CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TAYLOR
Sitting on the beach along the south shore of Long Island with Cooper and his friends, Taylor was relieved to get a call from Whitney. She picked up her phone and walked away from the group.
“Hi, what’s going on?” she asked Whitney.
“Aaron has come up with a suggestion that I want to pursue at the cottage.” Whitney told her about the plans and promised her willingness to pay any extra fees associated with it.
“I love it,” said Taylor. “No need to worry about you paying for it until Dani does a budget for us. We can all chip in. What does Dani say about it? She’s the architect.”
“I haven’t spoken to her yet. I thought I’d drive out to The Meadows and see her there. How are you? Where are you?”
“I’m at the beach with Cooper and his friends. We’re staying at his family’s home, more like an estate, in Southampton on Long Island.”
“Nice. How are things going?”
Taylor hesitated and then she blurted out, “His friends hate me. At least the women do. They’re catty. They think I’m a dumb Southern Belle from Georgia who’s managed to snag him after one of them tried and failed.”
Whitney’s voice was soft but firm. “Taylor, you’re one of the Gilford Girls. Don’t forget it. You’re bright, creative, and capable. No one can take that away from you. The fact that Cooper chose you should be a sign of it, not a failure on his part. Don’t let petty women try to destroy the magic you and Cooper have. Has he noticed any of this?”
“No. He and his male friends are playing volleyball while we women watch,” said Taylor.
“But you’re an excellent volleyball player. Why aren’t you playing?” said Whitney. “Get out there.”
Taylor grinned. “I was trying to follow the crowd, be accepted. But now, hearing you say this, I might join the guys.”
“Go, girl,” said Whitney. She hated when people tried to take advantage of Taylor because she was shy. “Let me know what happens.”
“Will do,” said Taylor, sounding more like her spunky self. “What’s up with you?”
“Something big, actually. Nick and I are dating exclusively.”
It took a moment for that to sink in, then Taylor exclaimed, “Oh my god! That’s terrific!” She knew Whitney wouldn’t casually mention something like this. It had to be very real.
“We’ll see where it takes us, but we’re very happy with the decision. It somehow feels right,” said Whitney, and Taylor could hear the happiness in her voice.
“You bet it’s right. One of GG’s full circles,” Taylor said.
Whitney chuckled softly. “That’s what I thought too. Have fun, Taylor, and don’t let petty women get to you. You’re better than they are for staying away from that kind of behavior. Tell Cooper hi from me. Talk to you later. Thanks for the input.”
Taylor clicked off the call, and with a new energy to her step headed back to the group and called out to Cooper. “How about me joining the game?”
He grinned at her. “Really? That’s so cool. C’mon. You’re on my team.”
Soon all the women were on the volleyball court where Taylor could prove to them and herself that she had no need to apologize for who she was.
###
That evening, instead of going bar hopping with a group, Cooper and Taylor opted to stay home. Cooper had a sunburn and didn’t feel like going out. Taylor offered to heat the meal the housekeeper had made earlier and left for them, content to have some private time with Cooper.
“How did you like my friends?” he asked as they lounged in the pool at the house.
“They were not friendly to begin with. Tabitha, especially. But now I know she was the woman you broke up with before you met me. Why didn’t you mention her to me?”
Cooper looked at her with confusion. “She wasn’t anyone I was ever serious with. Why would she indicate she was?”
“Maybe wishful thinking,” said Taylor, leaning forward and kissing him on the lips.
He grinned and started to pull her closer and stopped. “Don’t touch my back, okay?”
She raised her hand. “I promise. Just your lips.”
“That’s my girl,” said Cooper, leaning forward.