Band of Gold

Chapter 36

New Year's Eve was a day away and they needed to be back in LA by the evening. Unfortunately, there was a two-hour delay at the airport.

While waiting, Charlie had fallen asleep on Shawn's shoulder as they sat in the boarding area. Shawn spent this time thinking about the time they had spent together this holiday. He smiled as he twisted the gold band around his middle finger and gently slid it off and on his finger.

"You look familiar."

Shawn turned and saw two women standing before him. They looked similar in age to him, but he had no recollection of who they were. "Sorry?"

The one girl pointed at him. "I know you from somewhere."

"Oh, my god, I was there when you performed at open mic night in LA! Shawn, right?" the other said with excitement.

"Oh yeah!" the other one said.

Shawn smiled then held out his hand. "Wow, it is nice that you remembered me."

"Are you kidding? You were the best performer that evening."

Shawn blushed. "Wow, thank you."

"I'm Heather and this is Amber."

Shawn shook both of their hands. "It is a pleasure to meet you ladies. Are you heading back to LA?"

The both nodded.

Heather rolled her eyes. "Well, two hours from now."

Shawn nodded. "Would you like to sit?" he asked politely.

Amber sat beside him and glanced adoringly at him.

"Rough night?" Heather asked, referring to Charlie.

Shawn chuckled. "He is just a bit tired."

"Is he your boyfriend?" Amber asked in fear.

Shawn opened his mouth to respond, but Charlie beat him to it. "Fuck, no."

Even though Shawn knew what he was doing, it still hurt.

"If you ladies liked his performance last time, he will be performing again tomorrow."

Heather giggled. "What are you...his manager?"

"He can't afford me." Charlie teased, causing Heather to giggle, again.

"Will you take a selfie with me?" Amber asked sheepishly.

"Of course." Shawn said kindly then posed with her.

flirtatiously

"Can you sign my boarding pass?" Amber asked desperately.

Heather looked embarrassed. "Enough, Amber."

"It's okay." Shawn said then took the boarding pass and signed it.

"We need to go." Heather said trying to get Amber out of there. "Come on, groupie."

Amber squinted her eyes at Heather.

"See you at the pub tomorrow, ladies." Charlie said.

Both girls giggled as they walked away.

Charlie tickled him. "That was amazing! Right?"

Shawn couldn't help but smile as he nodded. "Unexpected, but...yeah...really cool."

"Well, after tomorrow, there will be a ton more where that came from." Charlie explained.

Shawn looked concerned.

"What is wrong?" Charlie asked, looking concerned himself.

"It might not be worth it if I can't call you my boyfriend."

Charlie pointed at him. "Keep your eye on the prize, Mendes."

"I am." He said sweetly causing Charlie to blush.