The morning after election night, Lucas and Jennifer sat in his Beverly Park mansion, watching as their worst fears materialized on the news.
"How did this happen?" Lucas stared at the TV screen, genuine disbelief etched on his face. "That man actually won."
The electoral map told the story - Trump's path to victory through crucial swing states like Pennsylvania and Florida, despite Hillary Clinton's clear lead in the vote. The numbers were brutal in their finality.
Jennifer sighed. "The margins in those swing states were so thin," she said, shaking her head. "A few thousand votes here and there, and we'd be looking at a completely different outcome."
Lucas watched silently as Clinton's concession speech played. Despite his careful efforts to influence events behind the scenes, history had stubbornly refused to change course. Still, he took some cold comfort in the closer margins - at least his actions had made some difference.
The weight of his foreknowledge pressed against him as he released a heavy sigh.
"Hey." Jennifer shifted closer, her shoulder pressing against his. "The country survived worse. We'll get through this too." She paused, then added with quiet certainty, "Though I can't help thinking - if Hillary had been a man, with those exact same qualifications..."
"The double standard was obvious from the start," Lucas finished, sighing.
Sensing his dark mood, Jennifer deliberately changed course. "Speaking of more pleasant things - when's Taylor getting here? You two have that songwriting session planned, right?"
The mention of upcoming projects snapped Lucas out of his brooding thoughts. "Yeah, we'll be in New York in a few days. We've got some promising ideas to work on."
"Now that's something to look forward to." Jennifer's face brightened with genuine enthusiasm.
"I just hope you won't get jealous of me working with another woman," Lucas said, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Jennifer landed a playful slap on his arm. "What kind of person do you think I am?" She crossed her arms in mock offense.
Lucas fixed her with an exaggerated skeptical look, one eyebrow raised.
"Oh, stop it," Jennifer sighed, fighting back a smile. "Taylor's my friend, and you know it. I'm not going to get jealous over a songwriting session."
"Good to hear. Then we'll really give it our all in this collaboration." Lucas's voice carried that deliberate hint of mischief.
Jennifer shoved him away with both hands. "Don't tease me like that!"
"Like what?" Lucas laughed, spreading his hands innocently. "I'm just talking about making music."
"'Giving it our all,'" Jennifer mimicked his tone. "You knew exactly what you were doing."
"I thought you said you wouldn't be jealous," Lucas grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
Jennifer pointed a warning finger at him, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Try anything funny with Taylor, and I'll replace all your expensive suits with dollar store Halloween costumes."
Lucas raised his hands in mock surrender, feigning terror. "Okay, okay! I solemnly swear to keep things strictly professional. My suits are too precious to risk."
Jennifer snorted, a smile tugging at her lips despite her best efforts.
Their playful banter had worked its magic, washing away the heaviness of the election results. These intimate moments, just the two of them being themselves, reminded them why they worked so well together.
***
A few days later, it was time for another separation. Lucas was heading to New York for his songwriting session with Taylor, while Jennifer stayed behind for her own projects. At the door, she pulled him into a tight hug.
"Tell Taylor I said hi," Jennifer murmured against his shoulder. "And that she better not steal my boyfriend."
"As if anyone could," Lucas replied softly, returning the embrace.
The drive to Van Nuys Airport was quick, with Neil already waiting in the car alongside Shawn at the wheel, and Simon and Jack handling security. Lucas's G650 stood ready on the private tarmac, a sight that still impressed despite its familiarity.
As they settled into the luxurious cabin, Jack stretched out in one of the plush seats. "Sure beats fighting through LAX crowds," he grinned, exchanging knowing looks with Simon.
"Remember when we had to form human barriers around Lucas at airports?" Simon chuckled. "Those were the days."
Neil leaned back in his seat with a knowing smile. "I have to say, I'm glad you decided to spend on a private jet. For someone who'd rather put every penny into philanthropy, this is quite the splurge."
The others chuckled, well aware of Lucas's reputation for being careful with luxury spending, even by celebrity standards.
Lucas listened with an amused smile as his team reminisced about their commercial flight days - the chaos of airport security, the constant formation of human barriers against eager fans, and the endless stream of photo requests from fellow passengers.
Once airborne, they settled into the G650's comfortable cabin.
Despite the luxury, they still dealt with occasional turbulence that sent their drinks wobbling, and the cabin pressure changes that made their ears pop more noticeably than in commercial flights.
The relatively confined space, though luxurious, meant they had to be more mindful of their movements - but no one was complaining about these minor inconveniences.
The five-and-a-half hour flight from Los Angeles to New York passed quickly.
They touched down at Teterboro Airport, the preferred landing spot for private jets in the New York area.
As they descended the aircraft steps, Neil spotted several photographers already positioned near the airport's exit. "How did they know?" he muttered, checking his phone. "We kept this arrival quiet."
"Taylor's team probably had the same leak problem," Lucas said as they made their way to the waiting SUV. They were heading to Swift's Tribeca penthouse, where she and her parents would be waiting to discuss the collaboration.
The paparazzi's cameras clicked rapidly as they loaded their bags, already ensuring tomorrow's tabloids would feature shots of Lucas's arrival in New York.
Lucas and his team entered Taylor's Tribeca penthouse, finding her and her parents in the living room. Taylor stood up smoothly, offering a warm smile.
"Finally managed to drag you away from Hollywood," she said, greeting Lucas and his team with easy familiarity.
"Couldn't keep turning down your collaboration requests forever," Lucas replied with a slight grin.
Andrea and Scott Swift exchanged greetings with Lucas, genuine warmth in their welcome. "We were starting to think you'd forgotten about New York entirely," Andrea said.
"With how often Taylor mentions your song ideas, that would've been impossible," Scott added.
Lucas smiled. "Starting to feel like a family reunion instead of a writing session."
The comment drew light laughter, and they settled into comfortable conversation. Soon enough, Andrea glanced at Scott, a silent understanding passing between them.
"We should let you two get to work," she said, rising. "I'm sure you have plenty to discuss."
As everyone prepared to leave, Neil patted Lucas's shoulder. "Try to actually get some work done between all the catching up," he murmured with a knowing smirk.
"Get out of here," Lucas replied under his breath, shaking his head.
Once they were alone, Taylor turned to him with barely contained excitement. "Those song samples you sent over? I've been playing them on repeat. Especially that melody in the second track - it's exactly what I've been looking for."
Lucas chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Hold on - let's get to the studio first. Need to play around with the sound before we commit to anything."
"Right, right, of course." Taylor led the way to her home studio, a professionally equipped space tucked away in the penthouse.
Lucas's eyes landed on the impressive collection of guitars mounted on the wall. He reached for a vintage Martin, admiring its craftsmanship.
"Take whichever one you want," Taylor offered. "That one's barely getting any use anyway."
"Thanks, but I'll just borrow it for now," Lucas said, already testing the strings with a few experimental chords.
After testing the guitar's sound, Lucas launched into an impromptu performance of one of his demo tracks.
"It was late at night, you held on tight," his voice filled the studio space. "From an empty seat."
The melody flowed as he continued, "A flash of light. It will take a while... to make you smile."
His fingers moved across the strings with practiced ease. "Somewhere in these eyes, I'm on your side."
Taylor listened quietly, absorbed in the performance. When Lucas finished, she clapped, genuinely impressed. "Hearing you perform it live brings out something the demo couldn't capture."
"Thanks," Lucas said simply.
"Your turn," he added, gesturing to her guitar.
Taylor picked up her phone, reviewing the composition Lucas had sent earlier. She settled with her guitar, creating a haunting melody as she began to sing:
"Bubble of sorrow, ball of uncertainty
So many mornings that nothing conceals
I want my winter"
Taylor's fingers moved across the guitar strings, drawing out a melancholic melody that perfectly matched the weight of the lyrics.
"To fall asleep far from your illusions
I know well that I lie
I know well that I feel cold inside"
Her voice carried through the verses that followed, building the song's haunting atmosphere. When she finally reached the end several minutes later, Lucas applauded her performance.
The song showcased both their strengths - exactly what they needed for their upcoming concert together. Taylor recognized the raw emotion behind "So Be It," sensing its connection to Lucas's complicated family history. But she kept that observation to herself as they moved on to discuss their other collaborations.
Around them, Taylor's longtime sound engineers and production staff worked quietly, adjusting levels and taking notes. They'd been with her through countless recording sessions, and now their expertise would help shape these new songs.
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Space Song - Bleach House
Ainsi soit je - Mylène Farmer