never ever had I thought

Chapter 36

We wake up pretty late, the computer is still lying between us, but somehow in the night, we've managed to lay head against head.

My head hurts from yesterday and I must look something like a zombie. Shawn just looks like a puppy opening its eyes for the first time. I check my phone and see multiple texts from my dad. I remember texting him that I stayed the night.

'I'm picking you up' is the last text from him. I don't wanna go home. I'm perfectly fine in the arms of this guy next to me and my friends in a room down the hall.

''Is it Robert?'' Shawn asks sleepy.

''Yeah, he wants to pick me up''

''Tell him I'll drive you. Also, I think we need pancakes first''

He's right about that.

It doesn't take long before all four of us are gathered in the jeep and on our way to find some pancakes. Whenever Shawn changes gear, his hand finds it's way to mine. I think Ali and Maddie have noticed this judging on their giggles from the back.

''Why do I have a feeling you drink that black beverage on a daily basis like Jess?'' Ali asks Shawn after he gets us the largest cups of coffee I've yet to see.

''Oh, I only drink coffee on days that end with a Y'' Shawn answers dead serious making all of us laugh.

Ali draws a heart with her hands when Shawn turns his back to her, I just shake my head at her.

I'm proud of Maddie for not once asking for a selfie or turn the conversation to her. It may sound strange, but it's an accomplishment for her.

The pancakes are delicious, but soon the talk is on last nights party.

''Matt seemed pretty happy about Lauren'' Maddie says, trying her hardest not to drool because of Shawn.

''I'm glad he finally had the balls to do something about it'' Shawn says. I look for the slightest bit of jealousy but only find pure happiness for his best friends.

''How was the carnival?'' Ali asks us.

Shawn and I exchange a look and blush ''Great'' we agree.

Without thinking much of it I take a look outside expecting tourists or busy suited men on way to work. Instead, I see my dad in a way too small shirt standing next to a way too young lady. It has to be the one he was flirting with on the phone. I wonder who she is.

I interrupt Maddie from asking how often Shawn comes to New York and I point outside.''Do you know her?''

''Um, I'm not sure'' Shawn answers.

''I know this is gonna sound silly, but can we follow them?'' I need to know what that woman is doing with my father and I need to know now.

Surprisingly, or actually not, they're all on their feet and we're sneaking outside. The four of us, one as tall as the tree we're hiding behind, then follow my father down the street. We don't get close enough to hear what they're talking about and when the girl spins 90 degrees and plant a wet kiss on my father's lips I'm glad I didn't hear what their conversation contained.

''I don't think I want to spy anymore'' I say

''Why don't Maddie and I... buy a Toronto keychain or something while you two get the car'' Ali says.

''I don't need a key chain'' Maddie says confused until Ali kicks her leg.

So then Shawn and I walk back. ''Are you okay?''

''She's old enough to be my sister''

''She could look younger than she is. Love is love'' he points out.

He's right. ''It's just hard to see him with someone else than my mom''

''I bet it is. Maybe he knows you'll think that and that's why he's keeping it a secret''

''Why are you so wise? You're not even 19!'' I complain.

''It was kinda the same with Lauren, me and Matt. In a way. After things ended with Laur and me, I knew Matt had feelings for her but he didn't act on them because of me. Because of how he thought I might think if he did. Your father is just scared of how you're going to react''

I take his hand and he squeezes it. I'm not thrilled about the thing with my dad, but he does deserve happiness and love and if she gives him that, it might not be so bad.Not as bad as what I'm about to tell Shawn. The website with the prices or whatever, but he talks first.

''What I wanted to ask you the last few days was if you wanted to come with me to L.A. You mentioned you hadn't been before and I have an extra ticket since Andrew's not going''

Is he inviting me on a trip to Los Angeles? Yes. As a manager or friend?

''What are you doing in L.A?''

''I playing at the VMA, and then to write a little on my next album. Camilia's gonna be there too''

''I'll go''

''Because of Camila?'' he asks me.

''No, because of you''. Not even Camila Cabello can top my feelings towards Shawn Mendes anymore.