Chapter 8: Lead The Way

Ava groaned as she stumbled into the kitchen, her head pounding and her mouth feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. The bright morning light streaming through the windows felt like a personal attack, and she squinted against the glare, cursing herself for her poor life choices.

As she fumbled for a glass, she heard the front door slam, followed by the telltale click of high heels on hardwood. Ava winced, the sound reverberating through her skull like a jackhammer. She didn't need to turn around to know it was her one-night stand making her walk of shame.

Preston, who was leaning against the kitchen counter nursing a cup of coffee, watched the girl stumble out of the apartment with a raised eyebrow. As the door closed behind her, he shook his head and handed Ava a glass of water.

"Thanks," Ava mumbled, accepting the glass. "But I'd like something stronger."

Preston shook his head. "That's all you're having. Jeez, Avs, what's gotten into you? I know we have wild nights out, but last night... did you even look at the girl for 5 seconds before you took her back here?"

Ava slumped into a chair, avoiding Preston's gaze. "No," she sighed, guilt twisting in her gut. "And the sex wasn't even good."

Preston frowned, setting his coffee mug aside and focusing his full attention on Ava. "So why then? You've been acting different lately. Is everything okay?"

Ava stared into her water glass, watching the condensation bead on the surface. She knew she should tell Preston the truth, knew he of all people would understand. But the words stuck in her throat, the subsequent rejection still too raw and painful.

"It's nothing," she tried, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Just... stress with work, you know? The new album, the pressure to deliver..."

Preston's frown deepened, and Ava knew he wasn't buying it. He knew her too well, could see through her bullshit like no one else.

"Ava," he said softly, his tone gentle but firm. "Talk to me. What's really going on?"

"She won't break up with him," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Preston blinked, confusion etching itself across his features. "Who?"

Ava's gaze snapped up to meet his, and he was taken aback by the raw pain and fury burning in her eyes.

"Taylor," she spat, like the name was a curse. "Taylor, Taylor, she won't break up with fucking Joe to be with me!"

Realization dawned on Preston, and he couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up from his chest. "I knew it!" he crowed, pointing an accusing finger at Ava. "You guys were eye-fucking all night long at the club!"

And just like that, the dam broke. The whole story came pouring out - her growing feelings for Taylor, the undeniable connection between them, the charged moment in Taylor's living room that had almost led to a kiss. How Taylor had pulled away, the guilt and regret on her face, the way she'd apologized and fled.

"I thought... I thought maybe she felt it too," Ava whispered, her voice cracking. "But I was wrong. And now I've ruined everything."

Preston was silent for a long moment, processing everything Ava had said. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft with understanding.

"Oh, Ava. I'm so sorry. That... that's a lot to deal with."

Ava nodded miserably, swiping at the tears that had begun to leak from the corners of her eyes. "I just... I couldn't stand being in my own head anymore. Thinking about her, about what I'd done. I thought maybe, if I went out, if I found someone else... I could forget. Just for a little while."

Preston sighed, reaching out to squeeze Ava's shoulder comfortingly. "I get it, Ave. I do. But you know that's not the answer. Drowning your sorrows in booze and random hookups... it's not going to make the feelings go away. It's just going to make you feel worse in the long run."

Ava sniffled, nodding in agreement. "Pres, she's in my head so much, even when I was fucking that girl last night, whatever her name was, all I could think about was Taylor." Her voice cracked with emotion. "I can't get her out of my mind. It's like she's consuming me from the inside out."

Preston's frown deepened as he took in Ava's raw anguish. He knew her too well, could see the pain she was trying so hard to mask. Reaching across the table, he covered her hand with his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Hey, look at me," he said softly. When Ava's watery gaze met his, he continued, "I know this is tearing you up inside. Believe me, I get it. But you can't keep torturing yourself like this. Taylor... she's with someone else. As shitty as it is, you have to respect that."

Ava opened her mouth as if to protest, but Preston held up a hand, stopping her. "I'm not saying you have to just turn off your feelings or anything. That's not possible when they run this deep. But maybe... maybe it's time to take a step back. Give yourself some space to breathe and heal."

He could see the anguish etched onto Ava's features as she processed his words. "But what if... what if she changes her mind?" she whispered, a flicker of hope in her voice. "What if she realizes she wants to be with me after all?"

Preston sighed, hating to be the voice of reason but knowing he had to. "Then that's her choice to make, Ave. But you can't keep putting your life on hold, waiting for her to figure her shit out. That's not fair to you."

Ava's shoulders slumped, and she nodded slowly, the fight seeming to drain out of her. Preston's heart ached for his best friend, wishing he could take away her pain.

"I'm not saying you have to give up on her completely," he continued gently. "Just... take a step back. Focus on yourself for a bit. Work on your music, your own happiness. And if Taylor comes around, great. But if not..." He trailed off, not wanting to voice the painful possibility.

Ava was silent for a long moment, her expression pensive. Finally, she lifted her gaze to meet Preston's, a hint of determination flickering in her eyes. "You're right," she said, her voice strengthening. "I can't keep doing this to myself. I need to take a step back, for my own sake."

Preston nodded. "Exactly. And hey, I'm here for you, every step of the way. Whatever you need, I've got your back."

A watery smile tugged at the corners of Ava's mouth. "I know, Pres. Thanks for being such a good friend, even when I'm being an absolute mess."

"That's what I'm here for," Preston said with a wink, relaxing now that the worst seemed to have passed. "Now, how about we get out of this depressing kitchen and do something fun? Take your mind off a certain blonde tornado for a bit."

Ava chuckled, swiping at the last of her tears. "Sounds good to me."

The shrill sound of the doorbell pierced through the apartment, causing both Preston and Ava to nearly jump out of their skin. Ava groaned, clutching her head as the noise reverberated through her skull.

Preston shot her a sympathetic look before heading to the door, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. As he swung it open, he was met with the sight of a sheepish-looking Taylor, her blonde hair tucked under a baseball cap and her hands fidgeting nervously at her sides.

"Hey Preston," she greeted, her voice tentative. "Sorry to just drop by like this, but Ava and I were supposed to meet two hours ago, and I've called and texted but haven't heard back. I was getting worried..."

Her words trailed off as her gaze drifted past Preston, landing on Ava hunched over the kitchen table. Taylor's eyes widened, taking in Ava's disheveled appearance, the dark circles under her eyes, the way she seemed to be barely holding herself upright.

An awkward silence descended, thick with unspoken tensions and unanswered questions. Preston cleared his throat, stepping aside to let Taylor in.

"Uh, yeah. Come on in, Taylor. Ava's just... not feeling well this morning."

Taylor hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, her movements stiff and uncertain. She hovered in the entryway, seeming unsure of what to do with herself.

In the kitchen, Ava finally looked up, her bleary eyes meeting Taylor's. A flash of something - guilt, longing, regret - flickered across her face before she quickly looked away, focusing intently on the glass of water in front of her.

"Hey," she mumbled, her voice hoarse. "Sorry, I... I forgot about our session."

Taylor bit her lip, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "It's... it's okay. I was just worried when I didn't hear from you. I thought maybe..."

She trailed off again, the unspoken implications hanging heavy in the air. Preston glanced between the two women, the tension so thick he could almost taste it. He knew they needed to talk, to sort out whatever had happened between them. But he also knew his sister, and he could see that Ava was in no state for a heavy conversation right now.

"Hey, why don't you two go chat in Ava's room?" he suggested, trying to keep his tone light. "I'll make some coffee and bring it in for you."

Ava shot him a panicked look, but Preston just raised his eyebrows meaningfully. She needed to do this, and he wasn't going to let her run from it any longer.

Taylor hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Ava. "I... if you're not feeling well, we don't have to..."

"No, no, it's fine," Ava said quickly, pushing herself to her feet. She swayed slightly, and Preston reached out to steady her, concern etching his features.

"You sure you're okay?" he murmured, low enough that only Ava could hear.

Ava nodded, squaring her shoulders with a determination that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. We... we should talk."

She gestured for Taylor to follow her, leading the way down the hall to her bedroom. Taylor trailed after her, her steps hesitant and unsure.

As the bedroom door clicked shut behind them, Preston let out a heavy sigh. He knew the conversation ahead wouldn't be easy for either of them. There were feelings to unpack, misunderstandings to clear up, decisions to be made.

But he also knew his bandmate. And he knew that Ava cared for Taylor deeply, perhaps more than she'd ever cared for anyone. If anyone could navigate the treacherous waters of love and friendship and all the messy, complicated stuff in between, it was Ava.

He just hoped that Taylor was ready for the journey.

With another sigh, Preston turned to the coffee maker, preparing three mugs with practiced ease. Whatever happened in that bedroom, he'd be here, ready to support his bandmate however she needed.

Even if it was just with a strong cup of coffee and a shoulder to lean on.

As they entered Ava's room, Taylor couldn't help but take in the state of the space. Clothes were strewn haphazardly across the floor, draped over the back of the desk chair, and spilling out of half-open drawers. The bed was unmade, the sheets a tangled mess, and empty beer bottles littered the nightstand. It was a far cry from the neat, organized Ava that Taylor was used to seeing in the studio.

Ava, suddenly self-conscious about the disarray, hurried to clear a space on the bed for them to sit. "Sorry about the mess," she mumbled, avoiding Taylor's gaze. "I wasn't expecting company."

Taylor shook her head, trying to smile despite the awkwardness that hung between them. "It's fine, don't worry about it."

They settled on the edge of the bed, a careful distance between them. Ava took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead.

"Look, Taylor, about last night..." she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I never meant to-"

But Taylor wasn't listening. Her eyes had landed on a scrap of paper on the nightstand, a hastily scribbled note that stood out among the clutter. 'Thanks for last night, I'd like to do that again. x Nicole', it read, with a phone number scrawled at the bottom.

Ava followed Taylor's gaze, her heart sinking as she realized what had caught her attention. A wave of shame and regret washed over her, mingling with the ever-present ache of her hangover.

Taylor's face fell, a flicker of hurt and betrayal flashing in her eyes before she could mask it. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself.

"I... I didn't realize you had company last night," she said quietly, her voice strained.

Ava shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, well, I'm single and free to do whatever I want. It's not like I'm committed to anyone."

Taylor raised an eyebrow, a bitter twist to her lips. "Really? So, you just went out and slept with some random girl right after we..."

Ava cut her off. "After we what, Taylor? Had a moment? Please, spare me the judgment. You're still sharing a bed with your boyfriend, aren't you? Why should I put my life on hold while you figure out what you want?"

Taylor flinched at the harsh truth in Ava's words. She knew she had no right to feel hurt, not when she was the one stringing both Ava and Joe along.

Ava sighed, softening her tone slightly. "Look, I'm not trying to be cruel. But let's be real here. We're not in a relationship. We're just two people who work together and maybe have some chemistry. That doesn't give you the right to dictate what I do in my personal life."

Taylor hung her head, knowing Ava was right. She had no claim on her, no right to expect loyalty or commitment.

"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry. I just... I thought we had something special. Something real."

Ava's heart clenched at the vulnerability in Taylor's voice. She couldn't deny the connection between them, the spark that went beyond just physical attraction.

"We do have something special, Taylor," she said softly. "But I can't be your dirty little secret. I won't be the other woman, waiting around for scraps of your attention while you play house with your boyfriend."

Taylor winced at the bluntness of Ava's words. She knew she had to make a choice, had to decide what - and who - she really wanted.

"I know," she said finally, her voice heavy with resignation. "I need to figure this out. I need to be fair to both of you."

Ava nodded, a glimmer of hope and understanding in her eyes. "Take your time, Taylor. But don't keep me waiting forever. I won't be your backup plan."

With that, Ava stood up, straightening her clothes and squaring her shoulders. She gave Taylor one last long, meaningful look before turning and walking out of the room, leaving Taylor alone with her thoughts and the weight of the decision before her.

Ava had barely made it halfway down the hallway when she stopped abruptly, a wry smile playing on her lips. She shook her head, chuckling to herself. What was she doing, walking away like some dramatic soap opera star? That wasn't her style.

With a sudden burst of determination, she spun on her heel and marched back into the room, throwing the door open with a bang.

"So, loser, are we doing our little studio session or not?" she called out.

Taylor looked up, startled by Ava's sudden reappearance. For a moment, she just stared at her, mouth agape, before a laugh bubbled up from her throat, breaking the tension in the room.

"I'll let you have a day off, seems like you need it," Taylor teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Ava scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Please, as if I'd let a little hangover get in the way of making musical magic with the one and only Taylor Swift."

Taylor rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Musical magic, huh? Someone's feeling awfully confident today."

Ava grinned, plopping herself down on the bed next to Taylor. "What can I say? I know I'm good. And you know it too, or else you wouldn't keep coming back for more."

Taylor shook her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossibly talented, impossibly charming, impossibly irresistible..." Ava counted off on her fingers, a smug smile on her face.

Taylor laughed, shoving Ava's shoulder playfully. "And impossibly full of yourself."

Ava shrugged, undeterred. "Hey, someone's gotta believe in me. Might as well be me."

Taylor's expression softened, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "I believe in you too, you know. Even when you're being a total pain in the ass."

Ava felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Taylor's words. She knew they had a long way to go, a lot of things to figure out. But in that moment, sitting there on the bed, bantering back and forth like old friends, she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could make this work. Not just as collaborators, but as something more.

"Well, in that case..." Ava hopped up from the bed, grabbing Taylor's hand and tugging her to her feet. "Let's go make some magic, shall we?"

Taylor grinned, allowing herself to be pulled up and led towards the door. "Lead the way, maestro."