When Worlds Collide

The Italian Meal

I set a pot of water on the stove, waited for it to boil, and then filled it with pasta. Once it was ready, I made pesto and beautifully arranged the plates, setting them on the table just as Selena walked in. I kissed her on the cheek.

"Hey, you look great," I said.

"Taylor, I literally did nothing except get my hair trimmed a bit."

"Yeah, and you still look good," I said with a smile. She laughed and shook her head.

"Okay, babe, now tell me everything about this teacher..."

I told her every little detail about Travis, and she seemed genuinely interested. 

The evening passed quickly, and the next morning, when I didn't wake up to my alarm, I realized I had overslept.

"Damn it," I whispered, jumping out of bed. I got ready as fast as I could, and when I stepped outside, my driver was already waiting.

"Good morning, Miss Swift," he greeted me.

I wished him a good morning, too, and we drove off. I was 20 minutes late. Class hadn't started yet, but I hadn't even had time to grab a coffee or eat anything, so my motivation was at zero.

When I arrived in the classroom, I was greeted by a pair of beautiful green eyes.

"Good morning, Taylor. Did you sleep well?" Travis asked, laughing.

"That's not funny. I'm already late on my second day, and I haven't even eaten anything," I complained.

"Well, lucky for you," he said, pulling out a bag, "I happened to order two coffees today. And here's a sandwich. You can't teach on an empty stomach."

I smiled, my cheeks flushing a little. "Oh, happened to, huh?" I giggled.

I sat down next to Travis, took a sip of the coffee, and felt a little more at ease.

"You have no idea how grateful I am right now," I said as I took a bite of the sandwich. I looked at him, and his eyes landed on my lips. He reached out and wiped away a crumb of bread. My cheeks grew even redder, and I could feel how hot they were as I stared into his eyes.

"Oh, before I forget, I wanted to ask you something. Tonight, all the teachers are going to an Italian restaurant nearby, and I wanted to ask if you'd like to come," he asked.

I nodded and said, "Of course, I just need to check with Tree, but I don't think it's a problem. She just needs to let my driver know so he can pick me up."

I was interrupted with a "No," and I looked at Travis, confused.

"I can drive you. It's not a big detour for me."

I smiled and nodded. "Okay, if you insist."

I finished the lesson after the bell rang, and the students rushed out. Today, we played some more on the guitars, and for tomorrow, I still need to figure out what we'll do.

"Hey, Taylor," I turned around, and Travis was standing behind me. "I'll pick you up later, okay? Just send me your address, and make sure you're on time," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder before leaving the room.

I finished packing my bag and left with my bodyguard to the car. Once I got home, I ate something, called Tree and said goodbye to Selena.

"Bye, babe, see you tonight. I'll be out too, so don't miss me. But I think I'll be back later," I said, and we hugged. She called out "bye" as she left, making me laugh.

I sat on the couch for a bit before showering, catching up on my series. After blow-drying my hair, I put on makeup, red lipstick and picked out a dress. I decided on a body-hugging, long black dress paired with my Louboutins. I left my hair wavy, cascading over my shoulders, wore gold jewelry, and slung a gold bag over my shoulder.

Just as I finished getting ready, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, the world seemed to hold its breath for a moment. Time stretched, as if the seconds slowed down, savoring this moment.

There he stood, tall and graceful, in a flawless suit that draped over him like flowing water. The fabric shimmered subtly in the soft light, and each button sat perfectly, as if made for this exact moment.

An unexpected shiver ran over my skin, a wave of nervousness and excitement at the same time. His presence was overwhelming. I blushed slightly and could only manage a shy "Hi."

His eyes widened. "Taylor, you look beautiful," he said, almost breathless.

I giggled. "Don't forget to breathe, handsome," I said, closing the door behind me. We left the apartment through the back entrance since paparazzi were usually waiting at the front, and we definitely didn't need that right now.

We walked to his car, and he opened the door for me. "What a gentleman," I said, smiling as I got in. He grinned, got in the driver's seat, started the engine, and we drove off.

It was about a half-hour drive until we arrived at the restaurant, where my bodyguards were already waiting for me. Travis got out and opened the door for me again, but this time, he even held out his hand, which I took to help me get out more easily.

"My lady," he said, kissing my hand. I laughed at his humor, and a broad smile formed on his face as well.

"Shall we?" he asked, and I nodded, letting go of his hand. We both entered the restaurant, and I could already see people pulling out their phones to take pictures or videos. We were led to a private room where the entire staff was sitting, and we were warmly welcomed by everyone.

Travis and I sat next to each other. after all, he was the only one I knew. Next to me sat another man, probably around my age, who looked like a math teacher. Across from me sat a brunette woman with a sweet smile.

"Hey, I'm Sophie," she introduced herself, extending her hand. We shook hands.

"Taylor," I introduced myself kindly.

"This is so unbelievable for me. I'm sitting at a table with the biggest pop star!" she exclaimed.

I laughed quietly. "You get used to it," I joked, glancing over at Travis, who was smiling at me. I smiled back. Everyone at the table was talking, and it seemed like everyone wanted to get to know me.

Eventually, the menus were handed out, and I looked through mine thoroughly before deciding.

"I'll have the Risotto ai Funghi, please," I told the waiter, who nodded understandingly.

The restaurant also had a bar where you had to get your own drinks.

"Travis, I'm going to the bar. Can I bring you something?" I asked politely.

He nodded, and I made my way to the bar.

"Hello, two Hugos, please," I said, sitting down on one of the bar stools until I suddenly felt a hand on my waist. A stranger's hand.