Taylor
Seeing Patrick again was a nightmare. One I feel like I’m still running from, but never gain any distance. It’s been a week since seeing him again, and my hands still shake with rage when I think about how that run-in made me spiral. It’s like all my time in Knox’s arms has done nothing to heal the anger and resentment I still feel.
I’ve repeatedly apologized to Knox for my behavior despite him telling me a thousand times that he understands. But I’ve finally done enough moping and owe it to Knox to get the hell out of the house for a night.
When he gets home from his current jobsite, I’m already in the maid’s uniform he loves so much, holding a glass of bourbon with just a splash of orange bitters and an orange slice as a garnish.
One look at the offering and his lips are on mine.
When he finally breaks away, he looks at me seriously as he brushes a thumb along my cheekbone. “Does this mean you’re finally feeling better?”
“It means I’m choosing to move forward and to stop allowing that interaction to derail all the progress I’ve made.”
“I’m so proud of you, baby,” Knox says, warmth coating his words as he takes a sip of the drink I made for him.
“So, I was thinking,” I begin, rubbing my hands up his chest. “I’d like an anniversary redo. Tonight at the karaoke bar, if you’re in? I’ll put on a show just for you. Livvy even agreed to come because my performance is always better with her.”
Knox’s look of surprise makes me laugh.
“Livvy? As in your sister, who barely tolerates me, despite repeatedly telling her how badly I’ve got it for you?” he asks, reaching forward to rub me through the leotard.
“One and the same,” I reply with a groan.
“Do we have time to fool around before we have to leave?” he asks.
“No, but this edging will be worth it, I promise.”
Thirty minutes later, we’re dressed and ready to go. I’m in the outfit Ishouldhave been wearing the night I met Knox. I have teal tights on under my skimpy cutoff jean shorts, a plain white T-shirt that I’ve taken scissors to in order to create a ripped look, my rhinestones, and my eyeliner. My white Vans complete the ensemble. Grabbing my jacket, I’m ready to roll.
“You look incredible, Princess,” Knox says, pulling me in for a kiss before we head out the door. He gets handsy immediately, making me laugh as I pull away.
“Come on, you horndog. We’ve gotta go.”
I wish we could take the motorcycle, but it’s supposed to start raining around eight and not stop for like six days straight, which sucks because I hate taking off and landing in storms.
Livvy beats us to the karaoke bar and already has a table. She hugs me as enthusiastically as always before turning to Knox, whose hand I’m still holding.
“Knox,” she says in greeting. Her smile tells me she’s trying, even if she remains guarded about fully accepting our relationship.
“Livvy, it’s nice to see you,” Knox says, leaning in to kiss my sister on the cheek.
She allows it and then turns back to me. “Come on, Tay, the stage is ours.”
The feeling of being onstage with Livvy, singing my heart out, my hand trailing over my body, knowing Knox’s eyes are following my every move, is indescribable. Especially because this time, I know I get to go home with him.
After the first three songs, Livvy replaces her mic in the stand and heads back to the table. When I’d asked her to come out tonight, I’d told her my plan. So even though she doesn’t know what song I chose, she knows this is my apology to Knox, and she goes to take her seat next to him at the table while the entire bar keeps their eyes trained on me.
Oddly, the attention of strangers isn’t doing it for me like it used to, but when I see Knox’s intense eyes on me from our table, my insides are set ablaze.
I’m more nervous than ever when the first notes strike. Singing this song actually goes against every rule I have about singing karaoke. Namely, that I won’t sing without Liv,andI don’t do Taylor Swift songs…ever.
Except for Knox.
This is my version of groveling, and as much as I don’t want to admit it, the lyrics ofCall It What You Wantsort of hit the nail on the head, so here goes nothing.
My eyes never leave Knox, but in my peripheral vision, I see Livvy lean over and say something to him. I imagine she’s vocalizing her shock at my song choice. Whatever she says, it makes him smile and nod at me, which gives me a boost of energy for the next verse, and I start to really put on a performance as I sing.
It isn’t until I’m on the final chorus that I feel the energy shift. I feel eyes on me from somewhere that has the hair on the back of my neck standing up.
