save me - taylor swift

The drive to the event didn't take long—just enough time for Taylor to take a quick shower and change into her green dress, the silky fabric hugging her body like it had been tailored just for her. Ruby had gotten ready just as swiftly, slipping into her tailored black suit, one that accented her broad shoulders and long frame in all the right ways. She didn't need much—just a bit of cologne, a comb through her raven-black hair, and a glance at Taylor to know she looked perfect.

Once they stepped outside, a barrage of flashing cameras greeted them, the familiar chaos of red carpet appearances erupting all around. Taylor walked confidently ahead, while Ruby stayed just a step behind her, placing a steady, protective hand on the small of her back. It was subtle, but grounding, and Taylor felt it—the silent reassurance that she wasn't alone tonight.

Inside the venue, the lighting dimmed to a warm glow, chatter echoing through the space as celebrities and guests took their seats. Ruby leaned down slightly, her lips brushing against Taylor's ear. "Is it alright if I hold you?"

Taylor smiled softly, turning her head just enough to catch her eyes. "Of course it is," she murmured, reaching for Ruby's arm and guiding it around her waist. It felt natural. It felt right. They walked forward together, a seamless unit. Cameras kept flashing. Some people stared with mild confusion, others grinned or clapped. The buzz around them only intensified, but neither of them seemed to notice. Or maybe they just didn't care.

When they reached their assigned table, Selena was already seated, and with a mischievous glint in her eye, she nudged Sabrina hard in the arm. "Told you," she whispered.

Sabrina groaned, fishing a crumpled five-dollar bill from her bag and sliding it across the table.

Taylor raised an eyebrow as she pulled out her chair and motioned for Ruby to take the one beside her. "What did you two bet on?" she asked, smoothing down her dress.

"Whether or not there was something going on between you two," Selena said proudly. "Sabrina said no, I said yes."

Ruby chuckled under her breath, clearly amused. Taylor turned to glare at her, but Ruby just shrugged.

"You bet five dollars?" Taylor asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Selena lifted a shoulder. "Didn't want Sabrina to lose too much."

Ruby scanned the room while the conversation buzzed around her, a habitual glance to assess the space. Her eyes landed on Jo, who stood at the bar with a wine glass in hand, raising it slightly in her direction. Ruby gave her a faint nod before turning to Taylor. "Do you want a drink, love?"

Taylor looked up from her purse and nodded. "That'd be nice."

Ruby turned to the others. "You both too?"

"Yes, please," Sabrina answered, already half-scrolling through her phone.

Ruby nodded and slipped away from the table, grateful for the brief distance. Being in Taylor's inner circle still felt surreal and a little overwhelming. Getting a moment alone—even if it was just with Jo—felt like coming up for air.

At the bar, Jo smirked over her glass. "Made quite the scene entering with your arm around her waist."

Ruby shrugged as she gathered the drinks onto a tray. "Didn't think about it much."

"I take it that means you finally got the girl," Jo said, her tone softer now. Not teasing. Just stating the truth.

Ruby smiled, that rare, quiet kind of smile. She nodded. "Yeah. I did."

"Well," Jo raised her glass again, "good for you."

Meanwhile, Taylor's eyes scanned the crowd, searching—and when she saw Ruby by the bar with Jo, her mood soured almost immediately. She let out a groan, her hand tightening around her water glass.