Call Me Babe

Chapter 18

Taylor found herself disliking her morning coffee ritual more and more each day. Having coffee all alone just didn't feel right anymore, causing her to reminisce about the times she'd been able to share her coffee with Joe. Actually, she found herself enjoying most aspects of her life less than she used to. Considering she was living the life she used to dream of, it was very concerning to her, as though he was somehow changing her priorities without her realizing. Thanks to her career successes, her life in LA was filled with small luxuries, but they all felt worthless compared to sleepy morning kisses laced with the flavor of coffee. Soon, she was spending her time at work daydreaming of a trip back to her hometown to see him. 

Picking up her phone, she began to type out a text message to him. "You can say no, and it might be too soon to do this yet...but I miss you. What would you think if I took a week off work and came to visit you?" She pressed send and suddenly felt as if the air had drained out of the room. It was probably less than a minute, but the seconds felt like years to her. Finally, her phone vibrated in her hand, and she turned it over nervously. 

"I'd love that. When were you thinking? I can try to schedule another barista per shift so I can spend more time with you." Her heart may have actually exploded when she read his reply. Mere seconds later she watched another text pop up, "So, do I get to keep you to myself or are you going to be spending most of your time with your family?" Her laugh echoed throughout her kitchen, her body shaking so hard she nearly dropped her coffee. 

Her fingers flew over the screen. "No, I don't think I'll even tell her I'm coming into town. She'll ask too many questions." Soon, she had to get ready for work, shutting down the conversation for now. Joe, meanwhile, couldn't focus on the work in front of him. His mind was spinning with ideas for how he could surprise her with a meaningful date night.