Chapter 13: Professional Pain in the Ass

Tree Paine sat across from Taylor, her keen eyes studying the singer's face. They'd been through a lot together over the years, weathering countless storms and celebrating just as many triumphs. If anyone could read Taylor like an open book, it was Tree.

"So," Tree began, leaning back in her chair, "what's the big news? You sounded pretty serious on the phone."

Taylor took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Joe and I broke up."

Tree's eyebrows shot up, but to her credit, she didn't look entirely surprised. "I'm sorry to hear that, Taylor. I know you two had been together for a while."

Taylor nodded, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "It was a long time coming, if I'm being honest. We just... we grew apart. Wanted different things."

"And does one of those 'different things' have anything to do with a certain producer you've been spending an awful lot of time with lately?" Tree asked, her tone gentle but probing.

Taylor felt her cheeks heat, a telltale blush giving her away. "How did you...?"

Tree chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "Taylor, I've known you for how long now? I can read you like a book. And lately, every time you mention Ava, you get this look on your face. Like she hung the moon and stars."

Taylor ducked her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her nerves. "Is it that obvious?"

"To me? Yes. To the rest of the world? Not yet. But it will be, if we're not careful."

Taylor sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. And I'm sorry, Tree. I know this complicates things. I know it's not going to be easy, navigating all of this in the public eye. But I can't help how I feel about her. I don't want to hide it."

Tree's expression softened, a hint of understanding in her eyes. "I get it, Taylor. I do. But we have to be smart about this. The media will have a field day if they find out you're dating your much younger producer. They'll paint you as some sort of predator, taking advantage of her."

"That's not what this is!" Taylor protested, her voice rising slightly. "Ava is a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. Our age difference doesn't define us."

"I know that," Tree placated, holding up a hand. "But the public can be quick to judge, Taylor. You know that better than anyone. We'll have to be very careful about how we handle this going forward."

Taylor's shoulders slumped, the weight of reality pressing down on her. "So what do we do? I can't just ignore my feelings, Tree. I won't."

Tree was silent for a moment, considering. Then, she straightened, resolution hardening her features.

"Okay. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to keep a very close eye on any stories or speculation about you and Ava. If anything starts to gain traction, we'll get ahead of it. Control the narrative."

Taylor nodded, relief and gratitude welling up inside her. "Thank you, Tree. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"In the meantime," Tree continued, "you and Ava need to be very discreet. I know it's not ideal, but the less fuel we give the rumor mill, the better. At least until we have a solid plan in place."

"We can do that," Taylor assured her. "Ava will understand. She knows how tricky this all is."

"Good. That's good." Tree gave Taylor a small, supportive smile. "Communication is key in any relationship, but especially in one under this kind of scrutiny."

Taylor felt a weight lift off her shoulders, the knot of anxiety in her chest loosening slightly. With Tree in her corner, she felt like maybe, just maybe, they could make this work.

"You're my biggest professional pain in the ass, you do know that, right?" Tree said, but there was laughter in her voice and a twinkle in her eye.

Taylor's grin widened, mischief and gratitude mingling in her chest. "So is that a yes? You'll shut down any Ava stories you see?"

Tree rolled her eyes good-naturedly, already pulling out her phone and typing furiously. "Yes, you menace. I'll handle it. You just focus on being disgustingly happy with your new girlfriend."

"Not my girlfriend yet," Taylor corrected, but the word sent a thrill down her spine. Girlfriend. She liked the sound of that. She liked it a lot. "Just... in progress, I guess?"

"Semantics," Tree waved off, but there was a softness to her expression that told Taylor she understood. That she was in Taylor's corner, no matter what.

And as they delved into planning and strategizing, Taylor felt a sense of calm settle over her. Yes, there would be challenges ahead. Yes, navigating a new relationship in the public eye would be tricky. But with Tree by her side, and Ava in her heart? Taylor knew she could handle anything.

--

The tension from Taylor's meeting with Tree slowly eased as she settled into the comfort of her apartment, Ava's presence by her side a soothing balm. As they snuggled together on the couch, Taylor reveled in the simple intimacy, Ava's warmth and soft floral scent enveloping her in a cocoon of contentment.

Their peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of a key turning in the lock. Taylor tensed, old habits of discretion resurfacing as the door swung open, revealing Preston.

He raised an eyebrow, taking in their cozy position. "Well, look at you two lovebirds. The internet's been blowing up about your breakup, Taylor. Guess America's sweetheart is back on the market, huh?"

Taylor blushed, suddenly conscious of how closely entwined she and Ava were. But before she could disentangle herself, Ava spoke up, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

"Oh, this? Just providing some therapeutic cuddling to a friend in need," she quipped, squeezing Taylor's hip for emphasis as her other hand teased Taylor's abdomen. "I'm a giver like that."

Preston snorted. "Right, and I'm the Queen of England. Come on, spill. Are you two making it official or what?"

An awkward beat passed, Taylor glancing at Ava uncertainly. She cleared her throat, aiming for nonchalance. "We're keeping things on the down-low for now. You know, playing it cool."

Ava nodded, giving Taylor's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Yeah, Pres. We're taking the scenic route, enjoying the journey and all that jazz."

Preston's eyebrow climbed higher. "Uh-huh. And I suppose those goo-goo eyes you're making at each other are just part of the whole 'taking it slow' deal?"

"Nah, those are me mentally undressing Taylor," Ava deadpanned without missing a beat. "Visualizing all the naughty things I'm gonna do to her later."

"Ava!" Taylor sputtered, her face flaming as she swatted at her girlfriend's shoulder. "Filter please!"

Ava laughed, unrepentant as she pulled Taylor closer. "What? Just keeping it real, babe. Honesty is the best policy and all that."

She leaned in, her lips brushing Taylor's ear as she lowered her voice to a sultry purr. "Besides, you love it when I talk dirty. Gets you all hot and bothered, doesn't it?"

"Okay, nope, I'm out!" Preston yelped, dramatically covering his ears. "TMI, dude. There are some things a brother does not need to know about his sister."

Taylor dissolved into giggles, burying her burning face against Ava's shoulder as her girlfriend cackled gleefully. Even in the midst of navigating the complexities of their new relationship, Ava had a knack for diffusing tension with her quick wit and shameless humor.

As Preston beat a hasty retreat, still grumbling about his poor, traumatized ears, Taylor pulled back to meet Ava's twinkling gaze, alight with mischief and adoration.

"You're insufferable, you know that?" she murmured, helplessly drawn in by Ava's magnetic charm.

Ava grinned, her fingers tracing idle patterns along Taylor's side. "Guilty as charged. But you wouldn't have me any other way."

She leaned in, capturing Taylor's lips in a soft, sweet kiss. "Face it, Swift. You're stuck with me and my wicked ways."

As they lost themselves in another lingering kiss, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them – happy, in love, and ready to take on anything together.

Ava's gaze lingered on Preston, who came back to get a glass of water from the kitchen. "You called me your sister," she said quietly, almost to herself.

Preston paused, turning back towards them with a raised eyebrow. "Well, yeah. What else would I call you?"

A lopsided grin tugged at the corners of Ava's mouth. "I don't know, Pres. Maybe 'that insufferable pain in my ass' would've been more accurate."

He rolled his eyes fondly. "Please, you love when I call you insufferable. Makes you feel all edgy and cool."

"You're not wrong," Ava conceded with a chuckle. Her gaze grew more serious as she regarded her longtime friend and bandmate. "But really... me being your sister? That's kind of a big deal."

Preston's expression softened, his eyes warm with a depth of affection that made Taylor's heart squeeze in her chest. "After everything we've been through together over the years? The good, the bad, the drunken mishaps I never want to speak of again?" He shook his head. "Ava, you're more than just a friend or a bandmate to me. You're family. My obnoxious, pain-in-the-ass little sister who I wouldn't trade for the world."

Ava blinked rapidly, her eyes suddenly suspiciously bright as she ducked her head. Taylor could see the emotion shining through the cracks in her usual unflappable bravado, the rarity of Preston's words clearly hitting their mark.

Clearing her throat, Ava looked back up, fixing Preston with as stern a glare as she could muster – which, admittedly, wasn't very. "If you tell anyone I got all weepy over your sappy declaration of siblinghood, I'll have to kill you. Just so we're clear."

Preston barked out a laugh. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. No bruising the Street Cred of Ava Reed by acknowledging she's actually a huge softie underneath it all." His gaze slid sideways to Taylor, his expression turning playfully stern.

"Guess I better start practicing my shovel talk," Preston mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "You know, the whole 'hurt my sister and I'll break your kneecaps' spiel."

Ava smirked, a wicked glint in her eye. "Kneecaps, huh? Kinky. Didn't know you were into that sort of thing, Pres."

Preston's face scrunched up in disgust. "Ew, no! Not like that, you perv."

"What can I say?" Ava shrugged, unapologetic. "I've got a one-track mind. And right now, that track is leading straight to Taylor's-"

"Ava!" Taylor squeaked, her face flushing as she clapped a hand over her girlfriend's mouth. "Behave!"

Ava's eyes playfully danced above Taylor's silencing hand, her shoulders shaking with barely suppressed laughter.

Preston held up his hands, backing away slowly. "Nope, nu-uh, I am not touching that one with a ten-foot pole."

"Funny, that's not what I heard you say to that girl last night," Ava quipped, her voice muffled behind Taylor's fingers.

Taylor groaned, dropping her head to Ava's shoulder in exasperation. "I swear, you're determined to scar poor Preston for life."

"Hey, it's not my fault he makes it so easy!" Ava protested, grinning unrepentantly. "The man walks right into these things."

Preston shook his head, a long-suffering sigh escaping him. "You know what? I don't get paid enough to deal with this level of dysfunction."

He pointed an accusing finger at Ava. "You, missy, need a muzzle. Or a gag. Or maybe just a good old-fashioned bar of soap to the mouth."

Ava's eyebrows waggled salaciously. "Gags, huh? Guess we know who's the kinky one after all."

"And that's my cue to leave!" Preston announced, throwing his hands up in defeat. "I'm out. I'm done. You two are officially too much for me to handle."

Preston watched the back-and-forth with an indulgent smile, shaking his head in amusement. "You two deserve each other, that's for damn sure." His gaze softened as it landed on Ava once more. "But for real, Aves... I'm happy for you, you know that right? If Taylor's the one who finally managed to tame that bravado-fueled disaster bisexual energy of yours, more power to her."

Ava let out a startled laugh, her cheeks pinking slightly even as she flipped Preston off good-naturedly. "I take it back – you're not my brother, you're just the worst."

But as she met his eyes over Taylor's shoulder, traded a look of genuine affection with the closest thing she'd ever had to family, it was obvious that Preston's words had struck a chord. For all her bluster, she was deeply touched by his acceptance, his unshakable loyalty.

As Preston wandered off again, leaving them alone once more, Taylor leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Ava's cheek. "You've got a good family, babe," she murmured softly.

Ava said nothing, just pulled Taylor closer and let the peaceful quiet wash over them, her heart full in a way it hadn't been in longer than she could remember.

A contemplative silence fell over Ava and Taylor in the wake of Preston's departure. Ava stared off into the distance, her expression pensive as she absently traced patterns on the back of Taylor's hand with her fingertips.

"He really means a lot to me, you know?" Ava said finally, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "Preston, the guys...they're the only real family I've ever known."

Taylor felt her brow furrow slightly at the vulnerability in Ava's tone. In the weeks - months, really - since they'd grown close, Ava had shared bits and pieces of her past. But there was always a careful curation to what she revealed, a lightness that belied deeper truths kept hidden.

Sensing this was one of those rare moments where Ava was letting her guard down, Taylor simply nodded, giving her the space to open up further if she wished.

Ava drew in a shaky breath, her fingers stilling against Taylor's skin. "My parents died when I was really little. Car accident. After that, it was just a string of foster homes, none of them for very long." She shrugged, but the motion was tight, weighted down by memories she didn't voice.

"Some were okay, I guess. But a lot of them..." Another breath, shakier than the last. "Let's just say the system failed me more times than I can count. By the time I aged out at 18, I was just grateful to be free of it all."

Taylor felt her heart clench painfully in her chest as realization dawned. All this time, she'd assumed Ava's penchant for sarcasm and her brash outer shell were just part of her personality, her quirks. But now she could see them for what they likely were - defense mechanisms, armor built up over years of hurt and hardship.

Without a thought, she wrapped her arms around Ava, pulling her close in a fierce embrace. She felt Ava stiffen momentarily before melting into the hug, her own arms winding almost desperately around Taylor's waist.

They stayed like that for long moments, Ava's cheek pressed against Taylor's collarbone, Taylor's chin resting atop her head. No words were spoken - none were needed, not when actions could convey so much more meaning.

Finally, Ava pulled back slightly, swiping hastily at her damp cheeks with the back of her hand. A watery laugh escaped her lips as she met Taylor's gaze. "Sorry, I don't know where all that came from. I don't usually..."

"You don't have to apologize," Taylor murmured, tucking an errant strand of hair behind Ava's ear. "Not to me. Not ever."

Ava's lips curved into a tiny, grateful smile. "The way Preston was talking, about me being like family to him...I've never had that before, you know? People who stuck around, who had my back no matter what."

"Until now," Taylor said firmly, catching and holding Ava's gaze. "You've got me too, Ava. And I'm not going anywhere."

She watched as Ava's eyes shone with a complicated mix of emotions - gratitude, hope, but also a lingering flicker of doubt, of fear that this beautiful, fragile thing between them couldn't possibly last. It was that same fear that crept into Taylor's mind at her most vulnerable moments, whispering that she didn't deserve this, didn't deserve the boundless joy and acceptance that Ava brought into her life.

Pushing those insecurities aside, Taylor leaned in to brush a feather-light kiss across Ava's lips. "I mean it," she whispered, their foreheads pressed together. "You and me, we're forever now. I'll show you what having a real family feels like if you'll let me."

She felt more than saw Ava's answering smile, brilliant and achingly real. "Yeah," Ava breathed, her fingers tangling in the fabric of Taylor's shirt, anchoring her close. "Yeah, I'd like that a lot."

And in that moment, wrapped up in each other's embrace, the turbulence of the outside world faded away. All that mattered was this – the beating of their hearts in sync, the silent promise of shelter and safety and a love that could weather any storm.

For two souls who had spent so long adrift, they had finally found their harbor. And neither was willing to let that go without a fight.