Love Thy Neighbor

Chapter 7

It's Halloween, which also happens to be my birthday. Liz and Jules (my two friends I knew from college) are over, and we're having drinks at my place before we head out to a bar a couple blocks away.

Jules has just finished grilling me about Shawn Mendes. I really didn't have a lot to say about him. We had not seen each other much since the night we shared a drink. I know, from social media, that he was in L.A. for over a week. There had been pictures plastered all over the internet of him leaving the blonde model's place in the wee hours of the morning. The gossip news sites were saying they were serious, but I knew better, since I'd seen a long-legged brunette leave his place as I left for work just two days ago. I didn't mention that to the girls, since I felt that was no one's business.

We walk out into the hall, a bit tipsy already, just as Shawn's door opens. Three guys, a girl, and Shawn step out.

"Nice pumpkin," I say, grinning.

Yesterday, I'd carved a jack o'lantern and put the gift card inside. I'd then put it by his door.

"Happy Halloween," he says. He smiles at each of us. We aren't in costume, but are wearing black cat ears.

Liz obnoxiously says, "And happy birthday to Jess!"

I am not really a fan of being the center of attention so this chafes me. It's like when you are out to eat on your birthday and your dad tells the waiter and then all the wait staff sing to you. No thanks.

"Birthday, eh?" Shawn smiles. "Are you ladies going out to celebrate?"

I nod, and will my two friends to keep their mouths shut. Nope. Jules quickly volunteers the details of our evening.

"Come on girls...let's get going," I say. "Have a fun night," I say to Shawn and his friends, as I herd my friends towards the elevator.

Once we're on the street walking towards our bar, Jules and Liz both start gushing about how sexy Shawn is. I don't disagree, but I don't join in.

Two hours later, we're a bit more than tipsy and our cat ears are all slightly crooked. I am at the bar buying another round when I feel someone right behind me, invading my personal space. I turn to give whoever it is a dirty look and see a familiar face.

"Well hello, birthday girl," he says jovially.

It races through my mind that he and his friends followed us here, but I push that thought out, since it's so preposterous. This is one of the best bars in walking distance. No shock they ended up here, too.

"Hey, neighbor," I say back.

The bartender lines up the three drinks I ordered and I reach into my purse for cash.

"It's on me," Shawn says, his credit card already being placed on the bar.

He then reaches into his black jeans pocket, which is no easy feat considering how tight they are, and pulls out that damn gift card. It's no longer in the envelope. I guess the pumpkin guts destroyed it.

"I got you a little something for your birthday," he says with a wink, as he holds it out to me.

The bartender, meanwhile, is standing there holding Shawn's credit card and receipt, waiting for him to take them. I see that next to him is a tip jar.

I take the gift card and drop it in as a tip. A nice $250 tip. Shawn's jaw drops.

"Ok then," he says frowning, "I was going to suggest we use that and have a nice dinner together."

I feel bad, but not too bad. I really don't want him taking me out because of some stupid obligation his manager feels he needs to fulfill.

"Thank you for the drinks," I say as I grab them and push past him. "Have a nice night!"

I walk back to the corner where my friends are sitting. To my surprise, Shawn's friends have joined our table. Jules and Liz are in deep conversations with two of the guys, both of whom are wearing the girls' cat ears. The other two are apparently a couple, since she's sitting on his lap, whispering in his ear.

Shawn is right behind me, smirking.

Three hours later we stumble out of the bar. Jules and Liz called an Uber fifteen minutes ago, and the car is waiting for them as we exit. We hug and kiss before they climb into the Uber. I walk with Shawn and his friends back to our condo. His friends say goodbye and get into a car parked on the street. The girl had not been drinking much, and I realize now she was their designated driver.

Shawn holds the door for me and we walk towards the elevator, both saying goodnight to the doorman as we pass his station. I see out of the corner of my eye he has cocked an eyebrow and I worry about what he's assuming.

It's a short trip in the elevator and we're soon standing in front of our doors.

"Happy birthday, Jessica," he says once again.

"It's not technically my birthday anymore," I reply as I dig for my keys in my purse.

"You are one gorgeous and intriguing girl," he says unexpectedly, "if not a little too salty."

I am not sure how to respond, so I mutter a thanks and let myself in as quickly as I can.