Ours - Taylor Swift WLW Romance Fanfiction

Chapter 8: Lead The Way

Ava groaned as she stumbled into the kitchen, her head pounding and her mouth feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. The bright morning light streaming through the windows felt like a personal attack, and she squinted against the glare, cursing herself for her poor life choices.

As she fumbled for a glass, she heard the front door slam, followed by the telltale click of high heels on hardwood. Ava winced, the sound reverberating through her skull like a jackhammer. She didn't need to turn around to know it was her one-night stand making her walk of shame.

Preston, who was leaning against the kitchen counter nursing a cup of coffee, watched the girl stumble out of the apartment with a raised eyebrow. As the door closed behind her, he shook his head and handed Ava a glass of water.

"Thanks," Ava mumbled, accepting the glass. "But I'd like something stronger."

Preston shook his head. "That's all you're having. Jeez, Avs, what's gotten into you? I know we have wild nights out, but last night... did you even look at the girl for 5 seconds before you took her back here?"

Ava slumped into a chair, avoiding Preston's gaze. "No," she sighed, guilt twisting in her gut. "And the sex wasn't even good."

Preston frowned, setting his coffee mug aside and focusing his full attention on Ava. "So why then? You've been acting different lately. Is everything okay?"

Ava stared into her water glass, watching the condensation bead on the surface. She knew she should tell Preston the truth, knew he of all people would understand. But the words stuck in her throat, the subsequent rejection still too raw and painful.

"It's nothing," she tried, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Just... stress with work, you know? The new album, the pressure to deliver..."

Preston's frown deepened, and Ava knew he wasn't buying it. He knew her too well, could see through her bullshit like no one else.

"Ava," he said softly, his tone gentle but firm. "Talk to me. What's really going on?"

"She won't break up with him," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Preston blinked, confusion etching itself across his features. "Who?"

Ava's gaze snapped up to meet his, and he was taken aback by the raw pain and fury burning in her eyes.

"Taylor," she spat, like the name was a curse. "Taylor, Taylor, she won't break up with fucking Joe to be with me!"

Realization dawned on Preston, and he couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up from his chest. "I knew it!" he crowed, pointing an accusing finger at Ava. "You guys were eye-fucking all night long at the club!"

And just like that, the dam broke. The whole story came pouring out - her growing feelings for Taylor, the undeniable connection between them, the charged moment in Taylor's living room that had almost led to a kiss. How Taylor had pulled away, the guilt and regret on her face, the way she'd apologized and fled.

"I thought... I thought maybe she felt it too," Ava whispered, her voice cracking. "But I was wrong. And now I've ruined everything."

Preston was silent for a long moment, processing everything Ava had said. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft with understanding.

"Oh, Ava. I'm so sorry. That... that's a lot to deal with."

Ava nodded miserably, swiping at the tears that had begun to leak from the corners of her eyes. "I just... I couldn't stand being in my own head anymore. Thinking about her, about what I'd done. I thought maybe, if I went out, if I found someone else... I could forget. Just for a little while."