Camila a receptionist on a unit her father built for "special victims" is best friends with Detective Shawn Mendes of the Toronto Special Victims Unit. They've been inseparable since they met at a college party a few years ago. Both are adventure...
Shawn and I decided to drive to Banff. I love his big truck and it seemed appropriate for the trip so we are currently going down the highway almost halfway to Banff. It's a long drive and we'll have to make a lot of stops, but we loved road tripping in college so I'm excited for this trip. It's weird to be excited about something, but I am.
I'm currently sitting in my seat having a solo dance party as Shawn focuses on the road. He hand picked our current playlist. We decided no sad songs on this trip, everything was to be happy and fun.
As the playlist transitions to the next song, I suddenly feel goosebumps prick my skin. "I LOVE this song!" I screech as Sweet Caroline fills the airwaves. Shawn lets out a small giggle in response and when it gets to everyone's favorite part of the song we both scream out "Swweeeet Caroline.. bah bah bah...good times never seemed so good. SO GOOD SO GOOD!" We both end up laughing hysterically and I notice Shawn look over at me in amazement.
"What?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
"It's nothing..." he says shyly looking away. I reach across the center console and grab his hand, "No..it's not nothing Shawn, tell me!" I practically beg him to tell me.
Sighing in defeat he briefly looks at me and squeezes my hand. "It's just that since...since well...you know." He says looking away again.
"Since that night I haven't heard you laugh. I've seen you smile and flirt and try and put on a brave face, but I haven't heard you really laugh since then and I didn't realize how much I missed your laugh until now." He finishes and his cheeks flush slightly at his admission.
I gently squeeze his hand "I can't remember the last time I truly laughed either. Things haven't been all sunshine and rainbows for awhile now, but it feels really good." I tell him honestly.
Reaching out of my seat, I lean over and kiss his cheek. "Thank you Shawn." I whisper in his ear. The contact of my lips to his skin burns almost immediately, but in a very good way. A spark of heat flares up my spine as I sit back down and interlace our fingers. I can tell it's given him some sort of reaction because I see him visibly gulp and then stutter as he tries to say "You're welcome."
Continuing the drive we decide it's a good time to stop for breakfast and other essentials like gas and snacks. Shawn pulls his truck off the highway and stops in front of a small diner. It's a quaint little brick building with cream colored shutters on either side of each window and the sign above the door reads "Eileen's."
Turning to look down at our hands, Shawn watches as I gently remove my hand so I can grab my bag. His eyes and his face try to hide a sense of loss, but I know him well enough by now to know that he felt something when I pulled my hand away. Deciding to shake it off for now I ask him if he's ready and he nods yes as we climb out of his truck and head into the diner.
Breakfast was great! Of course Shawn got chocolate chip muffins and coffee. I got a banana and a giant cinnamon roll. We met the owner and she gave us a bag of warm chocolate chip cookies for the road. A few of the locals complimented how cute we looked as a couple and we both blushed, but just said thank you every time.
Getting back into the truck things are silent for awhile. I think the interactions at the diner made us a little uncomfortable, however the tension was palpable. Shawn keeps his eyes on the road so I decide to grab my Stitch blanket from the back seat and curl up for a nap.
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Shawn's POV
I look over and see Camila sleeping. Her nose crinkled a little as she lets out cute little snores. She looks so peaceful and I can't help but smile at how beautiful my best friend is. It's the first time I've seen her look so at peace, like the world can't hurt her when she's in this little bubble.
The drive is amazing. The scenery rushing by me is breathtaking and I'm slowly gaining more confidence to say what's been weighing on my heart for awhile.
I feel so free being out of Toronto for a few days.
My phone rings and it's my mom. "Hi mom!"
We spend the next twenty minutes talking about the drive and the diner Camila and I stopped in. My dad joins the conversation and I hear my sister scream in the background if I've told Mila how I feel yet. Sighing, I tell them all no, but that it's still the plan and they'll be the first to know when it happens. Hanging up I look at Camila one more time and smile.
A little while later she stirs.. "Have a good nap?"
"Yeahhhh...." she sighs happily as she stretches pushing her chest out slightly and I gulp. I shouldn't be looking, but I can't help it. She's dressed in leggings, a pale blue oversized sweater, and brown Uggs. Her hair is in loose waves; I can't help imagine gently pushing it behind her ears as I have her face cradled in my hands kissing her pretty red lips.
No Shawn!
Not now.
Suddenly, we wind around a corner and pass the sign for Banff. Driving closer to the hotel we are staying at met with such an incredible view. I'm speechless... I can't believe I picked this place.
Looking at Camila, her eyes are wide, and her mouth drops open. "Oh my god Shawn. This is beautiful!" And turns to me with amazement in her eyes. They are sparkling and I silently want to cry because she's just so happy.
"It really is! Look at that!" I point to the view of the lake as we get closer to the Fairmont. The water is an incredible turquoise blue and the mountains are snow covered and tall trees just add to the already amazing view.
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The other amazing view is staring right back at me as she takes my hand and leans over to kiss my cheek.
"Happy Birthday weekend Shawn!" She whispers close to my ear, before she sits back in her seat and we continue driving to the Fairmont.
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This is probably one of my favorite chapters I've written!!! It makes me so happy to see them both happy :)
