YOU BELONG TO ME

REGRETS

Taylor and Scott turned around at the same time and were  astonished when they saw Joe standing by the door. With his expression they knew that he heard what Taylor said. All she could do was look at Joe with a guilty look, her face all flushed from embarrassment and anger.

She rushed out of the room after muttering "I'm sorry " to Joe who just looked at her with no expression on his face.

Selena her executive assistant saw her and followed her to the ladies' room. " Taylor what's wrong?". 

" I fucked up Sel, big time."  She proceeded to tell her friend what happened in Scott's office and started to tear up while doing so." I am such a bad person, he was not supposed to hear that. It was just for me and dad's argument. He didn't deserve that. It was insulting. How can I rectify this?"

"Represent him in court, be professional and don't let your emotions get in the way".

" I  don't think he will hire me anymore. I can't even face him after what I did."

After Taylor left Scott tried to appease Joe and promised he will talk to Taylor and convince her to change her mind. But Joe was not in the mood for the talk and left immediately followed by his entourage. He was devastated with what he overheard and just want to disappear as fast as he can and hope he will not see Taylor again. There is only one person he could talk to and trust with all his life.

Elizabeth picked up after the third ring. " Hi son, how's everything? Are you OK?"

Joe told his mom everything that has transpired in Scott's office in a very sad and mumbling

 manner. "Son you could always find another lawyer. After what he said, he does not deserve to represent you."

"Mom the lawyer is a she; her name is Taylor Swift and she's one of the best in the country."

" Joe you need to calm down and think about this. Don't make a rush judgment. Trust your guts; use your mind. I know you will get thru this.  By the way your niece Lucy told me that she spoke with you and she says you have a new girlfriend. She seemed upset. She always think that she is your number one " Uncle Joe's favorite."

" Ahh that precocious little 8 year old niece of mine is quite possessive. Every time we talk I have to assure her that she is the prettiest and the best and wants to hear " I love you" during every  phone call. I had to pick up her call while we were discussing my case and Taylor glared at me." 

" Oh, you made a faux pas. Picking up that phone call was not proper and I bet you didn't excuse yourself. Joe that's not the proper decorum.  May I ask if you tried to make a pass on her? "

Joe remembered what he did; he stared at her , checked her out up and down, asked to dinner and made a promise that someday she will yell his name in ecstasy. Joe groaned and passed his hand thru his blonde hair making it messier but sexier.

"Mom, I couldn't blame her if she hates me. I was bad thinking that she will fall for my charms but it backfired on me".

"You seem so interested on her. You just met a few times and you seem to be falling for her. What's so special about her?

"She is beautiful, charming, feisty, intelligent and  much more but  I'm not falling for her." Joe and Elizabeth chatted some more about his career  and personal life ended their call.  Joe felt better after his Mom's pep talk.

A few weeks later Taylor still could not forget what happened in Scott's office. She tried to call Joe but didn't have to guts to press call. She had written him an e mail but could not send it thru. She felt so embarrassed and angry with herself. She kept herself busy with her workload and volunteering in the soup kitchen on weekends. Andrea noticed the change in Taylor and had a talk with her. " Taylor what's going on with you. You don't act like yourself anymore, you seldom smile, you're quiet, no more easy laughter you seem sad". "it's nothing Mom I'll take care of this matter. "

"Good day Father Bertrand, I'm here". The priest beamed at Taylor. " Ahh my most loyal and trusted volunteer. Welcome. I have a new volunteer and you are the best person to orient and guide him on the tasks that need to be done". After exchanging pleasantries, they proceeded to the dining hall where a group of people  were lining up in front of the serving station. Taylor put on an apron and donned gloves. Father Bertrand walked  towards the soup section where a tall blonde man was standing looking around helplessly. The priest tapped him gently on the shoulder while saying" Joe I want you to meet Taylor, your mentor for today". As soon as they saw each other they both said " oh shit". which caused the priest to frown while saying " oh no lover's quarrel". Taylor immediately responded "No we're not lovers; we're not even friends.  If I need to guide him I'll do it". She glared at Joe and proceed to tell him his chores and demonstrated how to serve soup.  Joe was clumsy at first but after a couple of mishaps he was able to function adequately. Both of them are glaring at each other which made Father Bertrand uncomfortable. He called both of them to his office and gave them a lecture in how to act in front of guests. "Taylor our guests like and respect you. You have always showed how caring and gentle you are specially to the seniors and little children. please don't change. Joe you are new here please be nice. Both of you be nice to each other too. Now go back in there and help."

Taylor and Joe were able to complete their tasks without any incident. They were smiling and joking with some of the guests and volunteers but they keep glancing at each other with dagger looks in their eyes.

After the service they socialized with the other volunteers. Almost everybody recognized Joe and had fun talking to him; taking selfies; getting his signature and asking him questions related to his movies, new projects. They were persistent on asking him if he has a girlfriend, her name, when he's going to get married more personal stuff. Joe just laughed out loud when those questions came up. He was smiling all the time which really charmed them all. Joe glanced at Taylor once in a while and saw her laughing out loud with her head up enjoying herself. He kept doing it that some volunteers started whispering to each other.

Taylor was standing on the sideline laughing out loud to a funny joke. She was smiling all the time and was also the center of attention in her own group. She would occasionally look at Joe until their eyes meet and they both nodded at each other.

The volunteers started to leave after all the guests were served and all the trays were cleaned and stowed away. Joe and Taylor were among the last to leave. Father Bertrand  was so impressed with Joe for his first volunteer work and thanked Taylor for being his mentor. " So I hope to see you again next week Joe. Taylor is a regular here."

" I'll try father B. Thanks for your approval." Then he hurried up to catch Taylor before she leaves. " Taylor can I talk to you?'