CONSEQUENCES

Chapter 11 - By the Skin of his Teeth

Camila stared at the article on her phone. Why did Roger send her these things? Another set of pap photos of she and Shawn walking along together, smiling at each other, sitting in a cafe, stealing kisses. Another story about their PR relationship. She picked up the phone and called Shawn. He was in Australia, and it would be the middle of the night but she didn't care.

"Hey baby," he answered.

"Did I wake you?"

"Hell no, we've not long come off stage. Just walked into my hotel room. What's up? You sound upset."

"More of those PR articles. I mean, this is one of the reasons we got married so quick, to avoid these things."

"I know, I'll be home soon and we can announce it, at the award ceremony."

"They want us to perform Senorita."

"Yeah, is that OK with you?"

"Yes. I'll work on some choreography with Sara and Calvit, we'll make it easy for you I promise."

He laughed. "I hope so!"

"And we'll walk the red carpet together?"

"Yes."

She sighed.

"Think you can wait until then?"

"I think so. I just miss you."

"I miss you too."

The music award ceremony was being held on the Sunday night, with Shawn due to arrive back from Australia on the Saturday morning. Camila couldn't wait to see him. Sara and Calvit had created a simple choreography for him, and she had been working on the vocal side of it over FaceTime with him, since they had little time to practice. She had chosen her dress and let Shawn's stylist, Tiffany, know the details so that his outfit would be complimentary. Now she was just waiting for him to come home. Shortly before he would have been due to board he rang her to let her know that there were huge storms and the airport had been closed. His flight had been delayed until the next day. Now he was not due to arrive until the morning of the show. It would be tight, but they were used to working on those sorts of deadlines so she was calm, if disappointed.

On Saturday night, about an hour after he had been due to depart, her phone buzzed to let her know there was a call coming in from Shawn.

"Shawn?"

"Yes, it's me," he said tiredly.

"Please tell me you're calling from the plane."

"I can't because I'm not, there have been more delays, about four or five hours."

"Oh my God! Are you going to miss the show?"

"No, we should land a couple of hours before the start of the show, but I don't think I'll make the red carpet."

She felt her heart fall into her boots. It was supposed to be their debut.

"OK, but you'll be here for the performance?"

"Yes, they say so. I'll keep you up to date though. Don't stay up, get some sleep."

"OK," she rolled her shoulders, taking deep breaths. It would be fine. "I miss you."

"I miss you too, not long now baby. I'll text you to let you know when we've boarded."

She tossed and turned but did get some sleep, waking to find that as he had promised, a text awaited her letting her know he had boarded four hours late. She started her day as planned, her Mom was there to help, and she got dressed and hair and make up done for the red carpet, and all her outfits for the performances. She kept an eye on her phone, but nothing yet from Shawn.