In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter Seven

A/N: This chapter shifts to Travis's perspective. Thank you so much for reading!

December 13, 2024

Travis slowly opened his eyes. The light filtering through the blinds was still pretty dim. He glanced at his phone—6:31 a.m.

After a big yawn, he turned to look at the blonde next to him, a smile tugging at his lips. He took a moment to just watch her sleep.

It struck him that this was the first time in two days she seemed truly at peace. He felt a knot of worry in his stomach. He didn't quite get what was bothering her, but today was her day, and he was determined to make it special.

Travis was hesitant to wake her up just yet, but the temptation to touch her was too strong. He gently placed his hand on her stomach and pressed a few kisses on her neck, causing her to sigh softly.

Shifting on top of her, he continued his trail of kisses, wanting her to wake up in the most pleasurable way. He pushed her shirt up, his lips traveling along the gentle curve of her belly. When her eyes fluttered open, he paused, meeting her gaze.

Taylor let out a soft breath, wide awake now. Travis noted the unreadable expression on her face but didn't stop. Settling between her thighs, he kissed the delicate skin there, his hands tracing her sides.

Her hands found his shoulders, squeezing or tugging—he couldn't tell. He looked up at her, waiting for some kind of signal.

"It's too early," she mumbled, her voice caught between half-asleep and uncertain. He caught the hesitation and, slightly disappointed, crawled back up her body, studying her flushed, distant face.

Travis sighed inwardly. He'd hoped he could help her forget whatever was troubling her, even if just for a moment. But seeing her like this, lost in thought, he decided to let it go. One way or another, he was determined to ease her mind.

"Happy birthday, baby," he murmured, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. His stomach twisted when her lips didn't move against his.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "I think you deserve 35 kisses," Travis said, his tone light and playful, hoping for even the faintest smile. She gazed up at him sleepily, her expression unreadable.

Tilting his head, he studied her face. "Or maybe... 35 things I love about you?" he offered, softening his voice. She blinked slowly, still quiet.

Undeterred, he pressed on, deciding it was just the early hour making her distant.

"I think your eyes might be my favorite part of you," he murmured, gazing into them. They were so blue, deep and endless. His thumb brushed against her cheek as he spoke, his heart aching to see her relax.

Travis couldn't shake how distant Taylor seemed this morning—or how it mirrored the past few days. He'd never seen her like this before, and a nagging feeling told him it wasn't just about The Eras Tour ending.

Kumar whipped up a breakfast spread for them that morning—pancakes, crepes, fried eggs—all her favorites.

At the table, Travis couldn't help but watch her. She pushed her food around more than she ate, her usual appetite replaced by a quiet hesitation. Something was off—she wasn't herself, and it was impossible to ignore.

By lunchtime, Travis gently told Taylor to start getting ready, watching as she quietly made her way into the bedroom.

Once they were both set, they met Drew outside. Travis observed how Taylor's shoulders seemed to relax when she saw Drew. He still couldn't quite figure it out.

The car ride was most silent, though Travis kept her hand firmly in his. "Are you ready?" he asked with a warm smile. Taylor nodded softly. "Yeah," she replied, though she wasn't entirely sure what she was supposed to be ready for.

They arrived at the restaurant Travis had booked, knowing it was one of Taylor's favorites in the city. But she just looked curious, not overly excited.

Weeks ago, they'd decided her birthday would be low-key this year, especially after the exhaustion from three shows in Vancouver. But something about her felt distant, detached.

As they stepped out of the car, Travis squeezed her hand reassuringly and led her toward the entrance. When he swung the door open, the lights flicked on, and the room erupted in cheers.

"Happy birthday!" voices rang out.

Travis watched her reaction closely, relief washing over him when a genuine smile spread across her face. Taylor felt momentarily overwhelmed but comforted by the sight of so many familiar faces.