Miami was incredible and lived up to all my expectations. It was somewhere I had wanted to go and Will Smith's lyrics filled my head as we passed the sign into the vibrant city. The skyline was filled with buildings of various different heights and they gave us a glittery welcome when we arrived just after the sun had come down. The streets were still buzzing with people as we passed through them and pulled up into the underground carpark of our hotel. In Miami, we were staying in apartments for four people. This meant that I was sharing with Ed, Nina and Marty, which was fine by me. Owen was nice, but sometimes he was a bit over-friendly for my liking so I was quite happy he was staying with Leon and our bus driver, Dave.

Our apartment was on the third floor of the Miami Beach Aparthotel. Our apartment consisted of a living space with polished wooden floors and white walls, with two black leather sofas, a television and a kitchenette area with breakfast bar. There were two bedrooms, with beds decorated with white sheets and green cushions. We had a modern bathroom and the apartment had a balcony with a lovely view over the city and bay. After exploring our room, we all headed to bed, still recovering from the late night previously.

I was woken by our apartment doorbell the next day. I padded out of mine and Nina's bedroom and across the cool wooden flooring, answering the door in my pyjamas. I was surprised I was the first person awake.

'Hello Miss Bright, we have breakfast for you.' The waitor said at the door, signalling to his white tablecloth-covered trolley.

'Oh, come in.' I smiled.

He wheeled the trolley inside and started to move the covered dishes onto the breakfast bar. 'Did you sleep well, Miss Bright?'

'Sky, call me Sky.' I said with a smile. 'And yes I did thank you.'

'Would there be anything else?'

'No that's great thank you.'

He smiled and let himself out of the apartment.

'Morning, Sky.' Marty said, walking into the living room in his pyjama shorts and a vest top.

'Hey, sleep well?'

'Yeah thanks.' He walked over to me, eyeing up the food. 'Are we making a start or...?'

'Go for it.' I smiled, laying out the plates.

Marty lifted up the covers and started to dish up his breakfast. I walked over to join him, grabbing some toast, scrambled egg and bacon. Perfect.

'Is that breakfast?' Ed's groggy voice said from the doorway to his bedroom.

'Good morning to you too, Ted.' Marty smirked, pouring himself a glass of orange juice.

'Morning Mart, morning bluebird.' He padded over the floor to the food. 'Mmm, I'm starved.'

'Shall we eat on the balcony?' I asked, signalling to the sunshine outside.

'Sounds perfect.'

After breakfast, we headed to the venue for an early soundcheck to check there weren't any issues before the show that night. Then we returned to our hotel and I ventured out to the beach with Nina for some girl time.

'So how are you holding up without the husband?' She asked with a grin as we walked along the soft, white sand, looking at the crystal blue sea. The beach was pretty busy so I'd made sure to tie my hair in a bun and I was wearing my sunglasses.

'I miss him.' I replied and she let out a sigh.

'You guys really love each other. I'd kill for something like that. You're so lucky.'

'We are.' I smiled.

'When are you next seeing him?'

'Not until New York. He's got a lot of watersports bookings over the next few weeks.'

'Must be nice though? Someone missing you that much?'

I nodded, unsure of what else to say.

'Oh my god, it's Sky Bright!' A hysterical teenager said from her sunbed.

Nina turned to me. 'Are you ready to run?'

'Yes!'

And we did.

My outfit for the concert that night was simple; a baby blue fit and flare dress and silver wedges. I was wearing my hair loose and my make-up was my usual show look. There was a knock on the door and Leon stuck his head around the door.

'Are you coming to the meet and greet, Sky?'

I cursed inside my head. I had completely forgotten. In Miami, New York and Pittsburgh there were Meet and Greets taking place for competition winners. They'd won passes to meet Ed backstage an hour before the show was due to start.

'Erm, yes.' I replied as Nina nodded from beside me.

'They're all sat down with their free soft drink and goodie bags.' Leon explained. 'Ed wanted to chat to you before you both go in there. He's in his dressing room.'

'Okay.' I smiled.

I knocked on the door, smiling at the sign marked 'Ed Sheeran.' Three months ago, I could never have imagined myself knocking on Ed Sheeran's dressing room. No way.

'Yeah?'

I carefully opened the door and Ed smiled at me. He was sat reading a book. I squinted at the title; Angels and Demons. 'Hey.'

'Hey.' He beamed, folding down the corner of his page to save his place. He placed the book on the dressing table. 'You look lovely.'

'Thank you.' I blushed.

He shot me a lopsided smile. 'So this meet and greet thing... it's pretty straightforward really. We greet them altogether, they can ask us questions and then we pose for photos with them and sign any autographs.'

'Okay.'

'If you don't want to answer a question though, just pass it. They don't usually mind.'

'That's fine.'

'Sky?'

'Mmm?' I looked up and he'd walked over to me.

He grabbed my shoulders and gave them a reassuring squeeze. 'You're doing great and tonight will be fine. I promise.'

When we walked into the room, we were greeted by eight fans, funnily enough all female. Most were wearing Ed Sheeran t-shirts, and the remaining two (two blonde teenagers) were wearing crop tops with high-waisted jeans. One girl, a red head who looked about fourteen, started crying and the others stared at Ed, wide-eyed. This was going to be interesting.

'Hey everyone.' Ed smiled. 'Congratulations on winning the competition.' They all gawped at him and I stood beside him, awkwardly, fiddling with the hem of my dress. 'I hope you don't mind if I introduce you to Sky.'

A collection of 'hi's and 'hey's chorused around the room and the girls each shot me a smile.

'You're even prettier in real life.' The red head said, finally calming herself down.

'Thank you.' I smiled, unsure of what else to say.

The crowd were incredible that night and, before long, it was time to perform my last song.

'Wow, Miami you have been amazing tonight.' I said into the microphone. The crowd cheered again. 'This is my final song of my set. It's going to be my next single so make sure you all go out and buy it. This is 'One last time.''

I sat down at the piano and ran my hands over the keys.

'I was a liar

I gave in to the fire

I know I should've fought it

At least I'm being honest

Feel like a failure

'Cause I know that I failed you

I should've done you better

'Cause you don't want a liar

And I know, and I know, and I know

She gives you everything,

But, boy, I couldn't give it to you

And I know, and I know, and I know

That you got everything,

But I got nothing here without you

So one last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

One more time

I promise, after that, I'll let you go

Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart

All I really care is you wake up in my arms

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home.'

'Another incredible show!' Ed grinned, picking me up and spinning me around as he walked out into the wings after his final song.

'You're happy.' I commented, returning the smile. It wasn't like him to lift me up.

'I feel like that was the best show so far, Bluebird.' He placed his arm loosely around my shoulder as he gulped down half a bottle of water.

'It was pretty good.' I smiled.

'Did you hear them singing along when you were performing?' I nodded. 'It's the best feeling, huh?'

'It is.' I beamed, really meaning it.

'See you in ten? We'll head back early and get a good night's sleep. Busy day tomorrow.'

'Oh?'

He shot me a wicked smile before disappearing into his dressing room. Lovely... more surprises. I walked into my dressing room and hesitated when I saw a bouquet of sky blue daisies on my dressing table. Had Zed bought them for me? I walked towards them, feeling overwhelmed by the scent, and I carefully picked up the card.

I always knew you could take over the world. Keep on shining,

Your number one fan

'Weird.' I find myself saying. I hadn't been given a fanmail address yet so I had no idea how they'd got there. I shrugged it off, grabbing my belongings and heading back to the hotel.

I'd finished another show and for some reason, I was stood alone in the arena. The crowd had left, there was no one in the wings. The room was filled with complete silence. Someone reached out and grabbed my shoulder. 'Sky.'

'Sky.'

'Sky!'

I widened my eyes and let out a deep breath. I frowned with confusion when I saw Ed's eyes looking back at me.

'Sky, are you okay? Were you having a bad dream?'

'I'm... fine.' I replied with uncertainty. I looked over at Nina's bed, which was empty. 'Where's Nina?'

'She and Marty wanted to go shopping and have a day at the beach.'

I sat up in bed, feeling paranoid about my unruly hair. I scrapped in back into a loose bun. 'So what are we doing today?'

A smile played on his lips and he fiddled with the hem of his t-shirt. 'We are doing something a little more cultural. But first, get dressed and then we'll grab some breakfast to go.'

Fifteen minutes later and I was dressed in some blue aztec-printed shorts, a black loose vest top, flip-flops and my blonde hair fell in its slightly-more-tamed curls. I slipped on my straw trilby hat and sunglasses and we headed out.

We caught a taxi to the Coconut Grove region of Miami. It was Miami's original neighbourhood and today it was made up of charming mutli-coloured boutiques, sidewalk cafes and sailboats. People walked around us, speaking Spanish and enjoying the midday sunshine. It was more laid back than where we were staying and it was more picturesque. Ed led us to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The residence dated back to the early 1900s and it was built as a winter residence for James Deering. The building completely contrasted with the modern skyscrapers and malls of Miami with its Italian architecture. It was beautiful.

'Not bad, huh?' Ed smiled. 'I saw this place online and thought it might be worth a visit. Can you imagine living here?'

'It would be incredible.' I sighed. 'Although it's huge. I don't know what I'd do with all that space.'

We stood on the East Terrace, looking out at the calm sea water ahead of us as a boat tour went past.

'I must say though, could you imagine having loads of grand guests arriving to welcome you from that beautiful ocean?'

He nodded beside me as if he was imagining it. 'All dressed up to the nines.'

'Exactly.' I laughed at his use of phrase.

We walked around the side of the property, finding ourselves in some European-styled gardens. Each hedge was trimmed and shaped perfectly in swirled patterns covering the ground. There was a large fountain in the middle of the gardens where koi fish swam happily. I admired the Greek-style statues as we walked around the gardens and I couldn't help but notice the symmetry.

'This must have taken ages to design. The symmetry is excellent.' Ed commented as we looked around.

A bird sounded overhead and I was pleased that the only sounds we could hear were natural; wildlife calls or sounds of the water fountain and even the sounds of the water crashing against the steps outside of the gardens. It was so peaceful. The inside of the house was just as perfectly-designed and intricately detailed as the outside. Ceilings were decorated, gold trim decor added to the value of the house and paintings covered the walls. Large glass panels overlooked the beauty of the garden and filled the rooms with light. My favourite room, however, was the music room. The decor was extravagant and showed the time in which the building was built, but the instruments were beautiful; a perfectly carved and stringed wooden harp, with detail carved into the neck and shoulder. Then there was the piano- a small antique harpsichord with detailed paintings of the countryside and flowers decorating it.

'I just want to play them.' I whispered, causing one of the tour guides to tut as he passed me.

'I know what you mean.' He smiled. 'I bet that even after all this time they still sound incredible. It's amazing thinking about who has played these instruments.'

I fiddled with the red velvet rope in front of us. 'It really is.' I turned to face him. 'Ed?'

'Yeah?'

'Thanks for this.'

'I just thought it would be a nice change.'

'No I mean, everything.' I turned and smiled at him. 'This has been such an incredible experience. I couldn't have wished for more so thank you.'

He gave my shoulder a squeeze. 'You deserve the world, Bluebird.'

'So what's the plan for later?' I asked as we walked along the promenade with our ice creams after grabbing a late lunch.

'Actually, we're going to be exploring another side of Miami before we leave tomorrow.'

'Oh?'

'I don't usually do boat parties, but Selena is having one tonight and she invited both of us. Sam's going as he's got a show tomorrow night so that'll be cool and Taylor isn't there as she's in England, but I'm sure we can have fun.'

'Okay.' I smiled. 'Could be good. Just don't let me drink too much.'

The theme of the boat party was 'white', which I never thought was a good idea when you were right by the water. I'd called Nina about heading to the mall, but she'd already known about the party the previous day so she'd picked me up something that morning. After a quick shower, Nina flat-ironed my hair so that it was pin-straight (I had decided to try something different as I'd quite liked it a few days earlier) and he applied some silvery-smokey make-up to my eyes.

'Here.' Nina handed me a dress bag and I took it from her, hesitantly.

I carefully unzipped the bag and looked at the outfit on the hanger; a white,lace, bodycon knee-length skirt with a matching bustier-shaped crop top. It was going to be skin-tight and sexy, but was it too sexy? 'Nina-'

'Sky, firstly coordinate outfits are in, trust me. Secondly, you're in Miami. You can't just wear a cute tea dress and boots here, the rules are different. Classy and sexy. Look, just try it on and we'll see, okay?'

I changed into the high-waisted skirt and crop top and looked in the bathroom mirror. I'd had to take my bra off, but at least the top was padded. I looked older with my straightened hair and tight-fitting outfit. I was showing some cleavage and a little midriff. What would Simon say? And what would Zed say? He definitely wouldn't approve, at least if I was wearing this without him around.

'Sky?' Nina knocked on the bathroom door and I opened it carefully. 'See, you look smoking!'

Was that the look I was going for? Probably not.

xx-xx-xx

Ed.

Oh, shit.

I looked at Sky as she walked into the living room and could have fired Nina right there and then; yes she had to make her look good, but it was too much. She looked as if she was at least twenty-one with her smoldering eyes and tight-fitting lace outfit. Beautiful but so sexy at the same time. I even liked her hair straight and tumbling down her back.

'Ed?'

I swallowed. Say something you idiot, anything. 'You look... nice.' But something better than that would have been good. I cursed myself and she shot me a nervous smile. She wasn't used to wearing something like that, I could tell, and I definitely wasn't used to seeing her in something over than her cute dresses or cute full skirts and crop tops. She shifted awkwardly in her silver heels. 'Shall we go?'

When we got out of the car at the dock, the flashes started. Of course Paparazzi would be there; the place was crawling with famous musicians. Sky shot me a nervous look and I gave her a sympathetic smile. This could go two ways; the press would either love her classy and sexy look or they would criticize her for it. I hoped they would love it. I climbed out of the car first and held out my hand for her. She placed her perfectly manicured fingers in mine and I carefully pulled her out. I saw her take a deep breath and then she plastered on a smile.

'Sky!'

'New look for you.'

'What are you wearing?'

'Who made your outfit?'

I wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her to the boat ramp, avoiding the paparazzi and thankful for the security guards directing us safely. It was now time for a good night. Selena was wearing a white bandeau top with silver shell and star print detailing, with matching high-waisted shorts and a white blazer. She greeted us each with a kiss on the cheek when we arrived onto the boat.

'Wow, Sky, you look hot!' She grinned, looking back at my 'date' (I wish) for the evening.

'Thank you.' Sky blushed, reminding me she was still the same girl despite the different look.

'Have a good evening.' Selena said, stepping aside. 'Bar's on this deck and there's a DJ upstairs.'

xx-xx-xx

No POV

Willow squeezed her cousin's hand and gave her a small smile. Selena waved at her from across the boat so she returned the wave. Willow couldn't believe that they'd been friends for fifteen years now. Her family were from London, but they'd moved to Grand Prairie when she was nine as her dad had been shipped over to their Texas office. She and Selena had been friends ever since and even though she now lived in Michigan, they still met up whenever they could- plus, having a famous best friend also meant getting to holiday in different parts of the US.

Willow adjusted the straps of her white maxi dress and smiled at her cousin, Lucy, who was wearing a white wraparound skirt and white vest top. 'Are you okay?' She asked, fiddling with her shoulder-length brunette hair.

'Yeah.' Lucy smiled, looking around. 'I'm just not good with boats, you know that.'

Willow did know that. Lucy and her family lived by the sea, half an hour away from Brighton in England. Their mothers were sisters and they had always been close. The girls had six months between them, so they had been raised pretty much together until Willow's family had moved to America. They still met up in the summer when they could, which was how Lucy had ended up at a boat party in Miami.

'You'll be fine.' Willow smiled, reassuringly. She brushed a loose, curled brunette strand out of her cousin's face. 'The music will distract us.'

'You're probably right.' Lucy looked around at the busy boat, recognising a number of famous faces. She wasn't starstruck, however. After all, they were just normal people. Normal people she hoped to share the stage with one day.