Ear Infection pt2

42 1 0
                                    

The next morning, Taylor sat in her cozy living room, sipping herbal tea as she looked out the window. Her ear still ached slightly, but the medication the doctor had prescribed was already starting to work. She knew it was important to take it easy, but the itch to get back into the studio was strong. Every time she heard a melody in her head, her fingers itched to grab her guitar and start working on the songs she'd been excited to record.

Jake, ever vigilant, was nearby, keeping an eye on her as he coordinated security matters over his earpiece. He noticed her restless energy as she absentmindedly tapped her fingers against her mug.

"You look like you're ready to get back in the studio," Jake said with a small smile, trying to lift her spirits.

Taylor gave him a half-smile. "I am, but I know I can't rush it. The doctor was clear—rest my ear, no recording for a few days. I just feel... stuck. I was so excited about these new songs, and now this."

Jake nodded, understanding her frustration. "It's just temporary, Taylor. You'll be back at it in no time. And you know you've got a strong team backing you up when you're ready."

She appreciated his words, but the thought of the unfinished tracks still made her anxious. She was always her own toughest critic, and with the pressure of deadlines and the anticipation from fans, Taylor found it difficult to slow down, even when she needed to.

As the day went on, she did her best to distract herself—catching up on reading, scrolling through her phone, and even snuggling with her cats, Meredith and Olivia, who seemed to sense her unease. Still, her thoughts kept drifting back to the studio, and that nagging sense of being behind.

By the evening, Travis returned home after his practice, his usual energy brightening the room as he stepped in, spotting Taylor curled up on the couch. He noticed immediately that something was off.

"Hey," he said, coming over to kiss her on the forehead. "How's the ear feeling?"

"Better," Taylor replied with a soft smile. "Just... frustrated. I had to leave the studio, and now I can't record for a few days. It's messing with my head."

Travis sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "You've been non-stop lately, Tay. Maybe this is a sign that you need to take a break, even if it's just for a few days."

"I know," she sighed, resting her head against his shoulder. "But it's hard, you know? The album was starting to feel real, and now I have to hit pause."

He pressed a kiss to her hair, understanding her struggle. "You're doing amazing. A few days off won't change that. And when you get back in there, you'll be fresh, and it'll all come together."

Taylor looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "You always know what to say."

He grinned. "That's part of the job, isn't it?"

They sat in silence for a while, the warmth of Travis's embrace comforting her. It was just what she needed to let go of the pressure and anxiety, even if only for a little while. As much as she hated to admit it, she knew he was right. Her body—and her mind—needed the rest, and there was no sense in pushing herself if it would only make things worse.

"I'll take it easy," Taylor finally said, "but only because you said so."

Travis chuckled. "I'll hold you to that. Now, how about I make us some dinner, and we can just chill tonight?"

Taylor smiled, feeling a little lighter. "That sounds perfect."

As the night went on, Taylor allowed herself to relax more, letting go of the urge to rush back into work. Travis's calming presence, combined with her security team's watchful care, reminded her that she didn't have to handle everything alone. She'd get back to the music soon, but for now, she'd let herself rest and heal. After all, the music wasn't going anywhere. It would still be there when she was ready to pick it up again.

Taylor Swift one shots Where stories live. Discover now