
"So, what's the answer?" I smile.
"Like I'd tell you," Shawn said a girly voice. I laughed and he took his eyes off the road for the smallest second, just to look at me.
"I like your laugh. It's contagious," Shawn smiled. I scoff.
"Very funny. I hate my laugh," I say.
"Well, I love it," he said, focusing on the road ahead. We turn past small building and boardwalks, until we are in font of a large house.
"This is your house?" I ask in awe. My eyes never left his house for a second. His backyard was a fucking beach.
"Yup, now let's go. I'll give you a tour," he said, getting out of the car. I brag my bag and follow him. The softer air hitting my face, and the salty aroma surrounded me.
His house was huge. And surprisingly, very well decorated. He told me he had an interior designer, and a maid that comes every Sunday. He had five bedrooms and four full baths. Many windows for sunlight and the beach surrounded everything.
"This place is beautiful. Better than mine," I say, admiring the view.
"But your place is cozy. You have someone to share it with. I feel like a lonely old man here who smokes cigars and works as an accountant," Shawn said, going to his kitchen a few feet away. I giggle from his joke and he asks me for a soda. I kindly decline, asking for water instead.
"I mean, you don't have to be alone. You could find a friend, or girlfriend, or have family come over or something," I suggested.
"I guess, but I'm not sure. I'm usually always moving around and never in the same place," he said, walking closer, handing me a cold plastic water bottle. He still lingered next to me, looking out the window.
"Then, I don't know, get a smaller place," I laugh. He smiled and looked down at me and I look up.
My smile quickly faded and so did his. Our stare on each other remained and soon he looked at my lips. We stood there, looking at each other for a long time. The world around us seemed still. Cliche as it sounds, it was true. He leaned in, making his move. He whispering something just audible.
"Can I kiss you?"
