FEARLESS

14

Before long, the moment arrived for Taylor to prepare for the show, and there I was again, back in her dressing room at the stadium, watching her get ready. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the anticipation of the night ahead. Taylor was a whirlwind of energy, her excitement palpable as she moved about the room, adjusting her outfit and checking her makeup in the mirror. The walls were adorned with posters from past tours, each one a testament to her incredible journey, and I felt a mix of pride and anxiety as I took it all in.

The door swung open, and in walked Tree, her presence immediately shifting the mood in the room.

"Hey, Tree," Taylor greeted her, a bright smile lighting up her face.

I still felt a lingering uncertainty about this woman; she had never seemed fond of me since our first encounter. There was something about her sharp gaze and the way she carried herself that made me feel like an outsider, even in a space that was supposed to feel welcoming.

"Taylor, have you had her sign the papers?" Tree asked, her arms crossed defensively, her tone clipped.

Why was she discussing me as if I were invisible? I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. It was as if I were a subject of a conversation I had no part in, a mere object to be dealt with rather than a person with my own thoughts and feelings.

"No, she's not going to—my soulmate doesn't need to sign an NDA," Taylor replied firmly, her voice steady and resolute. The conviction in her words sent a ripple of warmth through me, a reminder that she was fiercely protective of those she cared about.

Tree's expression faltered for a moment, surprise flickering across her features before she quickly masked it with a frown. "But you know how things can get, Taylor. It's not just about you; it's about protecting your brand, your image. You can't be too careful."

Taylor shook her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I understand that, but I won't let fear dictate my relationships. I trust her, and that's what matters."

The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of Tree's disapproval pressing down on me. I wanted to speak up, to defend myself, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I watched as Taylor stood her ground, her unwavering loyalty shining through.

"Listen, I can only do so much to keep you safe if there are no agreements in place. What if things go south and she decides to spread falsehoods about you?" Tree clenched her jaw tightly, her frustration evident in the way her fingers curled into fists at her sides. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of her concern pressing down on us both.

"With all due respect, that's not going to happen," I cut in, trying to inject some confidence into my voice. I wanted to reassure her, to make her see that I had faith in my relationship and the person I cared about. I know her. I trust her. She wouldn't do something like that."

"I'm not going to force my soulmate to sign a non-disclosure agreement and treat her like a piece of a business deal," Taylor snapped, her voice rising slightly as she stepped forward, her eyes blazing with indignation. "This isn't just about contracts and legalities; it's about love and trust. You can't put a price on that."

Tree shook her head, her expression softening just a fraction, but the worry still lingered in her eyes. "I get that, but love doesn't always protect you from the harsh realities of the world. People can change, and situations can turn ugly in an instant. I just want to make sure you're prepared for anything."

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to bridge the gap between their perspectives. "I appreciate your concern, really. But I believe in open communication. If there's ever an issue, we'll talk it out. I won't let misunderstandings fester. We're not in a business transaction; we're building a life together."

Taylor nodded, her expression softening as she glanced at me. "Exactly. We're not just partners in a deal; we're partners in life. I refuse to let fear dictate how we navigate our relationship. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

Tree sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she considered our words. "I just want to protect you both. I've seen too many relationships crumble under pressure, and I don't want that for you. Just promise me you'll be vigilant and keep the lines of communication open."

"Of course," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "We'll be careful, and we'll always talk things through. I promise."

Taylor reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

As the door swung shut behind Tree, Taylor whirled around and enveloped me in a warm hug. The sudden embrace was comforting, a stark contrast to the tension that had just filled the room. I could still feel the weight of Tree's presence lingering in the air, a mix of uncertainty and intrigue.

"What's her story?" I muttered, feeling exasperated. My mind raced with questions, each one more pressing than the last. Who was she really? What did she want?

"She's simply fulfilling her role," Taylor replied with a weary sigh, pulling back slightly to look me in the eye. There was a depth in Taylor's gaze that suggested a history I wasn't privy to, a shared understanding of the complexities that surrounded us. "You know how it is. Everyone has their part to play."

"But I have to admit, your confidence was pretty attractive," Taylor teased with a playful grin, the corners of their mouth lifting in a way that momentarily chased away the shadows of doubt. The lightness in their tone was infectious, and I couldn't help but chuckle, even as my mind remained tangled in thoughts of Tree.

"Confidence, huh?" I replied, raising an eyebrow. "Is that what you call it? I thought I was just trying to keep my head above water."

Taylor laughed softly, the sound like a balm to my frayed nerves. "Well, whatever you want to call it, it worked. You stood your ground, and that's not something everyone can do, especially not with someone like Tree."

I shrugged, still feeling the adrenaline from the encounter. "I just didn't want to back down. She has this way of making you feel small, you know? Like she's got all the power in the room."

"True," Taylor agreed, their expression turning serious for a moment. "But remember, power isn't just about being loud or intimidating. Sometimes it's about knowing when to listen, when to step back. You did that too, and that takes strength."

Taylor smirked, taking a confident step toward the door. "Time for my performance," she declared.

In that instant, an overwhelming urge surged within me to kiss her, to press my lips against hers and keep her from leaving. My heart raced at the thought of my fingers intertwining with hers—

I shook off those tantalizing thoughts and hurried after Taylor, stepping out of the dressing room behind her.