by Kay Maree
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He looks confused for a second, and I watch as he realizes what I'm talking about.
"Just doing what dad asked."
"Since when do you just do what dad asks?" I say in a mocking tone.
"Since he asked me to spend all night with the sexiest girl at this party." I lunge at him, but he's too quick, and I run into the desk.
"Dude, I'm her escort to the Christmas party, I'm not fucking her. If you have an issue with it take it up with dad or her."
"I can't,"
"Why not."
"Because dad doesn't know about us and I'm not really talking to her right now."
"You better start back talking to her before one of the clowns at this party starts."
"It's not that easy. She lied to me about who she was. Why she was here. She lied about pretty much everything."
"Did you ask her why?"
"No, I just left. I couldn't stand being in the same room as her last night."
"That's your problem, Shawn, you're a runner. You run at the sign of any problem and it pushes people away until they end up running from you. You did the same thing with Haven."
"Don't fucking bring her up."
"It's true. That girl was fucking miserable, and every time she tried to talk to you about it, you ran." I had never really taken the time to sit and think about what I had done wrong to make my relationship end. I was just so angry at her for leaving it was easier to place all the blame on her, but Colin was right. I had avoided her conversations about being homesick, mostly because I didn't know what to do about it, and I didn't want to leave Fostmore.
"You need to give Londyn the chance to explain. Maybe there's a good reason she lied. Or maybe there isn't and talking about it just helps you guys get through it. Whichever it is, if you love her, you better go fight for her." I immediately remember the nasty text I sent her, and bile rises in my throat.
"I kind of sent her a fuck off text from the bathroom 30 minutes ago."
"Well, you better get to her before she gets to her phone." I swing the door open and spot her across the room, staring at her phone. Fuck, I'm too late.
"Londyn!" I call her name, and she looks in my direction with tears welling in her eyes, and she takes off running in the opposite direction. I take off running behind her. I can't lose her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I didn't get much sleep last night between the drama with Shawn and my nerves about being announced as the mayor's bastard daughter. Don't get me wrong I was excited for the truth to be out, I just wasn't looking forward to the whispers and judging looks.
Savannah had made arrangements for a team of hair and makeup artist from the city to come and doll me, her, and Stassi up for tonight. I was in desperate need of professional help because my makeup skills wouldn't be able to hide my puffy eyes and wrinkles.
People were starting to arrive at the house, but the three of us have to wait upstairs until formal introductions. The busyness of the day had been a welcome distraction, but now that we were ready, all I could think about was Shawn. Would he speak to me, or would he still be mad? Would he even show up? I wouldn't be able to live with myself if he stood up Savannah because of me. I had spent the day getting to know her, and while she wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box, she was kind and loving and everything I could have hoped for in a sister. I was lucky to have her and Stassi.
I try and sneak another peek out of the bedroom window, but Stas sees me and comes and snatches the curtain.
"Waiting at the window for him like a sad puppy dog is not giving him space," she whispers, so Sav doesn't hear.
"I know. I know."
"Do you? Because I've watched you sneaking peeks over for the last 45 minutes." I stand up and walk the few steps from the window to Sav's California King sized bed. She's super tiny, probably not much more than 100lbs. I have no idea why she needs a bed this big. Her bedroom is huge, and her walk-in closet, which doubles as a beauty room and is where we all got ready, is larger than the entire apartment my mom and I used to live in.
"I know, Stas. It's just my nerves. I promise when I see him, I'll give him space." She doesn't believe, and I don't blame her. I'm not even sure I believe myself.
"Ladies, it's time come line up by the stairs." Olivia's mom comes in and directs us. This is the first interaction I've had with her where she hasn't been a straight-up ass. Maybe I'm growing on her, I won't hold my breath though.
We all come out of Sav's room and line up against the wall. We didn't coordinate, but we look like Christmas spirit as we stand there Sav in white, me in green, and Stas in red.
"You look so hot Stassi. Who's your lucky escort? The gentleman from last night?" I ask
"Actually, yeah it is."
"And who is it?" Sav asks, joining the conversation.
"You'll see," she smiles and turns to have the makeup team freshen up her red lipstick.
First up is Savannah, of course, and she lights up as the announcer says her name. "It's showtime ladies." She steps out behind the wall and poses before she disappears from our view.
"I'm not striking a fucking pose, Stas"
"Me neither, that's just Sav being Sav." We laugh until we hear my name over the speakers.
I round the corner and not surprisingly, the room is dead silent. I spot Shawn and Savannah in my peripheral and consciously will myself to not look in their direction. Instead, I find my dad beaming in the crowd and hold his gaze as I descend down the stairs. That smile on his face that says that's my girl and I don't care who knows is all that matters in this moment. It's everything I ever wanted, and now that the moment was here, it did not disappoint.
When I'm almost to the bottom of the stairs, I notice Colin with his hand extended to me, and his mouth open in shock. I'm hoping in a good way. I reach for his hand, and he pulls mine to his lips with his eyes locked on mine, then gently places my arm through his.
"You look absolutely amazing tonight, Londyn," he whispers in my ear, and I smile at the kind words. I guess the shock on his face was the good kind of shock.
Last, they announce Stassi, and now it's my turn to pick my mouth up from the floor when I see Frank step up and extend a hand to her at the bottom of the stairs. She was fucking Frank last night? My heart leaps for them. I knew they had a thing for one another, and I was so happy she had finally given the poor guy a chance.
When she takes his hand, and they walk off to their position, I decide to steal a quick peek at Shawn, but when I look up, he is staring straight at me. I quickly divert my eyes back to Stassi while trying not to look too obvious. Yeah, he's definitely still mad.
"You ready?" Colin asks as the music begins to play, signaling the first official dance of the night. I smile and nod, and we follow Stas and Frank into the main room where they have the dance floor setup. This room looks completely transformed. All of the regular furniture is gone, and professional lighting illuminates the space.
When we come to a stop, Colin steps in front of me and bows, I look over to Stasi for what to do next. She gives a small curtsy, and I follow suit, feeling a little dumb for not being more prepared. Colin may be younger, but he's a lot larger. When he pulls me into him, I feel tiny against his muscular chest, but I also feel oddly safe. We spend the next three minutes dancing across the floor as everyone watches until the song changes and the crowd begins to cheer and pour onto the dance floor.
"Will you excuse me? I'm dying for a cigarette," Colin smiles and I nod and watch as he walks away and Shawn follows behind him.
Not long after there is a tap on my shoulder and I turn around to find my dad.
"May I have this dance, sweetheart?"
"Of course, dad," I grab his hand and lean my head on his shoulder.
"You have no idea how long I've dreamed of this moment."
"I think I do." A single tear falls from one of my eyes, and he holds me tighter. We dance like that for
two songs before Sav comes and asks to cut in.
I head over to the wall and lean against it pulling my phone out of my clutch to check the time. I'm shocked to see I have a text from Shawn and quickly unlock my phone to read it.
Officer Banks: A liar and a flirt. I see the way you've been looking at my brother. My fucking brother. And you have the nerve to be upset with me!? Do us both a favor and lose my number.
Tears well up in my eyes, and my heart shatters into a million pieces as I read his harsh words. He doesn't want space; he wants me to disappear.
"Londyn!" I hear the familiar voice shout my name from behind me. I turn around and see Shawn standing in the doorway of my dad's office. I can't tell what he's thinking, and I can't stick around to find out. I take off running toward the backyard before I burst into tears in this room full of strangers. I don't stop until I'm deep in the backyard far away from any onlookers.
"You can't honestly be avoiding me?" Shawn calls as he comes walking up behind me.
"Your text was pretty clear. You want me to leave you alone."
"And before the text? You wouldn't even look at me."
"Shawn, I called and texted you a million times last night, and you just...just ignored me. I was trying to give you space!" I yell.
He runs his hands through his hair. "Why didn't you tell me who you really were Londyn?"
"Because my dad asked me not to, ok? He told me not to tell anyone, so I didn't. I'm sorry if that hurt your feelings, but what was I supposed to do?"
"Tell me. You were supposed to tell me. You know I would have kept your secret. I trusted you with all of mine." He was right, and that made me feel so much worse.
"I was scared. When my mom died, I was alone until my dad showed up. Then all of a sudden, I had the chance to have a family again. People who love me and care about me and I just didn't want to ruin that."
"I love and care about you too, Londyn. Could you really not see that?" Before I can say anything, he closes the space between us and his lips crash into mine. I wrap my arms around him, pulling him closer, afraid that if I let go, he'll run again.
"I love you too. So much," I whisper against his lips when we come up for air. He kisses me again, this time it's gentler, and he brings a hand up and tangles it into my hair tilting my head back to deepen the kiss.
"What the hell are you two doing?" I jump at the sound of my dad's voice.
"Dad! I can explain."
"You can explain why you have your tongue down the throat of the man your sister has been in love with for nearly her whole life? Please, I'd love to hear it."
"Richard, this is all my fault. I should have spoken up yesterday when she came in, but I was just in shock and couldn't find the words."
"Spoke up yesterday? What on earth are you talking about?"
"We've been seeing each other since I got here. I had no idea Sav had a thing for him. I hadn't even met her yet. Dad, I'm so sorry."
"And I obviously had no idea she was her sister," Shawn adds.
"Ok, with all that being what it is, you both know now. So, what the hell are you doing out here?"
"Well, sir, it was already too late. I'm in love with your daughter." My dad glances between us confused. "Your daughter Londyn. I'm in love with Londyn."
"And I love him too, dad. I don't know what to do." I burst into tears, and Shawn pulls me into his chest and kisses the top of my head.
"With all due respect sir, I haven't had feelings for Savannah since elementary school. I know how badly you and my dad want us to be together, but I just don't see her like that. I thought you guys would get it when I brought Haven home, but when she left the pressure just got worse." My dad lets out a massive sigh and turns his back to us.
"This is going to destroy Sav when she finds out, you guys know that right?" He looks at us over his shoulder. Neither of us say anything. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him and lay my head against his back.
"I didn't do any of this on purpose." He turns around and wraps his arms around me in return.
"I know." He kisses my forehead before looking back up at Shawn. "You say you love her?"
"With all of my heart, sir."
"And you love him too?"
"Yes," I whisper.
"Then, the three of us will figure this thing out together. You're my daughter too, and your happiness is just as important." I squeeze him tighter relieved that he isn't upset anymore. "Just not tonight, we can't let your love affair upstage my big announcement," he says with a smile.
"Let's get inside and let the people know their future governor wishes them a very merry Christmas," I say, taking his hand and pulling him in the direction of the house.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Another week has passed, and Shawn and I have spent every night together in our little love bubble that we are on our way to pop. Tonight is Christmas Eve, and our families were getting together for dinner, and for some reason, my dad had chosen tonight as the night that we would let everyone know about Shawn and me.
We contemplated driving over separately, but Shawn decided at the last minute that he was tired of hiding and that he wanted to drive me over. I agreed because I didn't have the energy to argue about it. I've spent all day thinking about Sav and how she would take the news. We've been texting regularly since the party, and the secret has been eating at me. Especially whenever Shawn would come up in conversation. Now we are on our way to dinner, and I know nothing will be the same after tonight.
"Are you ok?" Shawn asks as their house pops up on the horizon. I wonder if the sight of it makes him want to hurl too.
"Yeah, I guess. Just ready for it to be over with." I give him a fake smile, and he reaches over to hold my hand in my lap.
We pull into the property and park a few steps from the stairs that lead to the front door. The feeling of impending doom washes over me, and I dry heave in the direction of the window.
"Hey! It's going to be ok. I promise." I know he means well, but he can't honestly think tonight is going to go over well.
He comes around and opens my door to help me out of the car. We walk hand-in-hand up the stairs, and I let go as he knocks. He looks back at me, disappointed. My dad is the one to answer the door and quickly rushes us in and into his library.
"Ok, here's the plan." He says as he walks around to sit at his desk. "You're going to tell Sav in here first away from everyone, as she's guaranteed to take it the hardest. I don't want her feeling embarrassed finding out in front of everyone else."
"Ok," I gulp. "When?"
"Now! I sent for her when I saw you guys pull up on the security camera."
"Ok, and what about everyone else?"
"We'll tell them right before dinner. Or else they'll just be wondering what's wrong with her the whole time."
"Right." I jump when I hear the knock on the door.
"Come in," my father calls. In walks Sav looking radiant in a gold knee-length fit and flare dress.
"Yes, Daddy?" she croons.
"Shawn and your sister have something they want to tell you."
"Oo a surprise! I love surprises." She walks over to greet Shawn first. "Hi Shawnee poo," she says before kissing his cheek. His expression goes cold.
"Hi Sav, you look really beautiful tonight." I hug her tighter than she expects, and she coughs.
"You too, sissy. Love the jumpsuit."
"Let's all have a seat," dad says gesturing to the couch. We all sit down, and Sav looks confused when Shawn takes the seat next to me instead of next to her. I take a deep breath and try to speak, but the words don't come out.
"I can't do this," I whisper to Shawn, and he grabs my hand for support. Now she's really confused.
"What's going on here?"
"Well, Savannah, your sister and I have been dating for the past two weeks. Before I knew she was your sister."
"And before I ever knew you had feelings for him," I quickly ad
d. She chuckles a little and looks to our dad.
"You guys are joking, right?" Her eyes dart back and forth between the three of us.
"No, honey. I'm sorry to say they're telling you the truth." And there it is. The moment I've dreaded all week. The moment her heart breaks. She slouches over for a second before quickly picking herself back up.
"Well, that's wonderful news," she says with a fake smile, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm happy for both of you. Really, I am. If you'll just excuse me for a moment." She stands and quickly runs from the room and straight up the stairs. I turn to head after her.
"Don't," My dad shouts from behind me and the tears I've been holding back begin to fall. "Give her some space. She'll come down when she's ready."
Shawn walks over to me and wraps in the world's tightest hug. Something he does when my anxiety starts to get the best of me.
"If this is what you kids want, you have to face it head-on. It's going to hurt, but just remember you're fighting for a chance at a future together." My dad was right. We had made a decision to be together against all the odds and now was the time to fight for it, not to be hiding away in his office crying.
"I love you, Londyn. We can do this." I look up into his eyes, and all of my fear just melts away.
"You're right. We've got the hardest one out of the way, let's just rip the band-aid the rest of the way off."
"That's my girl," my dad chimes from behind us.
After I pull myself together some, we walk out of the office and head into the formal dining room where everyone else is waiting. We sit down at the table, and I clear my throat to get their attention.
"Before dinner is served, Shawn and I would like to make an announcement."
"You and Shawn have an announcement?" Olivia asks her face in a scowl.
"Yes. We just want everyone to know that we've been seeing each other for the past two weeks…" I pause.