Searching for Home
by Chelle & Nikki

~ Chapter 22 ~

Brianna walked to her car and climbed in, shutting the door with a light slam. She started the car and drove out onto the road. It was 2:15 and she was on her way to meet Taylor. She was to say the least, happy. Isaac had given his permission for she and Taylor to pursue a relationship, as long as it didn't interfere with their work, she had been given some closing to the drama that had unfolded about her mother, and work was becoming enjoyable for her. It seemed as though she was finally getting things on track. She was beginning to think that as more time passed, she could possibly come to see Tulsa as home. That made her feel happier than she had in a long time. Everything seemed to be on a good path in her life. She was glad to be back from Georgia. Not getting to talk to Pam was a disappointment but she was well satisfied with what she had gotten out of the trip. Plus, she had a nice apartment, a good job and had managed to survive the time on her own without failing... at least so far. That was enough.
She pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, and turned the car off. She quickly looked into the mirror and added some lip gloss and smoothed out her hair. Taking a deep breath, Brianna pulled the key out of the ignition and opened the car door. She stepped out, taking a moment to straighten her clothes, and then shut the door. As she walked to the entrance of the building, she slipped her keys into her purse. She walked inside and stopped. "Hello, party of one?" asked a friendly hostess. "No," Brianna smiled, "I'm meeting someone."
"The hostess grinned and leaned in close to Brianna. Quietly she asked, "Handsome guy, tall, sandy colored hair, amazing blue eyes and an incredible smile?" Brianna blinked in surprise at the description of Taylor. Slowly, a shy smile came onto her face and a light blush covered her cheeks. "Yes, that's him." Brianna and the hostess giggled. "He's here. Follow me." The hostess picked up a menu and led Brianna to a table in the back corner. She saw him, sitting in a booth, facing toward the wall, his back to her. She walked over and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Hi." she said quietly. Taylor looked up and grinned. "Hi." he said. He stood up and walked over to pull her chair out for her. She smiled as she gave a 'thank you' nod and sat down. Taylor returned to his seat with a smile. The hostess grinned and handed Brianna her menu. Then she looked around the restaurant and summoned a young guy, not much older than Taylor, with a wave of her hand. "Enjoy your lunch." The hostess said. The young man approached the table. " Hello, my name is Brandon. How are you?"
"Fine thanks. and you?" Brianna said with a smile.
Just fine, thank you. What can I get you to drink ma'am?"
Brianna smiled. "Sweet tea. No lemon please."
"Ok. Can I get you a refill sir?" The waiter asked. Taylor sat back with a smile and sigh. He glanced at Brianna. She smiled as she noticed that he had halfway finished his second beer. Taylor looked up at Brandon. With a sideways glance and smile at Brianna, Taylor said "Naw, I better not. Just bring me a glass of sweet tea too."
"Ok, be right back." Brandon walked away with a smile.
After a moment, Brianna spoke. "You been waiting long?"
"Not too long. I got here early. I was afraid that I'd end up being late. Traffic was kinda bad."
"Oh. Thank you very much for the roses."
"You're welcome. I was hoping you'd like them."
"Oh yes, very much. They're beautiful and were a nice surprise."
Taylor smiled. "I talked to Isaac."
"Yes, me too."
Taylor looked up, surprised. "What? you did?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well, what did he say?"
"He just told me what he had told you. He said that you were right about him being a perfectionist and all and that he just didn't want anything to get in the way of work."
"Ah, well, that about covers it."
"Sooo..."
"So." Taylor raised his eyebrows.
"What about Trixie?"
"I am going to talk ot her this evening."
"Well, let me know what happens with that." Brianna smiled, letting Taylor know that until then, they were simply two friends having lunch. He returned her smile though, happy that she hadn't flat out turned him down. He felt grateful that she was having so much consideration for his daughter. Trixie was, of course, his number one priority.
"Sweet tea." Brandon said, sitting down two full glasses. "Thank you." Brianna said.
"What can I get you two to eat?"
"Can you give us just a minute?" Taylor asked.
"Of course, I'll be back in a few."
Brandon walked away. Taylor and Brianna began to scan the menu items.
"So, if Trixie handles our conversation alright, how about the three of us get together this weekend?"
"Sure Taylor, that sounds good."
"Alright. Now, let's see. Do you know what you want?"
"Not sure." Brianna answered.
They made small talk as they scanned over the items and when Brandon came back, they ordered lunch. They chatted casually throughout the meal, neither of them mentioning anything about their relationship or it's possible leap to another level.
After lunch, Taylor laid two one dollar bills on the table, paid the cashier at the door, then walked Brianna out to her car. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" Brianna asked.
"Yeah, I have to go pick up a guitar, then I'm gonna be recording the rest of the day." Taylor answered.
"Oh, well then, yes, I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you Taylor, for lunch and for the flowers."
"You're very welcome."
They both smiled and Brianna got into her car and drove away.

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