Once again, it's been awhile since I've posted - real life can really get in the way of writing sometimes. I did mean to get this off the ground sooner! I do want to thank all of you that have continued to favorite me and my existing stories during my hiatus from here. I hope you enjoy this one as well.

I had the idea for this fic for awhile now, and it's influenced by the show "Nashville", which I'm sure some of you out there enjoy as well. There will be some parts that are similar to the show, but a lot that isn't. As always, it's MerDer, and it's romance and drama and all that good stuff. Derek has some darkness to his past in this fic, but as we've seen on GA, he does tend to have his demons to battle. So I do hope that you all will accept that part of him, and not yell at me because he's not perfect. I love the character of Derek, he's flawed and human and inherently sexy.

As always, the characters belong to Shonda & Co., I'm just borrowing them here for our reading pleasure. The rating is Mature, so please read responsibly.

Premise

Meredith Grey seemed to have it all.

She had a successful career as a country singer, along with a husband who ran his own business and was poised to run for mayor of Nashville. She had a sweet 10-year old daughter that wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps. She lived in a gorgeous home that had been featured in many architectural magazines, where they hosted lavish parties for the elite of the country music scene.

What more could a woman want from life?

Ah, but things are not always as they appear. Her husband may not be as devoted as everyone thinks, though their marriage has been solid enough. There is a man from her past that still haunts her thoughts, despite her moving on from that relationship. The part of her life that had included Derek Shepherd was now just a bittersweet reminder that nothing lasts the way you think it will when you're young and in love.

Derek Shepherd was just trying to get his life back on track.

He was a singer/song-writer who had been involved with Meredith Grey when they were both young and idealistic. They had been in love, singing together in small clubs and writing songs that came from the heart. They thought it would last forever. He only had himself to blame for what happened between them, and he left Nashville to deal with the pain of their breakup.

That had been 10 years ago.

Now he was back, unsure of what the future would bring and if he would cross paths with Meredith again. Maybe it would happen, but for now he was just taking it one day at a time.

Wild Angels

Between the perfect world and the bottom line
Keeping love alive in these troubled times
Well, It's a miracle in itself
And we know too well what that's about
Still we made it through, only God knows how
We must've had a little help

Wild Angels, Wild Angels
Watching over you and me, yeah
Wild Angels, Wild Angels
Baby what else could it be?

*Title & lyrics from Wild Angels by Martina McBride*

Prologue

Nashville, 2004

The crowd at the Bluebird Café gave an enthusiastic round of applause as Meredith finished the last song in the set. Twirling around, so her paisley skirt skimmed around legs, and her long ash blond hair tumbled around her face, she felt the flush of happiness at their cheers. Derek, who had been playing lead guitar, and singing with her on a couple of the songs, stood up to take her outstretched hand and exchanged a grin with her. He was dressed just as casually as she was, in faded jeans and soft plaid shirt, his black hair disheveled. They made a good looking couple, as they acknowledged the applause. The evening's performance had gone even better than her wildest expectations, and she couldn't wait to talk to him about it.

As soon as they were able to get away from the crush, he pulled her into the hallway close to the kitchen. He slid his arms around her waist and kissed her quickly. "You did it, Meredith…you had them in the palm of your hand…" he whispered, once he released her lips. "You're beautiful and you sound amazing…"

"We did it together, Derek…I wouldn't be here without you," she replied, still a little giddy with happiness. "The songs that we wrote together got us here!"

Derek shrugged. "But you're the one singing, I'm just the guy with the guitar."

"My partner, my song-writing collaborator, the love of my life," she reminded him. "We're a team, remember?"

"Your father doesn't think so. If he had his way, I wouldn't be near you in any capacity."

"My father doesn't matter," Meredith said firmly. "I love you, Derek, and we're going to make it big and live all the dreams we've had. I know it!"

"Sure, honey, whatever you say," he agreed, kissing her again. For a few more moments, they savored the intimacy until someone coughed discreetly to interrupt them. Meredith turned slowly, Derek's hands still at her hips, to see an older man standing there, a slight smile on his lips.

"I can see you're busy, Miss Grey, but I hope you can take a moment to listen to my offer," he said, handing over a business card.

"Oh, of course…Mr. Granger," she said, quickly checking his card. "Storm Records, really?"

"You have an amazing voice, and I believe you have that elusive star quality to go along with it. Come to my office tomorrow and we'll discuss your future. My firm handles the best and brightest young talent in Nashville, and I want you in our group."

"Oh my god…you do?"

"Absolutely, and my offer includes this young man with you. I think his guitar playing is stellar."

Meredith looked up to Derek quickly, and he gave her a little squeeze as she nearly danced in excitement. "We'll be there, sir," he said.

"Excellent. How about 2 o'clock tomorrow?" Granger nodded decisively, as if there was no other answer but yes, and then he disappeared into the crowd.

"Did that just happen?" Meredith demanded, whirling around to look at Derek in shock. "Seriously?"

"I think so, Mer," he said, brushing her hair back from her forehead. "It's the first step on the road to fame and fortune."

She slipped her arms around his waist, and rested her cheek against his chest. The slow, steady beat of his heart calmed her. "I can't wait…"

Chapter One
Times are Changing

Present Day

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Meredith Grey flicked a glance in the mirror at her long time manager and friend, Cristina Yang, sitting close to her. The compact mirror's reflection showed her a concerned woman, eyebrows raised, expressive eyes regarding her over the rim of a coffee cup as she waited for the answer to her question.

"I'm quite sure. Alex has requested our presence today, so I'm sure it's got to do with the new album. Something likely indecent, but I'll hear him out, at least." Meredith applied a coat of lipstick, surveying the color with a critical eye.

"Hah, that evil spawn should never have been appointed president of Storm Records. He's an ass," Cristina snorted.

"Very true, but he's an entitled ass and I need to at least pretend to listen to what he says."

"You're too nice sometimes, Mer."

"Hmm….story of my life."

"Let's get this over with then." Cristina set her cup down, as the secretary beckoned from the office doorway. "You look good, anyway. Not that you could look bad."

"Thanks." Meredith smoothed her skirt over her hips as she stood. It was short enough to be fashionable, but not too extreme that she would need to be worried about flashing anyone when she sat down. Paired with a soft leather jacket and white silk tank top, it was a style she was comfortable with. She may have spent several years as a country star, but she never succumbed to some of the fashion excesses of her peers. Her style was simple and elegant, and she intended to keep it that way.

They followed the secretary into the spacious office occupied by Alex Karev, newly minted president of Storm Records. He was seated behind his desk, a large expanse of Lucite and chrome, with his feet up on the edge. He was the complete opposite to his predecessor, the man who'd recruited Meredith, and she winced to see the office without Ed Granger. "Ah, welcome ladies…" Alex greeted them, waving them towards the sofa. "It's good to see you both. Can I offer you a drink?"

"Cut the crap, Karev," Cristina said, stopping in front of his desk, her hands on hips. "What's this meeting about?"

"Such hostility, Ms Yang," Alex smirked, swinging his feet to the floor, and casually adjusting his shift cuffs. "I have your client's best interests at heart, you know. She's one of Storm's most celebrated artists, after all." He indicated the large framed posters on the wall, depicting many of Meredith's album covers and concert promotions.

"Sure you do, frat boy. You've only been here a few months."

"That may be, but I've followed Ms Grey's career, and since taking this position, I only want to make sure she's given the respect she's due as a long time artist here."

"God, you make it sound like I'm an old lady," Meredith sighed, settling on the sofa. She crossed her legs, and looked over at him. "Cristina's right, cut to the chase…"

"Fine. You need to go out on tour to promote the upcoming CD release, and you need to go with some new blood to bring in sales," Alex said, dropping onto the sofa beside her. "I want you to tour with Izzie Stevens."

"What? You mean, she's the opening act?" Meredith asked, trying to recall who Izzie might be. There were so many new singers coming up the ranks these days, it was difficult to keep them straight.

Alex shook his head at her. "No, as an equal. You tour together, equal billing."

Meredith exchanged a look of shock with Cristina, who raised her eyebrows. "Are you serious?" she asked, looking back at Alex.

"Really, are you fucking serious?" Cristina demanded as well. "My client is not prepared to share any billing with an auto-tuned party girl."

"Izzie isn't auto-tuned, her voice is real," Alex countered. "She has a big following on iTunes, and I want her to have equal billing. Simple as that."

"My last CD sold extremely well, and the tour last time sold out everywhere we went in record time," Meredith commented. "I don't think I need any new blood."

"That was over a year ago. Things change, and I'm in charge now. This is how I want it done."

"And if we don't agree?" Cristina asked.

"Then your client's CD might just not be released on time." Alex crossed his arms over his chest, and smirked. "Trust me, I know what I'm doing here."

The smug look on his face made Meredith want to smack him, but that wouldn't help things. "Really? How long have you worked in this business?"

"Long enough. In my opinion, Izzie has a great voice and stage presence, she's going to go places."

"Are you interested in promoting her, or Meredith?" Cristina asked, raising one eyebrow.

"Both of course, Ms. Yang," he replied smoothly, crossing one ankle over his knee. "I'd be an idiot not to."

"You really don't want me to answer that, do you?"

"I think maybe I heard one of her songs, something about boys and buses?" Meredith murmured, ignoring the glare that Alex gave Cristina. "Or was it something about black mascara teardrops…? Anyway, Cristina's right, she's auto tuned to an inch of her life, and now I remember reading about her in the tabloids. Wasn't she photographed falling down drunk? That's not good press. I just don't think she's suitable, not to mention, she hasn't put in her time here for equal billing, Alex. I've been here a lot longer than she has, after all. If you want me to go on tour….I go as top billing."

"Let's not forget how many Grammy and CMT awards Meredith's won, along with the gold and platinum records," Cristina said. "Her fans are loyal; they love Meredith and what she represents. Izzie is not what they want to see!"

"Maybe you should meet her before you start making demands," he said pointedly, glancing at his watch.

"That won't change my mind," Meredith admitted. "So much of the new stuff out there makes me roll my eyes. There's no heart, no soul, just flash and no substance."

"Give her a chance, she's waiting to meet you." Alex stood up and walked over to the door, opening it. "Izzie, come in here…"

Behind him, Meredith and Cristina exchanged another look of surprise as the young woman strolled through the doorway. She was taller than Meredith, with voluminous blonde hair that was not a shade found in nature, and she exuded an air of hungry sensuality. Her white suit clung to every curve, and displayed an alarming amount of cleavage and legs. Meredith rolled her eyes mentally; either boobs or legs, girl, not both. Alex took her arm and escorted her forward. "Izzie, this is Meredith Grey, our golden girl…"

"Oh, Miss Grey! So great to meet you…my mama listened to your songs all the time! You were her favorite singer," Izzie gushed, moving quickly towards Meredith. "You're an icon!"

"Well, bless your heart…" Meredith murmured, shaking hands. As if she didn't feel old enough already. "I'm sure your Mama has good taste."

Izzie pouted. "Sadly, Mama isn't with me now."

"I'm so sorry to hear that."

Shrugging, Izzie looked towards Alex. "I thought you said we would have champagne…"

"We haven't quite finalized the deal yet…"

Meredith realized that this was her opportunity, and she stood up. "And there won't be a deal, Alex."

"What?"

"You want my decision?" Meredith knew she couldn't go along with this insanity, and Cristina would back her up, no matter what. Before Alex could say anything else, she held her hand up to stop him. "You can kiss my decision as it's walking out the door." Meredith strode away, her head high, with Cristina at her side. Once they were out in the corridor, she started to laugh. "Oh my god…did I just do that?"

"You did and it's going to be interesting to see what he does to get you back."

"We'll let him sweat for awhile, right?"

"Oh, absolutely…"

Cristina punched the button for the elevator to go down, tapping her toe impatiently as they waited. "Well, go on home and we'll wait for Karev to call," she said, as Meredith checked her phone for any missed text messages.

"Actually, I'm meeting Hunter for lunch, so I need to run. Then Mia has ballet after school and I promised to take her; busy day as usual." The elevator whooshed silently to the ground level, and they hurried towards the glass doors at the front of the building.

"Give Mia a kiss for me. Is she still trying to play guitar too?" Cristina asked, putting her sunglasses in place as they exited the building.

"She sure is, wants to be just like Mommy…" Meredith smiled, fishing her keys out of her purse, just catching a glimpse of a man's back as he disappeared into the crowd on the sidewalk. For a split second, her heart jumped; the way he walked, the slightly messy black hair, was it the man who had been out of her life for the past ten years? Then she shook her head, there were plenty of guys in Nashville that fit that description after all; it must be the fact of being at Storm Records again that was stirring up old memories. Derek Shepherd was far away from here, from what she knew. It was better that way, of course, their relationship had imploded a long time ago.

After what seemed like a whirlwind of events, Meredith found herself one of the rising stars of Storm Records. It was a heady ride, being signed to the biggest record label in Nashville, with a contract that promised to make her a household name. Mr. Granger scheduled her to tour with several established acts, as the opening singer, along with Derek as lead guitarist in her backup band. Their stage presence together was magic, their voices well matched, and fans eagerly clamored for more.

Late one night on tour, Meredith snuggled into the bed with Derek spooned behind her. She felt exhausted, but content, as he kissed the back of her neck. The hotel room was one more generic room in a parade of rooms, and she almost lost track of what city they were in. "You did great tonight," he whispered, sliding his hand along her hip and towards her thigh. "Are you happy, now that we're doing this?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" she replied sleepily. "Aren't you happy?"

"Sure."

She turned around to look at him in the dim light. "You sound less than convinced, Derek. What's wrong?"

"Nothing…" He kissed her, distracting her from what she was asking. But she could taste the sharp burn of whiskey on his lips. As usual, he'd spent time with the other band members in the bar after the show. She'd stopped by for a glass of wine, just to unwind a little, but came up to the room to have a shower and wash away the makeup and sweat from performing. By the time she was in bed, nearly asleep, he had slipped into the room quietly and joined her.

The kiss deepened, and he pulled her closer, letting her feel the hard length of him against her. Whatever she may have been thinking of asking him fled her consciousness at that point. His need was evident, and her body responded as always, as she wrapped her arms around him. She welcomed the urgency between them, opening herself to him while he pushed her back against the pillows. His fingers delved into her, teasing her into sweet pleasure, making her cry out for more. Then he was inside her completely, hard and hot. She met his eyes, now dark with passion, and she knew it was always going to be like this with him; passionate and consuming. They might be young, but their love was strong.

"I love you, Derek…" she whispered, just as the climax started to take over. "This is just where I want to be…always…"

"Always…love you…" he groaned, losing himself in her as well. Yet he felt a little like part of himself was lost every night, in every city, as her star was ascending. He loved her, he always would, that wouldn't change; what he couldn't know was how everything else might...

And there you have it...let me know what you think, whether or not it's worth continuing! I appreciate all your thoughts and comments.