Disclaimer: I own nothing of HSM its characters or its plot. With my obsession at this point they clearly own me...
A/N: This first bit is very lengthy but its important for me to just summerize 4 years of their relationship before I move on to "present day" events. I hope you find my take on them interesting even if its sort of been done before. Don't be shy to tell me what you think-I can take it:P amb
Songfic two shot (possible three shot) based on Usher's Here I Stand and this supposedly uplifting little monologue from Chad to Troy after Gabriella called and told him she wasn't coming back.
"...Hey, everyone knows you don't bring the girl with you after high school. Look Gabriella is already one step ahead as usual. Right now you gotta snap out of it dude. She's off at Stanford. Hey look I am right there with you, okay. Taylor's heading to Yale and you and me are going to U of A. Its a whole new ball game..." -Chad Danforth
I'm hoping this ain't so hard to believe
Cause baby you're the only one for me
I know it gets hard when I'm moving in and out of state
But I promise my heart for you I would save
Work around the last couple of weeks of a semester always seemed to snowball right until the end. She wasn't going crazy just stressing out. So she did the only thing that she know how to do. She worked hard on her coursework and got a job. Her fellow classmates at Yale were great but she had really missed her friends. There was no lack of thoughtful conversations but sometimes the intensity and competitiveness got to her. Maybe it was an east coast thing but her friends at East High were just a little more laid back. They shared a series of events that would forever connect them. Funny how she didn't really appreciate that until it wasn't readily available. Yale had been challenging yet manageable and now it was time for summer break. Two blissful weeks with her high school sweetheart and best friend, Chad. No phones, no texts, no instant messages just straight up face time. Sorely needed face time before they had to separate again. She was interning with a New Mexico state congresswoman for the summer and Chad was working with a fitness equipment wholesaler.
Despite Chad's insistence that you don't take the girl with you after high school he and Taylor had come to an "understanding". There were things that they wanted to accomplish and a serious long distance relationship could hamper their opportunities. At least that's what Taylor thought she heard him say. They would stay close friends. That's what little adults do, right? The only promises they made to one another was to communicate honestly about any changes in their feelings. If nothing else they were realistic. College brings new people and experiences that can change a person.
As busy as they both were adjusting to their first year at college they were able to maintain their friendship. Their shared history and ambition for their respective passions, politics and basketball, gave them a lot to talk about. Being cynical about young love didn't squelch that mutual respect. The best part was the banter and the freedom to vent to someone that totally got you but could give you a different perspective. During one of their monthly calls talk of the impending summer break came up. When Chad mentioned that his parents were getting a condo down in Cozumel she didn't think anything of it. Then he asked if she wanted to come along and hang out. Relax and renew before they started their summer jobs. Taylor didn't think twice.
"Yes, that is a definite yes. I 'm not sure what my mom and and my sisters had in mind but I'm sure that they'll understand that I need this time with a good friend to decompress after such a strenuous year." Taylor spoke rapidly.
"Wow! Don't let me twist your arm or anything." He said with a laugh at her eagerness. "So, I'll just let mom and dad know that we will have one guest." he replied with the sound of a bouncing basketball in the background. She could almost see the permanent sidekick of his basketball.
"Two whole weeks. No professors!" Taylor replied laying back on her made bed stretching like a feline.
"No books and no coaches dirty looks!" Chad followed smiling over the phone.
"It'll be good to chill on the beach and just hang out, ya know? I've missed having you to just kick back with. You're always good for a barrel of laughs."
"Look at you being Miss Positive today. Good to know that I'm just here to amuse you." Chad responded with a small laugh. "I've missed you Tay."
"I've missed you too, Chad."
Planning on making the most of their time together they talked about just doing fun activities. That is exactly what they did. They swam and did some snorkeling, took in some of the ancient ruins with his parents and walked on the beach. Mostly they just laid out sunning themselves and talked about almost everything. She hadn't laughed so hard in a long time. It was the first time she felt like she could be herself and not have to impress anyone. Chad and Taylor were never a likely pair but they shared an easy camaraderie that was easy to fall back into. This did nothing to abate the latent chemistry between them. In fact it made them more aware of those old feelings. This caught Chad by surprise.
Chad and Taylor watched the sun sink below the horizon as they sat back in the lounge chairs after dinner the evening of their last day in Cozumel.
"Chad you always did know how to make me completely relax. You calm me in a way that no one else ever has." commented Taylor "Thank you for asking me along on this trip." Looking over at him in his low slung board shorts she got a zing low in her tummy. It was still there. The attraction that initially made them look twice at each other was still there simmering under the surface. She gave a feline stretch and made herself more comfortable and readjusted her shades over her eyes.
Chad couldn't help but notice what was so clearly on display. Thank goodness I have on my shades. She can't see me taking in her luscious body in that purple bikini. "If I recall I had more than one way to help you do that." Chad replied with a smirk.
"That's not where my mind was going you perv." Taylor said lying. "I was thinking about how quickly the past two weeks have gone by and how we managed to get along without you picking a fight. That is so different for us."
"Its been different for a while now Tay. And I don't pick fights I disagree with you a lot...to push your buttons." he said as she rolled her eyes. "Even with me traveling all over playing college ball and you being on the other side of the country we've been really good. Right? I'll be the first to admit that I thought that you would just forget about me once you got around the rest of those geniuses." If he were honest with himself he was surprised that she really remained his friend after they broke up. Don't get him wrong he took full advantage of being single and being the big man on campus. None of those girls expected anything more from him than a good time. That's what he thought he wanted. What he never expected was to feel so empty. Being with Taylor the past couple of weeks only magnified that emptiness and he knew what he'd been missing.
"Chad what are you talking about? You should know by now that once you have me as a friend its a wrap. Plus, you know how to handle me when I start acting like a braniac lunatic. I'm surprised you put up with me sometimes."
"I love you Taylor McKessie." Chad blurted out. He continued to take in her warm relaxed smile and curvaceous body. He couldn't believe he just said that. Of all the times for his tact filter to go on the fritz now was not a good time. Maybe it was the hormones scrambling his brain. The sentiment was already out there so he decided to lay it all on the line.
"I love you too Chad Danforth. You're my best friend outside of Gabriella." she said with a smile.
"No! I mean I'm in love with you. I don't think that I ever really stopped." Chad confessed. He was never the kind of guy to beat around the bush.
"Oh." He never even told me when he started Taylor thought to herself. "I don't know what to say Chad." the smile slowly disappearing from her face and her guard quickly coming up. She really didn't know what to say and that was a new feeling for her. Was she supposed to believe this sentiment from the guy that was ready to write her off several months ago?
"Let's say we get back together and be a couple again. We had some really good times back at East High, keeping in touch during the school year and now over the past couple of weeks." he asked getting his hopes up. When he had thought about having this talk with Taylor he had surprised even himself. Chad was the last one on his own list to want to be in a serious relationship right now. There was something about Taylor that he stayed drawn to. He was sure it wouldn't be long before someone else noticed it too and did something about it. Cheerleaders were nice but nobody challenged him like Taylor did physically and mentally. He wanted to grab a hold of her and never let her go.
"Umm. Uh. I don't know Chad. We'd still end up being miles apart. A couple of thousand miles. Do you think that you'll be able to handle what that means? Isn't that why we decided to just remain friends the summer after graduation?" Taylor asked him perplexed. That and he's a total flirt she thought to herself. The stakes were too high. He was talking about becoming the guardian of her heart. It would be better to be safe than sorry. If he were to fail...she knew all too well of the possible consequences.
"Yes, but I was being stupid. I didn't realize what I had." What we potentially could have Chad thought to himself.
"I'm sorry Chad. I don't think that I can do it. I'll always want you as a friend. I do love and care for you and I'm proud of the young man that you're growing into...but...I just can't." Taylor quickly got up and gathered her things to move indoors. Without saying a word and trying to hold back tears she quickly walked back into the condo.
She got the fact that he wanted to have the full student athlete experience with all its perks. Groupies were a dime a dozen when it came to elite athletes even in college. It still had hurt that he was willing to put her in the friend box after all they had gone through. Taylor worked really hard to get over that feeling of rejection. They were in such a good place right now that she wasn't willing to complicate things. Plus if this internship worked out she would be very busy with laying the foundation for her own career. She had her pride to keep her warm.
No matter how far I go
And no matter how long it takes
No one or nothing can change
Forever yours here I stand
Here I stand baby
Chad still called, emailed and text Taylor, but he made sure to keep it light and fun. Although disappointed that they weren't more, he couldn't afford for it to be awkward between them. She didn't know it but she owned a piece of him. A lion's share of his heart at least. There wasn't any way that he could not see having her in his life. He'd rather be her friend than nothing at all.
The rest of the summer went by quickly but they were able to meet up a few times. Most notably at the Boltons for their end of the summer BBQ.
Chad and Taylor had come over early before the other guests to spend some quality time with Troy, Gabriella and Coach and Mrs. Bolton. Chad, Troy and Jack were able to get in a couple good games of one-on-one and Taylor and Gabriella were able to catch up and help Mrs. Bolton with food preparation. Troy and his dad were manning the grill, joking around and continuing to talk basketball and the potential prospects in next years draft. At a break in the conversation Chad took a look around. The Boltons still had the old swing set and the old tree house. It was like he was standing in a flashback of a childhood memory. He could almost smell Mrs. B's chocolate chip cookies. He caught sight of Taylor setting out the drinks and ice in the cooler and the wave of nostalgia took on a whole other feeling. She was so beautiful. Maybe they could take a moment to sit on the swing set and talk like they used to in high school. They may have been separated for most of the day but Chad was aware of where Taylor was even as more guests started to arrive. Once the food was served Chad was trying to find a spot to get comfortable so he could finally get his grub on. He was about to get himself a drink when Troy cornered Chad and was looking around nervously.
"Umm. I'm about to burst dude." Troy spoke quickly in an almost whisper.
"Dude, then hurry up and take a leak. I'll make sure nobody scoops up Gabriella while you're away." Chad said with a smirk.
"Ha, always the comedian. Seriously I need to tell you something. Gabriella and I got married." Chad almost choked on his bite of ribs.
"You did what?!" Chad almost yelled.
"Shhh!" Troy said in a continued whisper smiling at the curious guests who looked over to their corner of the yard "Gabriella and I eloped right after second semester ended."
Wow. Driving over a thousand miles to have Prom with your sweetheart was serious so was following her to another state to attend college but this was doubly so. This was a vow of forever. He had a feeling that he was only starting to understand the depth of love Troy and Gabriella had for each other. "Are you serious? Hoops is for real somebody's husband? Wow! You definitely got the better end of that deal, she could have upgraded you know. Well Hoops, where's the old lady? I want to give her a congratulatory hug." Chad said looking around and seeing Gabriella in deep conversation with Taylor.
"You're being really cool and not as obnoxious as I thought you'd be about this." Troy said eying Chad suspiciously.
"I'm not sure what you were expecting me to say. At first I was kind of bitter at her for breaking up the Bolton/Danforth power duo. However, I've seen you with her and without her. You are a much better person to deal with when you are with her. She balances you out. You're good for each other. You make each other happy and that's important." Chad responded forlornly looking over at a smiling Taylor.
"Look at you with insight and stuff. You're like Dr. Phil with hair! I've been wanting to tell you for the longest time. We still haven't told our parents yet."
"Must be your girly ways rubbing off on me after all these years. This isn't really a secret that you should keep from them-wait is Gabs pregnant?"
"No! No, at least I don't think so. We had been talking about it a lot lately and decided that we didn't want to wait anymore. Nobody has really understood how deep this is for both of us. We were both working so hard trying to maintain lives that other people think we should have. We decided to start building our life together now instead of following someone else time table." Troy said definitively.
"That's great man. I'm happy for you." Chad replied honestly "But you guys should be grown up enough to tell both your parents. They might be upset but you're adults now. It was bound to happen sooner rather than later."
"You're right. We have dinner with Gabriella's mom and my mom and dad the day after tomorrow and then we head back up to school. We'll let them in on our status then. Chad?"
"Hmm?"
"Thanks man. Sorry that you missed out on throwing me that bachelor party." Troy said slapping him on the back.
"Well that just means you'll have to do my bachelor party doubly big to make up for it." Chad returned with a smile.
"What?! Are you and Taylor-?" Troy asked excitedly.
"No, unfortunately." Chad mumbled as a glowing Gabriella and Taylor made their way over to that area of the yard. Troy gave him a strange look but put it at the back of his mind as he took his beautiful wife in his arms for a slow kiss.
"Hey Troy, I hear congratulations are in order." Taylor said as the couples exchanged hugs. She plastered a smile to her face and tried to squash the twinge of envy that rose up her spine. Taylor didn't know why she was feeling this way. She was really happy for them. When Troy followed Gabriella up to California it was almost inevitable that they would make their bond permanent. It was only a question of when. She wanted to be realistic with Gabi and point out how much work she was going to have to put into being a wife and an honors student. However, since they hadn't told their parents she sensed that Gabriella just wanted her best friend's support. Taylor was just starting to realize the level of trust that Gabriella and Troy had for one another. How did she know that it would last? Gabriella was willing to give up Stanford to be able to stay close to Troy. Her faith in the goodness of others seemed to know no bounds. She was so proud to be her friend at that moment. They knew that they wanted to be together and fought to make it happen. Looking at the couple in their own bubble she thought to herself He makes her ridiculously happy. So she swept her pessimistic thoughts to the side and continued to smile. Maybe one day she would be able to find someone that would make her heart trump the doubts in her head. She knew when she did she would pour all of her love into him so he would never have to look anywhere else to know that he was loved. Taylor's thoughts were starting to make her uncomfortable and she was wanting to move to another place mentally but was stuck. She looked at her friends and tried to put her best face forward.
Chad took in Taylor's bright smile, but noticed the strain around her mouth and slight glisten to her eyes. He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him throwing an arm about her shoulders. They continued to chat with Troy and Gabriella for several minutes. More like he was chatting with Troy and Gabriella. Taylor seemed to continue to be engaged but had shut down somewhat. Sensing a restlessness in her he turned to her.
"Are you ready to go?" Chad asked as he rubbed her arm. She flashed a relieved smile at him and nodded in the affirmative. "Hey you guys, Taylor has a flight tomorrow so we're gonna get out of here." He told Troy and Gabriella. The couples exchanged hugs of farewell with promises of calls later on. Chad and Taylor went over and said goodbye to the older set of Boltons.
"Great food as usual Coach and Mrs. B. Taylor is leaving to go back to New Haven tomorrow so we're gonna head out. Thanks for having us over." Chad said with his hand on the small of Taylor's back.
"As much time as you guys spent over here in high school you're practically family. You're welcome anytime." Lucille said as she pulled them both into goodbye hugs "Have a safe flight honey and tell your mom I'll call her sometime this week Chad."
"I will do that. Thanks Mrs. B. Have a goodnight." Chad replied. As they made their way out of the backyard and through the house to Chad's car Taylor remained silent.
"Boy, will they have something to talk about during that conversation." Chad said trying to get Taylor to lighten her mood. She wasn't acting sad but there was definitely a melancholy tinge to how she had been talking and behaving from earlier in the day.
"I hope that it works out for them-its not gonna be easy nurturing a new marriage and going to school full time." Taylor responded unguardedly. "Tay I think that they know that. You don't have to be so negative and pessimistic about it." Chad replied exasperatedly.
"I'm not being negative just realistic. For his sake he better not mess over my girl or I will hurt him. Gabriella is my best friend and I love them both so I hope that they do beat the odds. Hell they met randomly once and have been together ever since. I guess they already have." she responded with a small wistful smile. There might be hope for the rest of us Taylor thought to herself.
Chad looked over at her. She played tough as nails and acted like a know-it-all but once you got past that she really was kind of sweet-like his favorite candy, sour patch kids. She was always prepared to tell you what she thought of your decision in the least tactful of ways. However, in the end would support you whether you agreed with her or not.
"You never cease to amaze me McKessie."
You're like a mirror to my soul, but a queen
And finally I know just what that means
You're the blessing I never thought I would get
And to the Lord I humbly bow my head
Just remember that...
And the Los Angeles Clippers draft Chad Danforth in the second round...
"Ahhh! My baby did it!" Katrina Danforth shouted with glee as she engulfed her son in a hug.
"Well done son." Charlie Danforth said as he heavily pat his son on the back. Chad smiled at his parents and went up on stage with the NBA commissioner accepting his Clippers hat and jersey. He'd done it. He made it to the professional ranks. It took a little longer to develop his game but he made it. The organization was willing to take a chance on him and he would make sure that they didn't regret that decision.
After talking to the ESPN correspondent and local sportswriters he made his way back to his ecstatic parents. He felt his cellphone vibrate and took it out of his pocket. A text from Taylor:
AHHH! Congratulations u did it! saw ur name on ESPN scroll at the office... I'm proud of u Chad:) -xo Tay
He speed dialed her number. No one better than Taylor knew how much this moment meant to him.
Almost two years ago when he went to workout with the Utah Jazz he'd been on top of the world. However, draft day of that same year he had started to free fall. Utah decided not to sign him, even as a free agent. He had felt so dejected. His hopes had been so high as well as his stock. His dad, always the proud papa, had been going around talking about spending summers in Utah to get away from the New Mexico heat. He couldn't bear to hear the disappointment that would undoubtedly be in his dad's voice when he called. He not only let his parents down but himself as well. If only he had practiced more or his team won more games or gone deeper into the tournament than just the first round. Maybe then they would have taken a chance on him. Right now life was shit. With no other offers he was glad that he had decided at the last minute to just chill at his apartment just outside the U of A campus. Having analysts and commentators watch you squirm on camera under the hot lights would have been the tenth level of hell. He'd turned off his phone and left town without saying a word to anyone. Just jumped in his car and started driving. He reached the state line crossing into Texas and next Oklahoma. The thoughts of all of his dreams and aspirations of playing basketball professionally turning to ash in his mind. The miles were adding up and so was the pain as he steadily made his way east. Her comfort and understanding calling him like a beacon. Chad found himself panicking sitting outside in his car on the quiet tree lined street. What if she didn't want to see or associate with such a loser. With a sigh he found himself knocking on her door.
Taylor was busy finishing up a story for the late edition of the local paper where she was working. She was just about to send her draft to the editor when there was a knock on the door. It was 1 am and her roommate was out of town so she moved quietly to look through the peep hole. Although she couldn't see his face Taylor would know those layers of curls from miles away. Whatever she had expected when she found out the results of draft day it was not to see him standing at her front door. The phone calls from his mother were another story and should have tipped her off. Something was very wrong. Taylor quickly swung open the door.
"Do you know that your mom has been calling me every hour on the hour since draft day?!" Taylor said with a worried look on her face.
Chad didn't say anything. He just grabbed a hold of her and buried is face in her neck. As she enfolded him in her arms she heard him start to weep. She pulled him closer and rubbed his back. Letting her hands get tangled in his curls as she consoled him and let him cry out his pain. She was shocked to see him like this. When she saw him through the peep hole she half expected him to barge through the door. Cursing, yelling, throwing things around or punching a wall but crying on her shoulder was unexpected. She had never seen him cry. Not like this. Her heart ached for him.
"I messed up big time Tay." Chad mumbled into her neck.
"What are you talking about?"
"I was so geeked after my workout with the Jazz that I went and accepted a pick up offer from that agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Now that I haven't been offered a contract I can't even go back to play at U of A. NCAA rules and all that. Which means no basketball, no big time, no nothing." he groused around a frown.
"That doesn't mean its the end of the world, does it? I know its very disappointing but I'm sure that you are going to get through this."
"Basketball is who I am Taylor. That is my world. Who am I if I don't play?!"
"Honey, despite the fact that you and your ball are attached at the hip, basketball is what you do not who you are. You and I both know that there is more to life than 100 square feet of hardwood pine and 12 foot baskets. There is more to you than what your stats are and how many games you've won or lost. You are a man who despite all looks works amazingly well with children. You've also surprised yourself with how well you've done with your Kinesiology courses once you decided to buckle down on your studies. So while your action on the court all these years helped to shape who you are it is not the end and be all of who you really are. That is someone really wonderful. Now I told you that your mom kept calling me and your agent has been trying to reach you for the past few days. Why don't you give him a call." Taylor said giving the back of his neck a soft squeeze.
"Probably so he can drop me." Chad said despondently. Taylor pulled him towards the oversized couch and enfolded his hand in hers.
"Don't be ridiculous! If the man can get a contract for some of the most notorious athletes in professional sports I'm sure he has something in mind for you. You know for what its worth there's more to you than being a baller and its high time that you realize that. When you were working with those kids at that intensive basketball camp last summer that was the most fun I've seen you have since you played in high school. I think you really excel in things like that. You are a natural motivator and very passionate and focused about the things that you love. If this door is really closing maybe you should think seriously about what your next step should be." Taylor said as she stroked his face wiping the last of the moisture from his eyes. "First you should call Drew and then your parents. When you took off they didn't know what to think."
"How do you do that? You managed to calm my fears and lift my spirits at the same time." Chad smiled through the rest of his tears and squeezed the hand holding his.
"What can I say Chad. You bring out my buried nurturing side." Taylor said jokingly with a laugh.
"No seriously Taylor. You got me out of my head and out of that dark place I go to sometimes."
"I love you Chad and our friendship has allowed me to get to really know you. There is no need to limit yourself and box yourself in. There is so much more to you than meets the eye and as your friend its my job to help you see that." she replied burying her fingers in his curls.
She was right. She usually was but he would never admit that out loud to her. She already had a superiority complex, but he still loved her to death. That never kept him from holding hope in his heart that one day she would truly be his.
He had eventually called his agent and his parents. Apparently Drew knew that not getting drafted was a possibility and had put out feelers for Chad to play overseas in Europe. Specifically Italy. They were offering up a solid 2 year contract. He was apprehensive about living outside of the country but psyched to experience a very different breed of professional basketball. After talking his mom down and going over pros and cons with Taylor and his dad, Chad decided to take a chance and signed with the Italian team.
Taylor found him an Italian tutor in Albuquerque that was willing to work with him intensively before he was due to leave the country and officially meet his team. An old academic decathlon teammate no less. Over the next year Chad had experienced the most amazing period of his short life. His work ethic, which had always ebbed and flowed like the tide, became more consistent. He was the first person into the workout facility and the last one out. His game grew by leaps and bounds. This allowed for camaraderie to build amongst his teammates. Ultimately they made it deep into the playoffs before getting knocked out in the semifinals against a strong French team. Before he knew it he was going into the next year of his contract feeling more joy playing the game than he had in a long time.
The travel was crazy and exciting. Chad learned that he had a knack for picking up languages. Something that had surprised some of the players on other teams when they would shout out plays thinking he wouldn't understand. As much as he was enjoying himself there were pockets of loneliness. He managed very high international phone bills relieved by a couple of visits from his parents and a few of his friends. A too short visit back to the states for Taylor's graduation made him miss home all the more. Being able to celebrate with her kept him from getting too low, but he kept thinking about what Taylor and he talked about nearly two years ago.
Drew Rosenhaus, Chad's agent, was in the middle of negotiating with his team over his contract extension. He called Chad with the news that the Italian team was negotiating with the Los Angeles Clippers. They wanted to buy out his contract so that he could come and play for them in LA.
"Buon giorno bella!" Chad spoke over the phone.
"Hey yourself, you international man of mystery. Congratulations, you did it. This is huge." Taylor responded.
"Yeah. Its so different than how it ended last time." Chad said soberly.
"Either way you were going to be alright. You do know that right?" Taylor said softly remembering those few days together 2 years ago.
"Taylor, you've been so supportive throughout this entire experience. I don't know how I could ever thank you."
"The next time you go on your next big trip take me with you!" she said with a laugh and a small wince at almost exposing her true feelings.
"Well, I do need to find a house. I can fly you out to LA for a few days."
"I don't need for you to pay my way Chad." Taylor said a tad indignantly.
"I didn't say that I was going to pay you palimony Taylor just a ticket and a place to stay. Why are you trying to pick a fight with me? It's not going to work, this time." Chad said with a knowing smile "Come on its my treat and I'm not taking no for an answer."
Taylor took a deep breath and closed her eyes before saying "Okay, okay. You twisted my arm. California here I come!"
Taylor was excited to see Chad. The few days that they had hung out after her graduation wasn't nearly long enough. She had felt anxious and nervous ever since he had invited her out to LA. As soon as she saw Chad's Cleverly Disguised as an Adult t-shirt she knew why. She laughed as she ran up to him and hugged him around his neck. He held her close for a moment more and kissed her cheek before taking her rolling luggage from her. They made their way toward the exit of LAX and the bright California sunshine.
"If only people knew how true that shirt really is." she said with a laugh. "I've really missed you. How are you settling in with your new team? What are your plans for the rest of the day? Did you find a realtor because I had Gabriella send me a few possibilities over email. Have you had a chance to hangout with them since you've moved to town?" Taylor hurriedly rambled on as she pulled out her Blackberry as they made their way past another security checkpoint on the way to Chad's car. Chad tucked her arm into the crook of his own and smiled.
"Whoa! Slow down hurricane Taylor. First, do we have to go to baggage claim?"
"No, everything is in my carryon."
"Great! I've always been impressed with your efficiency. Secondly, are you hungry because I am."
"Yes, I'm surprised that wasn't your first question. When are you not hungry?" she replied with a grin.
Chad smiled as he rolled his eyes "Thirdly, are you able to stay an extra day?"
Taylor pulled her sunglasses out of her purse and pushed them over her eyes. "Hmmf! You might have to pack me up in a box and ship me back to New Haven just to get rid of me. All this sunshine might be addicting. I already feel more relaxed. Yes, I can stay." she replied with a sigh.
"HA! You relaxed?! This is something that I have got to see." Chad replied masking his excitement of her response yet taking notice of the lack of melancholy that was sometimes there when they were together. "I'm settling in nicely with my new team. I'm following the same regimen that I adopted when I played over in Italy-minus the intensive language lessons. I have not found a realtor. I wanted your opinion on that too. I got to hang a little bit with Troy but Gabs was at the hospital volunteering in the children's ward so I haven't seen her yet." He stopped in front of his BMW 3 Class and hit the remote access key for the doors and trunk. He opened the passenger side door for her and allowed her to slip into the butter soft leather seats. He then took her bag and loaded it into the boot of the car. "How do you like my treat to myself for making this step professionally?" he asked her as he hopped into the driver side.
"You could do a lot worse than exquisite German engineering and an upgraded interior. I'm specifically thinking about your first car." Taylor said with a small laugh thinking of the 1990's model VW rabbit with a hole in the floor and sagging roof.
"Hey we had some good times in that car. Since it was a manual that was the second way that I could show you that men could multitask." Chad said with a knowing smile.
Taylor gave a slight cough and continued. "Besides feeding the beast what else do you have planned for today?" she changed the subject blushing as they settled into the car.
"We can go through that list of realtors. The sooner we find a place the sooner we can settle in. I have conditioning later this afternoon but that will only be a couple of hours. Then hopefully a nice dinner and dancing tonight with a beautiful woman." He hoped he was being subtle about wooing her. Maybe a softer approach would be more successful. Things were really on the upswing for him in terms of his career and he felt ready to take the next step in building the rest of his life. That step wouldn't be complete with out Taylor. She was it for him.
Taylor noticed that Chad had used we but decided to focus on the last part of that statement. "Chad that almost sounds like a date." she said with a smirk. Something inside of her was really responding to the easy flirting he was doing. For the first time in a long time she decided not to fight it. Doing otherwise would just put her in a bad mood and she wasn't here to rain on Chad's parade. This was a time of celebration of a life long dream for him and the fact that he wanted to include her made her feel special and loved. Hmmf..how about that. I'm in love with Chad. Taylor let that thought roll around in her head for a moment and smiled to herself.
"It can be if you want it to." Chad said with a smirk and a side eye glance.
"I want it to." Taylor replied quickly before she could over think things. She was scrolling through the list of realtors on her Blackberry and was discussing the pros and cons of each with Chad when he pulled up to his rental.
"Are we staying here?!" Taylor looked up and asked incredulously. The two story spanish style condominium was stunning.
"Yeah. I was tired of staying in a hotel and one of my teammates dabbles in real estate. This is one of his rentals. You like?" Chad said. He jumped out the car before she could answer and proceeded to move to the passenger side of the car. He hurriedly yanked her out and quickly pulled her toward the house. He quickly opened the front door and pulled her all the way in.
"Oh my. I feel like I'm on the set of Under the Tuscan Sun. This is gorgeous. So who helped because you did not do this yourself?" Taylor asked moving over to bounce on to the oversized silk covered couch.
"Hey McKessie I may not have been born with great taste but I'm a quick study. So yeah I worked with a design center but did mostly everything else myself. I surprised myself actually." Chad replied joining Taylor on the couch and taking her hand. "When I was over in Italy I wanted to be able to talk about more than just basketball so I took advantage of my welcoming home hosts. They took me all over to the ruins and the museums but also to the areas that the locals really enjoyed. Did I mention all the awesome food..."
"Yeah about a billion times. Thank goodness your job is to stay in shape or you'd be about 500 pounds by now." she said with a laugh. "Since this is the third time that you've mentioned food in the last 45 minutes I assume that you have something here that will satisfy us."
"Actually, not only did I eat fabulously my hosts taught me how to make some of my favorite dishes." Chad said leading her over to the kitchen. "I've kept this warming since I didn't know if your flight would land in time or not. I hope you like it." He nervously pulled out the large dish of baked stuffed shells its like he was presenting a dish on Top Chef. Chad dug into the steamy dish and presented Taylor her portion with a glass of red wine.
"If this tastes as good as it looks I'm gonna have to finally pin you down and marry you before any of these bubble headed hussies get their hooks in." Taylor said breathing in the spicy aroma of tomatoes, italian sausage and cheese. Chad's eyes bugged out of his head and he quickly took a large gulp from his own glass of wine before quickly devouring his own portion. Oh boy he thought to himself, one step at a time. Chad was hoping to think before he spoke this time around and he didn't know what to say to that or even if he should take it seriously so he let it slide.
Taylor looked over at Chad smiling as he worked on finishing his third portion. "Some things never change I see." she said laughter starting to bubble up. "You eat like a first string lineman."
"What?! I told you I have conditioning and you don't want me passing out during practice do you?" he replied joining in with her laughter.
"No. I guess dropping in a dead faint from hunger wouldn't leave a good first impression on your coaches and teammates. I just don't see how you don't make yourself sick with all that food rolling around in there." she said as another small laugh escaped.
"Ah! Sweet Taylor. You forget that I've had years to practice my technique." Taylor abruptly calmed the laughter from her features. Not knowing what to say she just let the moment hang there. Chad was looking at her like she was the next course and it was messing with her normally cool composure. That small kernel of attraction that was always there was getting warm. He reached over and grabbed Taylor's hand and started stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. "You do remember my technique don't you Taylor?" Chad asked on a low husk. He moved his hand from hers and slowly drifted up her arm to the side of her neck stroking the side of her face now. He looked like he was going to kiss her. It felt like it would be really good too. Should she let him? If she did what did it mean? What did she want it to mean? What did he want it to mean?
Chad could see her mentally spinning her wheels. "Taylor, don't over think things. When I kiss you its because even after all these years I can't resist you. As much as I've tried to keep my feelings for you locked away in the deepest recesses of my heart and mind for the sake of our friendship, I can't. I didn't think it was possible but you've become even more irresistible. More beautiful. I know that I really hurt you and that I broke your trust on that level but...I really am head over heels in love with you. Talented, intelligent beyond belief, beautiful, obsessive compulsive, organized you." He pulled her closer hand still at the back of her neck and softly brushed his lips against hers at first tasting, putting her hands in his hair she kissed him back. Chad took this as permission to continue and proceeded to deepen the kiss. Slowly he ran his tongue along the inside of her lower lip before starting sexy duel with her tongue. He pulled her over into his lap letting his own hands delve into her hair as well trying to get as close to her as possible.
She was right it was really good. Not just good. Freaking fantastic and so so hot. She wasn't going to think about who he improved his technique with she was just going to enjoy this. She had missed this. Being with him like this. Each minute that passed Taylor felt her guard start to slip. What he'd just told really got to her. What he was doing to her lips and body was getting to her too. So she just let go as she held on tighter to him. Pulling back and finally coming up for air Taylor didn't look him directly in the eyes because she was still afraid to show how vulnerable she was to him.
Chad noticed that although she responded to his kisses she hadn't said anything and she wouldn't look at him. "Taylor, I know you have something to say. You always do. Just tell me." he said a bit nervously. He'd just bared his soul and didn't think he could bear another rejection. "So you love me. What does that mean?" Taylor said looking at him through lowered lashes. Chad looked at her in surprise. That was not the response he was expecting.
"Tay are you deliberately being difficult 'cause I'm trying to be serious right now." he said almost on a laugh.
"I'm being serious too Chad. Does this mean we try to start from square one? Are we going to be long distance lovers? Open relationship boyfriend and girlfriend? Friends with benefits? Am I supposed to just drop my life and move out here?" Taylor spoke almost hysterically. She looked at him then. Looking into her eyes he instantly saw the fear and the vulnerability but also the love and the haze of desire was still there. She was scared and was putting up barriers to keep him at arms length. He did have plans for them, but he was trying to save that for later. "Tay I understand your concerns but you have to tell me why you're afraid. Do you want to be together? Do you love me?" Chad asked sincerely.
"You know what happened to my mom right?" she said quietly.
"Yeah." Chad answered making her more comfortable in his lap hands around her waist.
"Well, I never told you the whole story. After my dad left and took all the money she had a nervous breakdown. She was in...institutionalized for the better part of my 7th grade year. My sister helped a lot but my mom was never the same. She had been with my dad since they were 15 years old never been with anyone else and he just up and left. I never recall a time when they were fighting or unhappy and all of a sudden he wasn't there. Chad you were my first real boyfriend. The one who I let see me for me and it wasn't good enough. Who's to say what I am now is good enough? What if I end up being like my dad or my mom? I'm in love with you and I want to be with you but I have issues." Taylor ended and stepped up and away from his grasp.
"Wait! What do you mean not good enough? Taylor our decision to break up had nothing to do with whether or not we were good for each other. If I realized what I had I never would have hurt you like that. Blame my lunkheadedness if you must but know that YOU are what I want, no what I need. Now that I know what your fears are we can work on them together. I don't want you to drop your life I would like to become a part of your life." Chad said pulling her back down on to his lap. "A permanent more intimate part of it. I know I was too chicken to try doing the long distance thing before but I've grown a lot since then and I feel like I'm up to the challenge. So what do you say Taylor? How about a new and improved Chaylor 2.0?" Softly brushing the tears away from her face as she nodded her head yes. Chad pulled her in for another kiss and a tight hug. As she fiercely kissed him back he thought...
No matter how far I go
And no matter how long it takes
No one or nothing can change
Forever yours here I stand
Here I stand baby
to be continued...
A/N: ok, first that was long and I know what you're thinking. Where's the fighting/arguing? Its there but to a much lesser degree than what you usually see. They were together in high school almost as long as Troy and Gabriella so they had to have something deeper going on. I can't really see either one of them wasting their time on spending large amounts of time with someone that works their nerve 24/7. I know for some people that is a turn on more power to you and God's speed but that would drive me insane. Anyway thank you for reading and please let me know what you think. Especially if you disagree-I'd like to hear your point of view. -amb