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

Part 9

Joe didn't waste any time in looking for Taylor. He started asking around in the community showing anybody Taylor's picture. He got different kinds of reaction from people some felt sorry for him, some are apathetic, others looked with sympathy and kindness. The locals recognized Taylor's picture and started talking about the handsome stranger looking for her but nobody dared to tell him where to find her. They have learned to like her and they feel they have to protect her at all cost.

He spent days walking, driving around, checking cottages near the vicinity of the old place Taylor's family used to stay but he did not get the response that he was hoping for.

He stopped by a cafe to get something to eat and take a breather. He ordered a lobster roll and iced tea and while waiting for his food he just stared at Taylor's pictures on his phone, all of them were taken during happy times. Annette, the owner recognized him as a new face in town. He has movie star good looks but appear sad and unhappy at the same time. He reminds her of Taylor the "beautiful mystery lady" who was sad and unhappy when she first came into her cafe. Two beautiful people who seem lost looking for happiness or a love that got away.

Annette observed him picking on his food staring at pictures on his phone, sometimes sighing and rubbing his neck. She approached him " don't you like the food? I could get you something else if you want."

"I'm sorry, the food is delicious but I don't have any appetite to eat. Maybe you can help me. Have you seen this girl?" showing Taylor's picture.

The cafe owner was surprised to see Taylor's face on his phone but she tried to hide her reaction by saying "she's beautiful, who is she?"

"Her name is Taylor. She owns my heart but I lost her. I'm trying to find her. Can you help me please". his eyes spoke volumes expressing a semblance of hope but mostly sadness, fear, loneliness and a sense of loss or defeat. The owner felt sorry for him but decided not to tell him about Taylor's whereabouts not knowing if he's really honest or a stalker out to get Taylor.

"I'll ask around. How can I get in touch with you"

"My name is Joe. I will come here everyday. I know she's here and I will find her" sounding optimistic and hopeful.

Taylor spent the past few days taking  walks along the beach, watching the sunset,  biking  along the scenic spots of the place and doing a lot of soul searching in order to restore some semblance of sanity in her life. She has gradually accepted that she will always be Joe's best friend and should be happy for him and his new love. She has decided to stay a few more days and have fun for the rest of her vacation. 

Taylor got dressed in cycling attire of shorts with  cute kitten prints and a plain black tank top emphasizing her fit figure with matching black aerodynamic helmet for safety. She followed a long bike trail, stopped to enjoy the view , soaked up the sun and just had fun that she has missed in the past days.

Joe was also planning to take a break and enjoy the place. He decided to go biking and discover the beauty of Nantucket. He took a biking route near the countryside and stopped to look around and enjoyed nature's beautiful creation.

Taylor went back to town and visited her favorite Cafe. She greeted Annette enthusiastically and flopped into her favorite booth. When she ordered her food she noticed Annette's demeanor, she avoided making eye contact, looked around nervously like she is hiding something. She usually talks to her while waiting for her order but this time she stayed way and kept glancing at the door. Taylor also noticed that other customers are looking at her and whispering amongst themselves.

Taylor was perplexed about what's going on but ignored it and took out her journal to write in some entry. Her food came quicker than normal which she appreciated and started eating. Annette came to her still looking nervous.

"Taylor I have to tell you something. A man named Joe came here asking if I have seen you. He showed me a picture that looks exactly like you and even mentioned your name. I did not tell him that I know you thinking that he might be a stalker out to get you. He begged me to let him know if I find you saying that he will come here for updates.. 

Taylor turned pale felt her heartbeat rising when she heard Annette's news. So Joe is here looking for me. Why isn't he pursuing his love? That should have been the proper thing to do. Why is he here I'm just his friend? Now I'm confused. I think he just wants to make sure I'm okay that's why he wants to find me. He is really a good caring friend. How could I stay upset when he treats me so well, however I'm not ready to face him yet.

Taylor turned to Annette and  told her not to tell Joe that she knows me. She promised to keep my secret and will tell those who know to deny seeing her.

 She went back to the cottage in a hurry and on her way into the private road she was met by David and Joan the elderly couple who owns the place that Joe inquired about her showing them her picture. They denied seeing or knowing Taylor who felt grateful for what they did. They both looked at her with  sad and confused expressions on their faces.

Joe's POV

After the long bike trip I was ready for a heavy meal something that I missed since I started looking for Taylor. I have a nagging feeling that she is around and I will find her. He went into the cafe and so many pairs of eyes were on him the moment he entered the establishment. A waitress lead him to a table and handed him a menu. 

Joe was puzzled by the  attention focused on him. He looked around the place and people seem to be avoiding his eyes. They seem to be hiding something or someone.

His food came and he really enjoyed his meal, fresh seafoods and garden vegetables mixed with the proper seasoning and cooking method enhanced the flavor of the simple dish.  he approached Annette and asked if there is good news about Taylor. 

"I haven't seen Taylor at all. I asked around and no one saw her."  Joe noted how uncomfortable and evasive she has become. She could hardly look at Joe in the eye and kept glancing at the door.

She's hiding something and I will find out what it is.