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part seven// roses

Shawn

I got off stage and set my guitar down. I grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off of my face.

"Great set, Shawn." I heard a familiar voice say. "Roses sounds even more beautiful live."

I turned around and saw Mary. The inspiration of Roses.

"Mary, I didn't know you were coming." I said, giving her a light hug.

She shrugged,"It was a spur of the moment thing. I was in town and heard you had a concert. Thought I'd surprise you."

"Well..you surprised me." I chuckled.

"Peter!" Liv yelled, hugging me from behind. "You were ama-oh hi Mary." Liv said, realizing Mary was here. She looked at me nervously and cleared her throat. "We haven't had the pleasure, im Liv. Huge fan of your show."

Liv extended out her hand and Mary gladly shook it. "Mary, but you knew that. I'm a huge fan of your show! You're an incredible actress and singer." Mary complimented.

"Aw, thanks. Means a lot coming from you." Liv blushed. She glanced at me then back at Mary. "I was just about to take Shawn out for some dinner. Care to join?"

Mary seemed surprised, like me. I didn't know Liv and I had plans for dinner. "Oh-no, i wouldn't want to interrupt anything." She said, shyly.

"Nonsense,"Liv said, grabbing Mary's hand. "Carly will be there too, she missed Shawn a little." Liv said scrunching her nose.

"Oh, well-"

"Great!" Liv said, not letting her finish. She pulled Mary down the hall and I rolled my eyes, following close behind.

"Liv, can i change first? I'm a bit sweaty and gross." I shrugged, chuckling.

"You're totally right. Here, I'll pick your outfit. Mary, wait for us on the bus. We'll be down in 5." Liv said, smiling at Mary.

Mary seemed confused but nodded slowly. She furrowed her eyebrows at me and shrugged, letting a small smile slip. I smiled back and Liv pulled me into my dressing room. "You're so handsy today, Liv." I said, squirming to get out of her grip.

"Carly was going to confess her undying love for you tonight!" Liv said, abruptly. "That's why I invited Mary. That way, it'll buy you time."

"Wh-Carly? Liv, what the hell are you talking about?" I said, taking off my shirt and washing my face.

"Carly likes you. A lot! She wanted me to take you to dinner and then leave you with her. Mary is backup. She'll see there's no way to kick us out without letting it slip." Liv said, running out of breath. "Shawn, do you like her?"

"Carly? Of course, but not like that.." I shrugged. "Mary on the other hand.." I said, putting on a shirt Liv picked out for me.

"Shawn," she said, grabbing my hand. "She's not an option anymore. I know it sucks but she's dating Justin."

I sighed and nodded,"I know. C'mon, let's go get her and meet Carly."

• An Hour Later •

Carly laughed loudly and brushed her hand across my shoulder. "I can't believe that actually happened ON SET, Mary."

Mary giggled and shrugged,"Joey would kill me if he heard me telling this story."

I watched Mary. Her nose crinkled every time she found something funny but not funny enough to laugh. When she laughed, it was like music. Her head would tilt back and she'd hold her stomach. I felt a kick under the table and I turned to Liv. She signaled me to stop staring and continue eating.