SHAWN’S POV
He rested his elbows on the kitchen counter as she left the kitchen. He had difficulty controlling his emotions, hence his outburst.
He heard the sound of the car driving away and it felt like a part of his life was leaving. Even though they were always at longer heads, he had gotten used to Tiffany’s presence and he hated the fact that she left.
He lost his appetite and will to make himself breakfast, so he went back upstairs to prepare for work.
He parked a few toiletries in his suitcase as he would spend the night in the company’s penthouse. He couldn’t imagine sleeping in the house alone.
After parking up, he walked out of the house to his car and then drove off to work.
His mood at work was sour and unapproachable. He couldn’t concentrate as he kept wondering if she was flirting with any man?
Sighing in resignation, he decided to call Bryan so they could hang out in the evening after work. “Hey, man.” He said, When Bryan picked up.
“How are you, dude?” Bryan asked in his usual bubbly tone.
“I’m fine. How about we hang out this evening after work?” Shawn asked.
“Are you okay? You don’t sound too bright.” Bryan asked.
“I’m fine. Are you up?” Shawn asked.
“Yes. Sure.” Bryan replied.
“Okay, then. See you at our usual spot.” Shawn replied and ended the call.
He spent the next few hours going through paperworks, replying to emails, taking phone calls and signing documents.
At exactly 4:00, he left his office and made for the parking lot. He was about to get into his car when he heard Rachel’s voice. “Shawn, wait up.” She said, rushing up to him.
“What do you want, Rachel?” He asked.
“You have not been yourself since today.
I know I asked earlier, but are you okay?” Rachel said, holding his hand.
“I’m fine. I’m going to play snooker with Bryan. I will see you tomorrow.” Shawn said and got into his car.
He arrived at the Snooker lounge and Bryan was already waiting for him as usual. They exchanged hugs before going to the board.
Halfway through, Bryan kept his cue stick aside and walked up to Shawn. “You are obviously not okay. You are absent minded and not playing like your usual self.” Bryan said.
Shawn sighed and dropped his cue stick. “I’m fine, man. I’m just worried.” Shawn admitted.
“Tell me about it.” Bryan probed.
“What does it mean when you start missing someone’s presence? You don’t like the person, but the person suddenly travels and you find yourself thinking about them and missing their presence.” Shawn asked.
Bryan looks at him momentarily before bursting into laughter.
“What’s funny, Man?” Shawn asked, confused.
“I have never seen you this way, my man. I’m surprised you don’t know what that means. It means you love that person and like they say, “Absence makes the heart fonder,” you are obviously missing their presence.” Bryan explained.
Shawn’s eyes widened in surprise before he quickly regained composure. In love? He can’t possibly be in love with her. He knows he misses her, but love? Heaven would rather freeze over before he fell in love with her.
“Thank you, but I’m not in love.” Shawn said, picking up his cue stick. “Let’s continue with the game, man. Now, I’m going to whip your ass really hard.” Shawn bragged.
“You wish.” Bryan replied as they went back to their game.
After playing for a while, they went to the bar to have some drinks as usual.
“I’m glad you are looking your usual self unlike a few hours ago when you looked like a grieving husband.” Bryan teased.
“You like exaggerating things. I accept I was a bit moody but not like you are painting it.” Shawn said.
They continued arguing until it was time to go home. “It was nice hanging out with you, man. Every moment with you is therapy. Your energy is contagious.” Shawn said, as they stood close to their cars outside the Snooker lounge.
“Don’t make me blush, Man. I know you said men don’t blush.” Bryan said, and they exchanged hugs before parting ways.
Back at home, and lying on the bed, Shawn could not help but think about Tiffany and what she was doing at the moment.
TIFFANY’S POV
She arrived at the hotel she was to Lodge in with other members of her agency.
“This place is magnificent.” She said, staring at the massive hotel building.
“Yes, it is,” Mr Tyler agreed.
“So, you have to rest for two hours because of the stress from the journey then prepare for the shoot. We will be going to the studio once you finish resting.” Mr Martin said.
“Thank you so much.” Tiffany said. By then they were at the reception area of the hotel.
“Tiffany Dion, your room is room 109. It’s the fourth room on the second floor” The receptionist said, giving her a key card after looking through her system to see if there was a reservation in Tiffany’s name.
“Thank you.” Tiffany said and got into the elevator. It dropped her on the second floor and after counting the room doors, she finally got to the fourth room. She inserted her key card into the hole on the door, and it recognized it and she gained access to her room.
She walked into the room and was amazed at its interior design. It was magnificent and befitting of a queen. She jumped on the bed and loved the bouncy feeling it gave her.
She quickly unpacked the things she came with, before going to have her bath.
She had just finished and was bathing when the doorbell rang. “Who Is it?” She asked.
“Room service.” A voice replied.
“I’m coming.” Tiffany said, and got dressed properly before going to the door.
“Your lunch is here, Ma.” The room service attendant said.
“Thank you.” Tiffany said, and took the tray of food from him.
She shut the door and carried the tray to the table. She uncovered the plates and found different spicy foods and seafood of all kinds. She smiled inwardly, knowing her manager was responsible for the food.
She loved how they all treated her like a princess, unlike most modelling agencies.
She sat down to devour the meal. Heaven knows she was famished and the food came at the right time.
After eating, she put the tray aside and decided to sleep for a while so she would be rejuvenated for the task ahead.
As she got on the bed, her mind wandered to Shawn. How was he coping? Was he missing her? What was he doing at the moment?
She just couldn’t get the thoughts of him out of her head despite how hard she tried.
She was worried at his new changed attitude and kept wondering what could be the cause. He obviously saw her as a wayward and flirty girl and he never hid it. from his words she could tell.
She was so restless as she couldn’t concentrate and get some sleep. She decided to listen to music.
She put on her headphones and began playing music, in a bid to get rid of the thoughts of Shawn in her head.