The Only Living Boy in New York

FIFTEEN

Van

"You wanna tell me what's up?"

I leaned over and spoke softly in Taylor's ear, the crowded room drowning us out for anyone trying to listen in, but by now, our friends had moved on from the subject. The wine bar had picked up, every corner was taken and every chair filled. The atmosphere was bubbling with the anticipation of warm weather and summer's breath heavy in the air. People were alive again after a long winter in the city, and it showed.

Taylor's forced smiled curved downwards and she looked embarrassed. She leaned toward me and spoke just as soft. "I'm sorry...I'm not trying to ruin this."

I shook my head. "That's not what I asked. What's up, Tay?"

She glanced around the room, eyes darting to our friends who were busy having their own conversations before sighing and leaning back in. "I'm just ready to leave. Can we leave?"

I swallowed slowly, knowing how this was going to look. We all left together usually. None of us dipped out before the other until we collectively decided the night was nearly over. Judging by the way everyone else looked, the night wasn't over for them. But Taylor was wearing a look I'd only ever caught glances of. She was uncomfortable, and for whatever reason, it started earlier, after Brody arrived.

"Just say the words and we'll head back to yours or mine."

"Yours." She said quickly and tossed back the rest of her wine in a single gulp. She sat the glass down and grabbed her purse standing abruptly. I followed suit, not knowing exactly what to do with my hands as I led her toward Chloe and Tom. In one fell swoop, I turned and looked at her as I walked through the crowd, skimming the air for her hand and locking it in my own as we approached them. It felt natural, but more than anything, it felt like she needed it.

Tom's eyes traveled to our hands and then back at me before a smug smile crossed his face. Chloe turned and started filling Taylor in on something, she half smiled at her in return but never let go of my hand. I squeezed hers softly, rubbing my thumb against the top of her fingers slowly.

"We're taking off." She said to Chloe and Chloe's eyes danced to me. She looked relieved and nodded once at me. Her words from earlier rippled over my conscious and I nodded in return at her.

"Sounds like we'll be seeing you next week though for that show?" I leaned in and hugged Chloe softly, letting go of Taylor's hand regrettably. Chloe noticed the move but didn't ask any questions.

"I'll send you both the details so you know." She hugged Taylor after she was through with me, while I moved on and shook hands with Tom. Tom didn't make a fuss about anything and I think that's why I liked him so much. Sometimes, he reminded me of Bondy and sometimes, it made me miss him more than I wanted to admit.

Brody was lodged in a back corner talking to a few people he introduced to us when they arrived. I didn't want to say goodbye to him, and judging by Chloe's earlier comment, I didn't think Taylor would want to either. But I didn't want to assume. Instead I looked at her and rolled my shoulders.

"Anything else before we head out?"

Taylor's eyes danced around the room. If she picked up on Brody's whereabouts, she didn't let on to it. "Nope. Ready when you are."

I smiled and said one final goodbye to the two of them before we weaseled our way through the crowd and to the door. When we stepped out into the crisp, almost summer air, Taylor drank in a deep breath and relaxed.

"Thanks." She said on smile. "I just wasn't feeling it tonight."

"I could tell. Fine by me to leave anyways."