We've Got Game

The Talk

**this is a filler chapter, gearing up for the next part!**

Taylor's congratulatory party was a huge success with all of her closest family and friends there. She was overcome with emotion most of the night. When the guests finally departed she collapsed on her bed with Travis. She sighed a content sigh. "Thank you Travis." She said glancing over at him. He picked his head up and rested it in his hand while propped on his elbow. He smiled that big goofy grin of his and responded: "you deserve a million parties. We're so proud of you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She half smiled and broke away from his gaze. Travis' face morphed into slight confusion as he lowered his hand to pet her hair. Noticing immediately that something was a little off. "What's wrong baby? Didn't you like the party?" He asked, concerned. "Oh yes Travis I've never ever had anyone do something like that for me in my lifetime. I will treasure it always and always remember how hard you worked for me to celebrate." Taylor said with a massive, genuine grin. Travis sat up and leaned against the headboard. "Come here." He stated as he used his head by flicking it upwards, summoning her. She obeyed and crawled over into his lap. He wrapped her in his arms and allowed her to nestle her head in the crook of his neck. He moved her hair off her forehead and planted a kiss. "Talk to me sweetheart. I can tell you had a harder day today before my ass-kicking party." He smirked and she giggled. "Mom mentioned she had to cheer you up" He finished. "It was nothing Travis, I'm okay now, really." She replied. "That may be, but I want you to know I'm here for you. Nothing you could feel would make think any differently about you" He explained to her. Taylor sighed. "I just wasn't feeling worthy enough for people to fly all over the place just to come here for a party for me." She continued: "I was just having a really self-conscious day is all. I was very overwhelmed. Your mom really helped me snap out of it." She explained. "Baby girl, you have to know that nobody in my family would travel here if they didn't want to celebrate your new album and your success. Nobody felt like they had to. I really do promise." He explained hoping to pull her back out of her headspace. He planted another kiss on top of her head. "Your mom really made me feel like I was more than a singer. She's the first person outside of my romantic relationships and my immediate family who saw me as a human being and not just someone famous" Taylor said. Travis smiled. "Mom is great at keeping us grounded. She's good at making us all smile when we feel big emotions. She almost never fails. And I can tell she really does love you." Now it was Taylor's turn to smile. "I think she does too and the feeling is mutual. Although, I will seek my revenge for you telling everyone I'm ticklish and blush easily." Taylor sat up now to look at him with her arms crossed as she continued: "the three s' really?! You didn't have to go that far!" Taylor said half joking and half serious. She smacked his chest hard enough to form a mark. Travis looked at her with shock because of her brashness. "Well I'm sorry I gush about you so much I can't tell what's coming out of my mouth. And OW??" He said with a smile as he rubbed the spot she smacked. "You're strong for a girl. You better watch yourself, I can call my mom for reinforcements now" he said as he lightly tickled her stomach causing her to squirm. He stopped almost as quickly as he started and said: "seriously Tay, I know you've had a hard time with other relationships and family stuff. But I promise we all love you and want you to succeed and then celebrate you." She smiled at his words. "I know that now."

They both got up and got showered and changed into pajamas. Taylor grabbed her phone and decided to text Donna to let her know she appreciated her. Texts are italicized and bolded.

Taylor: hey! Thanks again for coming. It is much appreciated. I just wanted to let you know I talked to Travis. I'm doing much better now between you and him and the party. It was an off morning, I guess.

Donna: Hey sweetie. I was just thinking about you and was hoping you'd talk to Trav. The party was fantastic and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!! Kylie wants your pop tart recipe and so do I. We still need a baking day.

Taylor: I would love that! My tour ends soon and I'll have much more free time. Would LOVE a baking day :)
Taylor: oh, I did smack your son for revealing my tickles secret. I think I left a mark 🤪

Donna: I'll help you get him back one day.
Donna: I'll get in contact with you in the next week about dates for baking and if there's room for me at the Era's Tour. I heard those tickets are pretty hard to get. 😂

Taylor: you'd want to come?!?

Donna: when are you going to learn that I love you and want to support you?? Don't make me text Travis and sick him on you.

Taylor: name the day and you'll have an entire VIP tent.

Donna: I'd love nothing more!

"Travis.... Your mom wants to come watch the Era's Tour!!" Taylor said excitedly as Travis emerged from the bathroom. "Oh yeah, so do Jason and Kylie and the girlies. They haven't stopped talking about you." Taylor blushed but beamed all at the same time. "I might like your family more than you." She giggled.