We need to talk.

A short text, enough to make my heart break into a million pieces. No kisses, so it wasn't good. I felt sick as the caller ID on my phone showed me that Ed was ringing me. I hesitated before answering.

'Hello.' My voice croaked as my heart hammered against my chest. I'd been there before. I knew what was coming.

'Hey.' He said, sounding nervous and I couldn't help that he hadn't added beautiful to his greeting like he normally did. 'You okay?'

'Yes.' I lied. 'You?'

'Sort of.' He paused for a moment, as if unsure of what to say. A glance at the clock showed me that it was only five, which meant it was two AM over there. What a time to call. 'Lucy.. we... need to break up.'

Tears filled my eyes and burned them as I dared to ask the question filling my head. 'Why?'

'We're just... not right for... each other.' He sounded uncertain. 'Take care, okay? And I'll get Graham when I'm back.'

Then he was gone. I don't know how long I sat curled up in a ball, letting the tears flood, but I sure as hell didn't want to face my friend who was downstairs, pressing the buzzer repetitively. My phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times. But I didn't answer. I called in sick the next day and then the voicemail came from Amanda, who was worried about me. Taylor had been in contact with her and she'd heard what had happened. They wanted to see me.

The news finally sank in when I woke up on Thursday and I realised I had to talk to someone. Realising Willow would still be asleep, I turned to my other best friend.

'Luce? I've been messaging you for days. I was starting to worry that you'd fallen off the face of the earth!' She said dramatically in the reciever, making a small smile appear on my lips.

'Ed and I broke up.' I replied, my voice hoarse.

'What?!' She gasped. 'Oh my god, what happened?!'

'I don't know.' I said, sadly. 'He ended it on Tuesday.' I blinked back the tears trying to make an appearance again.

'But he was crazy about you.' She sighed. 'Eurgh, I'm going to kill him. Look, I know Ad has work tonight but I don't. I'm coming up to see you and we're having a girls night. And don't say no because I will break down your door if I have to.'

'Okay.' I laughed. 'Call me when you're in London.'

Graham meowed as I hung up the phone and looked over at him, lounging on my laptop. I scooped him off, wishing he wasn't a constant reminder of Ed. But what could I do? I couldn't just take him back to the apartment and leave him there. I logged into my Twitter account and frowned. Why was #ledisover a trending topic? Without thinking, I clicked on the tag and then my heart shattered more than it already had. There, on the newsfeed, was a picture of Ed kissing Elizabeth Dudley, a beautiful well-known Australian model. On the lips. At a party. Every magazine and social media twitter account had tweeted it with the caption; Ed's been a naughty boy.

I let out a growl, feeling angry, and Graham hurried away looking startled. How dare he? I'd been cheated on before. I'd been screwed about. And he promised not to break my heart. And he'd done it in the worst way possible. The party had taken place in Sydney on Monday night, the article had said, and was raising money for teens with cancer. And an unknown source had said they had left the party together. I threw the picture frame containing a picture of us together on New Years Eve onto the floor and I cursed as fresh blood came out of my hand, cut from broken glass. I sank onto the carpet, holding my hand over my black leggings as one thought filled my mind; he was supposed to be my soulfinder.

My phone buzzed beside me. Once. Twice. Three times. On the fourth phonecall, I answered it, feeling fed up. 'Hello?' I said, my voice broken.

'Lucy, I've been trying to get hold of you since Tuesday!' Taylor said on the phone. 'How are you doing? Ed said you'd broken up and then I saw the paper today and oh my god I'm going to kill him for doing this to you.'

'Was I not good enough?' I blubbed, feeling like the ugliest girl in the world.

'Lu, you were the best thing that's ever happened to him. He's really screwed up, really fucked up.' She said and her swearing surprised me. 'Look, I'm round the corner, I'll be with you in five, but this time please don't leave me stood outside looking like an idiot.'

True to her word, Taylor arrived five minutes later and she tutted at my blood-covered dress before grabbing my wounded hand and cleaning it under the sink. Truth be told, I was a mess and so was my lovely apartment. After covering my hand with a plaster, Taylor cleaned up the broken photo-frame, fed Graham and loaded up my dishwasher, wiping down the surfaces. Then she set to work in my bedroom, tidying it up and even changing the bedding whilst I had a shower and got changed into the leggings and over-sized jumper she'd picked out for me. When I finished drying my hair, I walked into the kitchen, where she was sat with two cups of tea on the table.

'Now you're ready to talk.' She told me with a small smile.

'I don't know what to say.' I whispered. 'I just feel so numb.'

'I know.' She said, pulling me into a hug as the tears escaped and I poured my heart out to her.

After lunch, I felt surprisingly better and I wasn't sure if it's because I'd let everything I'd bottled up slip away. That was when I had an idea. 'Think I can get a last minute appointment at the beauty salon?'

'You're Lucy May.' She laughed. 'I don't see why not.' She looked at me, suspiciously. 'Why? What are you planning?'

'I think it's time for a new start.' I said with a nervous smile. 'Are you coming?'

She squeezed my hand. 'Absolutely.'

Orchid Beauty Salon wasn't far from my flat and, luckily, they were happy to fit me into their Thursday afternoon schedule. I decided to splash out, having a facial to get rid of my red, blotchy skin, my eyebrows were waxed and shaped (ouch) and then I did something risky with my hair; blonde ombre was added to my curly brunette locks.

'It looks really good.' Taylor said with a smile as we sat, having our nails done, with Matt stood by, watching our surroundings carefully. 'Don't want to join us, Matt?' Taylor teased.

'I'm alright thank you Miss Swift.' He replied, casually. His eyes locked on the door as a familiar face walked in.

'Lea!' I squealed with excitement, pleased to see my best friend. I wanted to jump up and hug her, but my nails were in a mini-hand-sized jacuzzi.

'Loving the new look.' She smiled. 'Hey, Taylor.'

'Nice to see you again.' Taylor replied with a smile. 'Are you joining us?'

Leanne looked at her nails carefully. 'Eeek. I think I'm going to have to.'

One of the ladies working at the salon signalled to an empty seat beside me. 'Take a seat.'

'Just so you know, I am actually going to kill him.' Leanne said from beside me as our nails were given a French Manicure.

'Get in line.' Taylor said sternly. 'I wasn't taking sides until I saw that photo. I can't believe he was so stupid.'

'She's not even that pretty.' The beautician painting my nails said with a smile.

'Exactly!' Leanne said, dramatically. 'What the hell was he thinking, seriously?'

Tears brimmed in my eyes and I bit my tongue. 'Can we talk about something else?'

'Erm... Miss May, we have a problem.' Matt said from the doorway. 'Paparazzi are outside.'

'You can use the back?' The beautician offered.

'How do I look?' I asked my friends and they smiled.

'Great!' They chorused.

'Good, because we're going out the front.'

After settling up our bills, I double-checked my make-up in the mirror and admired my new hair. It looked incredible. Then I pulled on my coat and we were ready. The girls and I walked out first, with Matt closely behind us, and the cameras flashed wildly.

'Have you and Ed officially broken up, Lucy?'

'How are you holding up?'

'Is there anything you want to say to him?'

'Taylor, whose side are you on?'

'No comment.' I said, before shooting them a smile and disappearing into a cab. As we drove away from the salon, my eyes watered, filled with tears, and I was glad that I'd not shown them, or Ed, that I was miserable.

That night, we decided we'd go out for a girls night at Mahiki in Mayfair, somewhere that I'd never been but Taylor had said was great. She'd called and got us on the guestlist with ease, and I'd called Amanda and Daisy, desperate to have as much of my crew with me as possible. We'd got ready at my apartment, all opting to wear black. Daisy was wearing a black plunge-neck playsuit, Amanda was wearing a black mini-dress, Leanne a plunge-neck skater dress, Taylor was wearing black high-waisted shorts and a crop top and then there was me; my hair was still styled from the hairdressers and I wore smokey-eyed make-up with red lipstick. My outfit consisted of a lace bustier top, a black leather skater skirt, my leather jacket and my signature wedge shoe-boots.

'You look smokin'.' Amanda assured me with a wink as Taylor's private car took us to the club.

'Thanks.' I said with a real smile.

'We're going to take a lot of pictures tonight and dance the night away.' Taylor said, beaming. 'And then we'll all come back to yours for a sleepover!'

'As long as I make it in for work tomorrow afternoon. I've got to finish recording with The Weeknd.' I replied. I'd told Eric I'd be back to work, although he was now aware that I hadn't actually been ill and I was sure that he wasn't impressed.

'Easily done. You just might be a little tired.' Leanne winked. 'I've got work tomorrow anyway!'

'And I've got an outfit-fitting for the Brits. Please tell me you're still coming, Lu?' Taylor said.

'Well I'm supposed to be sat next to Ed.' I frowned.

'I'll give them a call for you. They can't expect you to stay in the same seat. Whoever was sat on the other side of me can swap.' She smiled.

'Thanks.'

'Right, we're here ladies.' Taylor's driver, Neil, said as he stopped the car. 'Looks like there's some paps here though, so be careful.' He got out of the car and walked around to open the door. He opened it carefully and Taylor gave us all a thumbs up before climbing out of the car. The flashes started and it was almost easy to miss the 'Mahiki' glowing sign as we climbed out beside her. Taylor reassuringly linked arms with me as the press asked questions and we walked in straight away, without giving our names.

Walking into Mahiki was like being in Hawaii, almost. The walls were covered with wooden caned-walls, the floor was wooden, and the booths had green seats or seats with a hawaiian print. One of the walls was showing a false sunset and the glowing orange and yellow lighting almost made it look real.

'Right girls, what am I getting you?' Taylor said with a smile as we headed over to the bar. 'And before you answer, it has to be a cocktail. They have the best cocktails here.'

Amanda's eyeballs popped out of her head. 'This place is expensive.'

'The night's on me.' Taylor said with a reassuring smile. 'So which cocktails are we going for?'

'Zombies?' Leanne replied.

'Sure.' She turned to the bartender. 'Five zombies please.'

'Right away Miss Swift. ' The bartender smiled and got to work straight away.

'You know, I really admire you.' Daisy said to me, pushing her new red bangs out of her eyes. 'You are so strong, so brave.'

It's a shame I didn't feel it inside. One glass of wine before coming out had been a rubbish liquid courage. Straight whiskey, however, might have worked better. 'Thank you.' I said, with just a smile. I looked around the room and noticed people glancing in our direction, more at me than Taylor. A few gave me a smile, one of sympathy. They knew what Ed had done. They weren't stupid.

Leanne was on her phone and I frowned at her. 'What are you doing? You're not going to be on there all night, are you?'

'Of course not.' She smiled, holding up the phone. 'Now everyone get into the photo. We're showing this idiot what he's missing.'

It was safe to say that I was feeling a little drunk two hours later, when we were dancing the night away and posing for pictures. A few other celebrities had turned up, including Pixie Lott, some of the cast of Made in Chelsea, and even Cheryl Cole, so Taylor wasn't the only famous person there. They said hello to us both, which surprised me, but that was it. Then a guy with messy light brown hair waved at me. It took me a moment to realise he was Nathan Jones, a British singer-songwriter.

'Isn't that Nathan Jones?' Leanne asked, reading my thoughts.

'He's been looking over here for the last fifteen minutes!' Taylor laughed. 'And I'm pretty sure he's not looking at me.'

I wrapped my arms around myself, self-consciously as Meghan Trainor's All about that bass filled the room. 'Well he can't be looking at me.' I turned to Amanda, who was directly opposite me in our little circle we'd formed on the dancefloor. 'Maybe he's looking at you.'

'I wish.' She sighed, dramatically. 'Don't tell Alfie I said that.' She winked, referring to her boyfriend.

'You should go talk to him.' Taylor suggested with a smile.

'It's too soon.' I said, my heart aching as the image of Ed kissing that stupidly pretty model.

'I'm not talking about going out on a date. I mean, just talking to the guy.' She said, nudging me. 'Just get your confidence back up a bit, you know?'

'My confidence is fine.' I replied, but my four friends raised their eyebrows and I knew that they'd seen through the mask I'd been wearing all afternoon and evening.

'Do I have to dare you?' Leanne said, jokily. 'Because you never refuse dares.'

'In which case,' Taylor giggled, 'we all dare you to go over there and talk to Nathan Jones.'

'Eugh.' I groaned, poking Leanne. 'Fine.' I downed the remainder of my drink and passed the empty glass to Daisy.

I took a deep breath and walked over to where Nathan Jones (AN: He looks like Pete Bucknall!) was perched at the bar, talking to some of his friends. I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or not, but in person he was even more good-looking than in photos; his hair was scruffy yet sexy and his eyes were a bluey green colour. He had sexy stuble around his mouth and on his chin and his muscles were shown off by his tight, white rolled-up sleeves on his shirt.

'Hey.' I said, casually, with a smile, pretending I hadn't been admiring his muscles just moments before.

'Hey back.' He said, returning the smile. His friends looked over at him and one of them winked before they walked away, leaving us to it.

'I'm Lucy.' I said, holding out my hand and then realising just how cringey that was.

Either way, he still took it, even if he was smiling playfully. 'Nice to meet you. I'm Nathan.'

'Of course, you're currently my rival for number one in the charts.' I said, cheekily. He'd been on the top spot for four weeks and so far Skyscraper hadn't budged his song Budapest, much to Eric's annoyance.

'I'm afraid so.' He said with a grin. 'Are rivals allowed to buy each other drinks?'

'I don't see why not.' I shrugged.

'What are you having? Wait... let me guess.' He glanced over at my friends briefly. 'Girls night out... you're having Zombies, huh?'

'We are.' I said with a nod.

'What can I get you, Mr Jones?' The bartender asked, walking over to us.

'A whiskey and coke for me and a Mustique Fizz for the lovely lady.' Nathan said, giving me a wink. The bartender nodded and walked off to make our drinks.

'Mustique Fizz?' I raised my eyebrow.

'Wine, cane syrup and passion fruit sorbet. You'll love it, trust me.'

I wasn't sure I was in the mood to be trusting anyone at that moment of time, but I decided to give it a try. The bartender returned with our drinks, mine in a tall glass looking lovely and pink with a flower for decoration, and Nathan paid. I took a sip and it was like heaven. 'This is incredible.'

'I told you.' He said with a playful smile. He signalled to a small empty booth. 'Shall we?' I glanced over at my friends. 'You're welcome to go back to your girls, really. I don't want to be holding you hostage on a girl's night out.'

'They dared me to come and talk to you.' I said, honestly.

'Yikes, do I not look approachable?' He pretended to be offended but his facial expression showed that he was only teasing.

'Well let's just say I've not had the best few days thanks to someone of your gender.'

'I saw the papers.' He replied. 'But relax. I'm not after anything. Except maybe a duet, you know.' He winked. 'Still, I can't believe he could be so cruel. He's supposed to be one of the nice guys.'

'I thought so too.' I sighed, sipping at my drink.

'Well he's an idiot for letting you go.' He gave me a friendly smile, before, thankfully, changing the subject very quickly. 'So what are your plans for knocking me off the top spot this Sunday then?'

Nathan and I chatted happily for the next half an hour and then Taylor came over to me, giving me an apologetic smile. 'I'm sorry to interrupt but I think Leanne is going to be on the floor if she has anymore to drink, Luce.'

'Sounds about right.' I laughed. I turned to Nathan. 'It was lovely meeting you and thanks for the drink.'

'No problem.' He smiled. 'Good luck with the charts on Sunday.'

'Thanks.' I stood up as Taylor headed back to my friends, who were sat down talking to a giggly Leanne. I was drunk, but not that drunk. I was still very aware of what was going on around me.

'Hey, can I grab your number?' Nathan asked, surprising me.

'Uhm sure.' I replied. He passed me his phone and I quickly inputed my number before handing it back. 'There you go.'

'Get home safe.'

'Thanks, you too.'

We all slept in my living room that night. I'd moved the mattress of the bed in there so three of us slept on the king-size mattress and the other two slept on the sofa bed. And, for the first time since the break-up, I slept like a baby with Graham nestled up to my stomach.

I woke up the next day to my phone ringing and I quickly answered it, walking into the bedroom, before I could make up my sleeping friends. 'Hello?' I said, glad that I hadn't lost my voice yet. I was going to need it.

'Hi Lucy, it's Jamie-Lee.' My publicist replied, chirpily. 'How are you?' Her voice was sympathetic.

'I've been better.' I replied, honestly. 'But no use moping around.'

'Well you looked fabulous last night. They've posted pictures of you in most of the papers and magazines. Of you coming out of the salon and of you out on the town with Taylor last night. They're calling you the newest member of her crew.'

'Cool.' I replied, not sure what else to say.

'Now the phone's been ringing off the hook, as I'm sure you're aware. Everyone wants to know what happened with Ed or what the response is, but Eric has said to hold off any interviews and he doesn't want you to talk about it. He would, however, like to release a statement about the break-up. What is it you'd like us to say?'

'I don't know.' I sighed.

'Well how about I write something up now and send it over so you can see what you think?'

'Great, thanks Jamie.'

'No problem. Good luck with your final recording this afternoon with The Weeknd. Oh, and I've got you a place on Sunday Brunch on Sunday. They'd like you to perform. Maybe this week will be Skyscraper's chance at number one?'

'Maybe.'

The statement was released that afternoon, whilst I travelled to the studios to meet Abel. I read it through as it appeared on my Facebook page and website.

It is with sadness that I announce that Ed and I went our seperate ways at the beginning of this week. Our love was a whirlwind ride, which started and ended too quickly. I still do not completely understand what has happened but I hope that you will respect my privacy at this time whilst my heart heals. I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper.

Within seconds of being posted by Darren, the comments came pouring in, some of anger, some words of comfort. I closed my Facebook APP, not wanting to look at them.

'Hey Luce.' Abel said with a welcoming smile when I walked into the studio. 'Loving the new look.'

'Thanks.' I said with a smile.

'You didn't have to come in today. We could have rescheduled.'

'It's fine, I want to keep busy.' I replied, honestly. 'Is the album art shoot still going ahead tomorrow?'

'If that's okay with you?'

'Yeah, sure. Let's do this.'

'Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder

And if you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder

'Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder

And if you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got to love me harder.'

The producer gave us both a thumbs up as the music stopped and I knew we'd got the ending perfect. We joined him in the booth of the studio, listening back to it as he made the final adjustments to the vocals and music.

'It sounds great.' Abel told me with a smile. 'Thank you so much for collaborating with me on this.'

'It's not a problem.'

'You have to perform this with me at The Brits.'

My eyes widened. 'The Brits? Really? Isn't there another song you could sing?'

'Oh yeah, sure, but this would be great. Would really get the crowd going, don't you think?'

I swallowed and bit my lip, nervously. 'Uhm sure.'

The next day, we photographed the album artwork, a photo of us both back-to-back; myself in a tiny, tight black dress and Abel dressed in a black shirt and black trousers. It didn't take long, thankfully, and I found myself falling asleep when I got home, catching up on the sleep I'd already missed that week. On Sunday, I headed off to Sunday Brunch at 8am. Amanda and Eric met me at the studios, Eric looking grumpier than normal. He didn't say anything to me. Instead, he sat on his iPhone, doing goodness knows what, whilst Amanda did my hair and applied natural eye-brightening make-up. The show had provided the clothes, from Topshop, so dressed in a black and white striped scoop back t-shirt, and a black satin midi skater skirt with nude heels, I felt almost like Audrey Hepburn. As I finished getting ready, the hosts, Tim and Simon, introduced themselves before heading onto the set.

'On in five!' The technician said to me. 'You need to make your way onto the set now. There's food and drink there for you.'

I walked out onto the set after Amanda gave me a quick once-over. I still found it odd that sets looked so much smaller in reality than on the television. I was wondering why that was when I felt too hands on my waist. I turned around, startled, to find Nathan Jones stood behind me.

'So we meet again.' He said, darkly, as if acting a villain. His serious face turned into a smile. 'Fancy seeing you here.'

'Well they do say it's a small world.' I replied, casually. He looked nice in a teal shirt and blue jeans, the colour of the shirt bringing out his eyes. 'I hope you're good at cooking.'

'I hope you are good at live performances.' He winked. 'Don't worry, I know you are, I saw you on Graham Norton. I think you might be knocking me off the top spot this week. Where are you in the charts currently?'

'Number two when I checked this morning. Watch your back!'

'30 seconds!' The stage manager called so we made our way to the seats, where croissants, pastries and orange juice were laid out.

'Hello and welcome to Sunday Brunch live. I'm Tim Lovejoy.' Tim said as the show started.

'And I'm Simon Rimmer.' Simon continued. 'Joining us this morning we have Nathan Jones and Lucy May. How are we all this morning?'

'Good.' We both chorused, at exactly the same time.

The whole show whizzed by and we both spoke about our careers. I was thankful that Ed hadn't been mentionned at all, but I was sure that this was probably Eric or Jamie-Lee's doing. Soon, it was the end of the show.

'So you two are having a bit of a battle in the charts at the moment, aren't you?' Tim said with a smile.

'We are. I'm worried that Lucy's going to knock me off the top spot! She's currently number two in the charts I believe.' Nathan said with a laugh. 'Don't blame her though, she's very talented.'

'Yes she is.' Tim nodded in agreement. 'Well Lucy, you're going to sing us out today so why don't you go and get yourself ready.'

I took that as by cue to leave. I walked over to the set up stage area and adjusted the microphone to the right height whilst my band prepped themselves behind me.

'Here's Lucy May with her single Skyscraper.' Tim announced me and the cameras panned around.

'You can take everything I have

You can break everything I am

Like I'm made of glass

Like I'm made of paper

Oh Oh

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper

Like a skyscraper.'

As I finished, I realised tears were in my eyes and I hoped that it wasn't visible on camera. I'd put my all into the song and the whole time Ed's face had been in my mind. And Ed kissing her. The cameras were off and I bit my lip as I took a shaky breath. Daisy walked over to me and squeezed my hand with reassurance as Amanda made her way over to us.

'You were fantastic!' She beamed, pulling me into a hug. She pulled back and looked at my sad eyes. 'I really hate that he's done this to you.' She whispered. 'You're a bright spark, Lucy. A shining star who's always smiling. I hate seeing you like this.'

'So do I.' Daisy whispered in agreement. Her eyes glanced over to look and something and she smiled. 'So Nathan Jones is coming this way.'

'What?' I practically croaked. 'Oh my god, do I look like I'm miserable?'

'Just smile and you'll be fine.' Amanda squeezed my waist.

'So I think I'm pretty screwed after that performance.' Nathan said with a crooked smile. 'I think it's safe to say that you're probably number one.'

'We'll see.' I replied, casually. My friends each squeezed my arm and then disappeared.

'So what are your plans for the rest of the day?'

'Pyjamas, Netflix and a roast dinner for one I'd imagine.' I joked.

'Fancy going out for a roast dinner for two?'

'Erm...'

'As friends.' He added. 'Unless, of course, there's something really good on Netflix. But then you'll miss out on the best carvery in London.'

'Well I love watching Gossip Girl but I think I'll have to take up your offer.' I said with a playful smile. 'Where to?'

The 'best carvery in London' turned out to be in a tiny pub called The Holly Bush in Shoreditch. It was an old-English looking pub, and it was very small and cosy with it's wooden beams and roaring fireplace.

'Nate, good to see you!' A woman, who I assumed was the owner, said with a smile. 'I've just seen you and Miss May here on the television. Was the cooking not good enough?'

The few spoonfuls I'd eaten of paella were delicious, but the apron had been covered in food by the time I was done.

'Not as good as your Sunday Roasts.' Nathan replied with a smile.

'Come on, I've got your favourite table.' She led us to the back of the pub to a part filled with bookshelves, all filled with vintage looking books. She pulled out the comfy leather chairs and signalled for me to sit. 'What can I get you to drink?'

'What are you having?' I asked Nathan.

'Bottle of red?' He asked me in response.

'Sure.' I smiled. The woman nodded and disappeared off to the bar. 'This place is lovely. Very quirky.'

'I've been coming here since I was a kid.' He explained. 'The owner, Janette, is my mum's best friend. The food is incredible.'

Janette returned with our bottle of wine and some glasses and she poured us each a glass. 'Go up and grab your food when you're ready.' She said, giving me a friendly smile.

'It's all you can eat.' Nathan explained. 'Even more of a bonus.'

We went up to get our food and I was surprised by how hungry I was. I hadn't eaten properly in days, unless ice cream counted, so I made use of the all you can eat roast. I had turkey, roast potatoes, yorkshires, lots of stuffing (as stuffing was my favourite), carrots, parsnips, peas and some cauliflower cheese, all topped with homemade gravy. Yum.

'I don't think I've ever known a girl who likes her food!' Nathan commented as we sat back down. 'Usually girls I know just want salad or vegetables or the tiniest portion ever.'

I blushed. 'I've not been eating properly, I'm starved. I think my manager would have a fit if he saw me eating this though so don't tell him.'

'Why would he have a fit?'

'He wants me to lose weight.' I replied, pushing some peas around my gravy-flooded plate.

'What?! But you're gorgeous.' He said with a frown. 'And you've got a great figure. How stupid.'

I shrugged. 'You need to go to Specsavers or something.'

Nathan rolled his eyes. 'I'll have you know, my optician said last month that I have perfect vision. Now shush and eat your food before you waste away.'

It was nice having dinner with Nathan. It was a relaxed setting and we spoke like we were old friends. We spoke about our families, growing up and how we'd managed to get into the industry. We finished our dinner and our wine, both struggling to move, but I knew I had to get home before I fell asleep in some obscure place. We walked out into the cool, February air, only to be greeted by paparazzi.

'Ah, shit.' Nathan whispered.

'Are you two an item?'

'Have you moved on from Ed already, Lucy?'

'How are you feeling about the break-up?

Then I saw Matt, like a knight in shining armour. He pushed through the crowds to get both of us, guiding us to the car waiting. We climbed inside and Matt firmly closed the door, walking around to the front. 'Sorry about that.' Nathan whispered. 'Someone must have followed us there.'

'It's okay.' I replied with a small smile. 'I'm getting used to it now.' Tears clouded my vision, so I looked away, out of the window. When I got home, I filled Graham's food bowl and then sat down on the sofa with my guitar. It had been a while since I'd played, but for some reason, lyrics were filling my head as I thought of every single break-up, every broken heart.

'I'd like to say we gave it a try

I'd like to blame it all on life

Maybe we just weren't right, but that's a lie, that's a lie

And we can deny it as much as we want

But in time our feelings will show

'Cause sooner or later

We'll wonder why we gave up

The truth is everyone knows

Almost, almost is never enough

So close to being in love

If I would have known that you wanted me

The way I wanted you

Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart

But right here in each other's arms.'

The floodgates opened again.