AN: I'm a long time FF reader but this is my first shot at writing. Constructive comments are most welcome as I am getting used to this. I listen to a lot of country music and there have been a lot of songs that remind me of C and A and that's how this story came about. If you like country music I think you will enjoy the references. I credit the artists whose songs are referenced if you want to look up the songs to listen. There is one line of lyrics that I am not crediting right away because I think it will be better for people who don't know the song to wait and be surprised where I am going with it. Some songs referenced may be fictional. Hope you enjoy!

"Taylor!"

"You have got to be kidding me!" I just received an email from my tour manager about the upcoming summer tour and without even consulting me, he decided to include a new, up and coming country artist, Ana Steele, to open for my tour. I've never met her but I have heard some of her music and it's all that man hating shit. She must have really had some bad relationships based on the songs she's writing. Hell, I feel bad for the guys that she calls out in these songs. But the point is, an opening act needs to have at least some similarities to the headliner and there are zero similarities there. My past openers have been guys who write music about having fun and being guys. This me and Ana combo makes no sense and I need to rectify it immediately.

"Taylor!"

"What's up boss?"

"I am just reading this email from Mark about who will be touring with us this summer."

"Ok, what's the problem?"

"Did you see who is opening for me?"

"Well, yes, I did, but I thought you would be more worked up about the fact that she's technically not opening for you."

"What do you mean she's technically not opening for me?"

"Did you see the breakdown of stage time?"

I take a quick scan of the email. "Ok, so not only am I touring with man hater Ana Steele but I am splitting time 60/40. Taylor, what the fuck? Can you please tell me how this happened?"

"This is news to me too Christian. Why don't we stop by and see Mark tomorrow and maybe he can shed some light on the situation."

"Damn right are we stopping by and seeing Mark but screw tomorrow. We're going now! Get the car! Let's go!"

Taylor, my right hand man and personal security, and I make the short drive to Mark Henkel's office. Mark has been managing my tours for the last seven years and I can't believe he would just drop a bomb like this on me in an email. Something big is going down and I am not going to wait around to find out what it is. Why is Christian Grey, one of the top three male country artists in the country, sharing time with an up and coming artist? And moreover, an artist whose material doesn't exactly align with my partying, have a good time and loving the ladies act? She'll be warming up the crowd to hate me. I don't get it.

We arrive at Mark's office in central Nashville and take the elevator to the 12th floor. Andrea, Mark's assistant, straightens up and blushes as soon as I walk in. Perfect, I can charm my way right in.

"Hi, Andrea, is Mark in?"

"Yes, he is, but -

"Perfect, I will go right in then."

"But -

Opening the door, I walk straight in and don't even bother to look at whomever is in the room with him. "Mark, what the fuck is the deal with not only the stage time but with the fucking touring partner." "Have you lost your mind!"

"Grey, nice to see you too." "And I am in with someone. Actually that someone –"

"Let me introduce myself, the fucking touring partner, Ana Steele." "And what's so wrong with being paired with me? Why the hell do I have to get stuck with you? And to answer your question to Mark, we're splitting stage time evenly because my last album outsold yours. Shithead."

"Did you just call me shithead?"

"Well, if the shoe fits?" "Who do you think you are storming in on my meeting with Mark and insulting me on top of it?" "Oh wait, I can answer that, you're Christian Grey, party boy, womanizer, egomaniac and shithead!."

"Ok, you two that's enough. You're going to have to get along if you're going to be touring together and this isn't exactly a great way to start. Christian, as I was just telling Ana, the reason you two have been paired is because we felt that you needed a change from always having a male opening act. People are tiring of the party boy image. You're getting . . . older. Your last album sales were slightly down even though I think some of your best songs are on there. We need a strong tour and Ana is the new big act and the combination of you two will bring in huge ticket sales." "Sorry to be so blunt but you've been around for a while and people are comfortable with you. We need to spice it up."

"Mark, let me get this straight. You want me to change my image because I'm getting older. I'm fucking 32! Older! So you put a man hater to soften the crowd. Doesn't make sense to me. This is bullshit and you know it. Not to mention every time I've tried to put a song on my album that was outside my "image" I was rejected. So that's complete nonsense. Plus, why was this just dropped on me in an email. You couldn't have discussed this with me?"

"I didn't discuss it with you because I knew you would say no and it would be a fight which would just result in me doing what I wanted anyway."

"Mark, why don't you tell me what's really going on? I know this isn't coming from you. So cut the shit."

"Christian, there is nothing devious going on here. Sure, it came from over my head but the record label really wants to give Ana a big push. Female acts are at an all-time high and she has a chance to be the top female country act. She may already be.

"Ok, fine so I am touring with man hater over here but there is no way I am splitting 60/40. She's an opening act and she'll be treated like an opening act."

"HA! You're right Grey, we aren't doing 60/40, we're doing 50/50. Get over yourself Grey. More people will be buying tickets to this show to see me than you. You are just the bonus. Why I don't know. And you're lucky I'm not fighting for top billing and to close the show."

"You listen, little lady." "I'm going to give you some advice -

"Wow. Mark is he always this much of an asshole?"

"I am standing right here you know. Talk about being an asshole."

"Ok you two. I've had enough of this. This conversation is over for both of you. Grey, she's doing the tour with you and Ana, it's 60/40."

"Mark, you haven't heard the last of me on this."

"Listen, Christian. If you want to keep fighting me on this that's your prerogative. But it will get you nowhere. So either deal with it or go find yourself another tour manager."

"Whatever Mark. I just might."

And with that I leave without so much a look in Ana's direction. The audacity of that woman. Who does she think she is? She's practically brand new and she thinks she's calling the shots. I don't think so. And fucking Mark Henkel. He knows I would never leave him. We've been through too much shit together. And he's the best there is. But this really pisses me off. Not even so much the fact that it's Ana Steele or even that we're sharing time. I mean when it comes down to it I do get it. She's the hot new act in Nashville. Not to mention she's really hot. Women love her as much as they love me. In a way it does kind of make sense. What bothers me is that Mark just went and did this without so much a word or hint to me. I do not like being out of the loop.

"Taylor, let's go."

"Hey, shithead." I hear from behind me just as I'm about to enter the elevator.

"Miss Steele, if you want to be a child and continue to call me names, I'm not even going to waste my time speaking to you. We may have to tour together but we don't need to interact with each other. And I'm more than ok with that."

"Oh I beg to differ, Grey. Didn't Mark tell you that they want us to do a song together during the tour? I was going to ask you to have your assistant contact mine so we can schedule a time to figure out a song and rehearse."

"Well that's just lovely, Miss Steele. I can't wait to sit down with you to discuss which of my songs we'll be singing together."

"HA! In your dreams Grey."

"You certainly will be tonight, Miss Steele. More like a nightmare."

"Why are you such an asshole, Grey? Can't handle the thought of a woman being on top?"

"Oh Miss Steele, there's almost nothing I like better."

"Uggghhh. You are infuriating! And I can now add pig to the rotation of names I will be calling you. And why do you keep calling me Miss Steele?"

"Because I can, Ana." But as much as I would love to continue this arguing or bantering or whatever the hell it is, I need to go before I really say something I am going to regret or before you say something that sets me off further and I go and fire Mark. Taylor, let's get out of here."

"Look forward to working with you, Shithead!" Ana calls out as I am leaving. She just had to get the last word in. This is going to be a long tour if she is this difficult.

"Taylor, let's go to the studio. I need to - I don't know what I need but I need to get out of here. And can you get me Miss Steele's cell number."

"Already got it boss. Texting it to you now. But may I suggest perhaps waiting a day before you start harassing her. I think you both need to cool off."

"Taylor, now where would the fun be in that." Of course he already got the number. He must have schmoozed some info from Andrea or already ran a background check when her heard all the yelling coming from Mark's office knowing that I would want it.

I decide to add a little more fuel to the fire raging between me and Miss Steele. She is not going to get the upper hand when it comes to this tour.

Christian: Hello, ANA, Grey here. Feel free to stop by my studio tomorrow at 10 AM and we can start rehearsing for the show. I was thinking we could sing "Stag Party" together.

Her response was immediate.

Ana: Shithead, you really must have shit for brains if you think I am going to come to your studio at a time dictated by you and sing one of your songs. Get a life.

Christian: "Get a life." Is that the best you can do, Miss Steele?

Ana: Stop calling me Miss Steele and where did you get my cell number?

Christian: I have my ways Miss Steele. Just as I will get my way when it comes to which song we sing and how this tour will run. Tomorrow at 10. Be there.

Ana: Keep dreaming Grey. This conversation is over. Please lose my cell number so I don't have to change it.

Christian: Oh Ana, it's etched in my brain. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. xx

Taylor and I arrive at the studio and I go straight to the piano because I know it's the one thing that will calm me down. I've been working on a new song that's inspired by my mom, but knowing my shitty record label, it will never see the light of day because it's not about girls or partying. And I'm having a hard time believing Mark when he says they want to change my image. I need to get to the bottom of this. I really think something is up. Mark is probably not even in the know. I may need to make some changes after my contract is up which unfortunately is not for a few years. I don't want to start thinking about that stuff now because it will get me even more worked up. So I close my eyes like I have so many other times and picture my mom, dressed in white like the angel that I thought she was, taking care of a scared, sick and hungry four year old boy and let the music just take me. After just playing for a few I decide to get back to the lyrics. It's not totally written but I'm getting there. So I get back to where I left off.

"I am a short fuse, I am a wrecking ball -"

"Well, at least you know your shortcomings, Grey. Maybe there is some hope for you yet."

Startled, I look up and all the peace that I had achieved vanishes instantaneously when I see her. I can't believe she has the gall to interrupt me in my own studio. And where the hell is Taylor?

"What the hell are you doing here and how did you just waltz in here?"

"I have my ways as well, Grey. Was that a new song? Are you already writing about this afternoon's encounter with me? I mean, I know I'm awesome and everything but didn't think I left that big of a mark on you."

" Don't flatter yourself, you didn't. And it's none of you business. Now, why are you here?"

"I'm here to rehearse of course."

"I'm here to rehearse of course." I mock like the child she brings out in me. You are a piece of work, Ana."

"Oh, so I'm back to Ana now."

"Honestly, this conversation is exhausting. You're here so let's just get to work."

"What was that song you were singing when I came in? I'm starting to think there is something more to you than being a shithead."

"You're right. Don't forget party boy, womanizer, egomaniac and pig."

"Way to avoid the question, Grey. I'll get it out of you eventually. The sound was good. Lyrics have me very curious though."

"Just drop it Ana. Like I said, it's none of your business."

"Okay, okay. I will. Now for a song. Any thoughts?"

"Wow, you are actually asking me my opinion!"

"Grey, we have to work together so I'm willing to call a truce to our little battle that has gone on for the better part of two hours so we can make some progress. I have a ton of stuff to do on my end for the tour so let's just get it done."

"Alright, how about Setting the World on Fire? (credit Kenny Chesney and Pink) It's already written as a duet."

"There is no way I am singing a song about you getting drunk, smoking up and hooking up with one of your groupies." I could see the steam coming out of her ears and it actually is kinda adorable how angry she is at my suggestion. But I am a little surprised she knows my music. I will save that for later to rub in her face.

"I'll have you know that the song is not based in reality - entirely. At least not the part about getting high" I say with a smirk.

"Good to know you aren't a pothead, Grey, but not interested. Now, how about one of my songs, like Picture to Burn? (credit Taylor Swift)"

"You are delusional if you think I am singing a song about one of your crazy reactions to a breakup."

"Oh so you do listen to my music, Grey." Damn it, she got me.

"I listen to everything. It was hard to miss. You've become quite popular Miss Steele, despite the subject matter of your songs." See I can be nice and give her an underhanded compliment.

"I wouldn't have to write songs like I do if men like you didn't exist."

"Ana, you know nothing about me." I don't know why I care so much what she thinks but I'm really starting to hate how she just assumes I am this awful guy.

"You're right. But I know your music and it speaks volumes."

"Let's not get off track here." She's not entirely wrong. I have a history of partying and having fun with the ladies. But I've never led any astray. "I have an idea that I think may work. See, my problem with being paired with you on this tour is that our music is just too different. How can we attract the same audience? But maybe we use that to our advantage in the collaboration. Like a song battle. I start one of my songs about partying with the ladies. You come back with your man-hating shit to shut me down. We go back and forth."

"Ok, Grey, I think you may be on to something. But we need to see what songs can work lyrically and musically." Ana, pulls a folder out of her bag and starts looking at the papers within."

"What's that?"

"I have a print out of all your songs. I asked Andrea to print it for me before I left Mark's office. And when she heard it was for a meeting with you she eagerly obliged. One of your many conquests?"

"Hell, no. Not that it's any of your business. And why do you care, Ana? You keep bringing up my history with women? Are you jealous? Because you are awfully curious." And that got her blushing. She is a little jealous. And here I thought Miss Steele was impervious to my looks and charm. I'm glad the attraction isn't a one way street. I don't need her using that to her advantage. She is damn good looking and a little fire cracker which I'm actually starting to find not annoying. I can tell she's a hard worker though which I like. And she's all business when it comes to the music which I really like. We might actually work really well together. She's more like me than I realized, which could be catastrophic, but we'll see.

"I am certainly NOT jealous of the harem of women you bedded and left with broken hearts. That's disgusting and disturbing." Ok, so now I'm a little hurt because it's not even that many women and I definitely did not break any hearts. Well I shouldn't have. Some women are just delusional and think a one night stand after a concert is going to turn into an "I love you" in the morning.

"As I said before Ms. Steele, you don't know anything about me. Let's just get back to the song. She frowns and I can see the wheels turning but she shakes her head as if to push away a thought she thought better of having and grimaces while looking at my song list.

"Have you heard my song Girl in a Country Song?" (credit Maddie and Tae) she asks. Of course I have. I know every country song but I don't want to let her know I know another one so I decide to play dumb.

"Yeah I think so, sing me a bit." And she looks me in the eyes, bites her lip as if considering for a moment whether she should, then shrugs and starts to sing. I'm mesmerized by her for a moment because she seems so pure and raw and her voice goes right to you. With her looking me in the eyes like she is I can't really think about anything else but her and the emotions she's conveying with them. And this is a pissed off song. I can't imagine what she might look like if she was singing about love. And now I can't imagine why I am thinking about that either. I'm letting this girl get under my skin.

She starts, "the refrain goes like this ...

Being the girl in a country song How in the world did it go so wrong

Like all I'm good for is lookin' good for

You and your friends on the weekend, nothin' more

We used to get a little respect

Now we're lucky if we even get

To climb up in your truck

Keep our mouths shut, and ride along

And be the girl in a country song.

"So I'm thinking you must have a song about riding in a truck that we can match up with my lyrics."

"Yes, I Don't Want This Night to End (credit Luke Bryan). This could work. So I start...

Girl, I know I don't know you

But your pretty little eyes so blue,

Are pulling me in like the moon on your skin

I'm so glad you trusted me to slide up on this dusty seat

And let your hair down, and get outta town

Got the stars comin' out,

Over my hood

And all I know now

Is it's going good

You got your hands up,

You're rocking in my truck

You got the radio on,

You're singing every song

I'm set on cruise control

I'm slowly losing hold of everything I got

You're looking so damn hot

And I don't know what road we're on,

Or where we've been from starin' at you

Girl, all I know is I don't want this night to end

"And then you walk on the stage and start with your refrain but we can go back to the other parts of the your song after the refrain."

"Actually I can start with this part before I go into the refrain ..."

Conway and George Strait

Never did it this way

Back in the old days

All y'all, we ain't a cliche

That ain't no way

To treat a lady ... Like a girl in a country song ...

"Yes, I like that. Perfect. And it's a smart song by the way."

"Grey, did you just give me a real compliment? Not that underhanded shit you tried to squeak by earlier."

"You didn't miss that, huh? Yes, this was a real compliment. I am actually enjoying this. Making music with you is much better than arguing. We are actually a pretty good team when it comes to work. Maybe we should collaborate."

"Baby steps, Grey. At least I'm not calling you shithead anymore."

"Yes, when you start using my first name then I'll know you're ready."

"Don't hold your breath, Grey."