be alright.

audrey shaw, 40, ballet instructor at juilliard. — and i'ma scream and shout for what I love, passionate but i don't give no fucks, i admit that i'm a lil' messed up, but i can hide it when i'm all dressed up. i'm obsessive and i love too hard, good at overthinking with my heart.

[audreyshaw]

eventsalicem·:

“Holiday parties are over and Spring wedding season is swiftly approaching. Which means I will be living in bridal boutiques and cake tastings,” Alice sighed. Not that she minded that. It’s what she signed up for in fact. But it did occupy a lot of her time when she couldn’t help but think there were more important things that needed taking care of. “I do look forward to the floral arrangements though. Those are always a lot of fun to put together.” 

Listening to Alice speak, Audrey couldn’t help but smile as she watched her. She had to give her credit, being an event planner sounded like it would be a hectic career path, but that made her have even more admiration for her friend. “Yes, the floral arrangements do look a lot of fun! Though, I don’t think I’d have the patience to do it. I’m a total perfectionist.”

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe blinked slowly as she spoke, reassuring him that he wouldn’t have to wait very long. He felt a blush begin to threaten to creep over his face again, and he started laughing softly again, unsure of how to respond to such a compliment. “You flatter me, Audrey. I’m nothing special.” He chuckled, shaking his head and rubbing a hand over his face. He’d always downplay every comment she gave him of that caliber, although a small part of him loved the compliments, only when they were from her. “If you want to know what sexy is, take a look in the mirror.” He nudged her playfully.

“It… it is, yeah. It comes naturally. And I’m glad of it.” He nodded, still unable to stop smiling at Audrey being so tipsy and damn cute. Then his face split into a wider grin as she confessed once again that she’d missed him. “You did, in fact, mention that, but I’m not tired of hearing it just yet.” Gabe reassured her playfully, scooting a tiny bit closer to her with a cheeky grin on his face. “And as far as kissing goes, I think we have a lot to make up for.” He leaned over, pressing a kiss to her forehead again, then kissing the very tip of her nose gently, before completing his small trail of kisses and connecting their lips once more. He didn’t care if they were being as clingy as two teenagers on a first date. He was a little tipsy too and he didn’t mind at all.

You flatter me, Audrey. I’m nothing special. Oh, how he was wrong. Audrey had always been so smitten with Gabe, it was as if he were a divinity and she was put on earth to shower him with praise and worship. “Nothing special? I’m sorry, Gabe, but you’re wrong about that.” She replied genuinely, giving him her signature smile. His return of the cheeky comment caused Audrey to chuckle lightly, lips curving into a slight smirk. “Thank you. I take pride in that. It would be a little weird if neither of us had a major attraction, because you did get me pregnant and all.”

It made Audrey so proud seeing him do something he loved and since it brought so much joy to him, it brought joy to her. She loved seeing him thrive. “Don’t you worry, though, I won’t be stopping any time soon.” She watched carefully as he came closer, enjoying the one on one time she was having with him. Her heart’s pace quickened as he began his trail of kisses, then kissing back just as passionately as he reached her lips. After reluctantly pulling back not too long later, she bit her lip. “I think we do too.” It was taking everything within her to stop herself from giving into her own hormones and going home with him right then and there, but she knew for sure that it would be worth the wait. “I... don’t know why I ever thought I’d be able to find someone as good as you... you’re it for me. I hope you know that.”

[flawlessbeautyqueens]

Nothing can teach you what it’s like to work on a film set, and the best education there can be for an actor is to walk up the street and observe human nature.

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe absolutely felt the same way. The spark he’d had with anybody else, even including the man he stayed with for nearly two years, had always fizzled out in the same way, and that was purely because they weren’t Audrey. They couldn’t make him happy like she did and it took him too long to realise that.

“I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as I have to, I promise. Because I’m not in this for the sex, I’m in it for… the way you smile, the way you cuddle me when I’m stressed, the soothing sound of your voice when I can’t sleep… I’m in it for you. Anything physical is - it’s like a bonus.”

He missed the feeling of holding her again the very second she moved slightly away, though he was glad that she didn’t go very far. “What, aside from being a teacher and chasing after our princesa?” Gabe chuckled and shook his head. “Not much, apart from playing at the odd open-mic night here and there, drinks with friends when it’s not a school night. I’m trying not to let myself become a complete hermit or a crazy cat man. It’s a simple life but it’s alright for me.”

Of course, Gabe was still the sweetest, most caring man she’d ever met. There was no one else like him, and for that, Audrey felt blessed. “Really? Well, thank you... that’s very sweet. I won’t keep you waiting too long, because I mean, look at you. Very sexy.” She quipped, the latter part of the sentence being the result of the liquor in her system.

She couldn’t help the grin that graced her features at the mention of their little princess. “Yes, our baby certainly keeps us busy.” She agreed, giggling lightly. “You’re a natural at it... singing up there, you know. I thought you were fantastic, as always.” She said genuinely. “My life’s kind of like that, too... simple, but that’s how I like it.” It was true... ever since her last break-up, Audrey had mainly just kept to herself and the small group of people she was close to. "I probably mentioned this before, but I missed you. So much. I missed being close to you, kissing you, just being near you in general."

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe was absolutely as infatuated with her right now as he was the first time he’d truly gotten to know her. The best woman he’d ever laid eyes on and she was back in his arms again. He wasn’t quite sure what he’d done to deserve her; and as long as she was smiling right now, he would be, too.

His smile only grew larger as she leaned back in for another gentle kiss. Stealing kisses whenever they could, just like they always used to. “I think you’re right. I think… we should take it slowly and see what happens.” Gabe nodded slowly in agreement, leaning forward and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, before leaning in fully and bringing her into his embrace, hugging her so carefully as he nestled his head comfortably against hers and ran his hands through her always-immaculate blonde locks.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work again.” He mumbled, his voice a lot quieter as he spoke then, and he meant that. He still didn’t know what went wrong that led to their original split, and it would kill him if it ended that same way again one day. Gabe had to be the best damn man he could be to hold onto Audrey again; and he was holding her, holding her like he never wanted to let go.

In that moment, Audrey was one hundred percent smitten with where the night had led. Without realising, she had been pushing away any man she’d become close with all due to the fact she there was still a large chunk of her heart that was yearning after Gabe. It’d been that way for as long as she could remember.

The blonde beamed upon hearing him agree to her words, her cheeks were now flushed and the wide grin never faltered. “Taking it slow sounds absolutely perfect to me. Some people I’ve noticed... don’t always take waiting to sleep together all that well. But I know you’re not like any of the others...” She replied softly and genuinely as she felt him pull her in for a hug, relaxing in his arms as if she’d never left them. “Me too... I want to be a family again.”

Eventually, though, reluctantly, Audrey pulled slowly back from the hug, her hands resting on his arms. “So, what have I missed? What’s going on in your life? Aside from being a teacher and a parent.” She inquired with a raised brow, still staying close to the man. She wasn’t ready to be apart just yet.

[audreyshaw]

@AUDREYSHAW posted on instagram ➞

This was my Friday. Hope everyone has a good weekend! #dancer #nyc #ballet

364 likes | 12 comments

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe’s friends were right. All he needed was a little liquid confidence and he’d been able to get what it was that he truly desired. Audrey. He’d been able to tell her how she felt, and he couldn’t begin to describe the absolute relief he felt when she repeated his words back to him. It was always you, too.

Before he could even muster the courage to move in any closer, Audrey had made that decision for him. Gabe let his eyes close as he enjoyed the blissful moment, his hand still gently cupping her face, then brushing her hair back as he returned her gentle kiss. At this moment, as shy as he usually was, he didn’t care how many people could see them. When he was like this with Audrey, he felt like they could be the only two people in the room.

Eventually, and almost a little reluctantly, Gabe pulled away, his face still remaining close to hers, their foreheads practically touching as his eyes opened and a brilliant smile spread across his face, feeling like he’d laugh with sheer giddiness and not for the first time. “So… where do we go from here?”

Audrey really, really couldn’t believe it. She was back in the embrace of her ex, the only man she’d really ever been in love with. Never in a million years would she have ever thought she’d feel the sensation of his lips against hers again... but obviously, she was wrong. It felt like heaven.

When they pulled away from each other briefly, she looked lovingly into his eyes, unable to stop smiling. She let out of small giggle, as if she were a loved up twenty-something year old, just as they were when they were first together. Were things finally going their way? The blonde certainly hoped so. His question caused her to bit her lip a little, her eyes searching his. “I... have no clue. I certainly wasn’t expecting this to happen tonight, but I’m happy about it. I’m so happy...” She began, leaning into place a quick kiss to his lips once more. “I think we should take things slowly, though. I don’t want this to just be physical...”

[aespamedia]

Rosamund Pike ©Andrew Woffinden // Esquire

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

“Petite is an excellent thing.” Gabe agreed, with a grin that grew to mirror hers. “Yeah, we did. We got lucky. But I could never hate you. You gave me some of the best years of my life, and you gave us our little princesa. I might be biased but I think she’s the coolest kid on the planet.” His grin became a sweet, proud little smile just at his own mention of his little girl. She truly was one of the very best things that had happened to him.

He pursed his lips slightly as she spoke again, curious as to what she’d actually let herself say. She was glad he wasn’t seeing anybody? Oh, that was good news. That was amazing news, in fact. Gabe’s brilliant grin returned as she she spoke of him being single meaning she had a chance. She really did miss him as much as he missed having her around. His face softened more as he thought about it, but he let slip a soft chuckle at her final comment. “Yeah, he’s… he’s a good cat.”

Gabe took a deep breath as he shifted then in his seat, twisting round more to face Audrey, his gentle smile growing as he laid eyes on her perfect face once more. “Of course you’ve got a chance, mi alma…” His hand moved away from hers in favour of reaching up, cupping her face gently, his thumb stroking gently across her cheekbone. Simple motions such as that felt so natural, even after their time apart. “You never truly had any competition. It was always you.” Gabe’s heart was absolutely pounding in his chest. It was like a scene from one of his wildest dreams.

As far Audrey could see, she obviously wasn’t the only one who was still hanging onto some hope. Hoping for the chance of a reconciliation. She had been longing to have him back for so long, but it had never been the right time, or she was too worried that he’d turn her down. Now, that would be something that would break her heart, but being where she was in that moment, the dancer had a inkling that her feelings may have been reciprocated.

It was always you. The moment she had realised she wasn’t dreaming, Audrey could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. The butterflies in her stomach began fluttering around again... was this real? She tried casually pinch herself under the table. In total disbelief that all of this was happening. “I...it was always you, too... always...” She whispered, moving a little closer to him, her lips inches from his. 

A few moments later, she leaned in a little closer, closing the gap between them to press her lips against his. Feeling his touch all over again brought back all of the memories they’d shared together. She never wanted the moment to end, relishing in the bliss she was currently feeling.

[audreyshaw]

scvrlettrose·:

“Summer would be most welcome right now you’re right,” Scarlett said nodding her head in agreement with Audrey’s words taking a sip of her coffee sighing deeply leaning back against her chair. “New York is beautiful in every season but I prefer Spring and Fall.”

“As much as I love snow and cozy sweaters, I’d kill to be on a beach right now rather than sleeping with multiple blankets on me just so I don’t freeze overnight.” Audrey chuckled, a sigh following. “I agree. This city is capable of being gorgeous any time of year, but you’re right.” She nodded, bringing the mug to her lips, taking a sip. “Are you from New York originally?”

[rosomundpike]

Rosamund Pike for Flaunt Magazine (2017)

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

“Petite? Oh, I’m offended. Just because when you wear your tallest heels you’re like an inch taller than me.” Gabe laughed softly, shaking his head, but it didn’t bother him. He didn’t look that short next to her when she was wearing flats. His height wasn’t actually something he’d ever been that insecure about. He’d just embraced it, instead.

“Good. I’m glad he took it well.” Gabe’s face softened so much more as his eager gaze detected the slight change in her breathing and she squeezed his hand tightly. He squeezed back, lacing their fingers together properly as he watched her beckon him a little closer. Gabe gladly obliged, scooting his way round the table and sitting properly beside her, his hand still clasping hers where it was settled on the table. “I guess neither of us do messy breakups.”

It felt surreal that he was holding her hand like this, the smallest touches from her driving him crazy as usual, and he was so lost in thought for a moment that he nearly missed her question. “Me? Dating anybody else?” He let slip a soft, breathy laugh. “Hasn’t really crossed my mind much since… him. You know. Nothing - nothing long term. But no, I’m… not seeing anybody.” Gabe definitely liked where this conversation might be going. “Kevin has been the most important man in my life for a few years now.” He added jokingly, after a pause.

A wicked grin tugged at Audrey’s lips as she listened to him, grateful that their banter came so easily, as if they’d never been apart. It was effortless between the two, once again proving to the woman that they were quite possibly the perfect match. Although, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind, in an attempt to not get her hopes up. It had been years since they were together... what if he just wanted to be friends? While she would accept that, she’d be disappointed, but at this point, having him in her life again at any capacity would still be a blessing. “Petite’s a good thing! I still stand by my statement, because you would make a terrific ballerina.” She chuckled, lifting her glass up to her lips, taking a slow sip as she watched him from across the table.

For a split second, Audrey was certain she was dreaming. If someone had told her she’d be cozying up to her ex again, she’d just laugh, not believing that for a second. But there they were. Enjoying each other’s company just like old times. It felt like bliss. “Oh, you’ve got that right. I think messy breakups are just... ridiculous. I can’t understand how someone can go from loving someone to hating them in an instance. We both got lucky, I guess.”

As soon as it had been clarified that Gabe was indeed single, the pace of the blonde’s heart quickened. “I get that. After my last breakup, I just decided to focus solely on being a parent and doing well at my jobs.” She admitted, shrugging a little bit. “But I’m glad, though, that you’re not seeing anyone... because that gives me a chance, then.” Audrey couldn’t believe she’d just said that, biting her bottom lip slightly as she waited for his reaction. A light chuckle escaped her lips at his comment about Kevin. “Of course! I’m sure he’s glad about that.”

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Well, that did make Gabe blush. It was like he’d never been flirted with before in his life. “Yeah, I remember that. That was the night you got drunk and tried to tell me that I should be a ballerina, too.” He laughed at the memory, such an insignificant moment then, but so precious to him when he looked back on it now.

Ah. The engagement. He remembered hearing brief snippets about it, from when Audrey had let slip several comments about it, or from what Freya had told him. It was strange, seeing her with another man. It felt wrong, and that was when he’d really decided that he missed her way more than he initially thought he did.

“But you’re okay, right? He wasn’t a dick about it?” Gabe sipped at his drink, an almost adorable look of concern for her on his face. He’d flip if he found out somebody had done wrong by her. “You deserve better than that…” His hand practically twitched where he’d settled it on the table, and before he knew it, he’d reached out, settling his hand on Audrey’s and giving it a gentle, sympathetic squeeze.

An immediate grimace graced Audrey’s face when he relayed conversations they’d had when they had only just become acquaintances. “Well, why wouldn’t I? You are petite and actually rather graceful.” She giggled, winking at him pretty shamelessly, as if they were still in their twenties with absolutely nothing to worry about. 

The engagement had never really been spoken about, as Audrey felt a little too bad about ever mentioning it in conversation. He had always been the love of her life and she would hate it if he had ever thought she’d officially moved on from. No matter how many relationships she’d had since their break up, he was always her number one. There was no one else she’d rather be in a relationship with. Gabe was her everything and even the possibility of getting back with him made her ridiculously excited.

“Oh, I’m fine. He was a wonderful man, and understood why I ended things. He was very much a gentleman, which I’m so relieved about because I couldn’t bear the thought of a messy break up.” She replied softly, offering him a very slight smile, her breathing hitching up in her throat as soon as he grabbed hold of her hand. She squeezed it back, feeling as though she was going to start crying, but she held back, taking a few moments before gesturing for him to sit next to her. “What about you, though? Are you... dating anyone?”

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe could see the emotion on her face and honestly, he was feeling a little overwhelmed too, especially now seeing how she was feeling up close. Part of him wanted to make small talk now, ask her how was she doing, how was work, but a small chaotic part of him wanted to skip straight to the good stuff; such as, was she still single and emotionally available?

He had the brightest little smile on his face as she spoke, taking a sip of his drink and chuckling shyly as she spoke of the talent he possessed. Gabe always downplayed how good he was because he saw singing as just a little bit of fun. “Hey, stop it, you’ll make me blush like a schoolgirl.” Oh, she certainly had the ability to do that, still, after all this time. In fact, he was pretty sure the slightest touch from her would send him into a freak-out. Maybe after another drink he’d have the courage to scoot round and sit a little closer to her.

He still couldn’t believe that they were here, same bar, same seat as they always devoured… and there she was, drinking what she always had. “Really is just like old times, huh? So…” Gabe rested an elbow on the table and propped his chin up on his hand. “…how are you?” After she’d pushed to make sure he was okay at their last meeting after the dance recital, it was his turn to properly check up on her.

Audrey adored how she could make Gabe blush with just one simple compliment, but she meant every word she said. What was not to love? In her opinion, he was heaven sent. “And what if I want to do that?” She flirted, as if it were second nature to her. It came so easily when she was around him. 

Being in their old bar caused all the wonderful memories to come back into her mind, as if they were freshly made. “It is. I just can’t believe it. Actually, I remember coming in with you and some friends not long after we first met.” She replied, smiling at the memory. She thought of their times together often, mostly when she was laying in bed awake, yearning to feel his arms around her.

When he asked about how she was, the ballerina shrugged, trying to brush it off. “I’ve been fine, as usual. Work has been great, and as you know, Freya is wonderful. I can’t say there’s been much excitement in my life for a while, it all really slowed down after I broke off my engagement.”

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Gabe looked over as she walked in and his smile grew even wider. There she was. It was like he’d created his dream woman in a machine, and she was sat right in front of him, just like how they used to be. If he didn’t pull himself together soon then he’d wind up too occupied with staring at her and forget the words to the songs he was planning on singing.

He only did three songs tonight, a shorter set than he usually did, but he was eager to get off the stage and spend time with Audrey soon. Gabe started off with Take Me To Church by Hozier, a longtime favourite of his, followed by his own acoustic arrangement of Vente Pa’ Ca, a song by the Livin la Vida Loca legend Ricky Martin, and he closed his little set with a song that was close to his heart, Angel by Jack Johnson, repeatedly gazing over at Audrey with a sweet little smile on his face like he was singing the latter song to her. Well. He totally was.

Gabe practically blushed at the applause when he was done, taking a cute little bow and packing his guitar away, stashing it beside the stage. He headed over to the bar, flashing Audrey a huge smile (which was totally covering his nerves) as he walked by her, getting himself his favourite cider before going back over to their table and sitting himself down opposite her with the same smile on his face, almost giddy with the excitement of being here with her again. “Hi.”

God, Audrey could have cried in that moment. He always had a way of making her feel weak at the knees. Watching him as he did what he loved just reminded her of how proud he made her feel. He was certainly the most wonderful, perfect man she had ever had the pleasure of meeting. It didn’t matter how many years they’d been apart or how many relationships they had... it was always him. He was the one she thought about before falling asleep and the one she wished was holding her at night.

It felt as though she were in a dream, seeing him up there singing his heart out. Her gaze on him didn’t move and the smile on her face never faded. When it came to his last song, the blonde’s breathing got caught in her throat, the song had special meaning to both of them, and in her heart, she knew he was singing it to her.

A hand moved to her chest as she watched him in awe, the emotions were really flooding in at that point. It took a moment for her to realise he’d finished his set and was heading in her direction, she was too caught up in the moment. “Hello, stranger. You were amazing. I didn't believe it was possible for someone to possess that much talent... but here you are.” She grinned, flashing him a smile.

[yourstrulys-deactivated20170526]

[audreyshaw]

gabemelendez·:

Oh, of course he noticed the tiny slip up. In fact, the phrase he was sure she was about to say had been echoing around his head ever since he’d asked her if she was free. “Yeah. Seven is perfect.” Gabe nodded as he pulled back gently, feeling all warm and… happy. He needed that hug more than he’d care to admit. “Buenas noches, princesa. I’ll come get you tomorrow.” He crouched down to hug his precious daughter before letting her go wth her mom, pocketing his hands again and letting his gaze linger on them as they left. Oh man. Drinks. With Audrey. There was no way he was letting his brain psych him out of this one. Besides, he had one more trick up his sleeve.

Gabe has practically skipped out to his car, zooming home in an absolute state of euphoria. “Kevin, you would not believe where I’m going on Saturday and with who.” He grinned as he went inside his apartment, the small tabby cat instantly trotting over and rubbing up against his legs. Gabe made a few calls, texting Audrey to let her know to meet him there on Saturday.

Saturday finally rolled around, and after Gabe had dropped Freya off at her friend’s for the night, avoiding every question she threw at him relating to Audrey, he headed straight to their bar. He went around to the back of his car, getting out his guitar case with a smile plastered on his face and headed into the bar, where somebody was already on stage for the open mic night. He glanced at the time. 6.50pm. Audrey would probably be here any minute. He’d switched his slot to 7 so that the timing would be perfect. Everything was falling into place. Soon enough, Gabe was called up and he got out his trusty acoustic guitar, sending Audrey a text as he sat on the stool on stage and fiddled about, making sure his guitar was in tune, so he could stall until she arrived.

📲: I’m inside. There’s a table by the bar with our name on it. G x

Ever since the night at the ballet recital, Audrey couldn’t get Gabe out of her mind. It was as if it were the night they met all over again, even then he had left a lasting impression on her. He was so sweet, so handsome and every little smile he gave her made her heart melt. All those years ago, she imagined them growing old together. Oh, how she was wrong. There was a part of her, though, that still had some hope for them.

For the rest of the week, Audrey looked forward to their ‘date’ — was she allowed to call it that? She couldn’t wait to have time with him that didn’t just revolve around parenting, she wanted to talk to him about his hopes and dreams, laugh about old times and in her wildest dreams, maybe even kiss him? Maybe that was just wishful thinking. Who knew where the night could take them?

Audrey had spent the past hour getting ready, having done her makeup to perfection and styled her hair impeccably. She looked flawless, as she always did, but she managed to downplay it. The woman certainly wasn’t one to be vain.

Once she’d pulled up at the bar, she looked down at her phone, smiling at the text she’d received from Gabe. She was looking forward to seeing him. Smoothing down her dress, she took in a deep breath and headed into the bar, her baby blue eyes scanning the vicinity for her ex until they landed on him. On the stage with his guitar. Suddenly she felt her heart skip a beat and her lips spread into a wide grin. Walking over to the bar, she got her usual and sat down in their spot just as he began strumming the guitar.