Love in the Mountains

Missouri

Taylee gave Josh directions to her apartment before falling asleep. They arrived at her apartment in Missouri at about 1:00 in the morning. Josh yawned and checked his phone before waking Taylee up.

"We made it, mama." he said gently shaking her shoulder.

Taylee rubbed her eyes and looked up. There stood the apartment she had lived in for 3 years with her best friend Laila. Josh knew of her just because she would come into Taylee's room sometimes while they were video chatting but he didn't know much else.

"Did you warn her I was coming?" Josh asked.

"Shoot. No, I totally forgot. I meant to text her when we left your house. She knows I'm moving and she was already kinda mad about that so she can't get much madder at me right?" Taylee smiled.

"I guess we will see." Josh sighed.

Josh grabbed both suitcases out of the back seat then they walked up the stairs to the second level where Taylee used her key to open the door. Josh picked up their suitcases instead of rolling them hoping he wouldn't wake Laila up. They go into Taylee's room and close the door.

"I really enjoyed my time at the cabin but it kinda feels good to be home. Even though this won't be home much longer." she sighed sadly.

"You really don't have to if you don't want to, mama." he walked over to her and put his hand on her back. "You won't hurt my feelings if you decide not to come with me."

"No, I want to come with you Josh. I really do. It's just really difficult to leave this place. I've lived in this town my whole life. My family is here, my friends are here.. I'm ready to leave but.. It's just very bittersweet."

"I understand. I felt that way when we moved to Tennessee from Michigan. We all uprooted ourselves but we ultimately knew it would be better for us." he rubbed her back. "Lets go to sleep, mama."

They changed into their pajamas and climbed into bed. Taylee locked her bedroom door in case Laila decided to just walk in in the morning. Josh held out his arm to Taylee and she rolled over with her head on his chest. They fell asleep.

Taylee awoke to the sound of rustling in the kitchen. She looked at the clock: 8:30 a.m. She kissed Josh on the forehead, threw her legs off the side of the bed, and got up. She quietly walked out into the hallway closing her door behind her. As she turned the corner into the kitchen Laila smiled at her. 

"Taylee! I missed you!" she ran to give Taylee a hug.

"I thought you were mad at me?"

"I was.. But I've gotten over it. I'm going to miss you but you deserve a happy life with someone you love. And a famous man at that." she winked.

"Thank you, Laila." 

"I made you breakfast! Pancakes, your favorite!"

"Oh! Uh..." Taylee rubbed the back of her neck. "Did you happen to make enough for three?" she smiled shyly.

"Three? I.. Uh.." Laila looked down at the platter she had put together. "Yeah, I guess there could be enough for three. Who's joining us?"

"Josh. I'm sorry I didn't warn you. I meant to text you when we left his place last night but it totally slipped my mind."

"Wait. You mean Josh Kiszka is here? In our apartment?" her eyes lit up. 

Laila had shared Taylee's love for the band. They had planned on going to a concert together eventually but just hadn't had the chance to do it.

"Yeah! And you made breakfast for him. I'll go wake him up." 

Laila panicked. She ran to her room to make herself look more presentable. Taylee walked up to the bedroom and quietly opened the door. She walked to Josh's side of the bed and sat next to him. She ran her fingers through his hair.