"Re-record?".

My agent Jack nodded. "That's right. We'll re-do all of your songs professionally. We'll take some out and add some new ones,".

"OK," I said, nodding slowly, picking up my cup of coffee and taking a sip.

I was sitting in Nick's back yard the following week talking to my agent Jack. He seemed pretty nice.

"Once we get your tracks properly recorded, we'll send them to established artist's management. They'll be looking for up-and-coming singers to be supporting acts for tours so if someone hears your songs and likes them, they'll get in touch and book you. It's great publicity. We'll need some proper photos and video footage too,".

"Sure," I said, fiddling with blades of grass. "So where do we start?".

"I'll book up sessions in a recording studio and get you a stylist to work on your look...".

"What's wrong with this look?" I asked Jack.

"Not much, you just need a little more work,".

I nodded. I just hoped that they wouldn't turn me into one of the typical blond Barbie-like girl singers!

We talked business for a little while, then Nick came out and joined us. "What have you sorted for Mel?" Nick asked Jack.

"We've discussed recording and I explained how it all work,".

"Right," Nick said, laying on the grass next to us.

Jack had to get off to see another client so he soon left. I stayed in the yard with Nick.

"You look tired," I observed.

He yawned. "Yeah, I didn't get much sleep,".

"Oh," I said, looking down at the grass. "So how are things between you and Jade?". I was dying to know more about them, their relationship still puzzled me.

"Fine," he said quickly. "So where are you from? You've got an accent,".

I wondered why he'd changed the subject so quickly. "I'm from Kentucky," I told him.

"I though so," he said. "So you're at college?".

"Yeah,".

"Right,". We were silent for a few moments. I couldn't help thinking he looked sad. he always did. Why?

"So how's your break going?" I asked him. "You don't have a tour or anything for a while...".

"It's going fine," he said, scratching his head. "It's nice to be able to rest, do what I like. Not that I go out much... but I like being able to enjoy my own home and sleep in my own bed,".

"Yeah. So have you been recording?".

He brightened up at that question. "Yeah," he smiled. "I wrote a few songs for the new album and we've recorded lots of tracks. I don't know if any of my songs will make it though...".

"I hope they do, I've never heard anything you've written. I bet your songs are beautiful,".

He blushed. "I don't think they're that good...".

"have you got any of the recordings here?" I asked. "I've love a sneak preview," I hinted, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I've got a copy," he told me. "Come inside and I'll show you,".

Indoors, we sat and listened to a tape of new tracks. "This is the unedited version," he informed me. "The producers have the main copy and they'll mix them around, change bits, if you know what I mean,".

"This is great!" I exclaimed, listening to the new songs.

"Thanks," Nick said quietly.

It still felt weird to be in a room alone with Nick. A few weeks ago I was dreaming of a situation like this and now it was happening. It was strange! As Nick reached over to pick his drink up, he brushed hands with me briefly. With just that one touch, I could feel a bolt of electricity that made my heart soar. It felt amazing!

Soon the tape came to an end. One of the pugs crept up and sat itself on my lap. "So where's Jade today?" I asked, stroking the soft fur of his dog.

There was a look almost of panic on Nick's face when I asked. "Um... I don't know, to tell the truth...".

"Oh, OK," I said, not wanting to upset him or anything if I pressed further. He didn't seem to like to talk about her. "Your pugs are adorable," I told him with a smile.

He returned the smile, looking almost relieved. "Thanks. They're the best breed of dog, wouldn't you agree?".

"Yeah! Which one's this?".

"Mikey," he told me.

"He's cute," I said. "Just like his owner," I added with a smirk.

Nick went red. "Awww, that's not true! I'm not cute at all,".

"Nick," I said with a sigh. "You're one of the most wanted guys in the world!".

He looked at me strangely. "What?!". he looked alarmed, almost scared.

"Not wanted as in criminal!" I laughed. "Wanted by girls as their boyfriend!".

He calmed down. "Oh, I see!".

"My point is, you don't think you're cute but doesn't the fact that millions of girls have posters of you all over their walls prove that you are good-looking?".

"OK, maybe I have got looks," he said. "But only cuz I have people who dress me and make me look good. If I didn't have them, I would look plain ugly,".

"That's stupid," I told him. "You have such a low opinion of yourself and that ain't healthy,".

Nick hung his head wearily. "But I'm such a loser. It's only cuz I'm rich and famous that girls want me,".

"There's some truth in that, yes some girls only like you for that. But you're not a loser, don't ever say that! There are plenty of girls out there that would love you for the person you are,". Like me, but I didn't say that.

Nick smiled gratefully. "Thanks, I know you mean well, but... oh I don't know,". He looked frustrated, I couldn't work out why.

I finished my coffee and put the cup on the table. "I'll leave you in peace now," I told him. "I don't want to be an nuisance,".

"Please stay," Nick said quickly.

"OK,". That was fine by me!

"I'd only be in alone, I'd be bored. If you've got no plans you can stay longer,".

"Sure, I'd like that,".

We watched a movie, which seemed to cheer Nick up. "Can we play some Nintendo?" I asked when it had finished.

"Sure," he said, looking happy at the idea of playing his beloved video games!

"Great, I haven't played it in a long time. I left my Playstation at home so I miss that, and I don't have a Nintendo. My sister has one but she hardly lets me play it!".

Nick led me into another room where he had it set up. "Chose any game," he said, sitting himself on a chair next to a wide open window.

We spent a whole afternoon playing. We were interuppted by Jade returning home, but she didn't say anything to Nick. She just opened a draw in the room and took a huge wad of money from it, then went out again.

I didn't question him, I doubted he'd want to tell me why he let his girlfriend spend stupid amounts of money. "I'd better be going," I said. "Jack said he'll meet me here again in a few days when he's booked recording and photo sessions for me so I'll see you then,".

Nick nodded, looking sad again. "OK, well thanks for the company this afternoon,".

"No probs, I enjoyed myself!".

"I'll walk you to the door,".

We said goodbye and I began my drive back to Daisy's. It had been a wonderful afternoon, alone with Nick! If only he hadn't have been so sad...

"I can't believe you're going!".

I hugged Daisy and nodded. "But I'll be back in less than two months," I told her.

A few weeks after re-recording my album, I had landed a spot as opening act for one of my favorite groups beside the BSB; the Irish boyband Westlife. They were doing a tour around the states and their management had heard my tape and booked me as one of their supporting acts. It wouldn't be a huge tour, but it would be great experience for me, earn me some money and get me some publicity. I was so pleased about it!

That day, I was leaving Daisy's to go to the Big Apple; in NYC I would have some rehearsals to get my set practised, then I'd leave to go on the road.

I was excited about it, but I would miss Nick. I'd seen him a few times a week since getting signed and we'd become pretty friendly. But I still couldn't figure out the mysterious behaviour concerning him and Jade...

I waved goodbye to Daisy after thanking her for letting me stay and giving her some money to cover my stay, even though she didn't want to take it. She was way to nice!

I got into the car that had picked me up. I climbed in and sat next to Jack, who was already inside. "We'll discuss details on your way to the airport," he told me. "I won't be going to New York, I'll see you off at the airport," he told me.

He told me more about what lay ahead. "We've got you a backup band sorted, you'll share them with the other two opening acts. One is a boyband trio from Europe and the other is another American solo singer, she's not much older than you. I think you'll get on well,".

"Will I have a stylist?" I asked.

Jack shook his head. "You'll share with the other acts,".

"I've had an idea," I said. "Daisy could come and be my stylist- she's great with choosing clothes- she came up with my look! And she works in a salon so she can do hair and make up...".

Jack liked the idea. "Well if she can make it, get the time off work, then sure. I don't see why not. She needn't come for a week or so yet as you won't need her during rehearsal. I'll sort things out with her soon,".

I smiled. "Great,".

Jack told me more. He firstly said I would lip sync, but I hated that idea. I had promised myself I would always sing live! I persuaded him to let me sing live and he eventually agreed.

"Nick said he'd come out and see the Florida show," Jack told me.

My heart flipped at his name. "Excellent!" I exclaimed. I'd love for Nick to see me performing!

We soon reached Tampa airport and Jack said goodbye to me. "I'll come and visit you during rehearsals. Oh, once you arrive, someone will be waiting for you so don't worry," he told me. "Good luck!".

I thanked him and took my bags through the airport to my departure area. As I watched planes taking off and landing out of the window, I couldn't help get excited. I was about to go touring the country as opening act for one of my favorite bands!

But one thing was bothering me. I wouldn't see Nick. Not only would I miss him, but I would be worried. I could imagine him sitting looking sad, all on his own. He seemed to enjoy my company, but I would not be around for eight weeks. Would he be OK?

>>>>>