A/N- the original plan for this chapter was to work with another author to add some smut but sadly that ended up falling through at no fault to the other author. So instead here is a long chapter and I will also be posting chapter 28 later today once I finish prof reading and editing it!!!
I prepared for the show, meticulously applying makeup, each brushstroke deliberate as Travis's face illuminated the screen. His features danced in the soft glow of the camera. "What songs are you considering for the surprise segment?" he inquired, leaning in as if to catch a glimpse of the choices sprawled on the table.
"Thinking something from Midnights and Very First Night," I replied, sneaking a glance at the list of potential song choices lying in front of me.
"What songs from Midnights do you have left?" Travis queried, delving deeper into the musical aspect of the performance.
"Paris, Labyrinth, Glitch, and Dear Reader," I recited from my list, each song stirring a whirlwind of memories and emotions.
"Which one's your favorite?" Travis probed, sparking a thought.
"Don't make me pick a favorite child," I teased, knowing each song held its own special place. "Maybe I'll surprise you as well," I playfully hinted, keeping my choice under wraps.
He rolled his eyes in jest before shifting to another topic. "Have you seen the 'We Will Stay' thing?" he referenced the fan-driven project.
"I have. It's incredibly touching. I teared up when I found out about it," I admitted, the heartfelt efforts of the fans leaving a lasting impact.
As my dresser entered with my performance outfit – a new bodysuit and boots – my attention diverted from the call.
"Travis, I'll catch up with you later," I announced, nodding to the screen before directing my focus to the new additions awaiting my attention.
The anticipation of the new bodysuit was palpable as it hung on the clothing rack in my dressing room. "If you need help with the bodysuit, let me know. It might be a bit tricky since it's new," my dresser offered, his voice laced with genuine concern as he carefully placed the attire in its designated spot.
"Thanks, I will," I replied softly, admiration evident in my tone as I examined the intricate details. "It's so beautiful," I murmured, enough for my dresser to catch.
"It is, and expensive, so be careful. If you need help, ask for it. No damaging it," he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of handling the delicate outfit.
"Got it," I acknowledged, turning back to the mirror, a serene focus enveloping me as I prepared my hair and slipped into the opening costume.
The performance was a whirlwind; it felt like a fleeting moment from the time I stepped onto the stage to the final bow. As we made our way back to my dressing room, I checked the time. "What time is it in Kansas?" I asked Tree.
"About 6 PM," she answered, allowing me a moment to catch my breath before excusing herself, leaving me to gather my thoughts.
Travis's FaceTime call instantly connected as I settled in my seat. "How was it?" he inquired, eager for the details of the show.
"So good, can't wait for tomorrow's show," I exclaimed, excitement coloring my voice, anticipating his attendance.
"Me too. Do you know what time I'm supposed to be at the airport?" he inquired, provoking a laugh from me.
"Ask Tree. I'm as clueless as you are about schedules until the last minute. I'd be lost without her," I quipped, the sarcastic humor evident.
"Did you like the surprise songs?" I asked, knowing that he watched as many shows as he could on a face time call with tree.
"Was that for me specifically, then?" He asked laughing.
"Well I mean it fits right?" I questioned. My song choice hadn't been hard as soon as he asked i knew I wanted to sing labyrinth just for him.
"Will do, I'll text her later," he replied. "I need to get changed and head back to my hotel. I'll see you tomorrow," I announced, beginning to unzip the back of my bodysuit.
"Okay beautiful, I'll see you tomorrow. Love you," Travis said, filling my stomach with flutters.
"Love you too," I chuckled softly before ending the call, feeling a rush of emotions as I changed out of the outfit and prepared to leave for the night.
I woke up to the gentle rhythm of raindrops tapping against the hotel windows, a soft melody that accompanied the unsettling discovery of over a hundred missed calls from Tree and my tour manager.
Sighing, I unlocked my phone and dialed Tree's number, fully aware of her mounting frustration. "Took you long enough," she snapped as soon as she picked up.
"It's 8 am; I don't need to be up till noon," I defended myself, subtly referring to the impending arrival of both Travis and my dad in Argentina around 12:30.
"Well, this is important," she retorted, her irritation palpable through the phone.
"I'm sorry, okay. What's going on?" I asked, matching her tone.
"The stadium is flooded out. We're pumping out the water, but there's no chance we can do a show tonight," Tree explained, her voice competing with the intensifying rain in the background.
"Are you kidding me?" I exploded, frustration bubbling within me.
"No, Taylor, I'm not," she replied, her tone serious and resolute.
"I've postponed one show in the last 16 years. I'm not doubling it today," I declared firmly, marching over to my closet where my clothes, arranged meticulously for the day, awaited me, along with three extra outfits approved for any occasion.
"You don't have a choice. Spend the day with Travis, go out for dinner. It's not what you want, but we should be okay tomorrow," she instructed, her tone firm, akin to a mother guiding a rebellious teenager.
"Fine," I grumbled as I dressed quickly. "Move the show to Monday, don't cancel," I commanded with stern determination.
"Tay, sweetie, that's going to be expensive," Tree cautioned, a note of concern seeping into her hurried voice.
"I have the money. Just do it," I replied firmly, feeling the weight of the situation before hanging up the call, a surge of mixed emotions coursing through me.
The unsettling stillness in the wake of the canceled show pushed me to text Travis immediately.
Tay: Had to postpone the show due to the rain. Will be there when you get here. Tree wants us to do something.
The weight of the situation hit me harder than expected. Tears welled up, threatening to spill over. As soon as Travis walked into the airport lounge, the floodgates opened.
"Shh, it's okay, love," he murmured softly, enfolding me in his arms. We stood there, locked in an embrace, without a word to each other or my dad.
"I'm so pissed off," I finally uttered, my voice barely audible.
"I know, love," Travis replied, peppering kisses on the crown of my head, offering silent comfort in the midst of my frustration. "Lets get back to the hotel," He said placing his hand on my face and wiping away my smudged mascara.
That is exactly what we did,
We headed back to my hotel my dad in the front of the car with my driver and me and travis in the back.
As we reached the hotel, Travis abruptly mentioned he was heading to the store. His sudden decision left me with a puzzled expression as he went off in the opposite direction while Dad and I made our way into the hotel and up to my room.
"I know you hate canceling, Taylor. But sometimes it's just what needs to happen," my dad empathized, taking a seat in the room.
"I know, it just feels awful. People put so much effort into being here," I lamented, sinking into an armchair, my head falling back in disappointment.
"Try to look at the brighter side. You get an evening with both me and your boyfriend. If the show had gone on, you might not have had that opportunity," he suggested, his voice tinged with understanding as he settled down beside me.
"I know," I replied, my voice wavering, emotions brimming as I contemplated the situation.
ten minutes seemed to stretch as I sat, the room a mix of emotions and the pitter-patter of rain outside. When Travis returned, he held a vibrant bunch of flowers, their colors popping against the dreary weather, and a box of my favorite chocolates, a thoughtful gesture that tugged at my emotions.
"You didn't have to," I whispered, my voice hoarse from the storm of emotions I'd been experiencing.
"But I did," Travis affirmed, his gaze briefly seeking approval from my dad, who gave a slight nod. "I've also booked a table for dinner at that cozy restaurant down the street," he continued, a softness in his eyes as he preemptively filled the void of conversation.
As my dad excused himself to settle into his hotel, I managed a tear-streaked smile, bidding him farewell. The room felt quieter, emptier, as the door closed behind him, leaving me and Travis enveloped in an atmosphere charged with mixed emotions.
The dinner unfolded in an unexpected yet comforting way. Despite my reservations about being in public after the show's cancellation, the warmth of the company made the discomfort fade away gradually. It was an odd mix of conflicting emotions, but being surrounded by two of the most important people in my life was a solace in itself.
Within the first few minutes at the restaurant, the weight of the canceled show seemed to lift as conversation and laughter filled the air. The ambiance of the place and the genuine connections around me made the worries slip away, replaced by a sense of peace. Travis's hand stayed on my inner thigh the entire time we were sat, it felt like him reminding me he was there no matter what and it calmed my nerves
Our discussions took an unexpected yet delightful turn towards my childhood, each anecdote painting vivid pictures of my past. My dad animatedly shared stories while Travis listened attentively, his eyes lighting up as my dad showcased old photographs. It was a different kind of performance, a tender and heartfelt one, reminiscing about days gone by, and creating a new kind of memory amidst the unexpected circumstances.
As soon as our plates were cleared, Travis's hand subtly intertwined with mine, guiding me out of the restaurant. The night air felt crisp against my skin as we exited the cozy ambiance of the eatery. My dad bid us farewell, heading to his hotel, leaving Travis and me to stroll back along the street toward my hotel.
The city lights cast a soft glow, the occasional droplets from the earlier rain shimmering under the street lamps. Travis's touch was reassuring, his fingers laced with mine as we walked, our steps in sync, the quiet hum of the evening surrounding us.
With each step, the weight of the day began to lift, replaced by a sense of tranquility. The city was winding down, the bustle of the streets fading into a serene calmness. Our conversation flowed seamlessly, filled with occasional laughter and shared moments of quiet understanding as we ambled back toward the hotel.
By the time we arrived at our hotel room, we were all over each other. Travis's hands had made their way up my skirt, feeling for my panties as our tongues fought.
"Someone's excited" he teased as he felt under my skirt.
"Shut up and fuck me!" I said as he pushed me back onto the bed
"Whatever your want princess," he said moving his lips down my neck.