When Worlds Collide

Harmony

Travis:

The studio doors opened to reveal Jack, a figure I recognized instantly from Taylor's stories and photos. He had that unmistakable vibe of someone born to live in a studio. casual but intentional. His round glasses perched on his nose, and his slightly disheveled hair made him look like he'd just rolled out of bed after dreaming up an entire album. He wore a vintage band tee, faded jeans, and sneakers that had seen better days but there was an energy about him, an intensity in his movements that told me he was already in the zone.

"Taylor!" Jack called out, his grin wide as he stepped forward, arms outstretched. "You're back in my lair."

Taylor smiled brightly and walked into his hug. "And you're still calling it that?"

He pulled back and gave her a look. "Wouldn't be me if I didn't."

Then his gaze shifted to me, and his grin didn't falter as he stuck out a hand. "And you must be Travis. Heard you're not too shabby at catching a football."

I laughed, shaking his hand firmly. "That's the rumor. And you're the guy who's not too shabby at making the best music on the planet."

Jack's grin turned playful. "I like this guy already." He tilted his head toward Taylor. "You've been holding out on me. Why haven't I met him sooner?"

Taylor rolled her eyes fondly. "Because the two of you together might be too much for me to handle."

Jack laughed and turned back toward the students, his expression softening. "Alright, who do we have here? I hear you guys have a song to show me."

-------------------------------------------

The studio felt alive, like every piece of equipment had a story to tell. The air carried a faint mix of coffee and the metallic tang of electronics. Jack led us to the main recording space, explaining everything with a rapid-fire enthusiasm that reminded me of a coach revving up his team.

"Alright, here's the deal," he said, clapping his hands. "This is where the magic happens. Taylor says you've been working hard, and I trust her judgment..mostly." He shot her a teasing look. "But now it's time to make it real. Let's hear it."

Taylor stepped up first, taking her place in front of the microphone. Her movements were deliberate but relaxed, like she was coming home to this space. I watched as she adjusted her headphones and gave Jack a nod.

The music swelled in the room, and then her voice filled the space. I'd heard her sing before, but this was different. Here, in her element, she was magnetic. Her voice carried an emotional weight that tugged at something deep in my chest. The kids sat frozen, their expressions a mix of awe and inspiration.

Halfway through, though, Taylor paused, frowning slightly. "Hold on," she said, motioning toward the control room. "Can we run that back? I think I can hit the phrasing better."

Jack's voice crackled through the intercom, dripping with amusement. "Taylor, that was perfect."

She shook her head. "It can be better."

From beside him, I grinned. "You're not gonna win this one, Jack. She's like this with everything."

Jack leaned back in his chair, smirking. "I figured. Perfectionism is her love language."

Taylor shot us both a mock glare through the glass. "Are you two bonding over roasting me?"

"Absolutely," I said with a grin, leaning toward the intercom. "But for the record, you're perfect already. No tweaking required."