One In A Lifetime

Chapter Forty-Five

POV: Taylor

We had gone through all of Rory's clothes while we were at the house in Woodstock, and something I noticed is that she has a certain taste for vintage attire. Very old school hippie style. We were able to bring most of her tops, but it's apparent that she has outgrown most of her pants and shoes. She did pack a few of her Mom’s things to bring with her that she loved.

Today, I am taking her out shopping. She wants to go to some of the same vintage shops her Mom took her too, and Scarlett mentioned a few boutiques she knew of.

Riley had left earlier with Scarlett and Lizzie to go pack up Jenny’s apartment. Rory had told her it was fine, and she had only been to the apartment a few times. Riley told her she would pack everything and have it sent to the Woodstock house. I am sure someday Rory will be happy we kept her things.

“Hey sweetie, are you ready?” I asked, stepping into her room.

“I am,” she said, grabbing her bag. 

As we made our way to the waiting car, I noticed she was a bit fidgety. Once we were seated comfortably and were on our way, I looked over to her, curious as to what was going on in her mind.

“Are you ok, sweetie?”

“Yes ma’am,” she said, smiling at me, but I could see the nerves behind her smile.

“Sweetie, you know you can tell me or ask me anything,” I said, laying a hand on her knee.

“I know, I just, I don't know. I get nervous when I am with you,” she said, her head lowered.

“Oh baby, why?”

“You’re Taylor Swift,” she said softly.

“Oh Rory, baby I am sorry. We don't have to go out if you don't want to. I can get Scarlett or even Lizzie to take you out…”

“No, No, that's not what I mean I just, like I knew my Mom was famous, but I never got to see that side of her, you know? And now, like, my Aunt is Scarlett Johansson and my stepmom is Taylor Swift. I have looked up to both of you for my whole life, because you are these strong independent women. I never dreamed I would ever be this close to either of you and here I am going shopping with one of the people I look up to.”

For once in my life I was speechless. All I could do was smile at her and pull her into a hug. Kissing the top of her head.

“You look up to me?”

“Yes Taylor. Do you not realize how many people look up to you? Come on, you know how the Swifties can be?

“I mean, I do. I love my fans. I do what I do for them, but….”

“No buts Taylor. You are special, whether you know it or not. Look at Aunt Scarlett, Disney tried to screw her over for something she worked her entire career for, and she didn't back down. She fought and won. Look at you, a man assaulted you and you won, not only that, but look at what you are doing with your masters, you are taking back control of them. You may not realize it, but you are showing women there is nothing wrong with standing up for yourself.”

“Thank you, Rory. You know, I hear that from my friends, my family, even my team sometimes, but hearing it from you. I don't know, it means more coming from you,” I said, gently stroking her cheek.

She smiled at me, the same smile that I see on Riley’s face often. She looks so much like her Poppi.

“And you don't have to take me shopping, I have plenty of clothes. You saw.”