No Way Back (a Taylor Hawkins fan fiction)

Chapter 13 - This is a Big Deal

Two months had passed since Taylor and Genevieve's sweaty reunion in her double bed and Gen was finally dropping her doomsday predictions and, in fact, getting quite comfortable with dating her scruffy Foo Fighter. A constant joker, Taylor was an endless source of laughter and entertainment. The band had just come off a tour so he was around a lot, and he was finally ready to introduce her to his kids, a step that she was petrified about as she sat in the Grohl's kitchen clutching a glass of Sangria. It was a warm Thursday afternoon and the band were at Dave's studio working on a new track Dave had written. Kate had invited Gen over for afternoon cocktails as all three Grohl children were with their grandmother for an extended weekend.

"This is a big deal," Gen moaned. "What if they hate me? Even worse what if she hates me?"
Alison, Taylor's ex-wife, had asked to meet Genevieve before Taylor introduced her to the kids.

"Calm down," Kate sighed. "Alison is great - I've already told her you're wonderful."

"She asked you about me?"

"Of course she did! Wouldn't you?"

Gen let out a breath of defeat. "Yes. Obviously."
Kate laughed. The women were to meet that night as the Grohl's were having a small group over for drinks and food. All had agreed a low-key meeting in a group scenario would be less awkward for everyone involved and while Gen had once been relieved at this plan, as it loomed only hours away she was dreading it.

"She's the mother of his kids - and has been friends with everyone FOREVER, I don't even know where to begin."

"You should have seen the welcome I got when I first met Jordan," Kate laughed, remembering the passive aggressive homecoming gift she had received from Dave's ex when she'd moved to L.A. "You'll have it easy, I promise."

Not long after, as the girls enjoyed the beginnings of sunset on the back patio, they heard a car pull into the driveway, and then another.

"That'll be the boys," smiled Kate.
Despite her nerves, Gen couldn't help but grin as Taylor sauntered out to the patio, other Foo members trailing behind him.

"Hey babe," he said as he approached her chair, kissing the top of her head before perching on the armrest, almost toppling the chair and both of them over.

"Taylor!" Gen squealed, laughing as she steadied herself, "grow up!"

"Never gonna happen."
He gave her one of the wide toothy smiles she could never seem to resist. She gazed up at him adoringly, for the moment forgetting the uncomfortable encounter that was quickly approaching. She marveled at her handsome rock star boyfriend, remembering the night he'd made that title official.

***

They had been at a listening party at Studio 606. Though casual, it was the first star-studded event Gen had been to with Taylor and she couldn't shake the butterflies in her stomach. She'd gone above and beyond for the night, wearing a pale floral maxi-dress that perfectly skimmed her curves, her hair down in loose waves, mint flats and a wrist heavy with gold and turquoise bangles. Taylor had approved quite enthusiastically when he'd picked her up, in fact, she'd hardly been able to keep him from tearing the dress off in the doorway.

The party was buzzing with celebrity guests, label reps and media as she crossed the room to Taylor, having grabbed a fresh glass of champagne from the open bar. He slid his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek as she returned to his side.

"Having fun yet?" he whispered.

"Meh," she sighed dramatically. "Pretty run of the mill."
Taylor chuckled.

"What's so funny?" came a voice from behind them with a midwestern drawl.

"Hey Buddy!" Taylor cried, wrapping his arms around Butch Vig. "How's it going, man? How's it feel to be a road dog again?"