25. Taylor
CHAPTER 25
Taylor
T he morning sunlight streams into the café, casting a warm glow on the wooden tables, and the smell of fresh coffee fills the air. I spot Becca immediately, sitting at our usual corner booth with her phone in hand and a soft smile already tugging at her lips when she sees me walk in. I slide into the seat across from her, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.
“Morning, sunshine,” she says, setting her phone aside. “How was it waking up with your boyfriend this morning?” She emphasizes the word like it’s some big revelation, though it really isn’t.
I laugh, shaking my head. “I mean, it wasn’t that different, to be honest. Austin and I have been spending so much time together that it didn’t feel like a huge shift.”
“But it is a huge shift,” she counters, grinning. “You two finally told everyone you’re together, but more importantly, you guys made that decision for yourselves. That’s a big deal!”
“Okay, yeah,” I admit, feeling my face flush slightly. “It was a big deal. But everyone already knew. Like, nobody was surprised. Even Hector was like, ‘Finally.’”
“Please.” Becca rolls her eyes. “We all saw it coming ages ago. But still, I’m happy for you, Tay. Really.”
I take a sip of the coffee she ordered for me, appreciating the warm vanilla flavor. “Thanks. It feels good, you know? Like, really good.”
Becca leans forward, her elbows resting on the table, her eyes twinkling. “So, what’s the plan now? Are you two still going to keep things professional at work, or is this about to turn into a rom-com office situation?”
I laugh again. “We’re definitely keeping it professional…from now on,” I add. “Besides, we’ve been working together for years. We know how to compartmentalize.”
“Sure you do,” Becca says with a smirk. “Until he winks at you in a meeting or something, and you lose all ability to concentrate, and then you jump him.”
“That first kiss in my office didn’t count…and neither did that time we had sex last week.”
“Oh my god, why am I not shocked?” Her laugh fills the tight space. “You are so done for with him around. You’re going to die when he starts sending you dirty texts in the middle of the day.”
I roll my eyes but can’t stop the grin that tugs at my lips. “I’ll survive.”
“So,” she says, her tone shifting slightly, “the real reason I wanted to meet up is because Hector and I finally picked a wedding date.”
My eyes widen. “Wait, really? You finally agreed on something?”
She nods, looking almost relieved. “October 1st. I got my fall wedding.”
I let out a laugh, raising my coffee cup in a mock toast. “I knew you’d get your way! Hector never stood a chance, did he?”
Becca grins, her eyes sparkling with victory. “It took some convincing, but he came around. He’s actually really excited about the fall vibes now—pumpkin decor, warm lighting, all of it.”
“Classic Becca,” I tease. “And now that there’s a date, I can finally start planning your bachelorette party and bridal shower. Your mom’s probably already got a Pinterest board, doesn’t she?”
“Oh, she’s got three.” Becca rolls her eyes affectionately. “But I was hoping you’d help her rein it in a bit. You know how she gets.”
“Of course,” I say. “I’ve already got a few ideas, and now that I’m officially your maid of honor, it’s full steam ahead.”
“Good. Seriously, I can’t imagine doing this without you. And I’m just…I’m so happy. Like, everything’s finally falling into place, you know?”
I nod, understanding exactly what she means. “I know. I’m so happy for you, Bec. You deserve this.”
“And you,” she adds, her eyes softening as she looks at me. “You’re glowing too. It’s like you’ve finally let yourself be happy. I can see it.”
I open my mouth to brush it off, but the truth is, she’s right. Being with Austin, finally letting myself fall into this thing that’s been building between us for years, feels different. Easier. And it’s made everything else—work, life—feel lighter.
“Yeah,” I say softly, smiling to myself. “I think I am.”
We finish breakfast while chatting about wedding details and honeymoon plans. The café bustles around us, but it feels like the world’s moving slower, just the two of us sitting there and catching up like we always do. When the conversation drifts toward the logistics of the bridal shower, I glance down at my phone.
A text from Austin pops up.
Austin
Hey, babe. I won’t be able to pick you up after brunch. Is it okay if you take the train? Sorry!
I type out a quick response, smiling as I do.
Taylor
No worries! I’ll head to the station now. See you later. Love you.
Becca catches me smiling at my phone. “Austin sexting you already?”
“Oh my god, no.” I laugh. “He was supposed to give me a ride, but something must’ve come up. I’ll just take the train.”
“Already in the ‘sorry, can’t make it’ phase, huh?” Becca teases with a wink. “Blowing you off to hang with his bros?”
“Oh please, he’s probably just caught up in work. You know how things are with the firm.”
“Uh-huh,” she says, clearly amused. “Better make sure you whip him into shape now.” She playfully smacks the back of her hand. “You have to train them quickly.”
I grin, not even trying to hide how happy I am. “Yeah, I think I’ll manage.”
We say our goodbyes, and I make my way toward the train station. The air is a little cooler this morning, the city already alive with people rushing past on their way to whatever Saturday plans they’ve made. I put on my headphones, scroll through some emails, and catch up on texts while I wait for the train.
When it finally arrives, I find a spot by the window and let my thoughts drift as the train rumbles to life. The city blurs past, and for a few minutes, I lose myself in the playlist Austin made for me last week. We’ve been trading playlists for months, even before we officially started dating, and it’s become one of those little things I’ve come to love about us.
The train comes to a stop at the next station, and not long after, I hear the announcement that the doors are about to close. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone sprint onto the train just as the doors start to slide shut. I glance up, not really paying attention—until I do a double take.
It’s Austin.
“What the—” I yank my headphones off, blinking as he spots me and starts walking over, that stupid, charming grin of his plastered across his face like he’d planned this all along.