Chapter 17
towards him. "Shaney!! I can't believe it's you! And in an apron to boot!"
"Gaby!!" he hugged him tight, liking the feel of her in his arms. Calling
me Shaney is like music to my ears, he thought to himself. "I'm so glad to
see you!" he kissed the side of her face, unable to resist the urge to do
so. "I was going to look for you everywhere but me mam wanted me to work in
the café because we're shorthanded."
"You should have asked for my address or my phone," she pointed out, still
beaming with happiness. "I'm so glad I've met you again!! It's insane but
I've missed you so much, Stevie boy!" she rumpled his hair and pinched his
soft cheeks.
"Wow! Awhile back I was Shaney and now I'm Stevie!" he chuckled. It doesn't
matter what you want to call me. You can even call me jackass if you want
and I won't mind, he happily thought. As long as I can see you, I'm fine
with Stevie and Shaney and jackass.
Anya cleared her throat, feeling left out for a while. She eyed Gaby,
hoping she'd introduce her to the lad she was hugging and kissing.
"Oh!" Gaby exclaimed, pulling away from Shane's embrace. "Shaney, this is
my cousin, Anya!" she grabbed Anya`s hand and dragged it to meet Shane's.
"Anya, this is my Shaney here."
My Shaney. I like that, he thought, nodding his head. "Please to meet you
Anya. How are you today?" he asked politely.
"I'm good," she replied. "I'm bushed though because my cousin here," she
eyed Gaby evilly with a smile on her face, "suddenly decided we have to beat
each other up in the middle of the street!" she laughed, punching Gaby
playfully.
"OW!" Gaby wailed. She retaliated and swatted her arm slightly. "ok, let's
stop it. I'm tired now." She turned to Shane. "So this is the famous
Carlton`s Café, eh?"
Shane beamed with pride, his face lighting up like a neon sign. "Yup," he
affirmed. "I work here when I'm not in Westlife and all. Besides loving the
job here, it keeps my feet firmly planted on the ground."
"That's good," Anya remarked. He's cute, she thought to himself. But it
seems like he fancies Gaby. She brushed it off. He's cute but I don't stand
a chance with him. Any moment now he looks like he's going to profess his
undying love for Gaby.
"Well, why don't you go inside and eat? On the house!" he invited.
The cousins grinned at him. "Sure!" they both said and as they started for
the café's door. Shane walked behind them, smiling widely. I bet I have this
goofy look on my face, he thought. When he passed by a mirror, he saw his
reflection. A wide smile was plastered all over his face, his teeth showing,
his eyes crinkled at the corner, his cheeks have high colours. He looked
like he won a horse competition. And he liked what he saw.