the unsent project. | Taylor Swift, One-Shots

"I wonder if you'll ever confess you like me?"

Unsent Message #3:

To Taylor:
I wonder if you'll
ever confess you
like me?

• • • • •

In the glittering world of the music industry, Riley James, at just 25 and with just two albums under her belt, had soared to stardom, basking in the glow of critical acclaim and a handful of Grammy awards. Despite her quick rise, she navigated the industry's highs and lows, forming close bonds with genuine allies while facing encounters with less-than-friendly faces. One such unsettling episode involved a once-admired figure who had become an unexpected source of discomfort—Taylor Swift.

Strangely, Taylor found herself inexplicably irked by Riley. The tension between them remained a well-guarded secret from the public, but nothing stopped the rumors from flying around.

As the 2024 Grammy season unfolded, their paths converged at various industry events, courtesy of their shared record label, setting the stage for unexpected and mostly unwanted encounters between the two.

• • • • •

Riley currently found herself sitting with her head down at a meeting table at her management's office, her fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the tabletop. She lifted her head, her gaze wandering to the panoramic view outside the window. "Do I really have to go, guys? You know how I feel about these things."

Her manager, Jake, leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "Riley, honey, it's Grammy week. You've got to show face. The label's counting on you, and it's a chance to network, make connections—"

"—And endure awkward conversations and fake smiles," Riley finished with a sigh, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Look, I get it, I do. But I can't pretend I'm thrilled about this."

Another member of her team, Sarah, chimed in. "What about mingling with some of the other artists? You might just find someone interesting to chat with."

Riley shook her head. "It's not that easy. You know how these things go. I'll probably end up stuck in a corner with a glass of champagne, trying to avoid eye contact while some pretentious art bro rambles about his latest project."

Jake glanced down at his phone, scrolling through notifications. "Well, Taylor Swift's confirmed to attend. Maybe this time you two can clear the air?"

Riley's eyebrows shot up. "Taylor's coming? Great. That'll be a fun night." Her tone dripped with sarcasm.

Jake exchanged a look with Sarah, both sensing the tension. "Listen, I know there's some... history there. But can you at least try to keep it civil?" Jake implored.

Riley sighed, slumping back into her chair. "Don't even worry about it, I don't plan to go anywhere near her. She just... rubs me the wrong way, you know?"

Meanwhile, across town, Taylor Swift sat in her dressing room, flipping through a magazine, her mind wandering. Her publicist, Tree, knocked on the door before entering. "Taylor, Grammy week is coming up. Are you ready for the events?"

Taylor glanced up, a slight grimace flickering across her face. "As ready as I'll ever be. But you know the drill, I'll do what I have to."