𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝟒 𝐘𝐎𝐔. ᵉᵐⁱⁿᵉᵐ

003|. time for celebration

~

     Realizing Taylor wasn't up for a repeat of last night’s chaos, the three other bandmates decided to opt for a fancy dinner instead. Taylor, naturally, invited her only girlfriend along. Despite Allison sometimes relishing her power as their manager, she wasn’t too bad to hang around with, as long as she kept her bossy side in check.

Taylor found herself sitting between her brother and Allison, with Jason and Michael across from them. It was painfully obvious that the group didn’t belong there.

Despite their efforts to dress nicely, they all looked out of place, especially Taylor. She kept fidgeting with her dress, trying to pull it down to cover more of her legs, only to have to pull it back up to keep her chest hidden behind the expensive fabric.

She was clearly uncomfortable in her own skin.

Noticing this, Allison gave her a warm smile and gently swatted Taylor’s hands away. "Stop, you look beautiful."

Taylor stayed silent, looking away from Allison. She wasn’t about to deny it and invite more comments, but she certainly wasn’t going to agree either.

A few moments passed before the waiter finally approached their table. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, what can I help you with tonight?" he asks, his words thick with a charming French accent.

Jason was the first to name his order, and the others quickly followed suit.

"And you, miss?" the waiter inquired, his gaze fixed on Taylor, who was anxiously glancing around the fancy restaurant. Her eyes wandered, landing on at least three tables of people who seemed to be staring back at her and her friends. Were they talking about them?

"Taylor," Allison called softly, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Feeling the pressure, Taylor abruptly stood up. "Screw this, I need a drink."

Michael quickly sprang to his feet. "Hell yeah!" he cheered, and Jason wasn't far behind. "That's the spirit!" he grinned, patting Taylor on the back. Taylor brushed past him, her anxiety propelling her toward the exit with her group trailing closely behind.

As the band exited, they didn't stop and wait for their bodyguards as Allison had insisted; instead, they shuffled through the crowd, making their way to the car waiting for them at the driveway. The air was thick with murmurs and the occasional shout from eager fans, but the band pressed on, determined to escape the chaos.

Slipping inside the car quickly, they managed to only have to take one selfie. Taylor felt a wave of relief wash over her. She loved her fans, truly, but the constant pushing and questioning felt like an invasion.

Normally, she wouldn't mind, but today was different. The article about her had cast a shadow over her mood, like a damp blanket smothering her fire. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake off the feeling of annoyance that clung to her.

"Where are we going, Ms. Matthews?" the driver asked as the others followed shortly after her, piling into the car with a mix of relief and frustration.

"The nearest bar," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation. The driver nodded and pulled out from the driveway, leaving the Karmaxxrevenge fans behind. As the car sped away, Taylor stared out the window, hoping the night would somehow salvage her spirits.

Time seemed to slip away, and before Taylor knew it, they were pulling into a small, humble bar with a sign on the door that read 'Karaoke Night' in big red letters. The neon glow cast a warm, inviting light, contrasting sharply with the cold, dark night outside.