Neverending Peace

Paint the Town Blue

"One touch!"

"spot 1, spot 2!"

"Joe!"

Joe groaned after yet another dancer went to the wrong side of the stage. This practice was going miserably for a number of reasons. Firstly, Taylor had taken the day off. Though she insisted over the phone that she was feeling fine, Joe had his doubts. Secondly, his head still hurt like hell from the party and no one has talked about what happened. Finally, it was Tuesday. The conversation he'd had with Taylor the week before was still echoing in his head.

Sex.

They were going to have sex. Someday. Not too soon, but someday.

What the hell?

Smack!

Yet another failed lift. After apologizing, Joe saw Jack waving him to the sidelines.

"Are you okay,?" he asked as Joe ran over.

Joe sighed, running his hair through his hands. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

Jack nodded thoughtfully.

"And Taylor?"

"She's... She's coping."

More nodding. After some awkward silence, Jack sighed.

"Look, I know I'm not supposed to butt in, but I want to meet with you after practice."

"Okay."

Joe went back out onto the stage putting down more x's for the dancers. No one made any comments.

Practice ended as usual. Jack made some closing remarks before leaving, and Andrea stayed behind and supervised the cleanup process. Once everything was put away Joe locked up and headed down to Jack's office.

Jack was already there, changed into his usual loose jeans and hoodie and a cigarette in his mouth. A pot of tea was on the table.He pointed towards the seat opposite from him as Joe entered.

"Help yourself," he said.

Joe sat, pouring them both tea. He drank it quietly without comment. His friend watched his tensed posture, taking in just how exhausted Joe looked. It wasn't fair to see him go through this much. Jack couldn't imagine how it was for Taylor.

After a few sips, Joe set his cup down.

"I'm sorry for today. I wasn't as focused I should have been. Especially with the American Music Awards so close."

"Don't worry about it. Everyone has off days."

But I've had so many, Joe thought bitterly.

As if reading his mind, Jack said, "I know you're the manager, Joe. I know you have to lead them, and there's the stress of being there for everyone, but the last thing I want is to see you stop taking care of yourself," Jack said. "If you're not 100 percent, then the whole team will feel the repercussions."

Joe nodded. Jack hesitated.

"I know you and Taylor are close. The two of you are like the parents of this team. Better than me, at any rate. But I have to know if things aren't going well."

Joe drank is tea. He took his time answering. "I'm...worried. She seems okay, mentally. But she's getting weaker and weaker. I'm afraid she won't make it to new years

Jack took a long drag, and breathed it out slowly.

"Then it's best you make the most of it. I'm afraid that's all I can say. And, if you really need to, take a day off here and there. Check in on Taylor. I can't help her, but you can"