5.

The concert was about to start and Loren was so nervous she thought she was going to throw up. She looked around for her best friend and waved her over.

"I'll be right back sexy man. I need to help my friend real quick."

"Hurry back Sprite." he said smiling.

She picked up her video camera and ran over to Loren.

"I don't think I can do this."
"Yes you can. Look you have what it takes Loren. I would never steer my best friend into something that was wrong. This is your dream and as you are following your dream I am following mine." she says as she holds up the camera.

"Yeah, but I don't know if I can sing knowing he is here."
"You sing to him all the time."

"In my bedroom."
"Well pretend you are in your bedroom and sing to him. Picture it in your mind."

"I'll try."

"You can do this. I know you can."

"Who is that you are with?"

"This sexy guy I just met. He bought me a drink."

"You are too much Melissa, that's why I love you so much."

"I love you too. Now break a leg."

Melissa hurried back to Ian.

"So who is she?"

"She is my best friend and she has always wanted to meet Eddie Duran. I mean hell she lives for him. You should see her room. In fact we often tell her that one day she will marry him and become Loren Duran. " Mel laughs.

"What's with the camera?"

"Well it is to video Loren becoming a rock star. I too am going to become the most valued videographer around."

"I do believe you will." he said smiling at her.

"So what do you do?"

"Well actually I am a professional photographer."

"That's incredible. That must be so exciting for you."

"It can be."

"So I bet you get to meet all kinds of stars."

"I do, but I think I value one the most."

"Who is that?"

"He is my best friend. Eddie Duran."

Melissa blushed all over. "Oh God, I'm sorry. I didn't know and here I am running off at the mouth about my best friend and your best friend."

"It's all good. I just want to know all about Sprite."

She couldn't help it she just decided to do it, like a force of nature. The next thing she knew she was kissing Ian with everything in her and he was kissing her back.

"I'm sorry, that just happened. I couldn't help myself. But just so you know I'm still not going to be in your bed tonight."

"No need to be sorry. I enjoyed it tremendously." he said smiling at her.

The music started so they both turned to the stage. He managed to get his arms around her waist and she fit right into his side like she was made for him.

After the first four finalist did their songs it was time for Loren. She walked nervously onto the stage and looked out to see Melissa. She knew it would help her.

Melissa smiled at her and gave her a knowing look. Loren closed her eyes as the music started. She started to sing and the whole club got quiet. They were all enthralled with her voice, listening to the words of the song. Eventually Loren was able to open her eyes and as she looked out she could see Eddie standing right in front of her in the audience. She couldn't take her eyes away. She sang her song to him.

He was standing there listening at the beautiful voice that was coming out of one of the most beautiful women he had seen in a long time. Then she opened her eyes and he couldn't take his eyes from hers. His heart beat faster and faster as the song continued on. He didn't know what was happening but he needed to break the stare. Then she had finished and he was finally able to look away. The whole club clapped and yelled, they all loved it.

He went up on the stage and took the mike.

"So that was our five finalist. The two judges along with me will be back shortly and we will give you the answer to which song is going on my next album and who will be helping me write lyrics for other songs on said album."

Everyone clapped and Eddie went to leave the stage but he couldn't help but glance back at her as she walked off the stage.

Loren immediately ran to her mother and they hugged and cried. "I knew you could do it." Nora said in her ear.

"Thanks mom."

"You did a fantastic job up there young lady. You have a bright future for yourself." Max said.

"Thank you." She then turned and went to Melissa. Adrian was sitting beside her along with her boyfriend, Phil who was also Melissa's brother.

"Oh my God, you were incredible." They all said to her.

"I couldn't have done this without you Mel. You said the right things to get me through."

"That's what I do." Melissa said.

"You need to get a picture made so that Eddie can sing to you in his bedroom." Ian said.

Loren blushed and looked at Melissa. "It's all good Loren." she said.

Loren smiled.

Eddie knew what the decision was going to be and he knew he was going to have to try very hard to keep his walls up against the emotions he is feeling about the brunette beauty. He knew she was going to be a star and he was excited to help her.

"Okay, listen up everyone. We have our decision. The winner of the contest is... Loren Tate." Eddie said smiling.

Loren was shocked.

"You got it girl." Adrian said jumping up and down.

"I knew you would. Didn't I tell you?" Melissa asks her as she shakes Loren out of her shock.

"So if Loren Tate will meet me back stage we will finish up the process and get you started." Eddie said into the mike and Loren slowly walked towards the stage.