The New Boss (Parks and Recreations fanfic)

24) Evidence

Taylor was speechless. Her ex was stood in front of her with Ann's arm around her! Ann! Ann Perkins had her arm around Katie! What the hell was going on.

"Erm, is Katie coming with us?" Taylor asked nervously.

"Yeah, we got talking last night and I think it would be fun if she came with us." Ann grinned, not realising what she had done. Katie must have some form of hidden agenda, Taylor thought. "So are we gonna go or just stand here all day?" Katie laughed at Ann comment. The laughter seemed forced which worried Taylor.

April looked over to her girlfriend with one eyebrow raised as Ann and Katie began walking towards the car. She was just as unhappy about that girls sudden appearance.

"Don't let her get to you." April whispered reassuringly. "It's just a couple of hours, then we can go home."

"What did I do to deserve you?" They laughed as they began heading towards the car, climbing into the back seats.

-

They arrived at the shopping centre which was already busy with people. April slipped her hand into Taylor's as they began walking to the first clothes shop that Ann wanted to go in. Her arm was still wrapped around Katie.

"So, what's up with you two?" April asked, gesturing between the pair sifting through clothes on the rails. Ann turned to Katie and laughed before replying.

"Well, last night, we started talking at the bar. We talked for hours until they had to close up for the night." She bit her lip and looked down at the floor. "Then we went back to my place." She giggled.

April just rolled her eyes at the girl. She knew now, from personal experience, that Katie was not a nice person and as much as she dislikes Ann, even she didn't deserve that. Katie was devious. Always up to something. She didn't trust her for a second and the thought of Taylor having to spend the day around her was sickening, even if she claimed to be here for Ann.

Taylor tapped April on the arm to gain her attention. She too wasn't best impressed with Ann's decision to bring Katie along.

"Babe, can we talk for a second. In private."

"Yeah, sure. I'll just tell the others we're going to the toilet." The pair started walking off to get some privacy from the new 'couple'.

"We need to get Katie away from Ann." April said as they walked towards a secluded seating area.

"What? You, April Roberta Ludgate, want to help Ann, whatever her middle name is, Perkins?" Taylor laughed.

"Yes I hate Ann but Katie is somehow even worse." April muttered. This cause Taylor to erupt into laughter. "If you don't stop laughing, I won't help get rid of Katie."

"Ok, I'm sorry." Taylor walked over to her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around her neck. "I love you." She whispered, pressing a warm kiss under April's ear.

"I love you too." April grinned, her arms snaking around Taylor's waist. "I can't believe I'm saying this but, let's go save Ann."

-

They returned to the shop that Katie and Ann were still searching. Katie seemed to be more interested in her phone than what Ann had to say, confirming the other girl's suspicions. They had formed a plan on the way back. Neither of them were exactly happy with what it involved but they knew it was the best way to separate the two.

"Hey, Katie. Can I talk to you for a second?" Taylor asked shyly, rubbing the back of her neck as she spoke to the woman. April stood next to Ann, watching from a safe distance. Taylor's acting skills were amazing.

"Yeah, of course. You know how much I enjoy spending time with you." Taylor took in a deep breath and gestured for Katie to walk in the opposite direction of Ann and April. She met April's eyes and winked at her subtly.

The two walked out of the shop and Taylor led them to a small coffee shop. Katie narrowed her eyes as Taylor turned around to smile at her.

"Do you want something to drink? I'll pay." Taylor asked politely.

"Er... yes please. I'll have a..."

"Honeycomb spiced latte?" Taylor cut in.

"Yeah. You remembered my drink?" She laughed.

"Of course i did." Taylor giggled back, placing a gentle hand on Katie's arm, squeezing it.

Taylor ordered a honeycomb spiced latte and a hot chocolate for herself. They went and sat down at a table by the window, overlooking the busy streets.

"It's so nice here. I always find it relaxes me when I'm here with the right person." Taylor said in a nonchalant way, still staring straight out of the window. "Like now." She smiled turning to meet Katie's eyes.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" She laughed. "I mean, I'm not complaining."

"You were right." Was the only response she got.

"What do you mean, I was right?"

"About us." Taylor had turned back to the bustling streets below. "I miss you." Katie's mouth curved into a grin. "I want you back." Katie exhaled loudly.

"You know, those are the best words I've heard in a while." Katie sniggered. "I knew you couldn't resist this." She gestured to herself.

"I can split up with April." Taylor's eyes turned to Katie's. "I want to be with you baby."

"When?"

"As soon as I can." Taylor said quickly. "But..." She paused, not finishing her sentence.

"But, What?" Katie nudged.

"But what does it matter if there is a bit of overlap of our... physical relationship." Katie raised her eyebrows a bit confused at what Taylor was getting at. "Kiss me."

Without hesitation, Katie lent across the table and pushed her lips into Taylor's. Her lips attacked Taylor's. It wasn't soft and caring like April's kisses. Taylor pulled away, satisfied that that would be enough of a show to prove to Ann what Katie was really like.

Speaking of Ann. She and April were sat at a table further down and out of view of the others. April had managed to convince Ann to at least come with her. Ann seemed pretty insistent that Katie was a good person so April's offer of 'let's see who is right' was instantly taken up.

But now, Ann sat across from April, glaring as the girl she was staring to like kissed another person. Her cheeks turned red and her jaw clenched. The anger bubbling up inside her. April reached across the table to grab Ann's balled up fist.

"I'm sorry." April said genuinely. "I know you were really starting to like her." Ann sighed.

"Thank you." She squeezed April's hand. "Both you and Taylor. And I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you earlier. And that you had to go through that to prove it to me." She said pointing to Katie and Taylor sat opposite each other.

"Yeah, it wasn't exactly our favourite plan."

"You're a good friend." April looked down at the table at Ann's words. "Thank you."