What This Could Be | A Joe Jonas Fanfic | Book One

Chapter 17: Opening Night

*Taylor's POV*

I groggily woke up to Joe's alarm going off. It was way too early to get up. Turning, I rubbed my eyes and saw Joe stirring awake beside me. Surprisingly, we both managed to fit ourselves in my full-sized bed, space between us absent even if we tried.

"Morning, Beautiful," he ran his fingers through my hair, his morning voice husky as he spoke.

"Good morning, Babe," I said back before he gave me a kiss, in which I immediately covered my mouth and pulled away, "No! I still have morning breath!"

"Oh please. You think I give a shit?" he playfully started to wrestle me to continue to plant more kisses.

I threw my pillow at him laughing, creating a distraction for me to run to my bathroom, locking the door.

"You can't hide from me for long!" he spoke from the other side.

I put my hand on my chest, my heart racing. What a way to get your body awake.

Before I knew it, I was standing right next to a private jet, watching mine and Joe's suitcases being loaded on the bottom storage. I've been on many flights, but they all consisted of reasons that never allowed me to enjoy the memories to its core. There was always a lingering mournfulness attached to them.

Joe held my hand and guided me up the runway, tapping the outside of the plane as he entered for good luck. I did the same, not that I believed in that superstition. It was more for him, just in case he did.

Throughout the flight, Joe tended to me more than the flight attendant on board with us. It was strangely nice to finally be cared for instead of always be the one caring.

"Hey, Joe?" I sudden guilt washed over me.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think you could still fly Liv out?" I asked, "If it's too late today, then what about tomorrow?"

He thought for a second, "Once we land, call her and see if she's able to. If not, how about in like a week or two? I'll fly you both back out then."

"Okay," I softly responded, "That's not asking for too much, is it?"

"Not at all," he understood, putting his arm around my shoulders to pull me close, kissing the side of my head as I leaned into him, "I want her to enjoy life as much as you do."

I wrapped my arm around his waist, resting my head against him. A peaceful silence enveloped us as we both fell asleep for the next few hours until landing.

We were the last ones to arrive to the venue. I caught a glimpse of Nick, Priyanka, and their daughter, Malti before they headed into Nick's dressing room.

"Hey, guys," Joe knocked on his door, opening it partially, "Is it safe to come in?"

Malti was the first to peak from the doorway, beelining straight to Joe in loud screams of excitement.

"Malti Marie! Uncle Joe missed you so much!" he picked her up, pointing to a small stuffed animal in her hands, "What's that you got?"

"A roo!" she exclaimed, holding it up in the air.

"I love it! Did Gaga and Mama take you to the zoo last week?" he continued with such patience.

"Yeah!" she replied before staring at me, probably wondering why a stranger was staring right back at her.

Joe caught on quickly, taking control of the interaction, "This is Taylor. She's a special someone to me."

Priyanka walked over, taking Malti out of Joe's arms into her own, "Say hi, Malti!"