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Chapter 3: Ignorance is Bliss

It's been a week since Taylor's conversation with her mother and she has successfully put on the oblivious wife act for Chad. He doesn't seem to notice, or rather he doesn't seem to care that the sparkle is gone from her eyes. "Hey baby" He greets her in his silky smooth voice that once sent shivers down her spine. He walked over to her at the dining room table and kissed her softly on the cheek. It took every bone in her body not to smack him on his. "Morning" She replied with a fake chipper voice. "So what's for breakfast?" "Uh Christina fixed your favorite, chocolate chip pancakes." She looked up at him and watched his face slowly morph into her favorite smile. Ugh! Could it be that his smile is still that intoxicating? I'm supposed to hate him! "So the company is throwing the Charity Gala next week." "Oh yeah which charity?" "Make A Wish Foundation." "Oh that sounds lovely. It's great that the company has a kids theme this time." "Yea we have a lot of donors this year and it should be profitable. Oh yeah and I sent your measurements to Oscar de la Renta, I know that's your favorite designer. They'll be delivering the dresses later on today. You can choose from those." Taylor smiled at him although still skeptical. Her mother could have called and given him the heads up. "Thank you Baby! That is so nice." He walked over to her side of the table. "Anything for my queen" he whispered and placed a sweet kiss on her pouty lips. He deepened the kiss and placed his hand on her cheek, stoking it with his thumb. She complied like a good wife should do. As much as she hated to admit it, she enjoyed it probably more than he did as always. He pulled away and looked at his watch. "Ah! I gotta go!" He said in what seemed to her like fake disappointment. "I'll be late tonight but you keep these-" he stopped and kissed her full lips once more "warm for me aight?" He picked up his brief case and slipped out the door. Taylor sighed and sank down into her chair. It was much easier being unaware. Ignorance is bliss.

It was five 'o'clock and Taylor was staring at four racks of designer dresses all belonging to her. She had called her best friend Gabriella Montez over to help her pick out a dress and they ended up lounging on the couch eating Chinese takeout in couture. "So what do you think Gabs?" "I think you're an idiot for waiting so long to tell me!" "I'm sorry! I just had to get my head together it was all so much." "Yeah yeah I understand." "Now back to the original question… What do you think? Am I stupid for letting this happen to me? Am I stupid for staying?" Taylor braced herself for her best friend's bluntness. "Actually no." "No? " Taylor looked at her speculatively as waiting for her to explode with a 'NOT' like she used to do when they were kids. "No."

"But you are the main one always making fun of those lifetime movie channel women who stay with their husbands no matter what. " "Yes but this is different. You're my best friend and I don't want anything to happen to you." "What do you mean?" "Well I know that you are kind of naïve when it comes to being out on your own and that isn't your fault at all. It was the way you were brought up. It would be stupid for you to leave in the heat of the moment with nowhere to go and no money to support yourself. Since your parents are going to cut you off and the divorce settlement will most likely not go your way I think you should start now I mean Chad is 'working' so much I doubt he'll notice anyway. "She paused and looked at Taylor troubled expression. "What's wrong Hun?" "I don't know. I just thought I had it all figured out." Gabriella scooted closer to her friend placing her arm around her shoulders and rocking her like a child. "We never have it all figured out babe that's just the way life is. There's always something." Taylor sat up and looked at her. "When did you become so wise Gabriella?" "Oh who knows maybe all those Peace Corps trips during college" They both laughed.

"So you thirsty?" Gabi asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Taylor looked at her once and shook her head furiously. "No Gabi I'm not going out tonight! I'm really not up to it." "Awww come on you can't let him have all the fun! Plus we're just going for a drink not dancing. I know this little café with live music and a great calming atmosphere perfect for a stressed out Taylor." "Fine. But let's get out of these dresses first." They giggled and ran to raid Taylor closet. Taylor settled on crush fabric belted tunic top, skinny fit jeans and Zebra print stacked heel pumps. Gabriella went for a sexier look with a low cut red chiffon kimono top, tight fitting black jeans and red peep toe pumps. "I see you got the girls out tonight huh?" Taylor teased referring to her friend's cleavage. "Watever! I didn't always have them so who am I to take them for granted!"

They opted to grab a taxi instead of Taylor's driver in light of her new born independence. Taylor was surprised how smooth things were going since her mother had filled her mind with horror stories about riding in any form of public transportation. They arrived at their destination, paid the cab driver, and walked into the club. Taylor looked around and was immediately impressed. Gabi really does know what she's talking about. She thought to herself as she observed the ambiance of the Velvet Lounge. The hip brick walls were lined with intimate booths lit with dim candle centerpieces. In the middle of the floor closer to the stage and in a semi circle forming what looked to be a dance floor were café style tables for two.

On the small platform stage was a pianist, a drummer, and a bass player creating a smooth jazz beat for the lounge patrons. Taylor smiled and looked over to Gabriella. "I told ya so." She grinned a triumphant grin. "Whatever don't get too cocky Gabs." They picked a table closer to the front and glanced at the menu. "I know I'm gonna sound greedy for this Gabi but I'm actually kind of hungry again." Gabriella laughed "I believe it fat ass!" They both laughed. The waiter came to the table shamelessly flirting with Gabriella who welcomed the attention whole heatedly. T aylor couldn't blame her at all, he was cute. She watched her friend lean in and put on her charm and smirked to herself. If she keeps this up maybe we can get free drinks. When the waiter finally placed his attention on Taylor, she ordered a Red Apple Sangria and a side order of mozzarella sticks to satisfy her craving.

Their orders came out rather quickly thanks to Gabriella's new friend who was even so bold as to slip his number under her coaster. Taylor laughed "Wow Gabi! You gonna call this one?" She furrowed her brows contemplating. "Yea I think I will. I know shocking!" The two girls giggled. Taylor was about to tease her again when she was interrupted by a booming voice flowing over the speakers. "Good Evening sexy ladies and smooth brothas and welcome to the Velvet Lounge right now it's about that time to welcome our first live act of the night. He hails all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico and calls himself Blue Eyed Soul, so come on now lets give him a Velvet Lounge welcome!"

AN : Hmm I wonder who Blue Eyed Soul is…. And will he be a complication for our dear Taylor in the future… u decide : ).. I think he will though haha ;)