| "Ugh, no. I don't wanna start stressing now.." I rolled my eyes. Taylor squeezed my shoulder. "Relax, Jess. You will be fine. And you WILL get used to all that other stuff..I promise." he said encouragingly. "Hmmm...I guess I'll have to, huh?" I said sarcastiacally and wiggled my ring finger at him. "God, Jess! That's not what I meant...and you know it." he grinned. I smiled back. "I know, but it is something to think about.." I said. "What else, Jake?" I changed the subject quickly, I didn't want to worry about THAT tonight. "Jess, before we leave on Thursday we have to have ALL of your stuff packed. Wednesday, would be better...I have the movers coming to pick up everything from both our apartments. We'll stay where Tay usually stays until after your interview with ROX on Monday. Then we are flying to Tulsa. We'll work out those details before Thursday, but not tonight," he said and finished his beer, "I gotta go." Jake rose from the table and I stood up with him. Taylor went to the kitchen and started going through the fridge to gather up what he needed for dinner. I walked Jake to the door. "Are you sure you don't wanna stay, Jake? I'm sure there's plenty.." I turned to Taylor, who had rejoined us, and he nodded. "Yeah, man. Stay and have another beer.' he agreed. "You two don't need me hanging around here tonight of all nights. Besides, I have a date.." he grinned. "Oooh Jakey..who's the lucky girl?" I teased. "Just someone I knew in school Jess. No big deal. I told her we were moving and she wanted to get together before we left. Tonight's the only night that we aren't swamped so.." he said. "Yeah, Jake, whatever." I said sarcastiaclly. "Have fun then..I'll see you tomorrow night." "Take it easy, Jake." Taylor said and shook his hand. "You too Tay. See ya next weekend." Jake strode out the door. I turned to Taylor and hugged him. He stroked my hair and kissed the top of my head. "C'mon, Jess. I'll fix you something to eat." he said. "I'm getting spoiled Taylor." I teased. "Let me help you, okay?" |
| We went to the kitchen and fixed a light dinner, talking about everything. Jake and his ability to organize things, how busy the two of us were going to be over the next few months. I turned the conversation to my upcoming radio interview and the taping of my personal one for the competition. "Taylor," I started slowly, not wanting to upset or offend him, "I know this sounds so stupid, but.." I stopped, not knowing how to go about it. "What, Jess?" he asked. "Well....shit!" I stopped again shaking my head. "Jess! Dammit! What is it?" Taylor stopped what he was doing and lifted my chin to make me look at him. I took a deep breath. "God! Tay..I feel so dumb asking, but I know Drew, and he will ask. What do you want me to say when the subject of US comes up?" |
| Taylor sighed heavily. "I don't know why you are worried about that, Jess. I love you. Say what you feel...." he said. "Tay... damn...that's not what I mean..god! I love you and I am so unbelievably happy that you want to spend your life with me." I said. "But I KNOW you have fans that get all wound up and crazy...how many times have you stood somewhere trying to do an interview with some girls bawling their heads off and screaming, `I love you' or `marry me' I've seen it enough times...sitting here waiting for sleep to come gets boring when you're gone and there are plenty of websites besides the officail one." I laughed, "Plenty of 'em. And I've seen the few TV spots you've done since we've been together. We haven't told your family yet, and I don't want it to be a problem for you.." I managed to get out all in a couple of breaths before he could interrupt me. He pulled me into his arms and held me tight. "Jess, most of our fans are cool. And I want to marry YOU. They will get over it. And how are you going to react when you have your own MALE following? Jeez, Jess! You already do..why do you think I want to marry you so badly? I can't let you go...and there are plenty of men who would be more than willing to take my place. You don't see it?" he said grinning at me. I rolled my eyes, "Gimme a break, Tay. It's not the same.." I said. "It will be...and that's not the point. The point is...I LOVE YOU, Jess. I want you to be my wife. I will stand outside right now and scream it if you want me to, for the whole neighborhood to hear. Jessie, I don't CARE what anyone else thinks..do you understand me? YOU are my life. YOU. You are all I care about." he said fiercely, his eyes boring into mine. "You, Jess."' he said almost under his breath and kissed me. I threw my arms around his neck and held him. "I love you, Taylor..." "Problem is..." he began mischeviously, "What the hell am I gonna do when there are grown men, slobbering at your feet right in front of me?" he raised an eyebrow and grinned. "OH my god! Taylor that's ridiculous.." I giggled. "There's no other man for me anyway. You are stuck with me mister." |
| "Good." he said smiling down at me and runing a hand through my hair. I smiled back at him. "But, Tay?" I asked, "What about your family? We should let them know before it gets broadcasted all over every TV and radio station...." He grabbed my hands and pulled me into the living room, "Well then, we'll have to do something about that right now.." he said. "Tay..what are you doing?" I laughed as he dragged me into the other room. "I don't want you worrying about anything but going out there and kicking ass this weekend, Jess..." he said and pulled me down on the couch with him. He grabbed the telephone and dialed, then put his arm around my shoulder. I laid my head on his shoulder and listened. "Hey, Zac...hey are Mom and dad there?" I heard him ask. I could just barely hear Zac's voice through the reciever. "Yeah, Tay...they're here, but..." there was a long pause and then a loud, "DUUUUDE! No way! You asked her, huh? Hang on I'll get Mom.." Tay and I looked at each other and I put my hand over my mouth trying not to laugh as I heard Zac's monstrous bellow. "MOOOOOOOM! DAD! Get in here...Tay's on the phone...he wants to talk to you!... Tay, everyone is here..even Lacey hasn't gone home yet, should I just put you on the speaker phone?" he asked excitedly. Tay looked at me and I just nodded. "Yeah, Zac...go ahead." he answered his brother. "Awesome..ok, hang on..." It sounded like Zac covered the reciever. "Taylor? What's going on son?" I heard Diana ask. "Is everyone there, mom?" he asked. "Yes, honey we're all here...Zac, hit the button.." she said. |