'I can't believe you quit your job.' Leanne tutted the following day. I had two days until my Warner Records meeting and I'd been told that I couldn't announce the signing publically yet as they were waiting for the signed contract; I'd read it and now Ed was reading it just to check that I hadn't missed anything.

'But I've got a new job now.' I smiled, twirling the spaghetti around my fork.

'What if it goes wrong though, Luce?' Adriana frowned from the other side of me. 'You'll be down the job center again.'

'This is my dream girls and I don't want anything in the way.' I told them, certainly. 'Now please can we change the subject. I didn't invite you here for a fight.' They both glanced at each other.

'So how's the boyfriend?' Leanne asked Adriana in an attempt to change the subject.

'He's great.' She smiled in response. 'We went out for dinner last night at that new Italian place in town. It's really nice... and pretty romantic.'

'So it's serious?' I asked her, sipping a glass of wine.

'It's still early days. You know I don't like to rush things but...'

'You've slept with him!' Leanne said, her eyes wide. 'Oh my god, Ad, you dirty girl!'

'You know it's completely out of character for me.' Adriana said, defending herself. 'But he's just so hot. '

'So was that usher at my sister's wedding but I managed to keep my knickers on!' Leanne turned to face me with her judging eyes. 'And what about you, hmm? Any news on that front?'

'No!' I replied. Because I keep freaking out everytime it almost happens, I added silently.

'That surprises me.' Adriana said. 'It's been what? Three months?'

'We're taking things slow.' I told her, taking another sip of my drink. 'Oh, I totally forgot!' I said, standing up and earning confused looks from my friends. I reached into my bag and pulled out the gift Ed had given me only a few days beforehand. 'Album listening party anyone?'

'No way! Is that the new album?!' Leanne gasped, snatching the CD out of my hand. 'Oh my god, it is!'

'Be careful!' I told her, taking it back and removing the disc from the case. 'It's the first available copy.'

'Ah, the benefits of going out with a worldwide superstar.' Adriana said with a smile. 'Come on, put it on, let's hear it!'

I did as I was told and slipped the CD into my CD player. I pressed play and my boyfriend's voice filled the room, making me smile.

'I should ink my skin with your name

And take my passport out again

And just replace it

See I could do without a tan

On my left hand,

Where my fourth finger meets my knuckle

And I should run you a hot bath

And fill it up with bubbles

'Cause maybe you're loveable

And maybe you're my snowflake

And your eyes turn from green to grey

In the winter I'll hold you in a cold place

And you should never cut your hair

'Cause I love the way you flick it off your shoulder

And you will never know

Just how beautiful you are to me

But maybe I'm just in love

When you wake me up.'

It was funny lying on the sofas, drinking wine, as we listened to his voice and I could almost imagine him in the room. In a way, I wished he was but I was sure that he'd probably feel uncomfortable listening to his own music. I looked over at the girls who were humming and tapping in time to the music, smiles on their faces.

'It's really good.' Adriana said, happily.

'All of his songs are incredible.' Leanne sighed. 'Does he ever write a crap song?'

'Probably not.' I laughed, putting my hands behind my head as above song started.

'If we take this bird in

With its broken leg

We could nurse it

She said

Come inside

For a little lie down with me

If you fall asleep

It wouldn't be the worst thing

But when I wake up

Your make-up is on my shoulder

And tell me, if I lie down

Would you stay now

And let me hold you?

But if I kissed you

Will your mouth read this truth?

Darling, how I miss you

Strawberries taste how lips do

And it's not complete yet

Mustn't get our feet wet

'Cause that leads to regret

Diving in too soon

And I'll owe it all to you

My little bird

My little bird.'

I looked over at Leanne and noticed she was frowning. 'What is it?'

'Nothing.' She said, plastering on a fake smile.

'Worst lier ever.' I told her, returning the frown she'd had on just moments earlier. Leanne exchanged a nervous look with Adriana. 'What am I missing?'

'The lyrics. Little Bird. Sound familiar?' Leanne said, biting her lip and typing something into her phone. She passed her phone to me. There was a picture from around five months ago of Ed and Sky.

Hanging out with little bluebird skybright.

I remembered seeing a little blue bird necklace around Sky's neck when I'd met her and I stiffened. 'It's about her, isn't it?'

'Maybe.' Leanne said, taking her phone back.

'But we don't know it for sure.' Adriana said, giving me a reassuring smile.

I thought back to all of the #sed hashtags I'd seen on social media and all of the shippers, some of which were still posting freeze-frames from the Everything Has Changed music video. He'd been in love with her, hadn't he? That's why he'd stayed by her side that night in Detroit when she was injured. I'd seen the way he looked at her when he sang. My eyes glazed over and I felt sad. 'What if he's still in love with her?'

'Don't be ridiculous.' Adriana said, shaking her head. 'He's clearly in love with you.'

'What if I'm just the rebound girl?' I said, sitting up as another song came on.

'You're not.' My friends chorused, their faces sympathetic, but they couldn't be sure. No one could.

'Hey you.' Ed said the following day when he phoned me. 'How are you?'

'Okay thanks.' I lied. Truthfully, though, I wasn't. I'd hardly slept after Adriana and Leanne had reluctantly left the night before. All I could see was Ed and Sky in my head. Sure, she was married but that didn't mean that he had stopped loving her.

'I miss you. Want to come and stay up here tonight?' He asked, his voice hopeful on the other end of the line.

'I'm sorry, I have plans with the girls.' I lied, feeling guilty doing so. I just wasn't ready to confront him about the song.

'Oh.' He said, sounding disappointed. 'Well then I'll see you tomorrow? This contract is fine, by the way, so go ahead and sign it. It's pretty much the same as mine.'

'Okay, I'll sign it then, thank you.'

He paused and I knew he could tell something was wrong, but he didn't push it. 'See you tomorrow and hope it goes okay.'

'See you tomorrow.'

I got up earlier than planned the next day, but I decided it was a good thing; I had bags under my eyes from lack of sleep, so it was going to take a while to hide them with make-up. I applied some Benefit eye-brightening cream under my eyes after my shower and allowed it to dry whilst I blow-dryed my hair. I applied some foundation and then some concealer, checking my work quickly in the mirror. It would do. I looked at my weekend bag on the floor, the one which I had not yet packed. Did I really want to have this conversation with Ed? Leanne had told me the night before that I had to have it or I'd always be left wondering if the song was about the pretty petite blonde with the sparkling blue eyes. She'd dropped me a Facebook message, which was still sat unread in my inbox. I checked my e-mails and saw that my cousin, Willow, had been in contact.

Hey superstar,

Still disappointed that you're not going me for thanksgiving this year but I don't blame you; you've waited long enough to reach your dream so go for it! I hope everyone at Warner is nice to you and that your first meeting as a signed act goes well. Let me know what happens and remember to tell them that you're off limits from December 20th until 3rd January. I cannot wait to see you!

Love, your favourite cousin in the world and practically sister, Willow

P.S Yes you need to talk to Ed about Sky and find out where his mind is. Don't wimp out girl!

I let out a sigh and continued with my beauty regime; I applied some natural-looking eyeshadow, a small amount of eyeliner and some mascara. I ran a comb carefully through my loose curls and looked at the outfit I'd decided on; a black floral tea dress with a waist belt, a khaki cable knit cardigan, leggings and my favourite shoe boots. It was cute and I hoped it would live up to my apparent 'style icon' status. I grabbed my wool coat and a scarf and headed to catch my train with my satchel carrying my signed contract.

Although I was now signed to Warner Records, I still felt nauseous when I arrived and I wasn't sure if it was because it was my first meeting or because I had to confront Ed about a certain blonde later. The receptionist greeting me with a smile and I took a seat for five minutes, whilst waiting for Joseph to meet me.

Joseph walked in and shook my hand. 'Thank you for coming down, Lucy.' He led me into an office room, where two other man and a lady were sat around a big white table on black, spinning office chairs. 'Take a seat. I assume you've read through the contract?'

I sat down nervously and wiped my clammy palms on my jeans. 'I've agreed to it and signed it.'

'Wonderful! Thank you for joining me everyone. This is Lucy May, who we have newly signed to our label!' He said and the other people applauded. 'I'd like to introduce you to Jamie-Lee. I am assigning her as your Public Relations Officer. She will be in charge of contacting the media and taking bookings, making sure you get the right publicity.'

Jamie-Lee reached over the table and shook my hand. 'It's a pleasure to meet you Miss May.'

'This is Darren Smith, he works in IT and will be editing your Facebook page, Twitter Page and Youtube Channel. He'll also start on a website for you as soon as possible.

'Sup?' He smiled, shaking my hand. He looked a little like Q from James Bond, only slightly more casual.

'And finally this is your manager, Eric Humphrey.'

Eric shook my hand from beside me. 'We're going to enjoy working together.' I sure hoped so.

'Now you've met everyone, I'll head off as we're on a tight schedule. Lucy, I'm sure we will see each other soon.' Joseph nodded, grabbed his suitcase and then he was out of the door. I looked back at the three people who had been assigned to me so far and I couldn't help but feel nervous.

'No time to waste, pet, up you get.' Eric said as he stood up and grabbed his briefcase. 'We've got a photoshoot to get to.'

'A photoshoot?' I said with a raised eyebrow. It wasn't ideal after a lack of sleep, that was for sure.

'We can't have those unprofessional photos sat on your Facebook Page for long, not now that you're representing Warner Records.' He said, shaking his head. 'Plus we need some photos for the website. Now come on or we will be late.'

Eric wasn't a time waster and he wasn't much of a talker either. A car pulled up and we got inside, heading off to Covent Garden without a single word being exchanged. I focussed on my breathing as I looked out of the window at the fascinating city. The studio didn't look that exciting on the outside and I felt somewhat deflated when the car stopped and we got out. Eric powered off with me striding to keep up with him and we found ourselves in a reception area with a white floor, white walls and white sofas. It kind of reminded me of a hospital.

'Hello, Mr Humphrey.' The male receptionist said with a smile. 'Take a seat, Enrique will be with you shortly.' Enrique? Probably not the one I was thinking of.

'Ah, Mr Humphrey from Warner Records, hello!' Enrique said (definitely not Iglesias) as he walked into the room about ten seconds later. He looked at me and smiled. 'Ah and you must be our new superstar! You've been in the paper already, haven't you?' I nodded and he looked at me carefully. 'Ed Sheeran's girlfriend! Of course! Ah, you're even more beautiful in person.'

'Thank you.' I said, nervously.

'Okay, we're on a tight schedule,' so everyone was saying, 'so let's get you straight into make-up.'

Ten minutes later, I was sat on a make-up chair whilst a blonde guy sorted my hair and a blonde girl sorted my make-up. Eric sat on a sofa at the far side of the room, looking at something on his iPad.

'You sang in Camden last night, didn't you? There's a review of the concert in the Metro.' The girl said as she threaded my eyebrows. I winced.

'Yeah I did.' I replied, resisting the urge to rub my saw eyebrow.

'You looked hot.' The guy complimented as he gently rolled a section of my hair into a roller. 'And I loved your dress from the label party next week, you're fierce girl.' I was fierce?

'Not much of a talker, is he?' The girl said signalling Eric, who was now making a phonecall.

'I guess not. I've only met him this morning.'

'You're not much of one either.' She pointed out, stepping back to check my eyebrows were even. She smiled with satisfaction and grabbed the concealer. My phone beeped and she handed it to me, looking at my wallpaper; it was a selfie of Ed and I in Arundel, in front of the castle. 'So you and Ed, huh?' She smiled, adding concealer to my under-eye area. It was always dark under there, no matter how much sleep I'd had.

'Yeah he's a great guy.' I replied, sheepishly. I wasn't about to pour my feelings out to two people I didn't even know.

My camera transformation took an hour, which was less time than I expected. My eyes had been emphasised with shades of grey and purple eyeshadow, which was darker in the corners with the eye-liner. Fake eyelashes had been added, but not the tacky kind from boots. These looked realistic and pretty. A pinky lipstick had been applied to my lips and they looked completely pout-worthy. The girl handed me my first outfit selection; a short leather skirt and a black vest top. I changed in the fitting room behind a thin curtain and I realised it had been a long time since I'd worn a short skirt. It was super tight so I relieved there was no VPL.

'Awesome!' The make-up artist said as I walked out. She slipped a chunky silver ring into my index finger on my left hand and then some silver dangling earrings into my ear. The hair stylist came back and took out my rollers carefully, coating my hair in product as he moved it until it gave the sexy loose curls they were after.

'Are we ready? Enrique said, walking back into the room.

'Yep!' The make-up girl smiled, slipping my feet into some stupidly high-heeled court shoes. 'All good to go.'

'Right this way.' Enrique said, signalling for me to follow him. I followed him slowly, trying to walk in the shoes without breaking my ankle. They were gorgeous, yes, but they weren't ideal. Eric followed closely behind, having ended his phone conversation.

We walked into a bland-looking studio, where backdrops covered the walls. There wasn't much furniture, only a mirror, a big, furry white rug, a chaise-long and a brown suede chair. The make-up artist and hair stylist followed us in, perching on a bench at the back of the room with their trolley of products.

'So we're going for sexy but classy, yes?' I overheard Enrique say to Eric.

'Yep that's right.' Eric replied. 'We want to catch a wide audience so some cute shots maybe in the other outfit.'

'No problem.' He turned to face me and nodded me over. 'You ready?' As I'd ever be. I walked over to him and he sat me down on the chaise-long. 'Okay, we'll start with something easy.' He said and the hair stylist came over with spray at the ready. He modelled what he wanted me to do and adjusted my arms, looking through the camera. It was a mid-shot of me leaning against the top of the chaise-long. 'And pout.' He clicked away. 'Okay now smile... good, now I want in between... good, you're a natural.' Obviously all the pouting selfies with Leanne and Willow paid off. 'Good, now can you lie down? Yep.. put your head there.' I did as I was told. 'Josh, can you just adjust her hair from me, it's blocking her lovely face... yep that's better.' He turned around to the two women sat on their laptops. 'Are you editing these as they come through Lena, Gabby? They're going straight to the label this afternoon.'

'We're on it boss.' The girl with the blonde bob said with a smile.

The photoshoot lasted two hours in total and I was starving by the time it was done. I'd posed lying down across the chaise-long, kicking my legs in the air with my hair draped over the edge. I'd posed on a white fur rug, holding my hair and looking 'seductive.' And then I'd got changed into a more girly outfit; a navy blue short dress with a v-neck which was tight to my waist and slightly more floaty as it fell above my thighs. My make-up had been made more subtle and the photos were more fun as I smiled, laughed and tried not to be blown away by the fan they'd turned on to give volume to my hair.

Eric flicked through them on the laptop. 'Great, can you burn these to a disk?' He turned to face me. 'Lucy, get your stuff, we're leaving in a minute.'

'Okay I'll just change.'

'No time and you're keeping the clothes so don't worry.'

I slipped off the killer heels and hurried back to the dressing room. It was November and I didn't fancy freezing. I pulled on my leggings under the dress and put on my leather jacket before slipping into my riding boots.

'It's not all glamour, eh?' The make-up artist commented with a smile as I threw on my black scarf in a hope to keep warm.

'It's chaotic, that's for sure.' I replied, grabbing my oversized bag and pushing my jumper, phone and new heels inside.

'Here, this colour looked good on you.' She smiled, handing me the lipstick I'd been wearing. 'Good luck.'

'Thanks.' I replied, hurrying out into the corridor in time for Eric to be coming up it ready to go.

'Come on, the car's here.' He said, putting his hands in his pockets.

We were back in the office and I was absolutely starving and Ed was wondering when I was going to be back. I'd texted him saying I hoped it wouldn't be too much longer. Eric led me up the corridor and into a room filled with Apple Macs at spread out desks. I spotted Darren and he waved us over. 'Have you got the pictures?'

'Of course.' Eric said with a frown, handing over the CD. He turned to me. 'Are you going to sit down?'

I sat down on a chair and looked at the pictures up on screen as Darren rifled through them. Some of them made me look older and others were almost unrecognisable. Then there were a few that I liked and I hoped Ed would too.

'So what's the plan?'

'Well we can select 5 photos to upload to Facebook to show the shoot and then that can be put on her website later on.' Eric replied. 'I think this one, this one and those three are the best shots.' He pointed at the one of me kicking my legs in the air, a close up of me holding hair out of my face, one of me lying on the rug and biting my nail and then two from the more fun shoot; in one I was laughing and it another I was smiling with the hair blowing away from my face.

'Yeah, those are good. I'm thinking this for the cover photo.' Darren said, pointing at me kicking my legs in the air. 'And what about this for the profile picture?' He said, pointing at one which hadn't been chosen so far. I was smiling slightly and I was stood sideways with my hand disappearing behind my head. It showed the waist of my dress and upwards, flattering my body shape.

'Yeah, I think go for it.' Eric said, nodding in agreement. He turned to me. 'I've got to head to a meeting, but I'll drop you an e-mail Monday so check your inbox.' He handed me his card. 'Keep this somewhere safe.'

'Okay.' I replied.

'You'll only be here for another half an hour or so.' He told me. 'Then you can relax. See you later.'

My manager walked off and I felt puzzled and embarrassed that I was clearly tense.

'He can be tough, but he gets things done.' Darren said with a small style as my stomach growled. I frowned with embarrassment. 'Have you not eaten?'

'No, but it's fine, it's only three.' I replied with a shrug.

'Nonsense. Login to your Facebook for me and I'll grab you something from the canteen quick. BLT?'

'Sure.' I smiled. He headed off and I leant over typing my account details into Facebook. I opened up the Facebook page and my eyes widened; I had about one thousand new fans since the concert the previous night. Fantastic! Two minutes later, Darren returned and handed me a bottle of Vitamin Water and a BLT. 'Thank you.'

'Can't have you starve to death after your first shoot.' He laughed. 'Oh sweet, you've had a lot of page visits this week.' He clicked on the profile picture and quickly changed it to the one we'd agreed too, crediting Enrique in the caption. Then he set to work changing the cover photo, before creating my first album. He uploaded the five pictures Eric had chosen and then cracked his knuckles. 'We need to edit your bio so that it says Warner Records and then get your blue verified tick.' He filled in the necessary forms and included a contact email for bookings via Jamie-Lee. Then he applied for a verified tick. 'It won't go through for a few days as they'll contact the label first. Right, next up... Youtube.'

Half an hour later and my Twitter, Instagram and Youtube pictures and bios had all been updated. I didn't mind sitting with Darren as he made an effort to have a conversation with me and he seemed like a nice guy. 'Thanks for this.' I told him with a smile.

'It's okay, I know it can be tough.' He paused before continuing. 'I've seen a lot of girls give it in straight away so I hope you're ready for the mountains and obstacles thrown your way. It isn't going to be easy but I'm sure it's worth it. Now don't tell Eric, but which picture would you like for our Artists section on the Warner Records website.'

'What about the one we've chosen as my profile picture?'

'Safe call.' He replied with a smile. 'I believe you're free to go.'

'Thanks again.'

'No problem.' He said, patting my shoulder. 'Just be careful? It's hard to stay yourself in this world so try not to lose yourself.'

'I'll try not to.'

I was still a little peckish when I left the office with my weekend suitcase, so I munched on a cake in Starbucks and then took my latte-to-go, trying to procrastinate as much as possible. I was too busy being in my own bubble that I hadn't realised the photographer ahead, snapping away. Thank god I had a decent outfit and professional make-up on.

'Lovely outfit, Lucy, where's it from?' The paparazzi asked, clicking away as I made my way past him.

'Topshop.' I replied, thankful that I'd red the label before putting it on earlier.

I ignored the stares from passers-by and kept walking up High Street Kensington. I found myself at Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William, Kate and Harry. I'd been to London lots of times, but I found it odd that I'd never visited Kensington Palace. I'd been to Buckingham Palace and even Hampton Court, but I'd never felt the need to visit this royal home. It was a shame, really, because the red-brick building from the 1600s was beautiful and it contained a lot of history.

'Beautiful, isn't it?' A male voice said, breaking my thoughts. I looked at the guy with the mid-length scruffy hair and blue eyes who was watching me.

'It really is.' I said with a smile.

'When Princess Diana died there were over one million bouquets laid here. In some places it was like five foot deep.' He said, signalling to the ground we were stood on.

'Really?' I replied, although I was hardly surprised. I still remembered the day when her death was announced. I remembered my mum being upset and I was too. I'd always wanted to be a princess and I'd looked up to her. I'd cried for the princes too, as I knew I would be lost without my mother.

'It's crazy, huh?' He said, looking back to the palace and then back at me with a friendly smile. 'I'm Greg.'

'Lucy.' I replied as he shook my hand.

'Tourist?' He asked, looking at my mini suitcase.

'Oh no, I'm just up here for work.' I explained, hoping that I wasn't going to have to elaborate.

'Cool.' He smiled. 'I live up here... over in Notting Hill actually.' I noticed there was a camera over his shoulder and I suddenly tensed. Was he paparazzi. 'Oh, don't worry it's just some stupid hobby.'

'I'm sure it's not stupid.' I told him, reassuringly. 'Can I see?'

He twitched his nose, a nervous gesture, and ran a hand through his hair. 'You want to see my photos? Really they're not that good.'

'Please?' I smiled, genuinely interested. My dad was a photographer and I'd tried to pick up some tips from him over the years. The walls in my apartment were decorated with canvas prints of photographs I'd taken on my old DSLR camera. He sat down on a bench, so I sat down beside him as he took the strap off of his neck and turned on his camera. He carefully handed it to me and I flicked through the pictures; a couple kissing in front of the palace, a family laughing, a guard outside the palace and then some pictures of flowers and the landscape. They were fantastic. 'These are amazing.' I told him, honestly.

'Really?' He said, sounding surprised.

'Oh, absolutely. They're so natural and beautiful. I like how you've followed the number one photography rule too; the focus of the picture shouldn't be right in the centre of the shot.'

He raised his eyebrows. 'You're a photographer?'

'Not quite.' I laughed. 'My dad is, though. Mainly weddings these days but he's done a few other things.'

'That's cool.' He smiled, before checking his watch. 'Your lunchbreak must be over.'

'Oh, I'm done for the day.' I replied, which was the truth.

'Not a nine to five job?' He said, sounding surprised.

'Not quite.' I laughed at the irony of it. 'But I'd probably better get going.'

'Can I give you my card? Maybe text me sometime if you want to hang out? Or if you ever need any photos?' He said with a shy smile. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a creased business card.

'Sure, sounds good.' I said with a smile, taking the card from him and tucking it into my handbag. 'It was lovely meeting you.'

'And you.' He said. 'I hope I've not completely weirded you out.'

'Not at all.'

I caught the tube from Notting Hill, only having to change once to get to Camden Town. I tried to work out in my head what I was going to say to Ed, but I just wasn't sure and it was frustrating. The tube reached Camden and I stepped out of the carriage and onto the busy platform, filled with people in vintage clothing, people in leather and indie-types. There were old and young people from almost every ethnicity, something which I loved about London and Camden more specifically. I checked my phone as I walked along the platform, smiling at the most recent post on Warner Records' page;

It is with great pleasure that we announce the latest member of our musical family. We'd like to welcome Lucy May to our record label. To keep updated, make sure you 'like' her official Facebook page and find her on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Below the message was the picture of me from my photoshoot, where I was laid on a rug with my finger sexily in my mouth. There were already a load of likes and a few comments.

'Sorry.' I apologised, crashing into someone because I wasn't looking where I was going. The man looked at me and frowned as I passed through the gates, pulling my suitcase behind me.

The walk to Ed's apartment seemed a lot quicker than normal and it hadn't allowed me anymore time to think. I carried my suitcase up the few steps to his doorstep and took a deep breath as I rang the doorbell. The door opened almost straight away and Ed stepped aside, letting me into the warm and closing the door behind me.

He pulled me in for a kiss on the lips, but pulled back when he realised that I was tense. 'What's going on?' He asked, trying to read my expression.

'I know about you and Sky.'