Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series) (23 page)

“Will you go to breakfast with me? We need to talk.”

“Sure, bro, but I should kick your ass for getting me up this early. I didn’t get to bed until two.”

“You got more sleep than me, so I need you to drive.”

***

I order a Coke to help me wake up. I’m sitting across from my brother at a small diner in our hometown, and he looks like shit. “What kind of trouble are you in if you’re dragging me out of bed on a Sunday when you’re supposed to be in Nashville.”

“It’s about a woman.”

“You knocked up a girl?” I ask anxiously.

“No, I didn’t knock up a girl.”

He’s irritated now. “I’m in love, bro. You’re going to shit your pants when I tell you who she is.”

“How are you going to shock me after everything that went on with Brett and Hannah Ray Mason?”

“Remember that girl I’ve been telling you about since summer? She’s Hannah’s friend. The one who’s a complete pain in my ass.”

“I remember.”

“She’s the one I’m in love with, and her name is Taylor Page. She’s the daughter of Vincent Page.”

“No fucking way!” A few old ladies in the booth across from us glare at me for cursing. “Are you pranking me? You’re going to great lengths if you are.”

“It’s the truth. My world is jacked up right now. We got together at the cabin last month, and that’s when I found out about her dad.”

“This is heavy, Dylan.” I’m in shock right now. I can’t believe my brother from this little town is dating a rock star’s daughter.

“She’s gorgeous and has a big heart. I’ve never had sex this amazing in my life, and we have a lot of it. We also have a lot in common, but I’ve discovered she’s pretty spoiled.”

“I can’t believe you fucked Vincent Page’s daughter. Do you have no shame? That took some balls.”

Dylan hangs his head. “I fought it at first. I felt like I was betraying my idol, but he’s cool as shit.”

“You met him?” I’m still trippin’ over all this news.

“Yes, and he’s glad I’m with Taylor. She went behind my back a few times and did some things without asking me. She had her dad and all our friends come watch me play last night without telling me first.

“We’d already discussed her doing shit like that, but she’s determined to get me into the music business. I’m pissed. You know how self-conscious I am about my playing. I left her sobbing in the parking lot of the bar. It was awful.”

“You have to forgive her. Look at what you’ll be giving up. She’s obviously just trying to help you out.”

“But is it because she can’t accept me for who I am? I don’t know if she really thinks I’m talented or if she doesn’t want to be with a middle class working man. I’ll be lucky if I ever make a six figure income with my degree.”

“Someone like her wouldn’t give you a second glance if she cared about that stuff.”

“That’s what Brett keeps saying.”

“I can’t believe you’re both with hot millionaires. I have to see this chick.”

“I bet there are pictures of Taylor on the Internet. I never thought to look. She keeps a much lower profile.”

I get my phone out and Google her.

“I thought Hannah was the hottest girl ever until I saw Taylor. I don’t think anyone at Vandy realizes Vincent Page’s daughter goes there. I didn’t even know he lived in the state, and I thought I knew a lot about the man. He has a home in LA, so I assumed he lived there,” he says.

I look for Taylor and can hardly believe how attractive she is. “Is this her?”

Pain washes over Dylan’s face, and I see right then that he really is in love with her. “I’m taking that as a yes. You got it bad, bro, and you’re right, she’s gorgeous.”

“She has a sister barely younger than you, and you’d like her. She’s cute.”

“What are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”

“The truth, but I know Dad isn’t going to get it.”

“He isn’t going to like it because it’s different. Dad doesn’t deal well with change,” I say.

I watch my brother stare off. “I guess I’m more like Dad than I thought. Besides being a pain in my ass, she’s perfect in every way. I mean, she’s a rocker chick. We even jam together. I can’t imagine anyone more made for me.”

“Let’s go home. You need to sleep, bro.”

“I won’t be able to.”

“You’re gonna have to put this out of your mind for a while.”

“That’s not why. We um ... I’ve slept with Taylor since we left to go to Gatlinburg. Last night was the first time we haven’t been in bed together, and I can’t sleep without her. We’ve tried, and it doesn’t work.”

“You were basically living with her.”

We sit in silence for a minute. “I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I guess we were.”

I take Dylan back home and watch him tell our parents everything that’s happened since meeting Taylor, minus the sex. I’m sure they can figure that one out on their own. Dad acknowledges that Dylan’s been through a lot in a short amount of time and tells him he needs to be sure it’s a lifestyle he wants to be a part of.

Mom’s more sympathetic and excited for him. She’s picked up on his wild college ways when it comes to women, so I imagine she’s relieved to know he’s capable of love. Mom’s a school teacher, and we definitely get our softer side from her. I’m just glad they didn’t try to talk Dylan out of seeing Taylor. It’s obvious my brother loves her.

He stares at the television with Dad most of the day, and Mom cooks him his favorite foods, hoping it’ll cheer him up or at least make him sleepy. “Dylan, go to bed,” I say with frustration several times, but he refuses.

All day his eyes slowly close and snap back open. It’s exhausting to watch, and I’m worried. I’ve never seen him this sad or out of control.

Taylor

I stay at Hannah’s all day and try to watch movies, but I cry through all of them. Brett goes to spend the day with the guys. I’m sure he’s sick of me. Hannah finally takes me home around eight o’clock.

I shower and pace around my room most of the night. When I do fall asleep, I wake up every fifteen to twenty minutes resting somewhere different. I have a sitting area, so I wake up on the couch, in a chair or on the floor, sobbing each time. Tory keeps me company some, but I’m even freaking her out.

I don’t go to my classes on Monday, and I stop texting Dylan. Instead, I drink Red Bulls and eat junk food until I’m throwing up. The lack of sleep, the stress and my diet are wreaking havoc on my thin body. I take complete ownership for what happened, and I hope that I can convince Dylan not to give up on us.

Nate

I get ready for school Monday morning and find Dylan sitting up and asleep on the couch. I hate to wake him, but I have to be sure he doesn’t drive today. “Bro, I have to go to school. Do you need to call work, or do you have classes?”

His eyes fly right open, and it’s obvious he hasn’t had real sleep. “I need to call Bob and take a couple of days off work.”

“Don’t try to drive today. We’ll work something out when I get home.”

Dylan rubs his hands over his face as he gets up and stumbles to the kitchen. I’m about to go out the door when he walks back into the family room.

“I miss her.”

I turn around and look at him. “I know. We need to get you home tonight.”

***

I can’t believe how bad Dylan looks when I get home from school. He can hardly put a sentence together. I talk to my mom, and we work out a plan.

“Dylan, we have to get you home. I’ve never seen you like this. You’re missing her to the point of making yourself ill, so I imagine she’s just as sick. Coming here hasn’t given you any peace, dude. I’m calling Cody.”

“Cody, this is Nate.”

“Hey, little brother, how’s Dylan doing?”

“He’s in bad shape. He refuses to sleep. I wanted to let you know that I’m driving him home in his truck, and then my folks are paying for me to rent a car tomorrow to drive back, so we’ll be there in a few hours.”

“You can stay here, and I appreciate you bringing him back. I’m partly to blame for this, so sorry.”

“I look forward to skipping school for a day, and I want to meet the chick that holds my brother’s fucking soul. I need to see if he should forgive her. This shit has to stop, so I need you to get her address for me.”

“Sure, but be prepared, I hear she’s acting just as cuckoo.”

***

I drive Dylan back to Nashville. He does the same head bobbing shit he’s been doing for two days. I stop at the drug store when we get into town and buy some over the counter sleep medicine. I’m at a loss as to what else to do for him. I have to direct him out of the truck and to the house.

“How did I get home?” he mutters.

“I drove you.”

Cody opens the door. “I’m glad you’re back, man. You look like hell.”

“Yeah, thanks to you,” Dylan says bitterly.

“Would you get him some water?” I ask.

After Cody hands the glass to Dylan, I hand him the pills. “Here, take these, and go to bed. You have to sleep.”

He takes them without argument and walks to his room.

“I wanted to give him the extra push, so he’ll stop fighting it. Did you get Taylor’s address for me?”

“Hannah said it’ll be easier to tell you how to get there over the phone.” Cody digs his cell out and starts dialing numbers.

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I have to look out for Dylan. I take down the directions from Hannah. It’s strange talking to her on the phone since I haven’t met her and especially since she’s the daughter of Lorna Ray Mason.

Driving to Taylor’s, I grow more nervous the closer I get. There’s a guard who makes me wait while he calls her home. He finally lets me through the gate, and I’m wondering what the hell I was thinking coming here on my own. Why didn’t I bring Cody with me?

I’m blown away by the size. This is a mansion, and I understand why Dylan would be having trouble adjusting. After ringing the doorbell, I wait in total panic. The door opens and
sweet Jesus
, the most beautiful girl is standing in front of me.

“Hi, um … I’m Dylan’s brother, Nate. Is Taylor here?”

She studies me as she twirls her finger in her long, golden blonde hair. “I totally see the resemblance, but you’re way cuter.”

Damn, she’s hot.

“I’m Tory, come on in, and I’ll take you up to her room, but I’ll warn you, she’s a basket case and really looks like hell right now.”

“I don’t think I belong in her bedroom. Can you ask her to come down here?”

She smirks. “Sure, just follow me. You can wait in the family room.”

I’m sitting in this mansion, feeling really out of place. I’m barely an adult, so why am I doing this again? Oh yeah, because my dumbass brother can’t sleep without a chick in his bed. I’ve decided from the last couple of days that love is a nightmare, and there’s no way in hell I’m going to want just one girl by his age.

Little
Brother, Big Advice

Taylor

I’m on the floor, staring at the ceiling when Tory barges in my room. “Don’t freak, but Dylan’s brother is here and wants to speak with you. He’s in the family room.”

“What does that mean?” I ask anxiously.

“How the hell do I know? He’s hotter than Dylan and looks my age, so find out if he’s single.”

“Get out!” I can’t believe she’s expecting anything from me right now. I run to the bathroom and try frantically to make myself look presentable. It’s hopeless, so I head downstairs with my stomach in knots.

I walk into the room and fight back tears. He looks so much like his brother. His eyes are brown instead of green, and his hair is shorter, but it’s dark brown, too, and his features are so similar. It makes me miss Dylan more. He stands up immediately and wipes his palms on his jeans.

“Hi, I’m Taylor.”

“Hi, Nate, Dylan’s younger brother.”

“Where’s Dylan? Is he OK?” I ask.

“He’s in bed at his house. I had to drive him up here. He’s barely slept. No offense, I mean, I’ve seen a gorgeous photo of you, but right now it appears that you haven’t slept, either.” He glances away and appears very nervous.

“I can’t sleep without Dylan next to me.”

“I wanted you to know he’s back home and safe. I gave him some sleeping pills. I knew he wouldn’t be able to fight it then.”

“I’m glad he’s back. I miss him. I guess he didn’t send you then.”

“No, but he misses you, too, and I can see that he really loves you. I guess I wanted to hear for myself how you feel about him. I don’t want to ever see him this hurt again.”

I start crying. I feel so much guilt for what I’ve done.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t cry. I can’t promise, but I think he’ll forgive you with time. I’m hopin’ it’s sooner rather than later.

“I know Dylan puts on a tough front, but that’s not who he really is. He needs to know he can trust you if he’s going to take on all this.” He glances around the house. “My brother’s the most honest person I know.”

“Dylan has shown me his soft side, and I really regret keeping things from him. I promise I won’t ever go behind his back again. He has a special talent, so I was just trying to help him. I can’t put into words how much I love him. How are you getting back?”

“I’m renting a car tomorrow.”

“The guys will be at school or work, so I can take you to get it.”

“I really doubt Dylan will go to his classes, so he can take me after he’s had some sleep.”

“OK.” I’m disappointed. I was hoping that would be a way to see him. “Will you please tell Dylan I miss him and desperately want to apologize in person?”

“Sure, I’ll tell him.”

My dad walks into the room. I’ve been avoiding him since I don’t know if he’d be upset at Dylan over all this.

“Who’s this you’re talkin’ with, Taylor?”

“This is Dylan’s younger brother, Nate.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Vincent.”

“It’s um, um, it’s great to meet you, sir,” Nate says nervously as he shakes Dad’s hand.

“Call me Vincent. What’s going on, darlin’?”

“Um … can I talk to you about it later? I need to show Nate out.”

“Sure, it was nice meetin’ ya.”

“Same here, um ... Vincent.”