Taylor's POV
Past tense
March
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The dance studio is free, and I waltz in happy to be alone. Removing thoughts of my conversation with Matthew from my mind. I pull my skirt off and slip into my leotard and dance shoes. Being alone I turn the music up a little and begin warming up.
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I use the barre and work on my technique for a solid hour, if I should stop I will think about my betrayal. The hurt I've caused Matthew, the anger on his face and mostly the pain and shock. His absolute conviction that Jay wants me for one thing. And mostly his judgement of me sleeping with Ross. His best friend.
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"Well done on your performance" my teacher says entering the studio. I jump slightly and pause the music as she smiles. Just before Christmas I was the lead in the show. It feels like a lifetime ago.
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"Thank you" I say simply as she assesses me.
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"You know I've got some work experience opportunities that would be great for you and they would be paid performances" she explains pulling out her phone and pacing around to the small desk.
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"Oh I'd love to apply for something like that" I say enthusiastically.
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"I can put a word in for you too" she explains smiling.
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"Thank you" I say honestly, she retrieves a few folders and then swiftly exits the room.
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Grinning to myself I turn everything off and head out to the changing rooms elated by this news I clasp onto my bag and clothes. Walking past the gym and glancing in the window to see Jay working out. He hasn't seen me, luckily as I'm sure he would have loved my gawking expression at seeing him in just his shorts. I literally have to pull myself away from looking at him. I step back from the glass barging into somebody behind me.
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"Hey there" the voice says behind me as I wince slightly. Not another male to contend with.
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"Hey" I say tentatively, turning around and looking into cold eyes that drink me in. My eyes stare forward at his shirtless chest, he has his nipple pierced and a tattoo covering his shoulder and chest. I'm beginning to wonder if there's some kind of nipple piercing club I haven't been invited to, both Ross and Jay have them too.
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"I know you, Taylor right? You were in the dance show" he says as I look up into his face realising that it's Nate.
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"Awesome show by the way" he says smoothly.
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"Yeah that's me" I say somewhat awkwardly, reminding myself of the time he tried to force himself on me at a bar after Matthews art show.
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"Oh I'm sorry for coming on to you a bit strong before, it just happens when I drink" he says. Jay had intervened and practically told him to fuck off.
Yeah it just happens, jerk I think to myself as I eye him.
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Jay clears his throat. Approaching him from behind his shirts off and I cannot help but to glance at his chest. It's impressive, he's bigger than Nate, and leaner.
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"Hey babe" Jay says eyeing me as if to say play along. His cheeky smile makes me laugh.
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"Hey baby good workout?" I ask smiling, playing along with him entirely.
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"Really good" he says as he pulls me into his bare chest. I breathe him in getting carried away, my hands stroking his back as I face him looking up into his eyes. He kisses me and I reciprocate.
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"So are you two partying with us on Friday?" Nate asks somewhat put out by our display of affection.
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We both turn to look at him at the same time.
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"We are yes" I say looking at Jay, giving him the play along with me look as he grins totally enthralled. I've never answered for him, and it feels nice. The term we, the idea of us going together.
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"Awesome it starts at 8" Nate says and looks down at my body again. I look away sighing.
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"Hey her face is up here" Jay says and I smile at him as his hands cup my hips.
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"Sorry babe" Nate says and I snicker a little as Nate saunters off. Jay watches him, amused expression on his face. I rest my head in his chest and sigh.
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"This is nice" he smiles and I can hear his chuckle deep in his chest.
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"Oh and by the way I am going to escort you to the party tomorrow, especially since little Nate wants you too" he smiles winking at me as I face him.
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"Haha little Nate" I laugh out loud.
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"What he can barely bench press" he laughs back, eyes flicking up to him briefly before he stares into my eyes. His arms linked around my waist.
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"Anyways how are you" he smiles tilting his head and kissing me. A slow long drawn out kiss which makes me gasp, I open my mouth and he seizes the opportunity.
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"I need to change" I say between kissing him.
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"Okay" he says kissing me back and raising his hands up to my waist.
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"You realise I have not been able to stop thinking about you all day right? Having you in my arms for that long last night was a privilege" He whispers in my ear.
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"Me too" I whisper back.
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"Are you okay?" He asks looking down into my eyes, I instantly know what he means. A look of concern comes over his face, as he holds me. And I'm sure beyond belief that he's not just trying to get with me like Matthew had alluded to earlier. He cares, I just know it. He's checking on how I am after talking to Matthew, because he's worried for me and not because he wants to just clear the path for himself.
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"Yes I'm okay" I tell him smiling and he nods rubbing my back.
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"I'm going to change and then let's go yeah?" I say.
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"Oh I thought you were walking out in just this" he laughs eyeing my leotard.
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"Hardly, that would be just for you" I whisper in his ear, he bites his lip.
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"Can we make that happen sometime" he laughs cheekily before releasing me. I duck into the ladies changing room and undress, pulling on my white shirt and plaid skirt before brushing my hair out and then putting on some lipstick.
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When I emerge from the changing rooms he is waiting for me, dressed again in his Ralph jumper and jeans. I smile and for some reason, we end up embracing again before he walks out with me his arms over my shoulders.
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"Want me to pick you up tomorrow for the party?" He asks walking me through the field to the car park.
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"Please" I say sweetly as he grins, tickling me as I giggle and push away at him. Ross approaches us from across the parking lot, the lights illuminating the cars as he watches me curiously before eyeing Jay.
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"I need pasta and food and movies" I say to Ross and he laughs, still eyeing Jay and his proximity to me. He shakes off his mood before opening up the car.
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"Hey man, do you wanna come with us" Ross asks Jay as he's walking off to his Audi. I regard him smiling and he shrugs his shoulders watching Rachel descend upon our group too. Thankfully without Matthew.
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"Yeah sure" Jay says just as taken back.
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"Okay I'll cook" I say smiling as Rachel appraises me waiting to be invited. She smiles at me and I laugh nervously.
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"Hey Rach, want to have a drink?" I ask and she nods smiling.
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"I'm in" she exclaims opening the back door of Ross’ Aston martin and climbing in before anybody can change their mind.
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“Sure you don’t wanna ride in Jay’s Audi” Ross laughs when we’ve set off.
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“God that would be a trip down memory lane that I’m not quite ready for” she laughs and I scoff. They dated for a while, he broke her heart. My mind goes through all of the ways he could be playing with me as I stare out of the window. Ross brushes my thigh and I turn to look at him.
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“Guys you would be super cute if you were officially together” she laughs from the backseat.
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“Rachel” he warns her and she laughs.
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“What!? I’m just saying” she smirks and I turn to face her.
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“Hey we’re both single girlies” I tell her smiling and she claps her hands.
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“Yes! I’ve waited for this moment Taylor” she smiles at me and I laugh.
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“Although don’t get me wrong, you want to start up something with Ross I totally approve” she smiles and I laugh again facing him and seeing his keen smile.
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“He’s wonderful” she sighs and he shakes his head, I begin to feel like I’m missing out on a conversation they’ve had about me.
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“He is wonderful” I concur, smiling at her as she winks at me.
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“Lord you’re not subtle are you Rachel” he sighs and I laugh.
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“It’s bloody working” she exclaims as Ross takes the lane with ease, I look into the side mirror and see the Audi behind us. I can just make out Jay in the mirror, even though it is dark. His sweeping hair and chiselled jaw.
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“What have you two been up too then” she asks suspiciously and I giggle as he wipes his face embarrassed.
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“You can tell me Taylor you know I’m not one to judge” she laughs and I nod smiling.
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“We’ve had sex Rachel” I tell her bluntly and she practically squeals.
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“Ross close your ears” she says sitting forwards engaged in the gossip. Ross and Rachel have been friends for a long time, he’s looked out for her I suppose and even though they have never crossed any physical boundaries she cares for him like a younger sister would to a devoted older brother.
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“Is he any good, I’ve wondered” she laughs and I snicker.
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“He’s amazing” I sigh and she laughs sitting back in the car and smirking to herself.
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“How did it happen” she asks as I gasp and he protests.
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“Was that too far. Noted” she laughs finally looking out of the window satisfied with the gossip she has received. I turn to face him as he rubs my thigh before we pull up at his home.
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