Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 85: Fearless]

The infamous person who had once actively rejected Ryan was now being brought back by Taylor. Shortly after, Ryan and Daddario stepped away from the trailer, as Taylor changed outfits for the music video shoot.

"Isn't it too far from Los Angeles for auditions?" Ryan joked with a smile.

"Well, someone is covering the plane tickets," Daddario quipped.

"How much extra did she give you?" Ryan continued to ask.

"That's none of your business," Daddario replied, refusing to say more.

"Then I'll just tell Taylor to find someone else," Ryan stated nonchalantly.

"Wait, she's actually paying me double every month," Daddario eventually blurted out, unable to contain her excitement. With the addition of what Ryan offered, her pay turned out to be three times that of a regular assistant, not including travel expenses for auditions in Los Angeles. It was no wonder she agreed to this opportunity.

"Don't worry, I won't spill any secrets. It's good for both of us; this deal is pretty sweet, right?" Daddario whispered to Ryan.

...

Before Ryan could respond, Taylor emerged from the trailer, dressed in a Western-style corseted gown with a layered, flowing skirt that was nothing short of stunning. Her shoulders bared, she had changed makeup artists specifically for this music video, and at that moment, her long, voluminous hair was pinned up and held in place with a headband.

"Do I look good?" she asked, lifting her skirt as she approached Ryan, accompanied by her makeup assistant holding an umbrella and her makeup artist trailing behind to manage her train.

Ryan circled around her, seeing her stand out like never before. The elaborate court-style dress made her look like a princess from a fairy tale.

"When are you changing?" Taylor asked.

"That has to wait until before the next scene starts," Ryan replied. He wasn't just visiting; he was the male lead in the music video.

This was the first single from Taylor's new album, titled Love Story, inspired by Romeo and Juliet. It was rumored that she met a boy last year, but her parents disapproved of their relationship. So, Taylor had sequestered herself in her room and came out after an hour and a half with the lyrics and melody for Love Story.

However, this was merely gossip. Taylor herself mentioned that she had developed some concepts, and the lyrics were polished later on. This song was one of the first confirmed tracks for the upcoming album.

When Ryan first met Taylor, she had mentioned this music video. She never expected that their relationship would evolve into what it was now, nor could she have imagined Ryan surpassing her on the Billboard charts.

...

If it weren't for Trey coming by to hurry things along, Taylor might have spent much longer showcasing her outfit to Ryan.

The first scene took place in front of the Gwen Castle, and Taylor's entrance instantly captivated all the crew members' attention.

"Play the music!" the assistant director commanded.

As Love Story played in the background, Taylor slowly ascended the stairs, stopping at the window ledge of the castle as if gazing longingly for a lost love. She timed her lip-syncing to the music while striking various poses, just as a gentle breeze ruffled her cascading hair. In the distance, Ryan was watching her closely, perhaps amplifying her immersion in the moment.

"Perfect!" Trey declared, watching through the monitor. Taylor was performing beautifully, with nearly all her takes completed successfully in one go.

"The first scene wrapped up much quicker than expected. After accounting for travel time, we still have two hours of downtime," Trey noted, glancing at her watch. Today, she wore a white t-shirt that accentuated her figure, and when Daddario joined her side, the two made quite an impression together.

...

"Hey Taylor, the Teen Choice Awards called for you!" Taylor's mom rushed over, holding up a phone.

Taylor took the phone, an instant smile lighting up her face. "I can't believe it! I won a surfboard!"

She grabbed Ryan's hand excitedly. Taylor was honored with the Teen Choice Award for "Choice Breakout Artist of the Year." It was a broad category, with Taylor securing five nominations. Ryan, despite his late debut, had also received nominations for "Choice Male Hottie" and "Choice Breakout Male Artist," though both had unfortunately lost -- the former to the Jonas Brothers and the latter to Justin Timberlake.

"You've only been around for a short while; two nominations is already impressive. Your big moment will come next year," Taylor reminded him.

Ryan's single Harlem Shake had entered the top ten that week, and Wake Me Up had climbed several spots as well. By this time next year, it was likely he'd win multiple Teen Choice Awards.

Erica arrived with iced coffee, and Taylor and Ryan leaned against the stone windowsill of the castle, engaging in small talk.

"This song is pretty good, right? Nathan and Liz both advised me not to drop it from the album. You're not upset, are you?" Taylor asked hesitantly.

"Why would I be? It's just a song, and it was written before you knew me anyway," Ryan shook his head.

Taylor nodded but her brow furrowed slightly. "We'll probably see each other less and less going forward."

After filming the first single, Taylor would dive into promotion for her album, and summer held plenty of concerts for her. Ryan had commitments too.

"Being together is about making each other better; I'll always support your dreams," Ryan affirmed firmly.

Taylor was busy, but it was all for a good reason -- to make serious money. Ryan wouldn't stand in her way.

With a gleaming smile, she leaned in, wanting to kiss Ryan, her high heels making her a bit taller than him today.

"Ahem," Taylor's mom cleared her throat, reminding them of her presence.

Taylor pulled back, slightly embarrassed. "I finally figured out what to call the new album."

"It'll be named after one of the songs, Fearless," Taylor decided with determination.

"Do you know why?" she continued.

Ryan shook his head.

"Because love gives people courage. As long as you're with me, I won't be afraid, no matter what happens," she confessed slowly.

...

"Have you seen Ryan?" Trey asked anxiously, glancing around at four o'clock, stopping anyone she spotted to inquire about his whereabouts.

"And where's Taylor? Where could they have gone? Don't tell me they got lost in the woods?" Taylor's mom looked worried.

"Don't worry, Ryan's changing. As for Taylor, she probably went to the restroom," Daddario, passing by, chimed in.

At that moment, inside the locked trailer, Taylor was still in her medieval corset gown, but the hem of her skirt had been hiked up as she playfully hit Ryan's arm.

"Ryan, we need to finish the second scene before sunset!" she urged breathlessly.

...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a man and woman hurried towards each other, embracing tenderly as their foreheads touched, their gazes locked in a moment of connection.

"Spin!" Trey instructed, having the cameraman circle around them to capture the shot.

"Get low!" she called out to the crew, signaling them to kneel among the tall grass.

Using those precious last moments of daylight, they wrapped up the second scene.

"We've got to dance classical court-style tomorrow. Can you do that, Ryan?"

"Sure, I danced with Abigail," Ryan replied from the back seat of Taylor's mom's SUV.

Taylor's mom looked taken aback for a moment.

Realizing Ryan had slipped up, Taylor quickly changed the subject.

"Ahhh! Spider!!!" she screamed at the sight of a black spider nestled in her skirt.

"Ryan, help me get it down! Ah! Oh my goooooood!" she squealed, covering her face and screaming at the top of her lungs.

*****

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