call it what you want | Taylor Swift X Travis Kelce

chapter 8

"Don't be shocked if there are paparazzi at the airport; they like to stalk my planes," I chuckled but then switched to a more serious tone, "I'm not kidding, though."

"Haha, yeah," Travis laughed through my AirPods.

"I am not joking, though," I said, trying to keep a straight face for effect.

"Actually?" Travis questioned, sensing the sincerity behind my words.

"Yep. Again, you don't have to do this if it's too much for you. I get it," I rambled a little, feeling the need to offer an out, although I hoped he'd still be there waiting.

"I want to do this, I want to do you, I want there to be us," Travis's words settled my nerves, his sincerity cutting through the anxiety.

"Okay, we're about to land. I've sent you the invite to the lounge I'll meet you in. Tree should already be there," I informed him as I buckled my seatbelt.

"Okay, princess," Travis teased, the endearing nicknames he used always making me feel warm inside. I disconnected the call and removed my AirPods.

Travis's POV

I sat in the VIP lounge next to Tree, this being the first time we'd met in person. We'd spoken over the phone to go over the 'rules' for today—the main one being to let Taylor dictate the level of public visibility, but ensure we were seen together without confirming or denying anything.

"She's here," Tree announced.

As Taylor walked into the lounge, she was clad in a Chiefs jersey, jeans, and a grey T-shirt, radiating an effortless charm that made even the simplest outfit alluring.

"You look stunning," I complimented as she approached, welcoming her with a hug and a kiss on her head.

She was aware she'd be meeting my mom today, but I don't think it had fully sunk in yet. The woman I was falling for was about to meet my mom, a thought that filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

I glanced at Taylor, feeling a surge of emotions intertwine within me—excitement, nerves, and an unexpected sense of certainty that felt like a bolt of lightning coursing through my veins. She, in her casual attire, seemed so effortlessly captivating, her presence making everything around her feel lighter.

"You ready for this?" I asked, trying to gauge her reaction. The thought of Taylor meeting my mom stirred a whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn't help but feel both apprehensive and eager for this moment.

Taylor flashed a bright smile, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of anticipation and a touch of nervousness. "As ready as I'll ever be. Just hope I make a good impression," she admitted, a hint of vulnerability laced in her words.

I chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You already won her over with those texts. She's been raving about you ever since."

The knot in Taylor's shoulders seemed to loosen at my words, a small sigh of relief escaping her lips. "That's good to know. I don't want her thinking I'm just some... pop star," she chuckled nervously.

"She's not going to think that. She's pretty easy to get along with," I reassured her, hoping to calm her nerves.

As we stood there in the VIP lounge, an announcement echoed through the airport, signaling the arrival of our flight. Taylor's gaze met mine, and for a moment, a silent understanding passed between us. Whatever happened today, it was the beginning of something new—something we were both eager to explore.

"Shall we?" I offered my arm, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Taylor nodded, looping her arm through mine, and together, we made our way towards the airport exit.

The glare of flashing cameras hit us as we stepped outside, the paparazzi already swarming the area. Taylor's grip on my arm tightened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the invasive attention.

"Remember, just be yourself. You're going to charm her like you did me," I whispered to Taylor, trying to reassure her as we navigated the flashing lights and the calls from the photographers.

The car pulled up, and as we stepped inside, the clamor outside faded. Taylor let out a breath she'd been holding, the tension in her shoulders easing.

"You okay?" I asked, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Yeah, just... weirdly nervous." she confessed, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and exhaustion.

"It's all right. You will be fine, my mom is going to love you." I offered a reassuring smile, hoping to alleviate some of her stress.

As the car drove us toward our destination, I couldn't help but steal glances at Taylor. There was a kind of magic in the way she handled the overwhelming situation, a glimpse of vulnerability that only added to her allure. And in that moment, I knew, meeting my mom or not, this day marked the beginning of something truly special between us.