Because Hearts Get Broken

Late night talking

"It was weird as shit," Harry admits, "All the time I didn't even know if I was getting it right, or if he liked what I was suggesting. It was like guessing in the dark."

"Yeah, it's also the eye contact," Taylor laughs. "He's a bit unsettling, but it keeps you on your toes. He uses that to push your boundaries, so you give it your best."

"I was truly terrified the whole time", he gasps, and she laughs at his exaggeration.

She knows it takes more than a nerdy producer to terrify him.

"Then suddenly, he's like, 'Okay, done. What about this?' and he presses a button and plays the perfect track," he chuckles.

She giggles, "Yeah, he's a wizard! So, the album is coming together nicely? Almost done?"

"I have these two tracks left that I can't quite figure out. I'm flying to LA tomorrow to see if he can bring them to life."

"Or you could play them to me..." she suggests shyly.

"Ooh, nooo," he chuckles, "not doing that".

"But why?" she presses, her tone sulky.

"Because I'm not ready for that yet," he admits, showing a hint of vulnerability.

"You're so boring," she sulks, her tone laced with playful teasing.

"I'm happy with how things are between us now. When the time comes, I'd love to work with you on something," he says earnestly.

"Oh! So, you've thought about that?" she asks, curious.

"Ehrm, like, every day, for the past 15 years," he teases.

She laughs. "We did put some songs together back then."

"Not commercial at all," he points out.

"We were pretty cheesy," she agrees casually.

"Cheesy in love," he says softly.

The line goes quiet for a moment.

"Yeah," she replies, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart tugging at the memories.

"Can you make it to LA? I could stay an extra day," he suggests, hopeful.

She hesitates. Meeting up with him? She hasn't considered it. She's enjoying their new situation, just phone calls. It feels safe and manageable. She doesn't think she's ready to see him in person, to be close enough to feel the warmth of his gaze on her, to have him within touching distance. She doesn't trust herself, or her heart to rush in and ruin this new connection between them. It feels so fragile still.

"Got a busy schedule, don't think I can this time. But keep me posted on how it goes," she finally says.

"I will," he replies, a trace of disappointment in his voice.

"Send me those tracks," she blurts out.

He laughs. "Good try! But no. Speak to you soon."

"Take care, Styles," she smiles. It was worth trying, just to hear him laugh.

"Bye, Swift," he says warmly.

*

"Remind me again why I agreed to this?" Taylor asks, her tone teasing but curious.

"Because I am incredibly persuasive," Harry says with a grin, "and, well, there's nothing good on TV."

Taylor sighs, smirking as she settles comfortably on her bed, dropping her book to one side. Her phone is warm against her ear.