weak | S.M

5

The strong scent of coffee and cinnamon warms my stomach as I step into the coffee shop. Barclay's used to be run as a bar, until the owner got sick of the drunken slurs and the late night shifts. This place is now a famous cafe. A very convenient upgrade for my case. - Good coffee, only across the street from my office. Or, my old office.

I roam the crowded area and hear the ping of the entrance as it closes behind me. He's not here yet.

It's a short queue, so I quickly get in line.

"Good afternoon," The barista smiles at me sweetly. "What can I get you?"

I smile back at her appreciatively and look at the menu.

"I'll have one regular coffee, thank you." I say. She nods and goes to prepare the machine. I glance behind me when I hear the entrance closing. "Wait, make that two, please."

I feel him approaching when I wait for the order. As I fish my card out of my wallet, I see he's already put two twenties on the counter.

"That was a generous tip," I say and grab our mugs.

"Thank you." I say to the barista, but it goes unnoticed as her attention is on the man behind me. I turn around.

Shawn grins at me innocently with a shrug. His eyes are soft and playful. I can't fight the smile off my face from the sight. To think this is the same man as the one I met yesterday, in our conference room. I hand him his coffee and we go to sit down in the less crowded corner of the cafe. It's a big place, and I haven't noticed that until now.

"You're sure you're fine here?" I ask him. I'm talking about the media that seems to be on his back twentyfour-seven.

Shawn nods, "It's fine. Shouldn't be a problem. I came here with a pretty convincing disguise." He wiggles his eyebrows and shows me his black wig and sunglasses.

"Oh," I chuckle. "I see. Good to know you've come prepared."

"Right!"

I momentarily take a glance to his arms as they gesture, and down to his fingers that are fiddling with the coffee cap. A silence stretches between us and I keep my focus on his arm.

He had a reason for this meeting, but I don't have the heart to bring it up. I have too much pride to show any sign of desperation. Instead, he's the first to speak.

"I don't understand why you'd work for him."

"I— what?" I ask. I know he's talking about Mr. Ravenford, but the topic is unexpected.

"Why would you work for a person like that?" Mr. Mendes asks me. Judging by the look of his face, he's genuinely curious.

"I—"

"I mean, I've seen your work," Shawn continues.

"You have?" I ask. He knows who I am? Shawn nods,

"Why'd you think I'd ask to see only you in that meeting?" That's why he didn't want Mr. Ravenford present. He trusted me, but not Rick. Sudden pride flashes through me and for some reason, I blush. Shawn doesn't seem to notice.

"You're an amazing reporter. You're genuine, professional; your work entices me. You did not get that from working with Rick Ravenford."

Wow. I'm left speechless with a beet red face.

"You're one of the few reporters that isn't constantly looking for information that will destroy people's careers. I very much respect that."

"Wow, I..." don't know what to say. "Thank you." I smile at him shyly as I try to calm the erupting butterflies deep inside. I'm so awkward. Shawn's eyes stay on mine as he lifts his cup to his lips.

"I read your Jennifer Lauren rapport," He says.

"You did?" 

"I did. I told you, I've been following your work for awhile now."

"What'd you think?" I can't help but ask. That was a nerve wrecking project with many hours of writing and research. I'm only surprised he actually read that.

"I loved it." He says and I visibly relax by his approval. "It was so genuine and raw. No bullshit rumors, no assumptions. You presented her in the most honest way possible." Mr. Mendes puts down his coffee and points at me.

"I want that."

"What do you mean?" I ask him. I realize I've been starting to pick on my nails. I move my hands to the table.

"The media likes to make up stuff about me." Shawn shakes his head and frowns. "They twist things I say, do, things I don't do. I feel like people don't know what's legit about me anymore. Hell, I don't even think I know." Shawn leans forward across the table and looks at me.

"I want to shut them down. Every rumor, every assumption, everything. I want someone genuine to write a legit article about me that sets my records straight." I put down my cup as I listen.

"No twists, no bullshit, no add-ons. Nothing taken out of context. Just me and my words."

"Okay," I say. Now I'm interested. Where's he going with this?

"I want a rapport similar to the Jennifer Lauren-one. And I think you're the woman to do it."

"You're asking me to write a story about you?" I ask. "I don't even think I have a job for that anymore." Shawn shakes his head,

"You have a pretty big rep', don't you?" He says. "Just think about it. I'm one of the biggest influencers there is in the world right now. You'll get the publicity, maybe even a better job. I'll get media off my back, and possibly earn myself a better image. I don't see how this wouldn't benefit us both."

"I'm pretty sure I'm turning my back on my company if I work with you." I remind him. "I mean, you're technically the reason we're going down." I joke. Mr. Mendes grins.

"Rick Ravenford is the reason your company's going down. Not me. Besides, you'll need a new job when your current one is going down in court, right?"

He's right. I need to find my way back somehow, and this is a perfect way to draw attention to my work. 

Besides, what else can I do? My company is soon going down in court, so I'm practically unemployed. I need a solution, and I need it fast. Maybe this is the way to go.

"What do you think?" He asks me. I look at him and smile.

"When do you want to start?"