"Well..he was in my room but Lucy said he had to stay out cuz it might mess it up. So Katie and I took him outside with Helio."
"Good. He's gettin' far to big to sleep in your bed."
"But Daddddddyyyyy." The child grinned up at his father; yes he definitely had Brian's grin. The boy's eyes fell upon Lauren. "Who's this lady Dad?"
"Tommie this is Lauren, the newest artist signed to RokRecords." Brian winked at Lauren. Her jaw fell to the floor. No! Her head screamed. Brian wanted to sing and write on her album but sign her? No WAY!

"We'll be right back," Brian mouthed walking out the office with his son in his arms.
"No," Lauren breathed. Lauren couldn't believe what Brian had just said. She had a deal pending with JIVE. Times had changed drastically in the past 3 years. Record companies would let you record some tracks then sign you, just to see the quality of your voice and such. And she was beginning to hate JIVE. They always pushed her around. She hated it more than anything. She loved to sing with all her heart. She'd done it all her life. She could not stop now. Nor would she stop for anything. They had discussed Brian making some cameos, maybe writing and producing, but NEVER signing her. Lauren didn't know what to do. She really didn't want to use Brian for fame in any way shape or form. She wanted him to sing, to be happy again. Lauren just wanted to be his friend, to be there for him. She couldn't help feeling the way she did. She was falling in love with him. Without the consent of her brain.