Part of Me

Chapter 61

Shura- Touch (Four Tet Remix)

Selena Gomez- Camouflage

Selena Gomez- Perfect

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"Remind me why we're going to this thing again," Taylor asked Tree. They were already very late.

"Because, the LA Fashion awards is a good way for you to maintain your presence following this tour and begin your transition into a new era of style. It's not just the fashion industry. Celebrities like Rihanna and Miley go to this."

"Wait these are fashion awards?" Taylor asked immediately thinking of Karlie.

"Yes I told you that."

"Do you... do you know if Karlie will be going?" Taylor asked hesitantly.

Tree sighed, "I can check if you want."

Taylor waved it off, slightly embarrassed. "No no it's fine."

There was a paused in the car and then Tree said, "As far as I know she hasn't gone the past two years and I believe she's been living in Paris so I doubt that she would fly all the way out here for that."

Taylor nodded understanding the reasoning although slightly shocked about how much more Tree knew about Karlie than the singer did.

"She's um... she's living in Paris?"

Tree nodded.

"How long? How do you know that?"

Tree smiled softly, a little sad for Taylor who had become a good friend. "Her publicist and I still speak. Only occasionally and professionally of course, only when something is written about the two of you although that hasn't been in a few months so her living situation may have changed"

Taylor nodded again and focused her gaze on the traffic passing by. She wasn't sure if she wanted to see Karlie or not. Something about her not being there put Taylor at ease. Yet the singer felt a strange sense of hollowness, like a Karlie shaped space in her heart that would never be properly healed.

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They ended up making the event just in time and were the last people to walk the carpet. Taylor had scanned the crowed but couldn't see Karlie. It could have been that it was just packed or it was dark but either way the singer went the entirety of the event without a glimpse of the model. Maybe tree was right. Maybe Karlie wasn't here. When the final drinks were poured and speeches given Taylor was more than ready to go. Tree had instructed her to meet by the back were most celebrities were getting into their cars. Yet, when Taylor walked out, her publicist was no where to be seen. However, she did spot out one of her best friends.

"Lily!" Taylor said grinning arms outstretched.

The model instantly lit up, mirroring Taylor's excitement. "Tay!"

They gave a strong embrace. "I didn't know you were coming to this!" Lily said.

The singer laughed. "Me either until like two days ago. I would have texted you but Tree literally told me what this was on the ride over her. It's been a little crazy."

"She keeps you busy."

Taylor scoffed, "You have no idea."

"She's good at her job though," Lily noted.

"Yeah yeah," speaking of Tree have you seen her? She's left me kind of stranded here." Taylor said trying her best to pick out the red head in the crowd.