Page 30 of Taylor
“I’ll sort it,” I announce, much to theirsurprise.
“How are you going to sort it?” my sister snaps. “Know many French photographers, doyou?”
“Just trust me,” I say, before pulling my phone out of my pocket and walking out to thehallway.
“We need you. Beth’s photographer has had to cancel and she’s having a meltdown about it. I just booked you a ticket on that flight I mentioned. It should get you here just intime.”
“Are you having alaugh?”
“No. Go drag your suit out and get your ass on thatplane.”
“I’ve got work, Caleb, and Mum to dealwith.”
“Call in sick. And she’s an adult who can look after herself. Come on, I need you, and my mum will love you for saving the day,” Iadd.
“For fuck’s sake, Caleb. I’m on my way. Send me the flight details. It’s a good job Ilo—”
The air thickens and the buzzing on the line is suddenly the only noise I can hear. My heart thuds in my chest and I repeat the beginning of that sentence over and over in my head. Did he just…? Was he going tosay…?
After long seconds of silence, I eventually manage to breathe some air into my lungs and agree to send him what he needs before hanging up. A huge smile breaks out across my face as I hang up the phone. Is Taylor falling in love with me? I push aside the thought that he could have just meant it in a friend kind of way. Surely he wouldn’t have cut himself off so abruptly if that was the case though, wouldhe?
“Why are you so happy?” Mum asks when Ireappear.
“Photographer’s on hisway.”
“Seriously?” Beth asks, sounding shocked. Does she have that little faith inme?
“Yes,seriously.”
“And he’sgood?”
“Yes, Beth. Now chill out and try to enjoy yourday.”
* * *
Just over four hours later,I’m stood in the hotel foyer waiting for Taylor to emerge from a cab. I was going to meet him at the airport but I stupidly mentioned the idea in front of Beth and she almost had a heart attack in case I got stuck in traffic or something and missed the wedding. I agreed because I’m a soft touch where my sister’s concerned, and also I thought Taylor’s arrival should probably be a surprise for Mum. If I disappeared, she might start questioning what was going on, so I resorted to sitting on one of the plush velvet couches with my knee bouncing in excitement and anticipation of what Mum’s going to think about this, about having Taylor attend her bigday.
I’m on my feet the second I see him step out of the cab. “You’re here,” I breathe as I rush towardshim.
“Did I have a choice?” he replies with alaugh.
“Come on, Beth’s getting ready and wants photos taken from about two hoursago.”
“Do I at least get a kiss first?” Taylor asks as he grabs my hand and tugs until I’m chest to chest withhim.
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” I whisper before reaching up to place my lips tohis.
“I missed you last night,” he says against my lips, making me smile and my heart beat that little bitfaster.
“Ugh, get a room,” I hear a familiar voice shout from behind me. Taylor and I break apart and when I turn I see a smiling Molly with Lois attached to her hip. “I know it took you guys long enough to figure this all out,” she says, gesturing between us, “but Beth is starting to hyperventilate about the lack of photographerupstairs.”
“We’re on it,” I say as I start pulling Taylor in the direction of the elevators. He pauses briefly to say hello to Molly, but in seconds, we’re heading to the top floor of the hotel to hopefully make Beth’s day. As for Mum? Well, we’re about to see how this is going to godown.
“Caleb, about time. Where is this photographer you promised?” Mum barks the second I walk into theroom.
“He’s here,” I say, stepping aside to reveal Taylor behindme.
“What’shedoing here? I thought you said he wasn’tcoming.”
