A few days later, Evie sat on the bed in Taylor’s hotel room. It was the last morning in Santa Clara, California before the winter break. Christmas was just around the corner and they both planned to celebrate it with their families, miles apart from each other. Taylor’s flight was set for 1 pm and they both tried to spent as much time with each other as possible. The morning was wrapped in a soft, golden light that filtered through the hotel room’s curtains, casting a warm glow over Taylor and Evie as they lay tangled in each other’s arms, savoring the quiet before the inevitable rush of goodbyes and holiday flights.
Evie lifted her head and looked up to meet Taylor’s soft eyes. She traced small circles on her arm with her fingers, a comforting gesture that never failed to make Taylor smile. “What’s that face for?” Evie asked, her voice gentle, as if she already knew the answer. Taylor sighed, brushing her fingers along Evie’s jawline. “Just… thinking about how much I’m going to miss this. Miss you.” Evie’s face softened, and she wrapped her arms around Taylor, pulling her even closer. “I feel the same. But it will go by very fast” she said, her tone light and reassuring. “Just a few weeks. And then we’re back on the road again”. “Yeah, but I’m greedy,” Taylor replied with a playful pout. “I’d keep you here forever if I could.” Evie laughed, shaking her head. “And I’d probably let you.”
They shared a smile before falling into another comfortable silence. For a while, they just lay there, their foreheads touching, their fingers intertwined as if the simple act of being close could ease the ache of leaving. Evie closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of Taylor’s body beside her, the feeling of her heartbeat against her own. “Hey,” Taylor said softly after a while, breaking the quiet. “What are you doing for New Year’s?” Evie shrugged, running her fingers absentmindedly through Taylor’s hair. “Usually, I spend it with my best friend Bonnie. We have this little tradition of doing a movie marathon and drinking champagne until we pass out on the couch. Nothing too exciting.” Taylor smiled. “That sounds kind of perfect.” “It is,” Evie said, a soft smile on her lips. “Just the two of us, welcoming in the new year together. It’s been our thing since we were young.” Next to Evie, Taylor seemed to hesitate for a moment and Evie was able to tell that she wanted to ask her something. “What if…” Taylor started, a bit hesitant, “what if you and Bonnie came to my New Year’s Eve party instead? I’m hosting one at my townhouse on Cornelia Street. It’s just a small thing with friends, really low-key. We usually go to a bigger party at a private club later.” Evie’s eyes widened, a spark of excitement flickering in them. “That’s sounds quite good.” “It’d be the perfect way to ring in the new year, don’t you think?” Taylor asked with a warm smile. Evie’s face lit up, and she gave a small, excited nod. “I’d love that. I’ll talk to Bonnie, but I know she’d be up for it too. She’s a huge fan, by the way. Just warning you now.” Taylor laughed. “Well, if she’s anything like you, I think I’ll survive.” They both laughed, the weight of the earlier sadness easing, replaced by the thrill of new plans and shared moments to come. Evie rested her head on Taylor’s chest, and they fell into a quiet, happy silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the party and the promise of being together again so soon.
But as the minutes slipped by, reality started to creep in. Taylor’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a message from her assistant. Her driver was downstairs, ready to take her to the airport. Taylor let out a reluctant sigh, running her fingers gently through Evie’s hair one last time. “Looks like it’s time to leave.” Evie nodded, her face falling just slightly, though she forced a small smile. Taylor leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Evie’s forehead, then another to her lips, lingering as if that could make the separation easier. They kissed slowly, savoring each moment, their hands reaching out to hold onto each other as if they could somehow make up for the days they’d spend apart. The sadness lingered between them, but there was a new feeling, too—a warmth, a hope, knowing that they’d be together again soon. After a final, lingering kiss, Taylor pulled away, their foreheads touching as they both tried to steady their breathing.
“See you on Cornelia Street?” Taylor whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. Evie nodded, her eyes glistening. “See you there.” Taylor got her suitcases and fixed her hair in a quick motion. Evie loved her hair a little messy, especially when she was the cause for it. But there was no more time for that, because Taylor’s driver waited. They smiled at each other warmly before Taylor straightened and opened the door. Evie followed her out, their fingers quickly slipping apart as they stepped into the hallway and met Taylor’s bodyguard. They exchanged one last, fleeting smile as best friends, and Taylor managed a casual, “See you later,” before heading toward the elevator. Evie went back to her room and as Taylor disappeared into the elevator, Evie felt the warmth of her smile lingering, filling her with hope for what the new year would bring.
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