Daylight

Taylor #6

The morning of the game, I'm already a bundle of nerves. Not because I'm worried about Travis, not because of the game, but because of... well, everything else. The rumors are everywhere—every gossip column, every blog. Ever since the paparazzi caught me leaving Travis's house that night, the speculation hasn't stopped. Are we dating? Are we just friends? What's going on between them?

I don't really care what the tabloids say. To me, it's simple. I'm happy. And right now, I'm happy to be with Travis. He's the one I'm focused on, not the flashing cameras or the endless questions. But even as I tell myself that, a tiny part of me can't shake the anxiety of what's to come.

I throw on a casual outfit—black jean shorts, a white tank top, and a Chiefs pullover tied loosely around my waist. Comfortable. Cute enough. Not trying too hard.

Tree's already called me twice this morning to make sure I'm "keeping things low-key." She's known about us for a while now. She says she's happy for me, but she's also... worried. I'm starting to get the feeling that she doesn't exactly trust the situation, but I'm not about to let her rain on my parade.

I text Travis, telling him I'm on my way. He responds almost immediately: "Parents are already in the VIP section, waiting for you. I'm about to head out soon. See you there."

I stare at the message for a few seconds, biting my lip. His parents. Oh, God.

What if they don't like me? What if I screw this up? I've met them before, but that was years ago, before all of this. Back when we were just... friends. I want them to like me, and now I'm overthinking it. What if they think I'm just some fling? What if they don't understand?

I grip the wheel of the car, trying to shake off the nerves. This is fine. This is just another step in the process, right?

But then I start thinking about the game itself. What if he's nervous because I'm here? What if he's distracted and loses? The last thing I want is for him to feel like he has to be perfect for me—he's always been perfect, just the way he is. I want him to be him, but now I'm feeling like I'm part of the equation.

I pull into the parking lot and take a deep breath before stepping out of the car. My heart is racing.

I make my way toward the VIP entrance, my eyes scanning the crowd, searching for a glimpse of Travis. I'm doing my best to keep my head straight, but inside, I'm a mess.

When I finally spot him—he's on the field, talking to a couple of teammates before the game starts—I feel a wave of relief. He looks over at me, flashing that easy grin, the one that always manages to calm me down, even on the craziest of days.

I wave and make my way up the stairs to the VIP section.

And there they are. His parents.

I spot them immediately, seated in the same spot where they've always been at past games, surrounded by a couple of other family members. I've met his parents more times than I can count over the years, and we've always gotten along well, but I still feel a little anxious as I approach them.

"Taylor!" his mom greets me with a wide smile, standing up to pull me into a hug. "I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Of course," I reply, hugging her back. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

His dad is already standing up, offering me his hand. "It's good to see you again, Taylor. How have you been?" he asks, his voice warm and familiar.

"I've been great, thanks!" I say, smiling back at him. "Excited to see Travis play today."

"We're excited too," his mom adds, looking over at Travis, who's now in the middle of talking to a few of his teammates. "He's been so focused on this game. I don't think he's even realized you're here yet."