The private jet took us to Madrid the following morning and I longed to curl up to Nathan, like Jake and Daisy were. Now they were out in the open, they weren't hiding their feelings. And they looked adorable together. Nathan and I hadn't spoken properly to each other since the night of our date, let alone kissed. We'd spoken only in group situations and I longed to be alone with him again so that I could kiss him. I found myself glancing at his lips when he spoke and then I had to look away before I jumped on him.

An hour into our flight and everyone was asleep around us, exhausted from the night before; we'd all ended up in some bar in Milan, toasting to the success of the tour. I slipped off my shoes and pulled my hair into a loose bun, looking out at the land we were flying over, watching it appear and then disappear behind the clouds. A hand tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and I jumped, relaxing when I saw it was Nathan. I scooted over on the loveseat-sized sofa I was sat on, making room for him, and he sat down beside me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me so that I was leaning back against his chest. I sighed, feeling relaxed, and he kissed my forehead.

'I wanted to do this all day yesterday.' He whispered, sending goosebumps across my body. 'Shame we were both so busy, huh? Nice new song by the way.'

I blushed, hoping he didn't realise it was about him. 'Thanks.' I turned to face him.

'Do you know what else I wanted to do yesterday?'

'What?'

He caressed my cheek, pulling me in for a gentle kiss. He smiled as he rested his forehead against mine. 'That.'

My mouth turned upwards into a small smile. 'I wanted to as well.'

'I nearly kissed you in front of all of those people after our performance.' He smiled, rubbing my cheek gently with his thumb. I closed the gap between our mouths again, craving another kiss. His lips moved gently over mine, leaving mine tingling like they had been electrocuted.

'Well that's new.' Derek's (Nathan's manager) voice interrupted us and I blushed as we both turned to look at our managers, who were sat there, looking at us, curiously. I bit my lip, nervously, as we sat like two school kids who had been caught behind the bike sheds.

'When did this happen?' Eric asked.

'Milan.' Derek replied, looking at Nathan. 'Am I right?'

Nathan nodded, squeezing my hand. 'Yes, Milan.'

'Well that's sure to add to the publicity.' Eric commented, still looking surprised.

Derek turned to face my manager. 'It's early days. Let's just let them enjoy it.'

'But the fans are already hashtagging Lathan!'

'So let them tag it.' Derek said, sounding irritated with my manager. He turned back to face us. 'You kids go public whenever you're ready, okay?'

I nodded, mutely, and Nathan smiled beside me, kissing my forehead. 'Thanks, Derek, you're the best.'

'Yes I am.'

We checked into our hotel straight after arriving in Madrid that afternoon and I wasn't surprised when Derek handed Nathan and I a key to the same room.

'This is the key to the suite on the top floor.' He explained. 'Now it's two bedrooms and it's the best room in the hotel and it's right next to the spa. We're here four days so might as well be comfortable.'

'Spa?!' I said, my eyes wide. Now I was glad that Amanda had made me pack a bikini.

'Of course, we're not all stingy.' He said, looking over at Eric, who was flirting with the receptionist. I smiled. Derek was cool. I liked him.

Our room was on the top floor, so we used the elevator to get there, and then we dragged our suitcases along, whilst I carried my recently dry-cleaned clothes in dress bags over my shoulder. We reached Suite 304 and Nathan opened the door, standing aside to let me pass. We found ourselves in a living room area with cream carpets and a velour grey loveseat and glass coffee table facing a flat-screen television. Nathan placed his guitar in the corner of the room and opened a sliding door, revealing one of the bedrooms. He walked to the sliding door next to it, revealing a modern-looking bathroom with a bath. Then, opposite, was another set of sliding doors next to the fully-stocked mini-fridge; the second bedroom. I walked over to the window, looking out over Madrid, where, unfortunately, it was raining. The view was still beautiful.

Nathan's arms snaked around my waist and he kissed the tattoo on my shoulder. 'Not the best weather, huh?'

'Sadly not.' I replied in a whisper as rain droplets fell down the window.

'It's supposed to clear up later this afternoon.' He said as I turned to face him.

'I guess I'm just going to have to kill some time in the spa.' I sighed, giving Nathan a flirtacious look. 'Now where did I put my bikini?'

I changed into my new black Victoria's secret bikini, which had a white bow at the front and white ties at each side of the brief. I'd chosen it because it had made my cleavage look better and it almost gave me an hourglass figure. I grabbed my black t-shirt dress, throwing it over the top of my outfit, picked up a white fluffy towel and slipped my feet into the slippers the hotel had provided.

Nathan was stood by the door, holding a towel, when I emerged from the bedroom and he gave me a flirtacious smile. 'Are we going, princess?'

The pool in the spa was completely empty and I assumed it was because people were out sight-seeing. Not that I minded. It meant we had the room and the jacuzzis to ourselves. Nathan stripped off his t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, so he was just stood in his black swimming trunks. I swallowed, looking at his muscular chest and arms, and the star tattoo I'd seen once before. I slipped off the slippers on my feet and stood there, nervously. I'd always been nervous about my body, mainly because of the scar on my lower right abdomen, from when my appendix had been removed aged ten.

I bit my lip, nervously as Nathan slipped into the water, swimming across the pool. He stood up in the water. 'Are you coming in?'

I took a deep breath as I pulled the dress off, over my head, hanging it over the back of a chair. I wrapped my arms around myself, self-consciously, as I spotted Nathan looking at me, and then I slipped into the pool. The water was cool, so I swam over to him in an attempt to warm up. He pulled me towards him, pressing my almost-naked body against him and running a hand through my wet hair.

He smiled at me and my heart fluttered. 'You're so beautiful.'

I blushed and bit my lip, looking down. 'No I'm not.'

He slipped a finger under my chin, making me look at him. 'Yes you are, my beautiful princess.' Before I could argue, he pressed his lips against mine and we kissed in the swimming pool like we were in a Nicholas Sparks movie.

Nathan took me out for dinner that night. It wasn't anywhere fancy, in fact is was very relaxed. Either way, it was perfect, and I went to sleep with a smile on my face. The next day, the rain had stopped but we had a long day of rehearsals ahead of us. We got to the venue after lunch and I was surprised, as we drove past in a blacked out car, to see a group of about ten fans sat outside, already ready for the concert.

'How long do you think they've been there?' I asked Nathan, surprised.

'No idea, but they must be hungry. Fancy a pitstop?' He smiled.

We dropped into a local bakery, buying enough sandwiches and cakes for the group of female fans and some coffee to go with it. Then we took the goodies to the girls sat outside. Their eyes widened as we called out of the arena with some staff, arms laden with goodies.

'You girls must be hungry.' Nathan said with his signature smile, making the girls grin back like love-sick fools. It occurred to me that my facial expression was probably the same.

'You're Nathan Jones!' One of the girls said, in a surprisingly English accent.

'And you're Lucy May!' One of the other girls said, her accent Spanish.

'Yes we are.' Nathan smiled. 'How long have you girls been out here?'

'Since seven.' One of them replied, covering her mouth as she yawned. 'We wanted to get a good spot in the standing zone.'

They'd been there for six hours? They must have been exhausted. It was lucky it was a warm day. 'Well you'll definitely get a good spot.' I smiled at them. 'And here's come food and drink to keep you going too.'

They looked in awe at the sandwiches and drinks the venue's staff were handing out for them.

'You guys are so nice!' The English girl said. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' Nathan smiled.

'Can we please get some pictures with you both?'

'Of course.'

Fifteen minutes later and it was time for us to leave the fans. They were all very nice and surprisingly calm, which was good. I'd seen video clips where artists had met fans and they'd just cried hysterically at them. We turned to leave, when one of them called out,

'Are you guys dating?'

We turned back to face them and I knew I was struggling not to blush. Nathan smiled at me, slyly. 'Can you girls keep a secret?'

'Yes!' They all chorused, nodding.

'We are.' He smiled and they all squealed in response.

'You're such a cute couple!' One of them gushed.

'Lathan all the way!' Another one said.

Nathan and I looked at each other and laughed. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and we walked into the venue together, away from the excited fans. That night, our duet was the best it had been yet and I noticed the girls from outside smiling excitedly as we sang to each other, our secret being shared amongst just a few of us. After I finished the duet, I headed off to the dressing room, surprised to have a text from Taylor.

I'm in Madrid with Adam tonight as he's playing a show! Totally forgot you were playing or would have come to see you. Come to the afterparty and bring your crew! T xx

We'll be there. What are the dets?xx

The roof from 11pm. See you there! xx

I walked down the corridor, purposefully, knocking on the guy's dressing room. Daisy's voice called out 'come in', so I slipped inside. She was sat on Jake's lap, looking loved up. Jesse was awol, which was no surprise. 'Fancy going out tonight? Taylor's in town and we've been invited to Calvin Harris' after party!'

'Like we're going to turn that down!' Jake grinned. 'His music is sweet.'

'Is there a dresscode?' Daisy asked, signalling to her black skater dress and red heels.

'I sure hope not. I am going to go and top up my curls though if you want to come with?'

'Sure.'

We headed back to the girl's dressing room, topping up our make-up. I looked at the little white skater dress I was wearing, which had a bow on the cross-over straps at the back. 'Does this look okay?'

'Of course. It's adorable.' She smiled. 'But sexy at the same time. If that's the look you're going for?'

'I don't know what look I'm going for.' I laughed, slipping on my coral blazer with it. The coral matched the comfy coral wedges I had on my feet. I ran my hands through my hair. 'I want to do something different with this.'

'May I?' My friend asked, appearing behind me. She pinned back my hair into a half updo, with loose strands framing my face. 'What do you think?'

I looked at my reflection and smiled. 'I like it. Thank you.'

The show finished twenty minutes later and I was waiting in the wings for Nathan. He walked off the stage, all sweaty, planting a gentle kiss on my lips. 'Hey.'

'Hey.' I smiled.

'You've done your hair differently.' He commented. 'I like it.' He kissed my forehead. 'Are we going somewhere?'

'Yes,' I replied, 'Calvin Harris' afterparty.'

Nathan had a quick shower at the venue, before changing into a clean outfit; a fresh pair of black skinny jeans and a denim shirt with rolled-up sleeves. He knocked on my dressing room door when he was ready and then Nathan, Daisy, Jake and I headed off to The Roof. The Roof was, of course, a rooftop bar. We reached the top after getting past the 'private functions' security guard and I looked around in awe at the incredible view over the city of Madrid. Black tables and chairs were spread out across the open terrace and there were a few black sofa booths spread about, in amongst the heaters which were blaring out heat. The rooftop glowed different shades of pinks and purples and music filled the air and guests moved around, mingling. A few said hello to Nathan or I as we made our way through the crowd, hand-in-hand, as Daisy and Jake headed off to the bar.

'Lu!' Taylor squealed, hurrying over and embracing me in a big hug. She looked down at my hand, realising it was in Nathan's, and her eyebrows shot up. 'So the rumours are true!' She turned to face Nathan and smiled, pulling him into a hug as I let go of his hand. 'Nice to see you again. So when did this happen?'

I blushed and Nathan glanced over at me, a smile on his face. 'Call it Magical Milan.' He said with a laugh, squeezing my waist.

'I'm so happy for you.' Taylor said with a smile which meant she really meant it. 'You really deserve to be happy.'

'I do.' I said, smiling back at her.

'Adam, get over here, you'll never believe this!' Taylor called her boyfriend over as she straightened up her red skater dress.

Adam walked over to us. 'Hey guys, how are you?'

'Good thanks.' We both chorused.

'They're totally dating. I told you so.' Taylor told her boyfriend as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

'I'll get us a drink.' Nathan said to me. He kissed my cheek and disappeared off, Adam following him to the bar.

'You have to tell me all of the details.' Taylor said, her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes looked behind me and they widened.

'What is it?' I turned my head and saw what had caught her attention; Ed had walked onto the rooftop with a supermodel I recognised as one of the Victoria's Secret angels. I shuddered, suddenly wishing I hadn't handed my jacket over in the cloakroom on the way in.

'I have no idea what he's doing here.' Taylor said to me with a frown. 'I didn't invite him, that's for sure. I didn't even know he was in Madrid. It must have been Adam. I'm so sorry, Lu.'

'It's fine.' I shrugged. 'I'm over it. I'm with Nathan now and he makes me happy.' I smiled over at my boyfriend, if he was that yet, who was chatting to Adam at the bar.

Taylor squeezed my arm. 'I'm glad you're happy and in a better place. Nate's a nice guy. Adam's known him for years. He won't mess you about, it's not in his nature. His mum brought him up to be a gentleman.'

'You got that right.' I replied.

Taylor looked over my shoulder. 'Hi Ed.' She said, her voice lacking enthusiasm.

'Hi Taylor.' He replied, casually, as his supermodel walked off to the bar. 'Hi Lucy.' He said, turning to me, his eyes softening when they looked at me.

'Hi.' I responded, my voice staying surprisingly even. In fact I felt pretty strong, which surprised me. I really was over him.

'I didn't realise you were in Madrid at the moment.' Ed said to me.

'Yeah, I had a show tonight.' I said with a small smile.

'Oh yes, you're touring with Nathan Jones, right?'

I nodded. 'Yep, though tour's nearly over which is a shame because I'm having a great time.'

'Cool.' He said, casually. 'So Jake and Daisy are together, huh?' He looked over at my bandmates, who were dancing together by the DJ booth.

'It's been a few months.' I replied. 'A lot has changed.'

'Eddie, I got you a drink.' The supermodel said, returning from the bar and passing Ed a cocktail. I raised my eyebrow; 'Eddie' had never been a cocktail guy.

Nathan and Adam returned, Nathan planting a kiss on my cheek as he passed me my drink. He looked up at Ed in surprise. 'Hey Ed, what brings you to Madrid?' He asked, smoothly.

'Came to see my mate Adam play.' He nodded at Adam, who was stood looking awkward next to his girlfriend.

'Nice.' Nathan nodded. Are you okay, princess? My eyes widened at Nathan's voice in my head. I looked at him in surprise. How was that possible? I already had a soulfinder. Wait did you just hear me?

Yes, I replied, unsure of what else to say. Nathan smiled at me, his eyes twinkling and he kissed my forehead.

Ed walked the exchange and tensed up. 'Well I'll catch you later.' He disappeared off with his supermodel.

'Sheesh that was awkward.' Taylor sighed. She turned to her boyfriend. 'You didn't tell me he was at your concert.'

'I didn't think he was going to come here. ' Adam replied. Someone called him from the other side of the terrace. 'It's time for my set. Are you coming gorgeous?'

Taylor smiled at both of us. 'See you in a bit.' And then they were gone.

'So you're my soulfinder.' Nathan said, giving me a lopsided smile. He bent down and kissed me softly on the lips, not caring who saw, whilst my head tried to work out how it was even possible to have two soulfinders.

I stayed up late that night, on the internet, trying to find out what the hell was going on. I wrapped my baggy grey cardigan around myself as I sat on top of my duvet covers, on my laptop.

A soulfinder is a Savant who has a Savant partner for life and are commited to each other. To be a soulfinder, a male and female savants have to be conceived at the same time (not the same time they were born). Soulfinders have half of the power while the other have the half.

I frowned. Website after website was absolutely useless. Then I clicked on a forum question.

Help!

I've met two guys I can talk to telepathically and they both give me different abilities, making me stronger. Does this mean I have two soulfinders? Is this even possible?

- From a confused savant

I hadn't noticed any new abilities, but I definitely could talk to two guys using telepathy. I scrolled down the page, reading the answer.

It is a very rare occurance, extremely rare, but yes, it is possible. It has only been noted down in books as occuring five times over the last three hundred years and all of the savants who have found this have been women. Some decided to stay in relationships with both soulfinders, but I suggest you make a choice. It is possible to break the bond but this could be harmful for the recepients. Good luck!

I bit my lip. It was a rare occurance, but it was possible. My sliding door opened and I glanced up in surprise at Nathan, stood in his boxers. 'You're still up?' He sounded surprised. 'It's 4am.'

I shut down my laptop and placed it on my bedside table. 'I couldn't sleep.' I replied, honestly.

He climbed onto the bed beside me, kissing my lips softly. 'Lie down.' He whispered. I pulled off my jumper and climbed into the covers, lying down beside him.

'Are you going to sing me to sleep?' I teased, curling up to him.

He cocked his head to the side with curiosity. 'Like a nightingale?' I blushed and looked down, but he caught my chin with one of his fingers. 'Is that song about me, princess?'

'Maybe.'

His lips turned upwards into a smile and he pressed them against mine, sending electric shocks through my body. He pulled away, kissing my forehead and whispering, 'good night.'

The next two days were spent exploring the city, from the Royal Palace to the musems. The weather was kind to us, giving us lots of sunshine and we hung out with Jake, Daisy, Jesse and the back-up singer, taking goofy (and some cute) photos at all the sights. Then it was time to head home. We flew back in Business Class of British Airways, and I sighed as the English landscape appeared below us. I'd had a wonderful time. Of course, paparazzi met us at the airport and snapped photos of us as we walked to the blacked-out window cars. The driver took my dress bags from the boutiques I'd visited whilst I was away and placed them on top of the suitcases in the boot as we climbed into the car and, before I knew it, I was back at my flat in London. Alone.

I woke up early the next morning and I took my cup of tea out onto my roof terrace, looking out at the blue skies over London, a blanket wrapped around myself to keep me warm. Leanne and Adriana were travelling up to see me and they'd be at the flat in just a few hours. The thought brought a smile to my face. I sighed, wishing my parents and Willow were around to watch my performance that night, but I knew that in three days time I'd be flying over to see them and that made me happy. My washing machine stopped and I emptied it out, hanging my clothes on the makeshift washing line I'd put up on the terrace, before loading it with the next clothes I'd taken on tour with me. Then, I put on the music channel and unpacked the rest of my case, filling the washing basket and hanging up the unworn items and placing my shoes on the shoe rack. I hung my dress bags into my large wardrobe, pausing to look at myself in the mirror. Tour had done me some good. My skin had a slight glow from the sunshine, bringing out a few of the freckles on my face, and I looked happy. I pulled the Minnie Mouse out of my suitcase, placing her carefully on the fresh blue polka dot duvet cover. My buzzer sounded just as I pulled on my off-the-shoulder jumper.

'Hello?'

'We're here superstar!' Leanne and Adriana sang into the reciever.

'Come on up!' I said, excitedly. It had been too long since I'd seen both of them. They were upstairs in a matter of minutes, taking over my apartment with their overnight bags. I made us each a cup of tea and we sat down on the sofa as I showed them the pictures from Tour, talking them through each one.

'I have to say, Nathan is a lot cuter than Ed.' Adriana commented, giving an approving smile. 'In fact, you two look very well suited and those muscles.'

I blushed. 'Thanks, I guess?'

My text tone sounded and I grabbed my phone as my friends continued to flick through my Disneyland photos.

Good morning princess! Hope you slept well last night! Can't wait to see you later. N xxx

I smiled, sending him a quick reply and I looked up to see my friends were watching me. 'What?'

'I know we said it before, but be careful.' Leanne told me, her face etched with worry. 'I'm sure he's lovely and I know he's cute but don't let him screw you about like Ed did. I still want to cut his balls off, by the way.'

I raised an eyebrow at her. 'We're not even official yet.'

My friends joined me at soundcheck later, cheering on and dancing throughout my performance and it took everything I had to stop me from laughing at the moves they were bustin' out. When I finished, I jumped off the stage. Jake and Jesse headed to grab some food, leaving Daisy with us girls.

'You'd better not have hots for this boyfriend too.' I warned Leanne, watching her reaction carefully as Nathan walked out onto the stage. Daisy giggled from beside her and Adriana mockingly cheered like a Fan girl. I shook my head at them. 'Why do I bring you girls to these things? Honestly.'

Nathan laughed, crouching down on the stage to talk to us. 'Ladies, I don't believe we've met.'

'Nate, this is Adriana and Leanne. For some reason they're my best friends. Ad, Lea, this is Nate.' I rolled my eyes at them as they shook my boyfriend's hand.

'How do you put up with Miss sarcastic?' Leanne asked Nathan. 'Now you've gone Facebook official you're stuffed.'

He shot me a lopsided grin. 'I don't think I've met Miss sarcastic yet.'

'Oh you will.' I replied, with a playful laugh.

'Nate! Let's run from the top!' Derek called out from his seat. Nathan stood up and made his way to the mic stand, hooking his guitar over his muscular body. And we spent the whole of his soundcheck dancing.

'Lucy!' Amanda said, hurrying into my dressing room and pulling me into a hug that evening. She saw the rest of my girl friends and hugged them too. 'So how was Europe?!'

'Great!' I grinned.

'I see you've blagged yourself the hottie. Nice work.' She commented with a smile.

'I did.' I nodded. 'How was Barbados? Your tan is fabulous.'

'It was incredible, but enough about me. We've got to get you ready to end this tour in style. I've saved the best outfits for you.' She grinned, pinning up my curls.

She wasn't kidding. Half an hour before showtime, I stood in my dressing room with a half updo, my hair tumbling down past my breasts. The dress was black and strapless, a tight-fitting bustier lace and sequinned top with black mesh and lace showing off my midriff and then a beautiful, short, black tulle skirt. I wore black wedges with my outfit and dangly silver earrings.

'You look gorgeous!' Leanne cooed as Adriana gave me a thumbs up.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled, deciding to quote Gavin and Stacey, 'I feels it.'

Adriana laughed and Leanne rolled her eyes. Daisy walked out of the ensuite bathroom in her outfit for the night; a black mini bodycon dress. She pushed her curls out of her face. 'Do I look okay?' She asked, nervously.

We all wolf-whistled in response. 'You look great!' I told her with a smile.

'Thanks for doing my hair and make-up, Amanda.' She said, smiling at my stylist.

'You're welcome. Got to go out with a bang, right?'

Her words hung in my mind and then suddenly I had an idea. I text Taylor too, knowing she was coming to watch the show. We were going to go out with a bang. Most definitely.

Shake if Off was the cover we'd been singing all tour, but we'd decided as a band to sing 22 by Taylor instead. I clapped my hands in time to the opening lyrics as I sang them into the microphone.

'It feels like a perfect night to dress up like hipsters

And make fun of our exes, uh uh, uh uh.

It feels like a perfect night for breakfast at midnight

To fall in love with strangers, uh uh, uh uh.'

I picked up the microphone and walked over to Daisy, leaning against her as she played the guitar.

'Yeah,

We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time

It's miserable and magical.

Oh, yeah

Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines

It's time

Uh oh!'

Jesse's drumsticks hit the drums loudly and on came Amanda, Leanne and Adriana in their posh frocks for the after party.

'I don't know about you

But I'm feeling 22

Everything will be alright

If you keep me next to you.'

I walked over to them whilst singing, singing and dancing with them.

'You don't know about me

But I'll bet you want to

Everything will be alright

If we just keep dancing like we're

22, ooh-ooh

22, ooh-ooh.'

Taylor walked onstage, winking at me as she sang.

'It seems like one of those nights,

This place is too crowded.

Too many cool kids, uh uh, uh uh.'

I grinned. 'Who's Taylor Swift anyway? Ew.'

Taylor reached my group of friends, singing in the middle of us, stood next to me.

'It seems like one of those nights,

We ditch the whole scene and end up dreaming

Instead of sleeping.'

I took over as Taylor strutted over to Jake, shaking her head in time to the base. 'Yeah,

We're happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way

It's miserable and magical.

Oh, yeah

Tonight's the night when we forget about the heartbreaks

It's time

Oh oh!'

Taylor and the band joined in and we all sang together as we danced around the stage. 'I don't know about you

But I'm feeling 22

Everything will be alright

If you keep me next to you

You don't know about me

But I'll bet you want to

Everything will be alright (alright)

If we just keep dancing like we're.'

Taylor twirled me as we continued to sing.

'22, ooh-ooh (oh, oh, oh)

22, ooh-ooh

I don't know about you

22, ooh-ooh

22, ooh-ooh.

It feels like one of those nights,

We ditch the whole scene.

It feels like one of those nights,

We won't be sleeping.

It feels like one of those nights,

You look like bad news.

I gotta have you,

I gotta have you.'

When the song ended, we all met in the middle and took a bow together as the crowd went wild with screams and cheering. I hugged each of my friends and then they disappeared off the stage, allowing me to continue my performance.

'You totally killed it!' Nathan beamed as I got off the stage. He picked me up, spinning me around in a circle before planting a kiss on my lips. 'How on earth am I going to live up to that?' He chuckled.

'Nonsense.' I smiled. 'I just warmed them up for you.'

As Nathan headed onstage for his opening number, the crowd going wild, I slipped away and changed into my red dress for our duet. I looked in the mirror at the dress I'd worn the night Nathan had kissed me and I smiled. It was my new favourite dress for that reason.

'You look wonderful in that dress.' I turned to see Ed stood in the doorway and I froze.

'What are you doing here?' I said, bluntly, knowing I had ten minutes until my performance.

'I needed to talk to you.'

'Well now isn't really a good time.' I told him with a frown, wondering where my friends were. I needed rescuing.

'I've been trying to talk to you for days. Didn't you hear me?' His voice sounded hurt and I looked at him puzzled. I hadn't heard his voice in my mind in months.

'No I didn't. But it doesn't matter, you need to go.'

'You're with him aren't you?' His voice cracked.

'Yes, Ed, but I deserve to be happy.' I slipped my feet back into my wedges, carefully fastening them. 'You hurt me and you promised you wouldn't do that.'

'I'm sorry.' He whispered. 'I just want to make things right.'

'Well you should have thought about that before you cheated on me.' I said, angrily. 'Now let me be happy.' I barged past him, grabbing a bottle of water on my way back to the wings.

I felt paranoid everytime someone knocked on the door as I got ready for the after party. Amanda left my hair in curls, but added a waterfall braid, redoing my make-up to something less obvious, now that I was off the stage. As she applied some subtle lipstick, Daisy, Leanne and Adriana slipped in, the concert having just finished.

'Well you definitely went out with a bang!' Adriana laughed, collapsing on the sofa and straightening up her black bodycon dress.

After a quick wash, I changed into the new dress Forever Unique had sent me. They were quickly becoming my favourite dress shop. The red chiffon-style dress had a cold-shoulder design, showing off my tattoo. The sweetheart neckline showed off a little cleavage, but not too much, and the fitted waistband slimmed my waist before the skirt flowed out in a fit and flare style, landing half-way down my thigh. I stepped out from the bathroom and the girls fussed over me as I slipped on my black wedges. There was a knock at the door and I opened it, spotting a small black box, wrapped in a white ribbon, on the floor. I dipped down, picking it up in surprise.

'What is it?' Leanne asked, curiously.

'A gift from Nathan.' Daisy smiled, knowingly. She'd been there for the last one. I closed the door and sat down on the sofa as the girls gathered around. I pulled the ribbon carefully, opening the box. Inside was a small index card with some writing on it.

My beautiful princess,

Thank you for making this tour so special.

N xxx

I moved the card and carefully opened the tissue paper. Inside, was a beautiful silver chain with a music note on it. The message typed underneath it made me smile;

Every journey deserves a song. Wear your necklace as a reminder that with the right notes, life can be pitch perfect!

'That's the cutest thing ever.' Daisy said from beside me and my other friends nodded in agreement.

'Well I was going to suggest a statement necklace but this one is far more perfect.' Amanda smiled. 'Now come here and I'll put it on for you. We have to leave in a minute.'

Nathan had chosen The Borderline as his after-party destination because it was where he'd played his first proper gig. My friends had gone on ahead with my bandmates but I hung back as I was expected to arrive with Nathan. I sat in the empty dressing room, which had been packed up by Amanda, ready for the next artist to use it. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and sighed as the lyrics filled my head.

'I stare at my reflection in the mirror:

"Why am I doing this to myself?"

Losing my mind on a tiny error,

I nearly left the real me on the shelf.

No, no, no, no, no...

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars

Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,

It's okay not to be okay.

Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,

Just be true to who you are.'

My thoughts turned to my grandad and I wondered if he would be proud of me. I hoped he would. I'd tried so hard to make him proud, to make my parents proud.

'Hey, are you ready?' Nathan appeared at the door, his adorable smile on his face.

I nodded, standing up. 'Yep.'

He walked over to me, in his rolled-up sleeve white shirt and black jeans. 'Just when I think you couldn't get more beautiful you prove me wrong.'

I blushed as he pressed his lips against mine. He pulled away and kissed my forehead. 'Thank you for the necklace.'

'You're welcome.' He smiled, looking at its place on my chest. 'Shall we go?'

Somehow, word had gotten out about the party and the outside of the venue was busy with fans and paparazzi, being held back behind temporary barriers by security guards, when we arrived. Nathan climbed out of our car first, holding his hand out for me. I took it and climbed out behind me as we walked inside, hand-in-hand, ignoring the questions about whether or not we were in a relationship. They'd find out soon enough on social media anyway. The Borderline was busy inside, filled with people from both of our labels as well as friends.

'There's some people I want to introduce you to.' Nathan said, squeezing my hand as we walked into the venue together. 'Is that okay?'

'Sure.' I smiled, letting him lead the way.

We reached a dark-haired woman with bright blue eyes and she pulled him into a hug, kissing him on the cheek. 'A fantastic show again, Nate!' She cooed with a smile, turning to face me. 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucy. I'm Nathan's mum, Sandra.'

'Lovely to meet you.' I smiled and then she pulled me in for a hug too.

'Lucy, this is my dad Robert and my brother, Chase, and my sister-in-law Josie.' Nathan introduced me to the other people stood there and I couldn't help thinking how much he looked like his brother. Except his brother was lanky-looking. 'My sister Melanie isn't here as she's away with her husband-to-be, but you'll meet her sometime.'

'Hey.' I smiled, shyly, glad he hadn't told me about meeting his family earlier or I would have freaked out. I spent a good fifteen minutes talking to his family and then Nathan led us off to get drinks.

'Cocktail?' He asked with a playful grin.

'I'm afraid I'm going to have to be unladylike and have a beer.' I replied with a grin. 'Do you think your family liked me?'

'Absolutely.' He nodded. 'Especially my mum.' His smile met his eyes. The bartender walked over and he quickly ordered us each a beer. He paid the amount and then turned to me. 'I'd better let you find your girl friends.'

'Thank you.' I said, kissing his cheek.

What I wasn't aware was that there was going to be karaoke at the afterparty. I managed to rope the girls, Taylor included, into a group performance of 'Wannabe' by Spice Girls, which was quite well-recieved considering how cringey it was. I just hoped it wasn't going to be uploaded to Youtube. Then, to make things worse, someone had written my name down to sing. I glanced over at Nathan and he gave me a smug grin.

Maybe I like hearing you sing, he said into my head and I glared at him.

If I'm going down, you're going down with me.

I walked onto the stage, borrowing the guitar that was up there. I recognised it as Nathan's so I knew he wouldn't mind. As I started to play, I glanced over at him and realised he knew what the song was. I took a deep breath and started to sing.

'All those days watching from the windows

All those years outside looking in

All that time never even knowing

Just how blind I've been

Now I'm here blinking in the starlight

Now I'm here suddenly I see

Standing here it's all so clear

I'm where I'm meant to be.

And at last I see the light

And it's like the fog has lifted

And at last I see the light

And it's like the sky is new

And it's warm and real and bright

And the world has somehow shifted

All at once everything looks different

Now that I see you.'

I went into the instrumental and said into the microphone, with a cheeky grin on my face, 'Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Mr Nathan Jones.'

He rolled his eyes and stood on the stage beside me, using the second microphone so that we sang the rest of the song together. I played the last chords and the crowd cheered. My wrist felt a little sore but damn did it feel good to be holding a guitar again. Then the power went off, leaving us in darkness.