Since We're Alone

Part 3

Andrew had hoped to have Phoebe on a flight to Los Angeles within twenty-four hours. This was not the case.

Ideally, Phoebe would have had her Handmaid's Tale-induced epiphany and replied to Shawn with a simple "I'm in." Instead, she agreed to continue thinking about it, and if all went well, there was a chance for a possible meeting.

Which she never intended on following through with.

"Yes, I know he's hot, mom, but it's just n-"

Phoebe sighed and chewed her lip, interrupted once again by her mother on the other end of the line. She felt as if her own self was the only one with actual morals, as everyone in her life insisted that she bite the bullet and take part in a completely dishonest and misleading attention-cry.

Her boss pointed out that he's famous.

Her mother pointed out that he's attractive.

Sophie pointed out that it would make for a fantastic article.

And Shawn himself was on television talking about it. Oh, my god, Phoebe thought to herself.

"I'll call you back," she muttered to her mother, unmuting her practically-Jurassic Sony Wega to tune into the interview.

"I'm just really happy right now," he flashed those damn pearly whites, causing the interviewer to erupt in a giddy blush-fest. Phoebe scoffed.

"With the success of the album and tour coming up, everything seems to be coming together."

Phoebe cursed herself for leaving the TV on. She forgot Entertainment Tonight—an even worse version of what she did for a living--existed.

"That's great, Shawn," the young woman grinned, uncrossing her legs to cross them again, "and I understand that love is in the air for you, too?" she asked, and Phoebe wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a question or a statement. The world seemed to be in this unsure state of limbo about Shawn Mendes' relationship status, and she felt relieved that she wasn't completely subjected to this so soon. No one really knew what was going on. Not even Phoebe.

Shawn tossed his head back with a chuckle, "Caught the Grammys, eh? Yeah, my girlfriend's great."

Fuck. There goes that, Phoebe thought. He so easily admitted it. A public confession in full confidence was her biggest nightmare. Even though she'd barely scratched the surface, she knew she was in deep.

_________________________

What the fuck she messaged, still refusing Shawn's offer to just text him. Giving him her number would give him complete access to her any time, and she didn't need his management on her tail. She hadn't agreed to anything.

Phoebe hoped she hadn't worried Shawn with her DM, reminding herself that it was his team forcing him into this mess. As far as she knew, Shawn was pretty innocent.

Sorry she added, and then, ET interview caught me off guard

Shawn was already typing.

@shawnmendes: Can we talk about it?

Phoebe huffed. If she was being honest, she didn't want to talk about it. But he'd seen the message, and the seconds were ticking, and Phoebe's stomach dipped when she saw he was typing again.

@shawnmendes: Andrew says you live in Toronto?

Phoebe groaned. She'd read the message, she did live in Toronto, and there was no way she could lie because he was definitely going to find out anyway.