Suits and Scars

Chapter Nineteen: Exposed

Taylor's Point of View

That night I had Dec stay in my room with me. I had really missed him all these years and needed his comfort even though I laid awake in his arms most of the night.

He was right. I did need to tell the guys about Greg but I didn't see why they needed to know.

 Sure I was starting to become a little more comfortable with my scars and I wouldn't have a problem with Chris and Matty seeing them if there weren't questions to come with them. Even Declan was going to have questions about them and I felt like, aside from Matty, the answers would affect him the most.

The next day I went back home to pack a few things that I could keep in the apartment. I wasn't ready to fully commit to moving in with the guys just yet. I felt bad leaving Madison on her own to pay for our apartment and, if I was really honest, I was nervous to live with the three of them.

They may have said they all loved me but what if they realized they didn't like who I was after seeing my scars, because living with them would make it almost impossible to hide. When I got to the apartment Mads was busy, so I packed the essentials and told her where I would be. All I got in return was a knowing smile and a wave goodbye.

When I got back to the apartment I was the only one there so I jumped in the shower really quick just to relax. The shower was always a place for me to let my brain unwind and help me figure things out. As the cool water cascaded down my body I tried to come up with more reasons why I shouldn't move into this glorious place. I really couldn't come up with anything more than what I already had. I absentmindedly washed my body just so I would feel refreshed and got out.

If the guys wanted me to live here then they needed to get used to me not getting all dolled up for them, so I didn't do any makeup and only towel dried my hair. I walked into my closet and went with a red pair of cheeky underwear and a purple cotton t-shirt dress that stopped mid thigh. The dress was more like a nightgown than something I would wear out and about so I figured it was a good place to start.

I wandered the halls looking for someone but the only person I found was Donna in the kitchen. She was an older woman, in her mid-to-late fifties, and reminded me of the the housekeeper, Magda, from Sex and the City, at least her looks did. She was pulling things out of the fridge when she turned and spotted me.

"Hello, Ms. Carter." Her voice was warm like a grandmothers.

"Call me Taylor, please Donna." I gave her a smile and sat at one of the bar stools, "What are you doing here on Saturday evening?"

"Trying to find dinner for those boys. They got pulled out into something for Mr. Carbo so I usually come fix them some dinner for when they return, and I guess for you too."

"Oh..."I pondered for a moment, "I was actually coming in to find something to make them too."

"Of course you were." She put food back into the fridge, "When Chris told me you weren't here when they left I just assumed you wouldn't be here for dinner. Let me just put all this away and I will get out of your way." She had a smile on her face so I knew she wasn't upset but for some reason I felt like I was stepping on her toes.

"I am so sorry you came all the way here for nothing. I'll remember to let Chris know for next time, I was just hoping to surprise them tonight." I mumbled fidgeting with my hands on the counter out of embarrassment.

She topped my hands with hers, "Sweetie, I think it's a great thing for you to surprise them. Those three seem like they could use some good things in their lives, and you seem to me to be a very good thing."

She grabbed her things and walked to the door while I turned on some music. I looked through the kitchen for something to make before finding all the ingredients for creamy Tuscan chicken with a lemon angel hair pasta and a simple side salad. I had enough time while cooking to set the dining room table, completed with candles. As I was setting plates down to start getting our meal together I heard the front door open and a mumble of voices filled the quiet space.