unfinished echoes - taylor swift

08

As they stepped into the VIP buffet lounge, the soft hum of chatter and clinking silverware filled the air. Daisy glanced around, taking in the lavish spread and the scattered clusters of other guests enjoying their morning. Her head was still throbbing slightly, and the lingering awkwardness of the morning made her hyperaware of Taylor walking beside her.

Taylor, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. Her fingers brushed lightly against Daisy's back as she guided her toward a corner table. Once they reached it, Taylor surprised Daisy by pulling out a chair for her.

Daisy raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Really?"

Taylor flashed her a grin, her blue eyes glinting with playful confidence. "What? I'm being a gentleman."

Rolling her eyes, Daisy dropped into the seat. "You're being extra."

"Same thing," Taylor quipped, straightening as she pushed the chair in gently. "Sit tight, I'll grab us some food."

Daisy watched as Taylor walked off, her long strides unhurried but purposeful. A part of her wanted to argue about Taylor deciding what they'd eat, but another part-the tired, hungover part-was secretly relieved she didn't have to move. She slouched slightly in her chair, letting out a long breath as her gaze drifted toward the buffet.

It was hard not to notice how naturally Taylor seemed to command attention. Even in her casual sweater and jeans, there was something magnetic about the way she carried herself. Daisy found her eyes lingering longer than she intended, until she caught herself and shook her head.

"Focus, Daisy," she muttered under her breath.

A few minutes later, Taylor returned with two plates balanced in her hands. She set them down on the table with a flourish, her grin widening as she slid one toward Daisy. "Voilà. Breakfast is served."

Daisy glanced down at the plate and raised an eyebrow. "You seriously brought me pancakes and bacon? You think that's going to cure my hangover?"

Taylor shrugged as she took her seat across from Daisy. "Carbs and grease. Trust me, it works. Plus, there's fruit if you feel like being healthy." She gestured to the side of the plate, where a small pile of berries rested.

Daisy stared at the plate, then back at Taylor. "You're impossible."

"And you're welcome," Taylor said, ignoring the jab as she began cutting into her own pancakes.

Reluctantly, Daisy picked up her fork and took a small bite of the pancakes. To her annoyance, they were fluffy and delicious. She didn't want to admit it, but Taylor had made a good call.

As they ate, the conversation was minimal at first-Taylor commenting on the food, Daisy grunting in response. But gradually, the tension between them began to ease.

"You're quieter than usual," Taylor remarked, taking a sip of her coffee.

Daisy shot her a look. "I'm hungover, Taylor. What do you expect? A full TED Talk?"

Taylor chuckled. "Fair enough. But I'll take this as proof that I make good breakfast choices."

Daisy rolled her eyes but didn't bother arguing. As much as she wanted to stay guarded, Taylor's easy demeanor was chipping away at her walls. She hated how effortlessly Taylor could do that-how she could make Daisy feel comfortable even when she didn't want to be.

"Why are you trying so hard?" Daisy asked suddenly, her voice quieter than before.

Taylor paused mid-bite, setting her fork down. Her expression softened as she looked at Daisy. "Because I meant what I said earlier. I don't want to mess this up."