Saving Her

Chapter 34

Shawn's POV

It's my last shift of the week before Camila and I go to Banff. She's been so cute all week surprising me with little things here and there and doing all sorts of research for our trip. I came home from work one night to her blabbering on about the "safest" time to go to the forest so we didn't run into bears or wolves. She even bought us matching footie pajamas and when she showed them to me I about died of laughter. They were covered in moose and elk, but were fleece. I remember telling her it's the dead of summer and it might be too hot for footie pajamas when in reality I was just trying to find an excuse to get out of wearing them.

Brian is driving today and I'm grateful because I'm so nervous already. I've had a nervous pit in my stomach all week. This trip is not only to celebrate my birthday, but also express my feelings to her. I told Brian and Connor my plan and they seemed to approve, so I guess that's a good sign, but I'm still scared shitless. I mean, she's been giving me signs, but what if she doesn't really want me? What if she's not ready for this?

Biting at my fingernails Brian slaps my hand from my mouth. "Shawn stop it! You're going to gnaw your hand off it you keep doing that!"

"Sorry Bri, I cant help it, this trip is making me so nervous" I admit.

"I get it, but dude think of it this way....you've been drooling over her since the day you met and while I might add that it's a wee bit funny watching you walk around like a lost dog sometimes; she's your Camila. You've been friends for over five years now, you're finally getting the chance to tell her how you feel."

"Isn't that what you've always wanted?" He asks.

"Well....yes..." I reply.

"Then go for it man! If it goes how I think it's going to go, you'll come home happier than you've been in a long time." He pauses. "I don't say much when it comes to you two, but I know you've been in love with her for like four years now, and I'm almost positive she feels the same." He continues. "I'm just sorry it took one of the worst things imaginable for you to prove yourself to her. You have been the only person she's trusted this whole time. If she hasn't run away yet, she's not going to." He whacks my back with a confident slap.

"I'm just worried I'm going to lose her, she's still so fragile.  I mean she's come a long way but still." I sigh.

"Stop making excuses and just man up!  She is not fragile, she's one of the strongest people Connor and I know." He fights back, giving me a stern look.

"Go, enjoy the trip! Enjoy your birthday.  Spend time with the girl you've been pining for for years.  You know that if she's ready to move on it's going to be with you." He smirks at me.

Taking a deep breath as we pull into the station, I respond "Yeah...you're right!  I'm going to tell her just like I've been planning. I deserve this!" I grin so wide I think Brian gets a little freaked out.

"That's the Shawn I know!! You got this!" He says as we get out of the car.

Walking into the station our Commander stops us.  "Detective Mendes, Craigen - my office now!" No emotion on her face as we follow her.

We look at each other and gulp.  Oh shit. What have we done? Neither one of us have ever gotten a complaint, but I guess there's a first time for everything.

Walking to her office like dogs with our tails between our legs, she gestures for us to come inside and closes the door.

"Gentleman, take a seat." She points to the two chairs in front of her desk.  All three of us sit down simultaneously.

"Just so we are clear, you're not in trouble detectives.  In fact, quite the opposite.  The staff at Toronto General would like to honor both of you for your hard work, especially in the Cabello case." She says as she eyes me.

Our jaws drop open. "What?" Brian says.

"Does Camila know?" I ask.

"Shawn, I'm not sure she does.  It was actually Tiffany her co-worker that came forward along with many other members of the staff.  They wanted to recognize you for everything you've done for all of their patients.  Detective Connor will also receive this award."

I'm shocked, humbled and honored, but shocked.  I can't believe this!

"Congratulations gentlemen!  Job well done!" She smiles at us, reaching across her desk to shake both our hands.

"You may excuse yourselves now.....Oh! And Shawn?" She says, keeping me in her office.

"Yes ma'am?" I answer.

"Have a great weekend and happy birthday!  Go get your girl." She winks at me.

Bewildered I stammer... "Uh... thank you?"

"I see and hear all Mendes." She says.  "I hope it all works out. She's a great girl." She smiles.

Relaxing, I reply "Thanks Commander!  She's the best!  Thanks for the well wishes." I smile.

Brian and I walk out and head to the locker room.  It's been an interesting last few minutes to say the least.

"See, even she's pulling for you buddy!  Everything's going to work out" Brian says as he slaps me on the back, a huge smile on his face.

Man, I sure hope so!