forever and always - taylor swift

10

At exactly seven, Taylor parked her car outside Daisy's hotel. She stepped out, smoothing the front of her gold shirt and adjusting the black blazer over her shoulders. Her polished black pants and sleek boots completed the look, striking a perfect balance between effortless and stylish.

Daisy was already waiting in the lobby. As Taylor walked in, her breath caught at the sight of her. Daisy wore a simple but elegant gold dress that shimmered under the lights, paired with a black fur wrap draped over her shoulders and black heels that added a touch of sophistication.

"You look... stunning," Taylor said, her voice soft.

Daisy smiled, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "You clean up well yourself."

Taylor chuckled and offered her arm. "Shall we?"

They drove to Blake's house in comfortable silence, the occasional glance exchanged between them hinting at an unspoken anticipation. By the time they arrived, the party was in full swing. Blake's home was warm and inviting, filled with the buzz of laughter and conversation.

Taylor led Daisy inside, her hand briefly resting on the small of Daisy's back as they wove through the crowd. Blake spotted Taylor almost immediately, her face lighting up as she made her way over.

"Taylor!" Blake greeted, pulling her into a hug.

"Happy birthday," Taylor said, handing her a small gift bag she'd brought along.

Blake smiled and turned her attention to Daisy, her curious eyes flickering between them. "And who's this?"

Taylor hesitated, the question hanging in the air. Daisy glanced at her, searching for a sign of how Taylor would respond. She could feel the familiar sting of doubt creeping in, the fear that Taylor hadn't truly changed.

Before Daisy could speak, her lips parting to say, "We're just friends," Taylor stepped forward.

"She's my girlfriend," Taylor said firmly, her voice steady and clear.

Daisy's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching at Taylor's words.

Blake's eyebrows shot up, and a slow grin spread across her face. "Oh, really?" she said, her tone teasing but kind. "Well, it's about time you brought someone amazing around."

Daisy blinked, still processing what had just happened, as Blake reached out to shake her hand. "I'm Blake. It's great to meet you."

"Daisy," she replied, her voice soft but steady.

Blake beamed at them both, but before she could say more, someone called her name from across the room. "Duty calls," she said with a wink. "You two have fun tonight."

As Blake walked away, Daisy turned to Taylor, her expression unreadable. "Taylor..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taylor held her gaze, her own steady and full of resolve. "I meant it," she said simply. "No hiding. Not anymore."

For a moment, Daisy didn't respond, her emotions swirling too quickly to name. But then a soft smile broke through, one that lit up her entire face. "Okay," she said, her voice quiet but filled with something close to hope.

-

The party was in full swing, the music pulsing softly in the background as people mingled and laughed. Taylor and Daisy had stayed close for most of the evening, Taylor introducing Daisy to some of her friends while keeping a protective hand resting lightly on her back.

As the hours passed, the drinks started to flow more freely. Taylor, relaxed and clearly in high spirits, had indulged in a few too many glasses of wine. Her cheeks were flushed, her laugh a little louder, and her usually sharp movements softened into an uncharacteristic looseness.