Chapter one hundred and thirty eight:

Taylor was boredly wandering downtown Tulsa, and found his way into the nearest Starbucks.  

He shoved his hands into his pockets searching for loose change, but in the end came to the conclusion that he needed to break a twenty. He removed his wallet from his back pocket and approached the line.

He ordered his usual coffee and while waiting for the barista to fill his venti cup, his eyes quickly scanned the shop, looking for someone he knew, or someone who stood out.

Across the store, he saw someone he recognized. Luke was sitting in the corner with a laptop and a textbook.

Taylor took his copy, flashed a smile at the barista who blushed shyly.

He crossed the store to where Luke was sitting and nodded “Hey.”

“Hey, Tay,” Luke looked up, “Have a seat.”

“What homework are you doing?”

“Ah, it’s  mindless poli-sci stuff.” Luke shrugged. “Boring.”

“Yeah, I hear that.”

“So I hear you guys are back on tour in like a week or so.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait.” Taylor pulled out the chair across the table from Luke’s and lowered himself into it.

“Good,”

“And you’re joining us later in the summer, right?”

“Uhh… well…” Luke chuckled softly.

“What’s going on? Did you and Jen have a fight or something?” Taylor asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Yeah, I guess. I took her for what I thought was a romantic picnic in the park, but for some reason she’s pissed at me.” Luke shrugged, “I don’t get it. I spoke to my sisters and they all said it was a wonderful idea… do you know? You’re like her best friend.”

“I’m not her best friend… but I probably do know why she was mad at you.” Taylor finally set down his cup of coffee. “I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the fact that you never call her anymore.”

“Oh, man.” Luke groaned. “I knew it.”

“And she understands that you’re busy, but I think she feels like you’re keeping your distance from her.” Taylor couldn’t believe he was giving Luke relationship advice.

“Okay, so what should I do?”

“Well…. That I’m not too sure about…”

“So in other words I’m screwed?” 

“I wouldn’t say completely screwed. She really likes you-“

“I really like her too.” Luke interrupted.

“Well, it wouldn’t kill you to show it once and a while, you know?”

“Okay.” Luke said evenly. “Should I call her now then?”

“Uhh… I would give her a few days to cool off first.”

NEXT>>