ROSALY

-Shawn Mendes? Are you dating Shawn Mendes? I can't believe you kept this information from me. - Lexy looked at Rosaly and shook her head in disbelief.

They were both in the locker room, and Rosaly was questioned by her friend as soon as she left John's office. He had called her to talk, because he wanted to know if it was true that she and Shawn Mendes were having a romantic involvement. Rosaly had thought about denying it, wondering if she would lose her job if she confirmed that information, but she finally decided to tell the truth, she was tired of lying, and if she was punished for that, she would deal with the consequences later.

Rosaly opened her mouth to answer, but John kept talking, not giving her a chance to say anything about it.

- I was very surprised this morning when he called. We've never spoken before, and I don't remember seeing him around here. And when Mr. Mendes told me what the phone call was about, I kept asking myself where you guys met.-He looked at Rosaly, as if he expected her to open her heart and start pouring her love life over the table, but Rosaly kept quiet and he kept talking to her, giving her the impression that he was talking to himself.-He very kindly asked me if I could give you the weekend off, starting tomorrow, because he's taking you to his show in Toronto.

Rosaly smiled inside as she listened to that. Shawn had sacrificed his own anonymity to make sure she would go on that trip with him, which made her think he was surprising her more and more. What a wonderful man was that?

- Well, Rosaly, I called you here to say that permission was granted. The owner of the Weekend is a close friend of Shawn Mendes' father, and I'd be in trouble if I denied his son anything, - John tried to smile, but Rosaly realized he was faking it. Then She raised her hand to shake his in gratitude, but he ignored her, and kept staring at Rosaly as if he expected an explanation from her for all of it.

- Thank you, John. I promise I'll make it up to you next week. - She just said.

- Don't worry about it. You're entitled to some time off, because you've covered your colleagues' schedules several times, so you don't owe me anything.-John kept quiet for a moment, his eyes examining Rosaly's face carefully, then seemed to get tired of it, and dismissed her unceremoniously. She just nodded, turned her back and left, so she didn't see the jealous look that John cast at her.

Now looking at Lexy, who was also asking her for explanations on that subject, Rosaly asked how she had found out.

- I was in John's office when Shawn called, and I heard the whole conversation. Do you mean that guy who always sits at table five in a hat and headset is Shawn Mendes?-Rosaly confirmed with his head. - I never could have guessed. Why didn't you tell me, Rosely? Don't you trust me? Lexy looked hurt.

- I'm sorry, Lexy. The my secret wasn't mine to be revealed, and Shawn didn't want anyone to know who he was. I just found out for myself.

- It's okay. I forgive you. But tell me what does he look like? Is he as wonderful as he looks in the pictures? - Rosaly realized that Lexy had gotten her good mood back, and she sighed with relief.

- He's a lot more than that - Rosaly said with her eyes glowing.

- What do you mean? -Lexy asked curiously.

- He is not just physical cute. It's what he looks like inside. Shawn cares about other people, he's loving and intense and incredibly sincere.

- You forgot to say, charming, sexy and handsome- Lexy laughed with malice.

-That's all too - Rosaly laughed.

- Doesn't Shawn have a friend like him to introduce me to?

- I'll ask him, then I'll let you know, - Rosaly said jokingly.

- It's serious now, Rosely. Does he make you happy?- Rosaly thought about Lexy's question for a few seconds, and she couldn't help but remember the night she'd told Shawn about Caio. He'd heard her and then hugged her, saying he was gonna protect her. At that moment Rosaly had doubts about what he had said, but she didn't care. Being in his arms was so good, even if none of it was real, it was worth having Shawn to herself for a few moments. They made love with such intensity that Rosaly thought she wanted to burn forever in the warmth of those hands, which presented her with a world of indescribable sensations and pleasures.

When she woke up the next day, he had felt a great relief to find him lying beside her. She had been so afraid that he would give it up because he considered her story too heavy.

That morning, they talked some more about Caio. Among many tears, Rosaly had told Shawn other details of her relationship with her former fiancé, putting out months of anguish and loneliness. And when it was over, Shawn had helped her wipe her tears, taken her to the shower, and amidst gentle kisses and innocent caresses, they showered together, and then shared a delicious breakfast.

Rosaly had never thought she would feel so relieved after telling Shawn all the details of her troubled love life. It had been a release to open up her soul like that, and she felt completely free from the prison of her past.

Because of this, her relationship with Shawn had improved one hundred percent, for there was nothing else to stop them from living the love they felt in the best possible way.

She returned to the present and answered the question her friend had asked minutes ago.

- Yes, he makes me very happy. I have never felt as safe as I feel when I am in his arms. The only thing that leaves me in doubt is the fact that I don't know if I fit into his world - Rosaly made a face.

- What is Rosely saying? Of course you fit into his world. If it didn't, why would he choose you from all the girls? Stop demeaning yourself, girl, enjoy the moment and be happy.

- I'm trying, but sometimes I wonder if what he says he feels for me will last. - Rosaly ran her hands through her hair in an unconscious gesture.

-How do you feel about him? - Lexy asked.

- I love him-she answered without hesitation.

- So fight to keep your man on your side. I know it can't be easy being in love with a pop star. But if you love him as much as you say you do, don't let him get out of your life easily.

- There are so many things to consider. He says he loves me too, but the question is, isn't he just dazzled that I'm a different girl than he's used to? And if he loses interest or gets tired of me ?- Rosaly had sad eyes now.

- You can't get the answers to all that now. You'll have to trust yourself and see what happens. Live the moment without too much questioning. - Lexy advised.

- I'll try to take your advice, and thanks for listening.

-You know you can always count on me. - Both of them smiled at each other.

They went back to work, but Rosaly couldn't get that conversation out of her head and neither could Shawn.

He was being incredibly sweet that week, and he took care of her like she was so fragile she could break on her first fall.

It was so nice to have someone to take care of her without having to worry about anything, she would gladly accept all the attention from Shawn. She loved to stand next to him talking for hours, She loved to wake up next to him in bed, she loved the way he whispered her name, and she loved making love to him.

Shawn was tender, caring, and always said what he thought and what he wanted without inhibition. Rosaly was still trying to live with Shawn's spontaneous way, which often left her speechless, but wasn't his way that made her fall in love?

Shawn wasn't a guy who liked to hide his emotions, and Rosaly suspected that he wouldn't even know what to do if he tried. All of his feelings were imprinted on his eyes, and now Rosaly could easily understand when he was happy, sad, or angry just by the way he looked at her.

His face was also like an open book, and he let it show what was in his heart. He was moved with ease and made no effort to hide from his audience how he was feeling, and that was what made him the great artist that he was.

That week he stayed with her every day after work. She was feeling vulnerable, and Shawn, realizing her state of mind, decided to keep her company.

They dined together, watched classic movies, did crossword puzzles on what Shawn was really good at, and slept together too.

He hadn't touched her since that night, and Rosaly understood that by doing so he was giving her space and time to heal her wounds, not wanting to force her to do only what he wanted.

She liked having him sleeping next to her just for the company. Shawn had a way of hugging that gave her a great sense of comfort, and she had never felt so good and confident that everything would work out for her in the end as it did now. They took turns between his apartment and hers, enjoying each other's company as if they were long-time boyfriends.

Rosaly was surprised how easily Shawn had taken over her life. In the blink of an eye he had turned everything she knew into something good. She couldn't deny that the idea of him being admired and wanted by thousands of girls made her jealous, but she understood that this was part of his work, and that she shouldn't let it affect her too much. She should remember that at the end of the day it was she who held him in her arms, and nothing else mattered.

Rosaly looked at her wristwatch, and realized that it was only a few minutes before her shift ended and she smiled. That meant she'd soon be in Shawn's company.

She went to the locker room to change, and she left her job looking for a taxi. Shawn couldn't come to pick her up that afternoon, as he still had to work out some details about the show he was going to do over the weekend, but he had made her promise not to go home by bus, as he was worried about her safety. That crazy ex-fiancé of hers could be lurking anywhere, and he didn't want to risk Rosaly's life in any way.

She was headed to the taxi stand when she heard someone calling her. She turned around and saw a gentleman in a driver's clothing walking towards her.

- Hello, Miss Rosely. My name is Robson and Mr. Mendes asked me to pick you up and take you wherever you wanted. - He said it nicely.

Rosaly smiled. Only Shawn could have thought of something like that. He was taking care of her again, even if he wasn't there with her. How couldn't she love a man who cared about her in every detail? Not even her overprotective brother Ricardo treated her that way. Shawn was like an angel who had appeared in her life at the moment when everything was dark, and he had brought her back to the light, and she would never forget that while she lived.

She got in the fancy car, crazy to get home and see Shawn. He'd stopped by his apartment after work, and she was looking forward to meeting him.

She entered home, and she went straight to the shower to take a bath. She was tired, but it was a good tiredness because her day was very productive and she felt as full of energy as it hadn't been for a long time.

She got out of the shower wiping her hair on the towel, put on a pair of shorts and T-shirt. Winter was almost over, and the temperature was mild in those days. Soon it would be spring and Rosaly hoped to make it to the beach. It had been so long that she had no contact with the sand, or swimming in the sea waves. As a teenager, she had been a frequent visitor to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and her city too, but since arriving in Vancouver she had left this pleasure behind, now she only wanted to take her life back.

Shawn arrived when she was preparing dinner. He looked exhausted, but carried on his face that beautiful smile that always made Rosaly hold her breath. God, how irresistible he looked with his angry hair, tight jeans, and white T-shirt that clung to his muscles like a second skin!

He hugged her from behind, holding her close to his body and said:

- What a wonderful aroma! What are you preparing?

- Noodles with Italian sauce. You told me the other day that you loved pasta, so I took a chance. I hope you like it. It's my grandmother's recipe. - Rosaly said, looking at him and smiling.

- I love everything that comes from you. - Shawn said that and pulled her closer, kissing her sweetly.

Rosaly leaned against him, feeling her body react to that kiss. Shawn separated his mouth from Rosaly's, leaned his forehead against hers and said with his eyes closed:

- You're like an oasis in the desert after the day I had at work.

-Was that too hard? - Rosaly asked, stroking his hair.

- Very. There are so many details to settle. I always get anxious before every show. I'm scared something's gonna go wrong.

- Shawn, from what I heard your shows are always wonderful. Everything's gonna work out. - Rosaly noticed the wrinkles of tension around his eyes.

- Still, thinking about all the details makes me exhausted. I love what I do, Rosely, but sometimes I just want to stay in my room and play the piano.

- Baby, don't be like that. I'll be there with you. - She said smiling at him.

- This is gonna be the best part of all this craziness. - Shawn kissed her again, and this time she felt his desire for her suddenly emerge, matching hers. But before the fire of passion ignited them both, Shawn took her away from him.

- I'm sorry, Rosely. I promised I'd let you rest this week, but I want you so bad, it's hard to control myself.

- Hey, don't worry. You're not alone in this, I want you bad, too.- Rosaly said, hugging him from the waistband.- But I understand you want to stay away from me for a while. It's a lot to take in.

- What you told me doesn't change the way I feel about you. You're the victim here, not the other way around. I just think you need some time to breathe. As much as I want you, I know I can wait for your time.

- How was I so lucky to met you? - Rosaly asked with tears running down her cheeks. Shawn dried one by one with his lips and said:

- You've cried enough, Rosely. Now it's time to start smiling. And I must say it was my luck, because you make me a better man every day.

They stared at each other for a second, so Rosaly broke the spell between them saying:

- Are you hungry?

- I'm very hungry. - Shawn answered.

- So, let's eat.

They spent the next few minutes enjoying Rosaly's food, which Shawn couldn't stop praising. When it was time to say goodbye, Rosaly looked at him sad and said:

- "Don't you want to stay?

- I can't. I still have to settle some things about the show. But I'll come by early tomorrow so we can go to Toronto.

They said goodbye with such a sweet kiss, Rosaly felt like crying. Then he left her there feeling so alone and so needy of him.

Hello guys. I hope you can enjoy this part and let me know what you thought about it. Kisses. Sorry for any msitakes.