Friday afternoon Simon turned up at the contestant's house for their weekly song choice meeting. "Okay guys you already know the drill Scott will start us off and Spencer will be the last to choose. Before we get started I have a couple of announcements. Allison will not be mentoring you this week; instead her friend Bruce Cummings will take her place. We figured with the nature of the theme this week you all would benefit from a male perspective. But Allison will still be available for questions but you have to personally arrange that. Next, tomorrow night you will be attending a record launch party for one of Davies Records most popular artists Unleashed. Wardrobe will help you with proper attire so be ready to leave here at noon. Now let's get to song selection."
Spencer felt very antsy this time around. She had decided on Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton. Although she never experienced the loss of a child she could relate to having a son you love more than life itself. She knew if she ever lost Dylan she wouldn't know how to go on. She felt this would be an emotionally draining week working through this song but she was ready for the challenge.
As Spencer watched everyone choosing their songs they all seemed pleased. It seemed crazy that so far everyone had chosen very different songs so no one had to resort to their second or third choices. She saw Peyton walk away from the signup sheet looking happy so now it was her turn. She walked up and read through everyone's choices. She could tell this was going to be an interesting week. Then when she got to Taylor's choice her heart sank. Taylor had chosen Tears In Heaven.
"What the fuck!" Spencer whispered to herself. "Why the hell would she pick that song? How could a 17 year old kid relate to this powerful song? Shit!"
"Spencer stood there fuming for a few minutes before scribbling down her second choice and stalking off.
"Alright thank you all and don't forget tomorrow at noon be ready to go." Simon said then left them to their free evening.
Spencer headed to the basement and went to her bed. She put on her headphones and laid down willing her disappointment away. She needed to concentrate on how to make her performance of Colors just as amazing as Tears In Heaven would have been.
"Hey Spence you okay?" Cassie asked before she noticed the headphones. She tapped Spencer then waited for her to remove her headphones then repeated her question.
"Taylor's doin Tears In Heaven so it just upset me a little." Spencer replied.
"Why in the world would she pick that song out of all our choices?" Scott said as he walked towards the girls.
"Don't know but I'm pretty much over it. So what's the plan for the night Scotty Boy?"
"Why ask me?"
"You're our party planer who's addicted to the internet." Cassie added with a grin.
"How about we just go out for a quiet dinner? We are going to that party tomorrow night." Scott suggested.
About an hour later the trio along with Dana, Julia and Jared arrived at a small Italian place not too far from the house.
As they were being seated Spencer noticed a couple familiar faces at a table in the back. Allison was sitting next to who she assumed was her husband. They were joined by a couple women, one being Ashley. Spencer quickly looked away hoping no one followed her line of sight.
No one made mention of seeing the judges and everyone had a fairly good time. Spencer tried her best to enjoy the relaxed meal with her friends but she couldn't help glancing over at Ashley and her mystery date. They seemed to be having a wonderful time which caused her mood to sour. Logically Spencer knew Ashley could do whatever she wanted to but in her heart she wanted Ashley to pine over her until they could give a relationship a try. She knew she was being silly but she couldn't help her feelings, it hurt like hell to see Ashley with someone else.
"Ashley thank you so much for coming out with us tonight."
"It was my pleasure Rachel. I had a lot of fun."
"Are you sure it's okay Ito bring my kids by tomorrow?"
"Absolutely, we can even record them after they tour my studio. Then of course you are all invited to the party tomorrow night."
"They will love it all. Thank you again."
"Come on Sis let's leave Ashley to the rest of her night. We'll go get the car ladies." Richard said.
Allison turned to Ashley, "Girl you are amazing. I haven't seen Rachel smile like that in quite a while."
"How long has it been since Jack passed away?"
"Almost two years. It's been tough on her with the three boys. They were pretty angry for a while about losing their Dad but they have been doing better lately."
"Well I'm glad I could help make their trip out here better. But I need to get home, tomorrow is going to be a long day. I'll see you tomorrow night?"
"Of course, but if you don't mind I may come with Rachel and the boys to the studio."
"Why on earth would I mind?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen the new studios yet so I'm curious."
"By all means I will see all of you around 10am."
The whole day had been a whirlwind physically and emotionally. From the moment they were picked up at the house it was hurry up and go. At the studio they were outfitted in designer attire. Their hair and makeup was professionally done then accessories were matched to each person.
Next was a quick dinner at a restaurant that served a little of everything. The show had rented out the entire place so they were able to eat quickly and in peace.
Getting out of the limo at the premiere was pure insanity. Spencer had never seen so many camera's flashing and microphones in one place before. All the attention of the press swarmed them as soon as they stepped out of the limo.
Spencer, Scott and Cassie stuck together as they made their way towards the party. As they walked the gauntlet of the press, they were forced to stop numerous times to answer what felt like millions of questions. Spencer had to admit the attention was extremely exciting. At one point Spencer turned and saw Ashley. This made her smile even more until she noticed the woman with her arm draped around Ashley. This made Spencer's good mood disappear. It was bad enough last night seeing her with one woman but this was a different woman. Spencer felt like a complete fool.
The rest of the night was a blur for Spencer. She had talked to dozens of people at the party. She tried to put on a happy front but inside she felt miserable. She was relieved when the party started to break up and the contestants were driven home.
Ashley woke up Sunday morning to her phone ringing. She decided to let the machine get it because she was comfortable in bed.
"ASHLEY DAVIES PICK UP YOUR GODDAMN PHONE!!! I WILL KEEP CALLING UNTIL YOU PICK UP SO YOU MAY AS WELL JUST ANSWER YOUR FUCKING PHONE!!!" Kyla yelled at the machine.
Ashley quickly jumped out of bed and grabbed the phone. "Well good morning to you too Ky. To what do I owe this wonderful wakeup call?"
"What the hell were you doing with Sophie last night?" Kyla asked getting right to the point.
"Well someone's been surfing the net early this morning." Ashley said sarcastically.
"Ashley seriously what's going on?"
"She just showed up that the party Ky. It's been planned for a while so I'm sure she could have found the date on the web. Anyways she attached herself to my side like she belonged there. She said she wanted to try us again now that she's clean, divorced and had time to realize the error of her ways."
"And what did you tell the skank?"
"I told her we are in the past and I don't relive history. She was a bit pissed but oh well she's not my problem. She screwed me over and I learned my lesson the hard way, very publically."
"Well that's the truth. I'm glad you do have some sense in your advanced age."
"Very funny sis. I'll take that as a complement I think."
"Well I know you at least have some sense you have feelings for Spencer so that shows very good taste if I do say so myself."
"Yeah well we both know how well that is working out so far."
"Ash did Spencer see Sophie's little display at all?"
"Doubtful. The contestant's were kept pretty busy with the press and everyone wanting to talk to them. I actually felt bad for Unleashed because it seemed the party was more about the contestant's than the band. But at the same time it was the band's idea to invite them so I guess I can't feel too bad."
"I would guess it was a good experience all around. So when are they playing my bar again?"
"We'll work that out. But Ky I'm gonna let you go cause I need to go into the office for a few hours today and I should probably do it earlier rather than later. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye Ash."
Monday was the first round of the mentor sessions with Bruce. Spencer heard positive things about their guest mentor. This made her feel slightly more at ease. She didn't feel very good about her song but if Bruce was an understanding mentor hopefully it would help.
When she met Bruce she immediately felt at ease. She sang her song through once and it took him a few moments to say anything. His only suggestion was to make the performance more intense. He told her to find something that upset her and use that feeling for the performance. Spencer ran through her song a couple more times but couldn't bring out the emotion he was talking about. He told her to relax, it would come.
"Mommy how's it going?"
"Wonderful little man, especially because I'm talking to you."
"So Grandma told me that we were coming out to see you in a couple weeks, is that true?"
"Absolutely. You two are going to come out here for a couple weeks. And you're gonna bring the whole extended family too. Aunty Kyla already arranged for someplace for you guys to stay."
"That is so cool. Is it okay if I tell kids at school?"
"Of course, I expect you to brag about it."
"So what are you singing this week?"
"A song by the group Crossfade. I think I've played Colors for you before."
"I don't know Mommy sing it for me."
Spencer laughed then sang a bit of the song for her son. "Do you remember that one?"
"Yeah but can you sing more Mommy? I miss you singing me to sleep."
"Well I miss it too baby. We'll make a deal, I'll sing to you every night you are here okay?"
"Okay. I love you Mommy!"
"I love you too little man. I'll talk to you soon."
Tuesday was not a day that Spencer was looking forward to; she had her mentor session with Ashley. After the weekend Spencer did not want to face Ashley at all. She considered just skipping the mentor session but she couldn't come up with a valid excuse and she did have to go according to her contract.
She walked into the room with her eyes on the ground. She couldn't bring herself to face Ashley. She sat on the chair and waited for Ashley to tell her to begin.
"Nice to see you Spencer. What are you singing this week?" Ashley asked kindly.
"Colors by Crossfade." She answered shortly.
"Interesting choice, will you be playing electric guitar?"
"Yeah."
"Spencer are you okay? Is something going on?"
"No I'm fine." Spencer said and looked up at Ashley. That was a mistake because all the feelings from the weekend came flooding over her.
"Okay." Ashley said slowly not really believing her. "Well start whenever you are ready then."
Spencer got right into the song and things started to click. The emotion that Bruce was telling her to use in the performance was there. When she finished all she could do was smile a bit.
"Wow, I'm not sure what to tell you. That was very angry sounding, but not bad. I would say watch your pitch here and there. Make sure you don't let the emotion completely over take the entire performance but I think you chose well and yeah that's about all I have for you. Any questions?"
"Nope I'm good."
"Alright then I'll see you tomorrow night." Ashley said smiling at Spencer.
Spencer didn't see the smile she just got out of that room as quickly as possible. She had found her inspiration for her performance this week so she was ready to go.
