Lucy.

I was surprised that Stefan had agreed to let me have two whole weeks off of work so close to the bar opening, but then I would have gone to London anyway. I hoped that this would set up my career and that I wouldn't have to spend too long working in a bar. My colleagues were lovely, especially Hector, but I couldn't help getting the creeps around Stefan. I wasn't sure if it was my savant ability kicking in or if it was the flirting that was making me uncomfortable. I sat on the train with my suitcase, which was probably too large but I didn't care; a girl had to take options to the capital when she was going to see the guy she fancied. Ed and I skyped almost every night, but we hadn't seen each other since he'd left Brighton. He'd been busy with work, recording his new album in the hope that it would be released in time for Christmas. He'd also been to a few gigs to see if there were any unsigned acts he could sign to his record label, but so far he hadn't seen anything he was after. The train stopped at Clapham Junction and I knew I didn't have long to go. A few more stops and I'd be at Euston, where Ed was meeting me. The thought made me buzz with excitement.

My phone started to ring so I answered it straight away. 'Hello?'

'Luce! Where was the goodbye hug?'

I laughed at Leanne on the other end of the line. 'It's not like I'm going away for ages and you'll see me at the concert next week.'

'But who will stop me misbehaving in Brighton tomorrow night?!' She gasped, dramatically and I shook my head. She had always been a drama queen and I was sure it was going to stay that way. 'I thought you weren't going until later.'

'I wasn't, but then Ed said he wanted me to come up earlier so I did.'

'Eugh, I'm so jealous you have a boyfriend.'

'He's not my boyfriend yet.. I don't think..' I replied, uncertain. I wasn't sure if we'd moved from 'seeing each other' to 'in a relationship' and it definitely didn't seem to be 'Facebook official' yet.

'He's practically your boyfriend.' She said and I could tell she was shaking her head at me through the phone. 'Just behave yourself and don't rush into anything!'

'Are you my mother? I'm going to be fine and of course I'm not going to rush into anything.'

'Lu, you've had your heartbroken too many times. Rich, in particular, was a total dick to you.' It was true. We'd met on a night out and he'd seemed like a great guy. He had treated me like a princess at first, but then he became very protective and he didn't like it when he didn't get his own way. I'd been heartbroken and I'd ended things with him, only for him to come after me on a night out. It was upsetting and thinking of it made me shudder.

'Ed's not like that.' I told her.

'Maybe not, but just don't fall too fast, Luce. I don't want you hurt again.'

I sighed, the excitement fizzling away. 'Lea, I'll be careful, I promise.'

'Good! Keep me updated. Love you and take care, rockstar. Bye.'

'Bye, love you too.'

Euston station was packed when I arrived but I recognised Ed by the ginger hair creeping out from underneath his baseball cap. He waved at me and I walked over to him, dragging my suitcase behind me.

'Are you moving in?' He asked with a laugh, taking my suitcase off of me.

'A girl has to have choices.' I told him, which is what I'd been telling myself the whole way up there. It was a phrase I'd stolen from Willow, a phrase regularly used when the two of us were going on holiday.

We caught a black cab back to his apartment, which wasn't far from Camden Town. Being a gentleman, he carried my case inside for me and took it upstairs to one of the bedrooms. I followed him up the stairs and followed the sound of his voice until I was in the right one.

'I wasn't sure where you wanted to sleep...' He said, shyly.

'I don't mind.' I replied as he wrapped his tattooed arms around my waist.

'Well I can leave your case in here and you can decide later?'

'Okay.'

He bent down and kissed me softly on the lips. 'I've missed being able to do that.'

'And now you have two weeks to make up for it.' He kissed me again and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pleased that he was a little taller than me. He pulled me in close and the kiss deepened, making my knees weak. He was a damn good kisser. Eventually, he pulled back and rested his forehead against mine.

'Shall I go and put some tea on whilst you unpack your many 'choices'? The wardrobe in here is empty.'

'Okay.' I said, trying to catch my breath. He left the room and I listened as he walked down the stairs. I looked around the spare bedroom with its cream carpet and white walls. The duvet was a very pale blue and it was plain and simple. I walked over to the window and looked out at the road below as a red double decker bus passed. It wasn't what you'd imagine from a grammy-winner's home, but I liked it. It felt homely. I slipped off my shoes and unpacked my clothes, uncertain of where to put my pyjamas. Did I put them under the pillow in this spare room? Or in his room? He'd left the choice up to me but it was a big choice to make. I put them in the drawer I'd claimed for my underwear, uncertain of what to do, and took my shampoo, shower gel and toothbrush to put in the bathroom. Even the bathroom with its grey tiles, walk-in shower and over-sized bath didn't look like it was a bathroom in a famous person's house. I laughed at the irony of it and then headed downstairs.

'So, what would you like to do today?' Ed asked as he joined me on the sofa with his cup of tea. I looked at the window and frowned at the rain droplets forming on it. 'Shame about the weather.'

We opted for a cosy day inside watching television and films and catching up. That evening, Ed cooked me his 'speciality' as he had put it; fajitas. After dinner, we played MarioKart (which I won) and then it was time for bed. Ed led me have the bathroom first, so I washed, brushed my teeth and put on my black polka dot pyjama shorts and a black strappy vest top. I nervously took off my make-up, something which I always worried about doing as I hated my face without it. As I put my clothes from that day away, Ed appeared in the doorway of the spare room behind me.

He ran a hand through his messy hair. 'So where do you want to sleep?'

'Can I sleep in your room? With you?' I said, my voice quiet.

He gave me a lopsided smile. 'Of course. Go on in, I'm just going to have a shower.' He disappeared out of view, so I grabbed my phone and book and made my way to his bedroom. I reached the door and carefully pushed it open, slipping inside. It had more character than his spare room and I was pleased about that. Three of the four walls were painted white but one was decorated with blue and grey plaid wallpaper. The carpets were a very light grey so I imagined the room was still pretty light in the day, with thanks to the large window over-looking the garden. I closed the light grey curtains and looked at the bed, uncertain which side I would be sleeping on. The duvet cover was navy and it was decorated with different-sized silver cushions, some with patterns on and some without. He must have had an interior designer in. I decided to sit on the grey ottoman, at the bottom of the black leather sleigh-shaped bed frame. I was still sat there reading 'The Night Circus' when Ed came back into the room.

'What are you doing down there?' He asked with a playful smile, appearing in only some superman pyjama bottoms.

I glanced at his chest and then looked back up at his face before he could notice. 'I wasn't sure which side of the bed I would be on...'

He walked over to me and pulled me to my feet. 'Whichever side you'd like to be on. I usually sleep in the middle.'

'Are you going to push me out of bed?' I asked with a raised eyebrow.

'I hope not! Or you'll be out of here.' He said, pretending to be worried. He scooped me up so that he was carrying me and I let out a squeal. He put me down on the bed. 'Now choose a side.'

'Erm.. left?' I said, uncertain. It was a side of the bed I often woke up on when I was at home.

'Left it is.'

I woke up the next day to the feeling of kisses being placed in a trail from my shoulder to my neck. I rolled over and turned to face Ed, who was looking at me with a playful grin on his face. 'Good morning.'

'Did I wake you?' He whispered, his steely blue eyes looking right into mine.

'Yes but I don't mind when you wake me up like that.' I replied in a whisper.

Ed cooked me breakfast and then we headed to the recording studio as there was one song left for him to finish recording before his album was ready. I'd been in tiny studios in Brighton where I'd attempted to record demos to send to labels, but this was something else. It was huge and there were three different producers sat on the decks. Ed introduced me to each one and then another guy walked in.

'Hey Ed.' He said patting Ed on the back.

'Leon, this is Lucy. Lucy this is my manager Leon.'

'Nice to meet you.' He said, shaking my hand. 'So you're the Lucy opening for Ed next week? I've heard some of your stuff. It's good.' I gave Ed a glance. 'Sorry, I like to know who the opening acts are. Are you coming to the party later?'

'Party?'

'Damn it, Leon, way to ruin a surprise!' Ed frowned, shaking his head.

'Ooops, I'm off to grab a coffee.' Leon excused himself and left the studio we'd walked into, where Ed's guitar lay and microphones were already set up.

'What party?' I asked Ed, feeling confused.

'There's a Warner Records party tonight. I wanted you to come with me.' He sighed. 'Why did Leon have to ruin it?'

'A party with your record label? That's pretty big.'

'I know...' He shifted awkwardly. 'You don't have to come if you don't want to...'

'I'd love to.' I smiled, kissing him on the cheek. The music producers wolf-whistled through the speakers and Ed rolled his eyes.

'I'd better get on with it.'

'I'll leave you to it.' I moved back so that I was behind the glass panel and I sat watching Ed and the producers.

'This is the start of something beautiful

This is the start of something new

You are the one who'd make me lose it all

You are the start of something new, ooh.'

The lyrics made me smile and I looked over at Ed as he sang them.

'And I'll throw it all away

And watch you fall into my arms again

And I'll throw it all away

Watch you fall, now.'

It only took two recordings for the producers to be happy with it. Ed came back into the room and they all high-fived each other as Leon announced, 'that's a wrap!'

'Fancy a go?' Ed asked me after taking a big swig of water.

I looked at the producers and they shrugged. 'Are you sure that's a good idea?'

'Sure, why not?' He shot me a lopsided smile. 'We've got the studio for another hour. I didn't realise we would be done already. We could fix that demo CD of yours.' He winked.

Leon sat back in his chair, clearly interested. Maybe it was worth a shot? I sighed. 'I don't have my guitar.'

'Have Angel.' Ed passed his beloved guitar to me. 'Just be careful with her.'

'Letting someone use Angel? It must be serious.' Nigel, one of the producers commented to Leon, who laughed.

I blushed. 'Thanks.' I walked back into the studio and adjusted the microphone so that it was slightly lower as my heart pounded against my chest. When I'd recorded my demo before, there hadn't been this many people watching me and they weren't big in the music industry.

'Whenever you're ready Lucy.' Nigel said into my headphones. I counted myself in and started to play and sing.

'I'm losing myself

Trying to compete

With everyone else

Instead of just being me

Don't know where to turn

I've been stuck in this routine

I need to change my ways

Instead of always being weak.'

I took a deep breath, trying not to let my emotions overwhelm me with my song from the heart.

'I don't wanna be afraid

I wanna wake up feeling beautiful..today

And know that I'm okay

Cause everyone's perfect in unusual ways

So you see, I just wanna believe in me.'

I looked up to see that Ed was right by the window. He gave me a closed-lip smile and a thumbs up so I continued.

'The mirror can lie

Doesn't show you what's inside

And it, it can tell you you're full of life

It's amazing what you can hide

Just by putting on a smile.'

The song was over too quickly and the producers, Ed and Leon applauded from behind the glass panel.

'Lucy, you are going to go far.' Leon said with a smile.

We left the studio with my own updated demo CD, which I couldn't help smiling about. It consisted of three acoustic tracks, something to get me started.

'I really want to give you a band for next week.' Ed told me as we had lunch in his apartment. 'I really think it would bring out some of your songs, made them stand out a bit more. What do you think?'

'You're the one in the music industry.' I laughed. 'I don't have a clue what I'm talking about.'

'But it's your music.' He smiled, leaning over to plant a kiss on my lips.

'Well let's try it, it can't hurt right?'

'I'll make some calls.'

After lunch, Ed started making some calls about a band so I headed upstairs to try and find an outfit for the party. Ed found me collapsed on the spare bed, surrounded by dresses.

'Are you okay, beautiful?' He asked, looking down at me.

'I can't find an outfit to wear later that doesn't make my stomach or thighs look fat.' I frowned, annoyed with my body.

'Fat? Are you crazy?' He joined me with frowning and grabbed my hands, pulling me off of the bed. 'You are not fat.'

'She's definitely not fat.'

I looked in the doorway where a girl with shoulder-length ombre hair and a killer tan stood smiling at me.

I looked at Ed, puzzled.

'This is Nina.'

'I'm your fairy godmother.' She beamed, pretending to wave a magic wand.

'She wishes!' Ed shook his head. 'Nina is mine and Sky's stylist.'

'And now apparently yours! Now grab your bag, Cinderella! You will go to the ball.'

Nina and I walked into Camden Town, where we were planning on getting me an outfit for the evening.

'I've heard a lot about you.' She smiled as we walked down the street. 'He's really happy.'

'Good.' I returned the smile. 'So am I... how long have you been his stylist?'

'A few years.' She replied with a shrug. 'He tends to do his own thing really, but Leon hired me to be stylist and make-up and Marty to be his hairdresser.'

'Ed has a hairdresser?' I laughed.

'Hardly.' She rolled her eyes. 'But now we take care of Sky's styling so it's better.'

'Is Sky going later?'

She shook her head. 'Nope because she belongs to Ed's label. It's only Warner and the media invited I believe.' I tried to hide my disappointment but she caught me out. 'It's a bit daunting isn't it? But then Ed said you wanted to get into the business?'

'I do, but I know it's going to be scary and I know it's damn hard to get anywhere.'

'It sure is.' She sighed. 'It took me long enough to be a make-up artist for celebs, let alone anything else.' She stopped outside a shop. 'So what's your style, Luce?' She looked at my baggy crop top and high-waisted jeans I was wearing. 'You seem to be girly but with a bit of edge.'

'I guess that's me.' I replied with a laugh. 'I like girly things but I like the ripped jeans and leather too.'

She signalled to the shop in front of her and I spotted the girly, lacey, pretty dresses in the window. 'Chic Chick is one of my favourite places to pick dresses for clients. Sky gets a lot of dresses from here, although I stick to pastel colours for her. I've got something a little different in mind for you.'

Ten minutes later and I was in the dressing room with two of the most expensive dresses I'd ever tried on. The first dress had a full black skirt which fell halfway down my thighs. The top of the dress consisted of a black bodice with glitter decorating it and there was see-through chiffon over the shoulders and down the back. I stepped out of the changing room and showed Nina, who smiled. 'That's cute. Try the other one.'

The second dress we had narrowed it down to had a black full skirt to halfway down my thigh like the other, except it had a little netting underneath to add a bit of volume. The black bodice was decorated with silver baroque embroidery and it had cap sleeves. The back was my favourite. It was backless down to my waist where there was a small black bow. It was definitely my favourite. I walked out of the dressing room and Nina grinned, asking me to twirl. 'That's definitely the one.'

'It's beautiful.' I smiled. 'It's a shame about the price.'

'Don't worry about that, it's sorted.' She smiled.

'Hey Nina!' The shop manager greeted my stylist, giving her a hug. 'Back again? Are you picking out something else for Sky Bright?'

'Oh no, I'm styling Lucy May.' She replied, nodding in my direction. 'She's Ed Sheeran's girl. Set to be the next big thing.' She winked my way.

'Wow, you're working that dress. Special occasion?' The shop manager asked me with a smile.

'It's the Warner Records annual party tonight.' I replied with a smile.

'Well be sure to drop in some photos for the website, Nina.' She turned to face me. 'That dress was made for you. I'm going to rename it the Lucy.'

'Is she seriously naming a dress after me?' I asked after we'd paid on Nina's work card and left the shop.

'Absolutely serious. Now come on, let's get you some shoes to go with it.'

Nina joined Ed and I for dinner and when it was time to get ready, she banned him from coming upstairs. As Marty was away on holiday, she said she would do my hair for me and I completely trusted her to do so. It took an hour to get ready, but I didn't mind. My nails were given the perfect french manicure, thankfully only stinking out the spare bedroom, the ends of my hair had been curled loosely, and my eyes were given a smokey make-over with different shades of brown eye shadow, slightly-winged eyeliner and lengthening mascara. I changed into my dress, put on my shoes and grabbed my clutchbag, looking in the mirror to see the finished outfit.

'What a gorgeous rock princess you make!' Nina squealed, clapping her hands together.

'Can you please get a picture for me?' I asked her, passing her my phone. 'I promised my friends I'd put one on Facebook. I know it's totally embarassing.'

'Sure. You're not the first person to have asked me that, don't worry.' She laughed, snapping a few photos for her to choose from. 'Now come on, let's go and show your man just how lucky he is. 'Stand at the top of the stairs until I call you.' She commanded me before disappearing down the stairs. 'Okay, Luce, come on down.'

I walked down the stairs carefully, worried I was going to fall and make an idiot of myself. The black stiletto heels were comfy, I'd give them that, but I was still worried I was going to fall flat on my face. Ed stood at the bottom in a white shirt with rolled up sleeves, a waistcoat and black trousers with his vans. He looked up at me and gawped before turning the 'o' into a smile reaching his eyes.

'Wow...' He said, breathing out. 'You look even more beautiful than normal.' I reached the bottom of the stairs and he met me for a kiss.

'Just don't ruin her make-up yet please!' Nina said from beside me. 'Ed, give me your phone and I'll get a photo for you.' He obliged, passing his phone to her. She took a few photos and gave the phone back. 'Right, I will catch you soon. Have a great time.' She pulled me in for a hug before giving Ed a quick hug. 'Luce, there's spare mascara in your bag in case you need any.'

'Thanks so much Nina.' I said with a smile.

'You're welcome.' She left and then the car came for us.

When we arrived at the venue, there was a queue of blacked out cars ahead of us and Ed squeezed my hand. 'There's going to be a red carpet and there will be paparazzi, but don't panic, okay? They might ask you some questions and they might ask you about your outfit but don't answer if you don't want to.'

And if you're feeling uncomfortable talk to me like this and I'll get us inside. He added in my head.

Okay. I replied, my heart hammering against my chest. This was a chance to get talking to some people, people who could influence my whole future. The thought made me feel light-headed. The car moved and then stopped, the driver getting out. This was it. Ed's door opened and he got out, flashes immediately starting and I wondered how he was still able to see. He reached for my hand and I took it as he helped me out of the car. I looked around at the fancy venue and then I saw the red carpet ahead of me and the flashes of cameras. Some were calling Ed's name as we walked onto it and I prayed that I wasn't going to fall over.

'Ed!'

'Ed over here!'

'Ed!'

Ed faced some of the photographers and smiled, draping his arm around my waist.

Keep posing. He said in my head, making me laugh and I knew there would be photos of me laughing. He laughed with me, dimples on his cheek.

'Ed, who's your date this evening?' One of the photographers asked and he shot me a smile.

'This is my beautiful girlfriend, upcoming singer-songwriter Lucy May.' More flashes went off and I couldn't believe Ed had just announced to the press that I was his girlfriend. He kissed me on the cheek and paparazzi went wild.

'How long have you been together?'

'Where did you meet?'

'Lucy, where's your dress from?'

'It's from Chic Chick, this great place in Camden.' I replied as Ed squeezed my waist.

I think we've stirred enough trouble, shall we go in?

Sure.

My boyfriend led me inside, my heart racing with excitement. Once we were inside, he turned to face me. 'I hope you didn't mind that little announcement? I just don't want to hide you away from everyone.'

'It's fine.' I replied, kissing him on the cheek.

'Ed, Lucy, hello!' Leon greeted us, walking over to us. 'I hear you've just caused quite the commotion outside. Front page in the tabloids tomorrow.' Ed shrugged. 'Not like you to cause a commotion, mate.'

'Well why hide it?' He smiled at me. 'I'm happy.'

'I can tell.' Leon laughed, before turning to me. 'You have got him wrapped around your little finger. Come into the main room and meet everyone.'

We followed him into the main room, where funky-modern chandeliers hung from the ceiling and lights were tucked in alcoves, making the walls look blue and pink. The Warner Records logo decorated the walls and the room was buzzing with artists, music producers, managers and the press, who were socialising and asking questions at the same time.

A man in a suit walked over to us, his hand out for Ed's. 'Nice to see you Ed, I hear you've just finished the new album today.'

'Yes I have, I'm feeling confident about this one Joseph.' Ed replied, shaking the gentleman's hand.

Joseph turned to face me. 'And you must be Ed's plus one.'

'Lucy May.' I smiled, holding out my hand and he shook it firmly.

'It's not often Ed brings someone to these things, must be serious.' He chuckled and Ed shook his head, clearly embarassed.

'I'll just get us some drinks, I'll be right back.' He whispered in my ear before disappearing.

'So I've heard from Leon that you're a singer-songwriter, is that right?'

'Yes it is.' I smiled, fiddling with my clutchbag nervously. 'I'm opening for Ed at his show next week.'

'Do you have a demo at all?' Joseph asked. 'We're looking for new talent at Warner.'

My eyes widened and my heart thumped against my chest. 'Erm... yes I do actually. I can send it over?'

'You can give me a copy at your show next week.' He replied with a smile. Ed came back and passed me a glass of champagne. 'I look forward to hearing your talent, Lucy.' He nodded and then he was gone.

'Are you okay? You're a little pale.' Ed commented when Joseph had disappeared amongst the crowds.

'He wants my demo and he's coming to your show next week.' I replied, in shock and feeling slightly sick. I sipped at my champagne and frowned. 'I've never been a fan of this stuff.'

He laughed. 'It's all they're serving right now, but that's great news, beautiful! Isn't that what you wanted?'

'Of course it is, but it's even more pressure next week now.' I replied, feeling flustered. I finished my tiny glass of champagne and Ed handed our empty glasses to a passing waiter.

Ed wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. 'You will be fantastic. For now, let's stop hiding in a corner. I want to show off my beautiful girlfriend.'

After meeting Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Charli XCX, Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne, and having had a very deligious marguerita cocktail, I was starting to relax and enjoy myself. Everyone was so friendly and chatty that my fears drifted away. Until we were approached by a reporter, of course.

'Hello, Aria.' Ed greeted the blonde with a pixie cut who approached us in her black jumpsuit and heels.

'Nice to see you again Ed.'

'Lucy, this is Aria Jones. She works for Glamour Magazine. Aria, this is Lucy May, my girlfriend.' Ed introduced us and she shook my hand.

'Nice to meet you.' She smiled. 'Thanks for that interview with Sky Bright this morning. I even managed to persuade her husband to pose for a few pictures. I can't believe she's married so young.'

'Her choice.' Ed replied with a shrug. 'But the interview is no problem at all.'

'Can I interview you now, just a few questions?' She asked, pulling out a dictaphone. My eyes widened. Was she really going to ask questions here? I looked around and realised she wasn't the only person with a dictaphone out.

'Yeah, sure.' He replied, casually. He nodded to some sofas sat around a glass coffee table. 'Shall we sit?'

I wasn't sure whether to follow them but Ed placed his hand in the small of my back and guided me over to the sofas with them. He sat beside me on one with Aria on the other.

She pressed record and started asking Ed questions. 'So, Ed, is it true you've just finished making your new album?'

'Yes it is and it's hopefully due to be released in December.' He replied with a smile.

'Are you allowed to reveal anything about the new album?'

'Not quite yet, although my first single from it Give me Love comes out on Monday just in time for Halloween.'

'And what are your Halloween plans? Another Gingerbread man?' She laughed, taking a sip of her champagne.

'I'm thinking maybe a pirate. What do you think, Luce?' He asked me with a playful smile.

'I think a pirate would work.' I replied with a laugh.

'What about you Lucy, any ideas for Halloween?' Aria asked me, catching me by surprise.

'I've not really thought about it if I'm honest! I was a spider last year but I'm thinking of being something with less legs this year, definitely.'

She laughed at that. 'How did you meet Ed?'

I looked over at him and he nodded, giving me permission to answer. 'My cousin took me to one of his concerts and she works for the press so we hung out afterwards.' At least that was the back story we were telling everyone these days.

'We just hit it off.' Ed added. 'We hung out a lot and we've got a lot in common. Lucy's a singer-songwriter too and she's actually opening for me at my show in Camden next week. You should totally come along, Aria. I can organise a ticket for you.'

Did he always sweet-talk the press? Was that why they never said anything negative about him? Aria looked at him and smiled. 'Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer for sure. What kind of music do you perform, Lucy?'

'A bit of pop, but really just songs everyone can relate to. I want to be a relatable artist.'

Aria nodded. 'Sure, sounds cool. Well I'll catch up with you both next week. Thanks for your time.'

And just like that, I'd survived my first interview with the media.