Pitch Perfect Harmony

Maybe I just don't get it

In case you saw a notification, I'm just correcting some grammar and spelling :)

The morning after their first video call date, Taylor called Blake to update her on how it went. There wasn't much time to talk but it was enough to rave about Travis' way of complimenting her and making jokes. Blake could feel Taylor's excitement and even though she was a bit scared that Travis wasn't just the nice guy or that it might be too early after two incredibly hard breakups, she didn't dare to bring Taylor's mood down. It was only the first call. They would continue getting to know each other and Blake had hope for Taylor to finally find the one.

Later, Taylor had enough time to replay some of the conversations she had had with Travis in her head. She tried to calm her excitement a bit because she wanted to be more rational about this. In fact, she ended up spiraling about all the different things that could go wrong. What if someone just found out somehow? What if he would not keep it a secret? What if he had even recorded their call? Or if someone was eavesdropping? Or what if he would just ghost her like Matty did? She felt herself panic and concentrated on breathing to calm her nerves as much as she could.

Until their next call, Taylor went through an absolute up and down. She wanted to get to know him better but she was scared of everything that could come with it. Finally, it was time for their next date, and as soon as he said hello, all her fears were gone. Her mind was finally silent again and she was just laughing with him and talking even more freely than the last time. When he brought up his podcast, Taylor took her chance to ask him something she was wondering about: "Why did you talk about the bracelet you gave me? I mean like on the podcast. Did you know I would hear it?"

He was a bit caught off guard by this question. "No! No, I... I didn't even think you would ever recognize that when we decided to put it out. Jason said you would but I... Honestly? I just thought that you would have better things to do than to hear two football guys talk about putting a phone number on a friendship bracelet", he explained a little insecure. Taylor could tell he was honest with her. She didn't know why, but she just knew it. "I didn't do that for attention or something! It's crazy how many people were talking about this", he added. Taylor laughed a bit. What did he expect? Well, he probably didn't know how many eyes ley on her, especially on her dating life. "You know this would get worse if someone ever finds out that we are talking?", she asked. "I mean... yeah. I... I wouldn't necessarily think that's worse. It's just... more", he told her his perspective.

"It's worse. It's definitely worse", she countered. "I guess, I'll trust you there. But... Can I ask you what exactly you think would be worse? I mean, yes people are talking but...", he carefully wanted to know. She smiled at his thoughtful words. "People are talking", she repeated. „Paparazzi will show up at your house and wherever you are. Your social media comments will get... let's just say less friendly. Also... if you have me as a friend you have at least a handful more enemies. I... I should stop here", she rambled and then stopped herself. "No... no, that's just what it is. I mean, I probably can't imagine", he immediately tried to make her feel better. "I still shouldn't tell you horror stories about my daily life the second time we're talking", she mumbled forcing a smile. "There were no horror stories yet. I'm sure there are some but for now, that just sounds like at least double the stress", he said confusing her a bit. Didn't people in front of your house sound like a horror story?

"I... don't know what to say", she admitted. "I'm sorry. Maybe I just don't get it", he apologized surprising her again. She didn't expect him to blame this weird turn of the conversation on himself. "It's fine. If... if this becomes anything more than video calls, you'll find out inevitably", she said. "I'd like to find out honestly. I mean... I'd like to... maybe meet you someday", he answered. She still was confused by him. After everything she had just told him, he wanted to meet her? A few seconds ago, she truly thought he would never want to talk to her again if people in front of his house were only one consequence. "Ahm... I mean... I... I'd like to meet you too, but... I can't promise you that no one will notice", she kind of agreed.

"You know what? I'm in New York at the end of next week. It's probably not that easy for you to make time, but if you want to...", she let her sentence open. "Oh, yeah. I mean... I have to look at my schedule and plan a few things but... I'll try to be there", he agreed visibly surprised. Taylor felt a smile creeping up her face. "Okay, but I'd invite you to my place if that's fine with you. Maybe we have a chance to go unnoticed", she said. "Sure! I'd like to come! Do I have to be cautious about something specific? I mean, I doubt that I just show up and ring a doorbell", Travis asked.

"Yeah, ahm... I'd send you a driver to the airport. Oh, and... I have a guest room if you don't want to get a hotel room", she explained. "Oh... If that's okay with you...", he agreed a bit surprised that she would want him to stay over already. "I don't mind guests staying over if it makes the whole coming and leaving thing easier too. Also... if they spot you in New York knowing that I'm there...", she thought out loud. "Then they talk. So what? Let them talk. There are rumors already just from me mentioning you. I don't care honestly", he said smiling reassuringly at her. It did calm her nerves a bit. He really seemed to not care as much. Especially compared to Joe, but she didn't even wanna think about that.

They continued to plan his visit and the longer they talked about it the more excited they became. The good mood from the beginning of the call was back and they didn't say goodbye until it really was time to sleep. Taylor fell onto her mattress with a relieved sigh and a soft smile. He would visit her. He really wanted to get to know her. Was it too much to let him stay the night in the guest room? She just did that because she always let her friends stay but she didn't even know him yet. But he had agreed, so it was okay, right? She couldn't step back from it now anyway. But maybe she should talk to Blake about that.

Thank you all for the votes, reads, and the first few comments! 🤍