SM: Her Last Summer

Chapter 8: Gym Sessions

AVERY'S P.O.V:
My flip flops skimmed across the sidewalk, the Red Cafe cam into view as Shawn and I shared polite conversation. We approached the cafe rapidly and within a few minutes our conversation came to a halt.

"Thank you for walking me," I commented.

He grinned, "You are welcome."

I quickly said goodbye and bounced into the cafe. My father eyed me before thrusting a white apron in my arms.

"You know the deal Avery, hair up and apron on!" He ordered.

I went through the kitchen to the small staff area. My father had already laid out my black tights and shirt. I changed and twisted my hair into a loose bun. Tying the apron around my neck I made my way to the ordering area.

SHAWN'S P.O.V:
Thoughts of Avery teased me as I continued my walk back to the beach. A tap on my back brought me out of my daydream. A young girl was staring at me, her eyes as large as the moon.

"Shawn Mendes! Could I please get a picture with you?" She asked.

"Of course! What's your name?"

"My name is Allanah!"

"It's very nice to meet you," I said.

I took a few photos of her and gave her a friendly hug. Her body trembled in my arms.

"I hope you have a great day sweetie," I said.

I gave her another hug before continuing my walk back towards Woodbine. I reached the beach and saw Cameron waiting for me. He also seemed to be lost in a daydream.

"Is that Cameron Dallas swooning over a girl?" I called.

His eyes met mine and he smirked.

"She ain't a girl she is a woman!" He declared.

He seemed so serious about his declaration, laughter erupted from me.

"Are you planning on seeing her again?" I asked.

"Tomorrow, the next day and every other day of Summer," He said.

I laughed again until I noticed his earnest expression.

"You are serious about her aren't you?" I asked.

"Shawn, when I'm with her it's so different from anyone else I've ever been with."

"That's good Cam, real good."

I assisted Cameron in placing the bags in his car. We hopped into the car and began the drive back home.

The gym was overcrowded and after twenty minutes of taking selfies and giving hugs I was able to make my way over to the bench press. My friend Ian had joined me for a late night workout, as well as Cameron.

A few hours ago Cameron and I had driven to my home. Since then we decided Cameron could use the guest room in my apartment while he was staying in Toronto.

I lay on the bench press and began a set of light weights. Sweat formed on the edge of my black sports headband. Ian panted next to me and swiped at his forehead.

"You do realise you aren't actually exercising yet?" I asked.

"Shawn you do enough work for both of us," he informed.

A smile blossomed on my face as I finished the set. I completed two more sets and moved on to a exercise bike. Cameron and Ian pedalled next to me. I fumbled for my phone as I continued to push my legs. I opened Instagram and scrolled through my feed.

"Cameron, do you have Kayleigh's Instagram?" I asked.

"Yeah, why?" He responded.

"I was just wondering." I said.

"You aren't interested in that Avery are you? She's so pasty and odd." He smirked.

"She is not pasty or odd!" I exclaimed.

"So you are interested in her." He sniggered.

"I'm not interested Cameron. I am just curious." I stated.

"Okay Shawn, okay."

We finished up our workout and used the locker room to get changed. Ian took out his bun and finger combed his dark hair into a ponytail. Ian and Cameron changed while I stayed in my gym gear. A low growl filled the quiet space.

"Hungry," Ian explained.

"We could go grab a bite to eat?" Cameron suggested.

"I know just the place," I said.

AVERY'S P.O.V: --
Thursday was the cafe's busiest day. Dad always said that most of the profit comes from Thursday nights. I washed a few plates and placed them in the dish rack. The water dripped from my wet hands into my stained apron. A new order appeared on the metal rim of the counter. It read; 2x bacon and egg sandwiches, 1x grilled cheese, 1x chocolate muffin. I cracked two fresh eggs and got out the pre-cooked bacon. I placed two pieces of cheddar cheese on another piece of bread and placed it between the press. As I flipped the eggs, the buzzer for grilled cheese went off. I quickly placed it on a red plate and finished making the other two sandwiches. I balanced the plates on my left arm and put another small plate in the palm of my right. I steadily made my way out to the kitchen area.

"Dad, chocolate muffin please."

He nodded, continuing to make a coffee and used his other hand to place the baked desert on the plate. I carefully manoeuvred around my father and looked for the customers. No one inside the store matched the order number. I walked outside, my main purpose was to not spill the plates contents in the process. I saw a group of three boys with their heads down around a table.

"Are you the muffin and sandwich orders?" I asked.

The boy in the centre of the group looked up from his phone and smiled at me. Shawn. The plate with the muffin slipped from my palm and crashed to the floor for the second time in two days. Flustered by the fact the group of boys were staring at me I promptly placed their other order components on the table and marched back inside.

"Avery, what was that smash?" Dad whispered.

"I'll go clean it up," I sighed.

I grabbed the dustpan from under the register and walked to the outdoor dining area. The trio sat rapidly scoffing their sandwiches. They all came to a halt at my presence.

"The muffin survived," Shawn commented.

"I'm so sorry. You startled me." I explained, summoning what I hoped looked like a truthful expression.

Shawn smiled at me, "Don't worry about it. These sandwiches are great by the way." He said.

I accepted his compliment. I noticed that Cameron was one of the two guys beside Shawn. They seemed to be absorbed in both their phones and the last few bites of their food.

"I should head back in," I said.

Shawn gave me another one of his radiant smiles and turned back to his phone. I walked inside the cafe in a slight daze.

"Avery, did you clean up the plate?" Dad asked.

The plate. I had completely forgotten about the plate.