MY LOVER.....MY FRIEND.....A JAYLOR FANFIC

Part 5

Taylor and Joe walked towards Scott and Chris holding hands looking lovingly at each other "Hi Dad, remember Joe? She told Scott cheerfully. Hi Chris" then moved closer to Joe.

"Hi Scott, it's nice to see you again" nodding at him slightly. "Hi I'm Joe" then extended his hand towards Chris. Both men eyed each other  warily.

Chris was about to give Taylor a hug but she moved close to Joe and wrapped her arms around him. Scott had a confused look when he saw Taylor and Joe hug each other tightly.

Scott walked away and left the trio sizing each other up. "So Taylor babe, how's life? You look more beautiful than ever. Did you miss me?" Chris said with a smirk on his face.

"I guess when you're in love, happiness radiates and improves your aura, right love?" then looked lovingly at Joe giving him a sweet kiss on the lips. Joe was caught by surprise but reciprocated the kiss and kept the hug tighter. 

"I didn't expect you here. Are you here for business or a new deal with my Dad?"

" Actually your Dad invited me and I want to see you. I miss you so much you know. We had a past and I want to rekindle that."

"Sorry pal Taylor is taken. My love would you come to the garden with me? The view is beautiful out there" then lead Taylor towards the garden leaving Chris alone with anger and hatred  on his face.

The couple walked slowly towards the garden in order to talk.  "I have to explain myself Joe, let's sit down this is a long story. Chris is the son of Dad's business partner after your Dad left for the UK. He took over the partnership  and he is a shrewd business man. I knew Chris at a young age and he is the opposite of you. He is extremely competitive and always wants to win. Our games turned into competition because of his desire to be always on top. It wasn't fun anymore unlike when you and me used to play. He bragged when he wins and whines when he lost". 

"We went to college taking  business degree at the same university. The competition became more intense to the extent that I have to move into another school for my mental health. My Mom understood but my Dad really believed in Chris that he even forced me to go out with him. I rescheduled our outing several times and Dad demanded that I have to go out with him. My Mom tried to talk to him and just let me make my own decision to no avail. Finally, I went out with Chris for dinner and he was attentive and nice, however when he brought me back to my apartment he insisted to come in. I was so scared of him and I didn't trust him at all. He pushed me against the door and tried to kiss me and forced himself on me. I started yelling while pushing and scratching him with all my might. Luckily a neighbor heard my screams and he helped me get away from Chris. It was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. Another devastating thing is my Dad questioned my word and defended Chris. My Mom was livid with anger and they had a big fight causing a rift between them." Taylor started crying and Joe pulled her into his arms putting her head on his chest while rubbing her back gently.

"I promise you Tay, I will always be here to protect you and keep you safe. Don't ever forget that. I will offer my life for you just to keep you safe remember that my love," then kissed her head. They continued to hug until Taylor stopped crying. Joe gently wiped her tears gently with his thumb. Her sobs slowed down and they stayed away from her family and guests needing privacy and prying eyes.

Joe took Taylor into her room and tucked her in bed. She fell asleep with Joe sitting beside her holding her hand all the time. He gazed at her lovingly with tears on his eyes. I never knew she was subjected to this kind of abuse by a so called friend , even her father doubted her. I would never wish this on my worst enemy. I will always be there for you Tay.

Taylor woke up at 5 in the afternoon. She was reluctant to come out of her room in fear of meeting Chris. Joe assured her that he will be at her side at all times. She washed up and changed her clothes and proceed to the kitchen for some food. She found her Mom who immediately hugged her and kept her calm. 

"Don't worry Tay I told Chris to leave. I was not aware that your Dad invited him here. If I had known I would have disinvited him. Are you okay?. Thank you Joe for supporting Taylor."

"I will do anything for Taylor Ms. Andrea. You can depend on my word. She is the best friend I ever had." then looked at Taylor and Joe looked at each other lovingly. The exchange of loving smile did not escape Andrea who smiled and walked away.

The couple helped themselves to some fried chicken and salad and ate quietly in the patio. No one came close or interrupted them giving them a chance to eat in peace. Sometimes they would smile shyly to one another.

"Thank you for playing along as my boyfriend. I don't know what would have happened if you were not there. This will be another secret of ours. I won't tell your future girlfriend about this, no one has to know."

"There you go again about my girlfriend. Are you a matchmaker now? Don't worry about me. I'm happy being your friend and protector" then gave her a sweet smile.

That night the friends decided to visit local bars and have fun. Taylor and Joe thought it was a good idea and went with the group. There was an open karaoke session on the bar that they were in and all the girls participated while some of the men were just enjoying and having fun. It was Taylor's turn on the mic and she found an old song in the guide book named "You've Got a Friend " by Carole King.

"I dedicate this song to my best friend in the world Joe Alwyn" then she started singing  while making eye contact with Joe all the time. It was as if there was no one else but them in the room. Taylor has a good singing voice and sang her heart out with feelings and facial expressions to match the mood of the song. There was a hush after she finished singing and then a loud applause and whistles followed in appreciation of her performance.

Joe gave her a hug and kiss on her head when she got back to their table. Their friends saw what they did and exchanged knowing smiles on their faces.

They went back home laughing and joking all the way to the beach house after having much fun and some drinks in the bar.

They all retired to their rooms and Joe walked Taylor to hers. '"Thank you so much. I had a lot of fun. Maybe in the future I would be able to do you a big favor in return for all you've done for me"

"It makes me happy to see you happy and smiling again my best friend. Good night see you tomorrow".

"Good night  my darling. See you tomorrow.