Blank Space

Interview

She looked almost identical to the girl that she was all those years ago. Perhaps her smile was a little smaller. Maybe her eyes were a little sadder. But she was still beautiful, and Sean was taken aback for a moment before he remembered his job.

He extended his hand to shake her's and she softly returned the favor. All of her features were thin, her face, her hips, her legs. Her blond hair was twisted back and her pale skin shone in the sun. She wore a black, lace dress that clung tightly to her body accenting her lithe frame. Her lips were the deep red of an apple. Or blood.

"Sean," Taylor said, ignoring the more formal 'Mr. Stoll.' "I'm so glad that you could make it." Her voice was sincere and she smiled graciously closed the door behind him. She lead him into a formal sitting room. The house was cold and silent. She gestured for him to sit on a sofa and she sat next to him, brushing his pant leg with her bare leg exposed through a slit in her dress.

"Ms. Quick-" Sean began.

"Call me, Taylor." Taylor smiled.

"Taylor-" Sean said. He liked the way it felt to say her name. He liked the familiarity. He pulled a voice recorder out of his pocket. "Do you mind if I record this?"

"Not at all."

"Would you like to start by telling us what you've been doing the last few years?" Sean asked. He leaned back in the sofa and crossed his legs, trying to create a comfortable atmosphere. He didn't want her to become frightened and change her mind. But it didn't seem that that was likely to happen. She was cool and collected and she spoke casually.

"Sure." She said and then paused to think. "I've been doing a little bit of everything I guess." She laughed and Sean smiled. "I bought and restored this old mansion. I've started gardening and riding horses again." She paused resting her head on her hand. "I paint a little."

"It sounds like you've been very busy."

"Yes, I think that it's best to keep busy. Otherwise it can get awfully lonely." With that, the mood changed in the room.

"True. Now tell me, what made you decide you were ready to be interviewed?" Sean said, he leaned forward.

"Lots of little things I guess." She said and it was obvious that she was losing focus. She turned her head to the side and a tendril of blond hair fell down over her face. Without thinking Sean smoothed it back into place.

"Taylor-"

"Sean-" they spoke at the same time. Taylor smiled demurely.