New York Surprises (Tayvin - AU)

Part 12

TAYLOR POV

As soon as I had dropped the twins at school and was on my way to work I started to fret about this evening.

Adam and I had been texting each other a little over the course of the last day and a half, with me giving him our address and him freaking out over what pizzas to make (I had completely forgotten he was a chef and therefore would be making, not buying, the pizzas). It was quite funny and endearing to see how hard he wanted the kids to like him, mainly by making their favourite kinds of pizzas.

This morning had been interesting. I had decided that I should tell Lia and Jay that Adam was coming over for dinner, just give them a warning.... But it got confusing.

*earlier*

"So kids, one of mommy's friends is going to come over to have dinner and watch movies with us tonight.... Is that ok?" I asked as they ate their cereal.

"I guess so..." Jay said quietly, not really looking up.

"Who is it mommy? Is it aunt Abi or auntie Karlie or uncle Austin or..." Lia started to list everyone it could be.

"Do you remember the nice man at the restaurant last weekend?" I asked them.

"Mr Calvin?" Jay said, perking up a lot.

"Yeah.... except his name is really Adam." I told them.

That had been one of the topics of discussion by text late last night; whether I should introduce him as Calvin or Adam to the kids. Adam told me that everyone he was close to called him Adam, even though he changed his name for professional purposes so his family wouldn't track him down easily.

"Why does he have two names? That's a bit greedy! Is he a superhero?" Lia asked

"Um... he just uses a different name at work. It's like how your teacher calls you Aliana and James not Lia and Jay." I tried to explain.

"Why is he coming tonight?" Lia asked.

"Because I invited him to come tonight.... He's even making you guys your own pizzas!" I tried to get them excited.

Jay smiled at me while Lia still looked sceptical.

"Do you think he knows how to build forts?" Jay asked.

"I know he can build forts - the best forts!" I replied, ruffling his hair slightly as I cleared the table, "Now you two need to get your teeth brushed and shoes on for school!"

*end flashback*

"Taylor, major disaster! The venue for the marketing launch lunch has fallen through!" Paul, one of the station managers told me when I got into the office.

Well that was going to keep me busy and distracted for the day....

ADAM POV

There was flour everywhere.... And tomato sauce.... All over the kitchen.... But I almost had the pizzas ready to go to Taylor's. Nobody said that chefs are tidy....

I had made one small one with corn, bacon and cheese for Jay, one small one with olives, chicken and cheese for Lia, a large pizza with cheese, peppers, arugula, chicken, and caramelised onions for Taylor and I, and finally a s'mores pizza for dessert.

I had partially cooked them, with Taylor's assurance that they can be finished off at her apartment before we eat later.

I was now standing in front of my closet debating what to wear. I wanted to look nice, mainly for Taylor, but also knew we would be watching movies and eating pizza with small kids...meaning I could get messy. I opted for dark wash jeans, a grey t-shirt, and black hi-top sneakers.

Taylor was expecting me at 6, so I left my apartment at 5.30 even though it was only a 20-minute walk to her apartment from mine. It surprises me that we haven't bumped into each other before!

TAYLOR POV

"Come one guys, let's get you changed out of those messy clothes before dinner!" I told the kids as we got home around 4.30.

They had been dong art at school and both managed to get glue and glitter on their clothes, which was apparently hilarious to them but not so much to me, especially as I subconsciously wanted them to look good for Adam.... I didn't want him to think I didn't look after them or make sure they looked presentable. I know it's probably an irrational fear but.... Yeah.

"Can we put our onesies on?" Lia called from their room.

"Clothes for dinner, maybe you can change before we watch the movie." I called back, starting to make my way to their room to help pick clothes.

On the way back from school they had been discussing what movie to watch tonight. The choices were down to 'Hotel for Dogs', 'Brave', and 'Ratatouille'. Jay insisted that Adam chose, having obviously already taken a liking to him, which made Lia huff a little; she was obviously going to be harder to convince.

"Can I wear my Avengers t-shirt?" Jay asked me, pulling out his grey t-shirt with the avengers on it.

"Sure, hun, how about you choose which pants you want to wear too." I told him, going over to Lia who had taken a bunch of things out of her drawers.

"How about your blue dress and leggings, Lia?" I asked her, crouching down and starting to fold her clothes again.

"Hmmmm.... can I wear my blue dungarees and my red shirt?" She asked, making smile and nod as I got the clothes she requested out of the cupboard. I was wearing jeans and a red sweater and she always wanted to dress like me.

I looked back over to see Jay sitting on the floor in dark jeans and his favourite t-shirt on, playing with some Lego.

"Alright there Jamie-Jay?" I asked him, getting a nod and smile in response.

I made sure they were both dressed and left them to play for a little bit while I finished up some work. The situation at work had yet to be resolved with the stations new marketing strategies being launched next week and still nowhere to host a lunch for 50 people.

I barely noticed the time passing until I heard the buzzer go, signalling someone was downstairs. I pressed the button and took a look at the clock. It was 5.55PM.

"Hello?" I asked through he intercom.

"Hey, it's me... Adam." He said back.

"Oh...um.... Come on up. It's the door on the right when you get to the fourth floor." I told him, buzzing him in and rushing to clear my work off the kitchen table.

I heard a firm knock on the front door and took a deep breath.