A Cruel Summer

Chapter 24

AN: the majority of this chapter is NSFW and I would recommend skipping if that is not your cup of tea!

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As Taylor sits in the back of her SUV, en route to Karlie's apartment straight from the airport, the nerves begin to kick in. She knows what she had done for Karlie's birthday was probably insane. She wonders if Karlie perceived the extravagant surprises to be too over-the-top, given that Taylor is keenly aware that they haven't officially rekindled their relationship – at least not at the current moment. Though Karlie had expressed her gratitude, her anxious mind is telling her that it was simply out of politeness.

The weight of uncertainty settles in the air as Taylor's thoughts race. She questions whether her actions were too much, too soon. However, deep down, she acknowledges that something between them has shifted this summer. Through all of the calls and texts that they have shared daily, it feels as though they are being steered back into a space that feels undeniably familiar.

As her car pulls up to Karlie's building, Taylor takes a deep breath, bracing herself for the unknown. She enters the building and slowly makes her way to Karlie's door. In a final act of courage, Taylor knocks gently on the door.

It immediately swings open, and before she can realize what is happening, she is being engulfed in a warm, tight embrace.

"Oh my god," she hears whispered against her hair, "You're really here."

Warmth spreads through Taylor as the anxiety of the drive begins to fade away. She leans into the embrace and whispers back, "I really am."

With a final squeeze, Karlie pulls back, her hands placed on Taylor's shoulders, holding her still.

"Taylor, what the hell was all of that yesterday?" Karlie asks with a mingling of amusement and astonishment in her voice, but her eyes sparkle with gratitude.

Taylor chuckles nervously, her doubts still present but somewhat alleviated by Karlie's positive response. "Well, you only turn 32 once, right? I thought you deserved a day filled with surprises."

Karlie smirks, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Surprises? Tay, that was the most insane and incredible birthday I've ever had. I didn't even know what to say to you that would come close to expressing how much I loved it. Seriously, how did you time all of that so perfectly?"

Taylor grins, her gaze lingering on Karlie's face. "Trade secret. But I'm glad you enjoyed it."

As they stand in the doorway, a comfortable silence settles between them. Taylor watches Karlie as she stares back at her, taking in the sincerity in her eyes. 'Those are heart eyes,' Taylor thinks to herself. She feels weak in the knees at Karlie's gaze. It's one that she had known well and has missed dearly in the time that they have been apart.

"So, did I manage to make your birthday unforgettable?" Taylor asks with a playful glint in her eyes.

Karlie's lips curl into a genuine smile. "More than unforgettable, Taylor. You made it magical. Thank you."

Taylor's heart swells at the gratitude in Karlie's words. Before the weight of the unspoken emotions can linger, Taylor decides to lighten the mood. "Well, I brought breakfast," she says motioning to the bag in her hand, "Are you free? To, you know, eat breakfast? With me? I didn't hear from you last night, so I wasn't sure. But, um, it's avocado toast. And coffee. And, um, donuts, for the boys," she says, stumbling through her words.

Karlie laughs, a sound that sends a wave of relief through Taylor. "Shit, I'm sorry, Tay! I didn't realize you were looking for a solid 'yes'. I thought it was just a done deal like the other surprises. And, like obviously I want to see you, idiot! I've only been telling you every single day for like a month that I can't wait for you to come home. I'm so fucking happy that you're here. I could barely sleep last night! And you know avocado toast and coffee are the way to my heart. The kids aren't here, though, with Josh until tomorrow. So, I guess I'll just have to eat the donuts myself," she finishes with a playful wink.