CHAPTER 1 (Wednesday 2pm)

The man sitting across from me takes a sip from his coffee before slipping on his glasses and taking a look at his note pad. He has a very confident presence which makes me feel slightly uncomfortable as I sit perched on the edge of the sofa, waiting for him too say something. He's 60 odd but one of those men that get better looking with age, the grey streaks in his dark hair and smile lines doing him favors. Getting to work with him is a privilege and he reminds us of that by taking his time. My manager, Stuart, is sitting next to me on the sofa. I look across to him hoping for comfort but he's deep in whispered conversation with our P.A, Becky. I look back down at my hands as the nerves slowly take over, how much longer is he going to make me wait.

Another 5 minutes pass before he finally clears his throat to indicate that he's ready to start. Becky leaves Stuarts side and takes a seat a few metres to our left. Stuart glances over at me and can see that i'm nervous so gives me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. Better late than never. I smile at him then turn to Richard. Richard Clark is at the top in his line of work, he writes autobiographies for celebrities like me that can't write them for themselves. He's worked with other celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and the late John Travolta. I was still unsure on the idea of putting my life on paper but Stuart seemed to think people would want to read my story. I suppose the facts are kind of interesting, I mean I've had a good career and people seem to be fascinated by the fact I worked hard and got so far so young. The part that worries me is I know at some point he'll ask me to talk about thoughts and feelings, i'm no good with that and can never get my point across the way I want. Anyway I shouldn't have to go there today so i'm trying to push that worry to the back of my head for now.

'So Ed' Richard starts in his london accent, it's posh but you can tell it's a learnt accent, he would have adapted to it over the years to better suit his line of work. 'I can call you Ed yes?'

I nod and he carries on, 'Right well Thank you ever so much for joining me on this Ed, you and me will do great things i'm sure. I'm very excited to be working with you as yours is a very anticipated story. Now are you sure you don't want a Tea or coffee? Staurt?'

'No i'm fine thank you Richard' I say and Stuart waves down the offer in agreement. 'Some water however would be great.' My mouths dry which I'm sure is the nerves, this is not my comfort zone. Without being asked his assistant stands up from beside him and disappears to find some water at my request.

Richard clears his throat once again, 'Ok Ed so just to explain, today we're just going to be jotting down some notes, touch upon your childhood, maybe make a time line if you will, nothing too deep.' A wave of relief washes over me as Richard confirms what i've being trying to tell myself all morning, I relax a little now and move back into my seat making myself more comfortable.

'I feel we should start the book with a quick page of where your at now, your achievements and awards ect, we'll then move on to highlight your childhood, where your love for music came from and all that jazz.' Richard says with a wave of his arm before leaning in, resting his forearms on his legs and giving me an intense stare over the top of his glasses, I feel uncomfortable again and look back down at my hands in my lap. 'However,' He continues, 'I feel the real interest in your story comes from your journey to fame, small town boy taking his chances right here in the big city to follow his dream. People love that stuff and want to know every detail of how you made the world fall at your feet. Now how does that sound to you Ed?' Richard is sitting back in his seat again now, slight smile on his face obviously very proud of the little speech he's given.

Just then the door opens, all 4 of our heads turn to see who it is. It's just Richards assistant back with the water I requested. I'm grateful as it gives me another moment of delay as I'm sure Richard is going to expect me to start talking soon. I watch as she ever so gracefully walks over with the tray holding a jug and 5 glasses. I'd been too nervous to notice before but now I see that she's actually a very pretty girl.

She looks to me and my eyes catch hers, we hold each others gaze for just a second as she sets down the tray on the coffee table. I look back to my lap too quickly, the slightest blush upon my cheeks and my mind racing with thoughts of lust.

'Thank you Imogen' Richard says.

I close my eyes for just a moment to calm myself but see her eyes staring back at me as if burnt into my eyelids. Her eyes are green, No hazel. Either way they darkened around the pupil which make them so deep I can't help but imagine myself inches from her face, exploring them for hours. They are beautiful and perfect for her olive complexion. Right now focus Ed.

I look up again, careful to only look at Richard, he's pouring me a glass of water when he starts again, 'Straight into it then Ed, Tell me about your love for music, where did that come from?'

Ok thats an easy one, I take a quick gulp of water and relax a little more, 'Um well I always say it started when I was maybe 6 or 7, Listening to Van Morrison on long car journeys with my parents'

When I finish Richard still had his pen over this note pad as if waiting to write more, when he realises that that is all I have to say he lowers his note pad and looks over at me. 'Yes that's very good Ed, can we add to that though, I need you tell me a little more. Was there any particle trips that stand out to you? favorite songs? did you sing along ect? You know, that sort of thing.'

I look back down at my hands, then allowed myself a glance back up at Imogen, I was still very aware of her presence and she was obviously very aware of mine too, her beautiful eyes locked on my face. My eyes shoot down as a wave of embarrassment washes over me, of course he needed more, this wasn't a usual interview where an answer like that was all that was needed. No, this was meant to be a full book about every little detail of my life. I try to remember why I agreed to do this but come up short. Alright, deep breath, another gulp of water. Here goes nothing.