Chapter Eight
"Alright people, last song of the night." As the oldie but goodie Boys II Men filled the room, they held eachother and swayed.
"How are you feeling, Ms. two-shot?" Taylor asked into her right ear.
"Perfect. I couldn't be happier. How about you? The drink treating you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm great. I just wish we could go somewhere."
"What? You don't want to make out in the back seat of a taxi?" She laughed. She closed her eyes, trying to memorize everything. The way he smelled, felt, sounded, talking in her ear. Taylor laughed.
"Not exactly so romantic. And maybe slightly contaminated." She layed her head on his shoulder. It felt so right to be here, now, like this.
"It would be hard to fool around in biohazard suits." Taylor laughed at the mental image.
"It would be an experience, though."
"That it would."
"We can't go to the bus."
"I know. I'd say we can go back to Brenda's, but she's far."
"Well, I guess we'll have to settle for what we have now. At least it'll give me a reason to call you again."
"In that case, we'll never do it." She joked. The song ended, and they shared a slow deep kiss, like everyone else who was dancing.
As they made their way outside, they flagged a taxi.
Getting in, Taylor told the driver the venue. Madilynn, not wanting the last ten minutes to be awkward, slid close to him. She placed a hand on his cheek, and looked into his eyes.
"I just want you to know that whatever happens next, I'll always be grateful for today, and I'll cherish tonight." He searched her eyes. "And I promise on my life that I won't go blabbing about it to everyone. Not even Brenda." She said softly, smiling. He brought his lips to hers. They spent the rest of the ride in a soft kiss and embrace.
As the cab slowed, Taylor said quietly, "I will call you, and not just for that." Madilynn nodded, knowing he didn't want or need the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "And I'll make sure we play Phoenix." Madilynn and Taylor smiled at eachother.
"Good. I'll be there." When the cab stopped, Taylor pulled out a fifty.
"This should get you back. I'll call you." They shared a final soft kiss, and he backed away, and closed the door. She turned in her seat to watch Taylor out of the back window. Giving the cabby Brenda's address, she watched Taylor watch the cab until it was out of sight.
Madilynn sat silently, a mood of gloom around her, replaying the events of the whole day. Trying to remember the conversations with Isaac and Zac, taking shots with Taylor, and the feel of his firm body up against hers, dancing. She closed her eyes to relive the feeling.
"Miss. Miss." The cabby said.
"Oh, sorry." She had fallen asleep, and they were now parked in front of Brenda's house. "Thanks." She dug a ten out of her pocket and handed it over with Taylors fifty. She almost paid for it herself, and kept Taylors money. On second thought.... "Excuse me, could I charge it instead? I'll give you a bigger tip."
"Whatever miss." They traded cash for card. When it was done, she thanked him again and managed to walk around to the side of the house where the unlocked sliding doors led to the guest room. Taking one last look at the clock, she layed on the bed and fell asleep.
Chapter Nine