Unexpected - Shawn Mendes

Chapter Fifteen

A familiar woman answered and introduced her name as Tanya. She didn't look like the most appropriate person to be around, but I practically forced myself to not judge her, and let me tell you, that was hard.

She stepped aside, opening the door slightly wider, signaling us to walk inside the home, which we did. Ryan and Jamie greeted Shawn's dad, and we were led into the kitchen.

A large table was set for seven, some hot plates sat in the middle, waiting for plates full of fresh food to be piled on top of them.

A delectable aroma came from the stove, which made my mouth water.

"Oh, hello there, Grace," Shawn's dad offered me an insincere smile that wasn't returned back, "Shawn and Aaliyah are upstairs in their room, dinner should be ready shortly," he informs me.

"Oh, thanks," I say, flashing an awkward toothless smile and climbing the steps.

I headed to Shawn's door, and just before my fist came in contact with the door, I lowered it and turned around, suddenly feeling nervous. I walked to the door across the hall that looked rather girly and knocked.

A few seconds later, a gorgeous brunette that didn't highly resemble Shawn, but you could tell they were related, answered the door.

She smiled sincerely, and she seemed like a nice girl. "Oh hey! Grace, right?"

"Yeah," I say politely, nodding my head, "And you're Aaliyah?"

"Yup, that's me," she takes a short laugh, but then continues her train of thoughts, "It's not like I don't want you here or anything, but why aren't you with Shawn?"

I shrugged, not wanting to lie to her, but realizing that it would be a bit rude and insensitive to talk about Shawn to his sister. "Well, I just decided that we never officially met or anything, so I thought why not?"

Her suddenly blank expression perks up and she welcomes me with open arms into her room, which was pretty cool looking.

Nothing was really happening at first, our eyes occasionally scanning each other awkwardly. I tried to spice up the tension by making small talk. "So Aaliyah, tell me about yourself."

She introduces herself, although I already knew her name, and states a few hobbies, like singing.

"That's cool! So, like, all the Mendes kids can sing?" I say, smiling.

She nods, and I can hear Ryan's masculine voice calling up the stairs that dinner is ready. Aaliyah and I stood up and I could here her call out, "Race you there!" as she darted down the stairs.

Without responding, I hurriedly ran in hopes of catching up with her, laughing to myself. But as soon as my foot touched the last step and I pushed myself off for speed, my body smacked into a tall, firm figure

I looked up to see Shawn staring down at me worriedly, offering a hand to help me get up.

I kindly took it and thanked him, realizing how awkward this situation was, so I turned around and sat next to Aaliyah at the table, gawking at the delicious food.

I piled my plate and dug in. The dinner was uncomfortable and lacked conversation, but I was too busy stuffing my face to notice or care.

But I did wonder if they ate dinner like this every night-in pure silence and feeling the discomfort of people occasionally glancing at each other, hoping someone else will start a conversation to save themselves from boredom.

I shrugged it off, and when my plate was empty and my stomach was full, I collected my plate and the empty glass of soda next to me, and brought them to the sink.

Then, I went in the family room and went on my phone, but a few minutes later, the couch dipped next to me, and a deep,"Hey," was heard beside me.