“Okay...what’s goin on?” Taylor grinned at the sight of her friend
“I’m falling in love...” Brooklynn sighed dreamily as she dropped onto the bed
“Falling in love? A week ago you were vowing to stay away from all things that have a penis cause you were still nuts about Scott...”
“I know, I know...but Taylor this was completely out of nowhere. I never would have expected it in a million years...and I’m just so happy...”
“Well who he is?” Taylor sat beside her friend.
“Hayden,” Brook grinned.
“Hayden? Like, Hayden Callahan?”
Brooklynn nodded eagerly.
“When did this happen?” Taylor broke into a wide grin.
“After dinner the other night...we spend the whole night and the next day in bed. It was just sooo....perfect.”
“So you two are a couple? Officially?”
“Yeah. He is so amazing...and I’ve wanted him for so long...I can’t believe it.”
“I’m happy for you Brook...that’s awesome.”
“It’s so awesome,” Brooklynn gushed.
“I have to admit, I’m really surprised. I never would have thought you and him would be together right now after everything.”
“I know...but it just feels so right. I mean, it was complete serendipity–a fortunate mistake. Like, if I hadn’t gone off the deep end, he wouldn’t be home right now...it’s fate.”
“Be careful, Brook...you start with all of this serendipitous fate talk and you’re gonna fall head over heels way too fast and that’s how people get hurt.”
“You are such a pessimist.”
“No, I’m a realist. Of course I’m ecstatic for you both, and I really hope things work out and last for a long time if not forever, but shit happens, Brook, and I don’t know how you’ll be able to handle it if things go downhill. I’m just trying to be a friend and look out for you.”
“Well, I appreciate it...but you don’t have to worry. Hayden and I are a match made in Heaven.”
Taylor only smiled.
“Can I take a shower real quick?” Brook asked suddenly.
“Yeah, go for it.”
“Great. I won’t be long,” the brunette smiled and left her friends room.
Taylor let out a sigh then went into the kitchen for a drink.
“Where’s Brook?” Scott asked as he walked inside. “I saw her car parked out front.”
“Shower...what did your dad wanna talk to you about?” she answered, popping the tab on her pop can.
“Keith. I guess he stopped by my dad’s house after he left here and flipped out, saying my father had brainwashed me and everything, so my dad decided to sit down and tell me everything that happened.”
“And?”
“And...I feel like, to an extent, my father had every reason to sever ties with my brother. Apparently Keith was more trouble than imaginable. But at the same time, how can you just throw your son away? He thinks I should talk to Keith and see what happens...and I guess he’s right, ya know...this thing is between those two, I just kinda got thrown in the middle.”
“I agree...I’m not saying he has to be your favorite person, but he is your brother.”
“This coming from the woman who won’t even admit she has a sister.”
“Completely different. She was screwing my husband, your brother got kicked out of the family.”
“We’ll see what happens. What’s Brook’s happy news?”
“She’s dating Hayden,” Taylor answered simply.
“Hayden? Like, Hayden Callahan?” Scott questioned in surprise
“The very same.”
“Wow...to be honest, I thought you and Hayden would end up together...the whole best friends, fighting the feeling, and finally giving in thing.”
“You watch too much Dawson’s Creek...and clearly that’s not what happened. He’s with Brooklynn.”
“You’re jealous!” he grinned.
“That’s crazy,” Taylor shook her head.
“I don’t think so...you’re a gossip queen, and normally, I wouldn’t have gotten a foot in the door without you telling me...but this time, I had to ask you.”
“So it wasn’t my top news, big deal. I’m happy for them...I just hope they don’t rush into anything. Brook’s already ‘falling in love’.”
“Hayden’s been head over heels for you for years, and you don’t like it that his affections have now been given to someone else.”
“That, my friend, is the most ridiculous statement to ever pass your lips.”
“C’mon, Taylor...tell me the truth.”
“Alright, fine, maybe I’m a little shocked by the whole thing...but I’m not jealous, Scott. I’m not.”
“Okay...do you want your birthday present now or at dinner?”
“Dinner...but you know you didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Shut up...you love your birthday and you love getting presents so stop with the ‘you didn’t have to’ act.”
“You’re right,” she laughed.
By six thirty, Scott, Brook and Taylor were dressed and ready to go.
Brooklynn was wearing a pair of black and gray pinstriped pants with a white collared button down shirt, her hair left in loose ringlets.
Taylor had decided on a strapless knee length black dress with her hair in a loose bun at the back of her head.
Scott, never one for dressing up, chose a pair of baggy khakis and a black sweater, claiming that they were the only nice clothes that he could comfortable fit his leg and arm casts in.
“Hello, hello,” Landon walked into the kitchen, a prettily wrapped package under his arm.
“Hey...look at you...” Brooklynn smiled in surprise.
Landon was dressed like he stepped out of a GQ photo shoot. Black suit, black shirt, with a silver tie. The outfit was complete with suspenders. His long hair in a ponytail, his goatee neat and trimmed.
“Yeah, I clean up halfway decent, huh,” he laughed.
“To say the least,” Taylor answered, looking at him in awe.
“Happy Birthday, love,” Landon gave the blonde a smile and handed her the gift.
“Happy Birthday yourself,” she smiled back.
“I’ll go finish getting Draco ready,” Brook offered.
“I’ll come and help,” Scott agreed.
“Aw thanks guys,” Taylor replied as her friends left the kitchen and then turned back to Landon. “I thought you were meeting me at my parents house?”
“KC was on his way over so I left...open your present.”
“Okay...” she set the box down on the table and opened it
There was a teddy bear dressed up in a leather jacket and little blue jeans with a guitar in his arms.
“Oh he’s so cute!” Taylor grinned picking up the bear.
“There’s more in there,” Landon smiled.
Taylor set the stuffed animal down on the table and went for the rest of her gifts–a black baby te with LABYRINTH printed across the chest in hot pink, and on the back in the same color and lettering were the words Official Groupie. The last thing in the box made her crack up laughing.
“Where did you get this?” she asked picking up a silver framed, autographed picture of Hanson from the ‘long haired days’.
“That was a last minute addition to your prize box. Little secret–I too was a Hanson fan. I met them when they were shooting a video in London.”
“You’re awesome...thank you so much,” Taylor put the picture on the table and threw her arms around her friend.
“Alright kids...break it up. Time to go,” Brooklynn came into the kitchen, Draco on her hip, the diaper bag over her opposite shoulder. “I have to go pick up Hayden, but then we’ll be at your mom and dad’s.”
“Kay,” Taylor nodded, taking her son as Brook set the bag down on the table.
“Don’t you look so gorgeous! Happy Birthday!” Mrs. Kelso greeted her daughter.
“Thanks, mum...this is Landon Turner, by the way...and you know Scott already. Hayden and Brook will be here soon,” Taylor smiled.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kelso,” Landon extended a hand, shifting Draco on his hip.
“The pleasure’s all mine. Nice to finally put a face to the name,” Mrs. Kelso accepted with a smile.
“Where’s daddy?”
“Right here,” he came into the room and gathered his daughter in a tight hug. “Happy day, Princess.”
“Thanks daddy,” Taylor hugged him back and kissed his cheek.
“Okay...the party can start now!” Hayden made his entrance, Brooklynn right behind him. “For my girl,” he kissed Taylor on the cheek and handed her a dozen roses.
“Thank you,” she gave him a hug.
“Our transportation has arrived,” Mr. Kelso informed the kids jovially as he looked out the window.
They all turned to look and saw a black super stretch limo pull up in front of the house.
“Are you for real?” Taylor grinned at her parents.
“We figured we’d go all out. Your nineteenth year was rough, to say the least, so mom and I decided to see if we could start twenty off better.”
“I love you guys,” Taylor hugged both of her parents. “This is amazing.”
The group piled into the limo and went to Taylor’s favorite restaurant for dinner.
After the meal, everyone gave out their presents. Hayden and Brook got Taylor a couple new DVDs and a framed picture of them, her and Scott from highschool (taken during one of Sam’s absent times), and Landon a gift certificate to the music store. Scott bought Landon a card with money inside, and Taylor a gift certificate to her favorite clothing store.
“Thank you everyone...” Landon smiled as they got out of the limo back at the Kelso’s home.
“Yeah...this was great,” Taylor agreed.
“I hope you kids will forgive us, but we’re gonna call it a night,” Mrs. Kelso yawned.
Mr and Mrs. Kelso said goodnight to all of their daughters friends, then to Taylor herself, before retiring for the night.
“Alright kids...shall we call it a night? Draco’s down for the count,” Taylor sighed, holding her son’s sleeping form.
“Yeah,” Hayden and Brook nodded.
“I’m beat,” Scott agreed.
Everyone said their goodbyes, then Brook and Hayden left in their car, while Taylor, Scott, and Landon piled into Taylor’s jeep with Draco.
Once arriving at Taylor and Scott’s place, Scott promptly said good night and disappeared into his room.
“You wanna stay for a bit? It’s only ten thirty...” Taylor asked Landon with a smile.
“Yeah, sure,” he nodded.
“Kay...I’m gonna put him to bed. Be right back.”
She carried her son into his room and gently laid him in his crib. When she returned to the kitchen, she found Landon’s tie and jacket on the table, but no Landon.
“I”m on the porch...trying to enjoy the weather before it gets too cold,” he called from outside.
She grabbed his suit jacket and pulled it on over her bare shoulders. “You want something to drink?” she called.
“Beer if you got it.”
“Sure,” Taylor agreed, then grabbed two bottles from the fridge and went outside to join him.
He had loosened his ponytail, letting the shorter pieces fall around his face. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbow and his suspenders hung down by his thighs.
“Thank you for dressing up...I know you had to be uncomfortable,” she handed him his beer after he lit up one of his clove cigarettes.
“It was nothing...did you have a good birthday?” he smiled.
“I did...and you?”
“Perfect.”
Good.”
“To us,” Landon held his bottle up and clanked it with hers.
“I’m glad you’re talking to me again. I’m glad you’re here now,” Taylor confessed with a small smile.
“So am I,” he nodded.
“Can you tell me why you wanted to be alone? What was bothering you?” she leaned against the porch pillar.
“Just everything, I guess. I just needed to sort out what was going on. There were so many different things running through me, some of them taking me by surprise, coming out of nowhere...”
“Why are you still avoiding KC?”
“We broke up last night.”
“I thought you hadn’t spoken to him?”
“I didn’t...I left a message on his voicemail...” Landon explained sheepishly.
“You broke up with his answering machine?” Taylor asked with raised eyebrows.
“I didn’t want to...but he wouldn’t pick up his phone. I tried to call like, five or six times before I left the message.”
“Why’d you break it off?”
“Cause I didn’t want to be with him anymore. That was one of my out of nowhere realizations. He doesn’t make me happy like he used to.”
“What did you say? Did you tell him that?”
“Yeah, but I also said that I wanted to be friends, still...and I do. But when he stopped down at the studio today, he ignored me, and when I went to to him, he spazzed on me. I’m trying to do the right thing for not only me, but him–how fair is it for me to stay with him cause it’s safe when I don’t want to be with him?”
“I know...he’s just hurt right now. Give it time and I’m sure you’ll be able to get past this and be friends.”
“I hope so...”
“Just look at Scott and Brook...those two couldn’t be in the same room without thinking about how to commit the perfect murder, and now they’re fine. It just takes time,” Taylor assured him.
“So what was the best part of your birthday?”
“Being with everyone...and my ‘Official Groupie’ tee shirt, of course,” she joked. “How about you?”
“You. You always make me smile no matter what’s going on. Like, I was so upset about what went down with KC, then you show up and he’s the furthest thing from my mind. You make it all alright,” he explained seriously.
“You know you do the same for me.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah you do,” Taylor set her beer down on the patio table. “It’s hard to believe I got along without you at one point. Sometimes you’re the only one who can turn my day around.”
She sighed and turned to face away from the house, her arms folded and supporting her weight as she leaned on the railing.
“The other night...while we were laying in bed...you said that you could fall in love with me,” Landon began cautiously as he got off the rail and stood on his feet. “You know that that wouldn’t be a good idea, right?”
“I know we’ll never be anything more than friends...why do you bring it up?”
“I just...that was one of the things that’s been bothering me...I don’t want to hurt you Taylor.”
She smiled and hugged him tightly.
“Landon...go get Scott...” Taylor requested suddenly, her voice shaking as she pulled away from him.
“Why? What’s wrong?” he replied, his brow furrowed in concern.
“Please...just get him...”
“Okay,” he nodded confusedly then went into the house.
“Happy Birthday, sweetheart,” a male voice called happily as he came up the walkway.
“Sam, why are you here?” she asked desperately.
“Can’t a man come and see his beautiful wife on her birthday?”
“Not when the wife is divorcing the man for hitting her and cheating on her. You need to leave...” a lump was rising in her throat. To see him again...and he looked like he had in highschool...the spiked hair, the eyeliner, nails painted, in all black...
“I thought you’d be happy to see me,” he was now on the porch and had taken Landon’s place sitting on the railing, forcing her to take a few steps back, away from him.
“Well you thought wrong...how the hell are you not in jail?”
“My good for nothing mother turned out to be good for something. When my father refused to help me, I called her, and apparently she has a wealthy, politically affiliated fiancee who is so head over heels for her that he made a few calls, wrote a few checks, next thing I know, I’m home free...well, under the condition that I clean up my act, anyhow.”
“Like that will happen...”
“Oh but has...with a concerned mother who checked me into a very upper class private rehab center and has been keeping close tabs on me at all times, I think I’ll actually be able to beat it this time.”
“That’s good, Sam, but it still doesn’t explain why you’re on my front porch.”
“I missed you...” he answered seriously.
Her heart stopped momentarily before regaining her sense. “Oh no...no no no...never gaind. We are through. Over. Done.” she fired back firmly.
“Tay, listen, it’s really really different this time...I didn’t sign the divorce papers because I really truly honestly believe that we can make it this time.”
“Sam, you always think that and maybe you’ve kicked the drug habit, and I hope you did, but that doesn’t take away the fact that you cheat on me or the fact that you hit me...”
“That was a mistake and I am so sorry...you know I would never in my right mind...”
“But you did! I walked around for two weeks with this ugly purple hand print on my throat because of you! I’ve let you play your games with me for way too long and I am not going to do it again!” she lost her cool and began to yell as tears welled up in her eyes.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Scott marked his entrance as Landon went over to Taylor and put his arm loosely around her waist.
“Taylor, I love you...I’ve always loved you,” Sam ignored the other two men and continued to speak to her.
“Shut up! Just shut up!” she put her hands over her ears. She wouldn’t let him sway her with his sweet words and promises.
“Why can’t you just leave her alone?” Scott demanded stepping into Sam’s line of vision, forcing him to acknowledge his presence.
“Scott, she’s my wife...I love her...”
“Love her so much you cheated on her over and over again?” Landon objected boldly as Taylor let her tears fall and buried her face in his chest.
“And who the fuck are you?” Sam asked angrily.
“Sam, who he is isn’t important. You need to leave and never come near her again,” Scott answered.
“I don’t even know the little prick and he’s gonna judge me and hold my wife while he does it?!”
“Sam, just GO!” Taylor tore away from Landon and screamed as she went into the house, Landon right behind her.
“Is that her boyfriend?”
“No, Sam, he’s not her boyfriend, but even if he was, you have no right to care...”
“She and I are still married...and she has a boyfriend...my wife is fucking some British little kid!”
“He’s not a little kid!” she came storming out of the house again. “He’s more of a man than you could ever imagine being. And for the record, he is not my boyfriend, and we are not fucking, but if he was and if we were, he’d be a better choice for me than you ever were!”
“You act like I ruined your life, but where would you be if you hadn’t met me, huh?”
“In college, making something of myself you arrogant retarded asshole!”
“You can’t blame me for the way your life turned out, Taylor...you loved me, I didn’t force you to go out with me, I didn’t make you sleep with me–those were your choices!” Sam defended himself.
“Bad choices. The biggest mistakes of my life are all centered around you!”
“Well thank God you told me...now I have a newsflash for you! I never loved you. Not once. You were fun for awhile, and I got so used to getting taken care of and having someone to do my beck and call, that I kept you around...you and all the other girls who would give it up in a second!”
“If you don’t love me, why are you here, begging me to take you back?”
“I was hoping to get my lap dog back...at least get in your panties once more. You’re one hell of a fuck, Taylor, I’ll give you that much.”
She went for him, but Landon grabbed her around the middle and pulled her into the house as she screamed threats and obscenities at her ex husband.
Scott stared the other man down in disgust. “I almost believed that you loved and missed her. Almost. You are the most awful human being that I’ve ever met. A waste of sperm and space. In fact, your mother should’ve done her job and swallowed you in the first place. You have about three seconds to get out of here before I get really pissed off and call the police and have you arrested for harassment and trespassing.”
“Where’s my son?”
“Away from the likes of you, where he’s safe. Give her the divorce, Sam...let her move on.”
Without a word, Sam turned and left.
Scott hurried back into the house. “Tay!” he called. “Taylor are you alright?” he walked into her room and found her sitting on the bed with Landon as he held her and let her cry. “She okay?”
Landon nodded. “I’ll give you a few minutes.” And then he left.
Scott took his place on the bed.
“I don’t understand why he came here...why he had to say the things he did...” she sobbed.
“Cause it’s Sam. He wanted you back, and he was not expecting you to say no, so he shoots his mouth off in some lame ass attempt to get even.”
“Why do I let him get me so upset? God, I”m such an idiot to let his meanness drive me to tears..”
“You aren’t an idiot...”
“I’m sorry I woke you up...I didn’t know what to do...”
“I’m glad you did. Landon doesn’t know Sam like we do...but I’m glad he was here to hold you back, killer.”
“I really hate him...I never thought I could, but I do...”
“You have every right to hate him...”
“Thanks, Scott...you can go back to bed now...I’ll be okay...”
Scott kissed her cheek and hugged her before leaving. Landon returned soon after, finding her crying harder than before.
“Taylor, breathe, sweetie, okay...shhh,” he soothed, pulling her up off the bed. “I have an idea, go take a shower, I’ll make you a cup of hot tea, and we’ll just relax, okay.”
She nodded then made her way to the bathroom.
Landon quickly checked on Draco to make sure he was still fast asleep (he was), then made his way into the kitchen.
Once he had the water in the kettle and on the stove, he quickly dialed his number.
“Hello?” Scarlett answered happily.
“What’s goin on, gorgeous?” Landon smiled.
“Hey Lan...what’s up?”
“Too much...is Will there?”
“Sure...Happy Birthday...hang on...”
“Hello?” Will got on the line.
“Hey, listen, what time did Armand want us in the studio tomorrow?”
“About three, why?”
“I don’t know if I’m coming home tonight...”
“Staying with Taylor again?”
“Yes...she’s had a bad end to her birthday...ex husband decided to drop by and things got ugly. I’m just gonna stay with her until I know she’s alright.”
“Okay...just make sure your there tomorrow on time,” Will advised.
“No worries, mate,” Landon assured then hung up the phone.
When he heard the water from the shower turn off, Landon set about the kitchen making her cup of tea, and once he was sure she was dressed, he went into her room.
“Feeling any better?” he asked gently as he handed her the cup.
“A little,” Taylor nodded, taking the mug and setting it on her night stand to let it cool.
“Good...” he pushed a few pieced of hair (which she’d blown dry) away from her face.
“Thank you...for taking care of me...”
“Don’t worry about it. What are friends for?” he smiled before kissing her quickly on the lips.
Taylor looked up at him, eyes still red-rimmed from her tears. She leaned in closer and kissed him again. Slowly he responded.
It began soft and simple–chaste. And then she put her arms around his neck as he held her around the waist. Their tongues passed and their hearts pounded as something surged between them. Hot and innocent all at the same time.
“You should rest,” Landon pulled away from her mouth.
“Stay with me, “ she whispered.
“I...I can’t...I have to be at the studio early in the morning...” he lied. “But I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded, the stood up, lacing her fingers with his as she walked him to the door.
“Good night, Tay...feel better,” he bid his farewell and went to leave.
She grabbed hold of him and locked her lips to his once more.
“I’m already better,” Taylor whispered in his ear with a soft smile.
Landon left her then, and spent the whole night in a state of terror and confusion. Why had he kissed her? Why did it feel so God damn good? How could he tell her it had been an awful mistake?