Maybe forever

The thing with “walls”

*Amelia*

“Wow, first business class on the plane and now this,” I think, my eyes wide as I take in the luxurious Malibu apartment that will be my home for the next couple of months. The sleek furniture, the high ceilings, and the way the sunlight spills in through the enormous windows… it’s all so surreal.

Jasper grins at me as he drops his suitcase. “Well yeah, they really went all out on comfort, luxury, and style.”

“I think I could get used to this life. Maybe I should just stay here forever,” I say, a giggle escaping my lips as I spin in place, soaking it all in. I can’t help but feel like I’m stepping into a dream, one that I never want to wake up from.

He opens the fridge, and I hear the cool hum of it as he grabs a bottle of water. “Who knows, but one thing at a time, my dear. This afternoon, we are meeting the producer and the composer.”

I wander over to the balcony and gasp as I take in the view. “Wow, look at this! Uhh, I feel like a kid going to Disneyland!” To one side the city sprawls below me, to the other the beach is glistening in the near distance, and I can hardly believe I’m here.

Jasper steps out beside me, and we stand together, momentarily lost in the breathtaking scenery. “This is quite a view. Hey, you know, maybe we could go to Disneyland before I go home.”

“Yeah, let’s do that! That could be so much fun,” I reply, my heart racing at the thought. I pause, realizing I need to freshen up after that long flight. “Well, I think I’ll take a shower. I feel like I need one after that flight.” I smile at him before heading into the spacious ensuite bathroom, the excitement bubbling inside me.

It’s late spring, and the heat of LA wraps around me like a warm embrace. I rummage through my suitcase, pulling out a pair of denim shorts, but then my fingers brush against something soft. I pull out Cory’s T-shirt, and a wave of nostalgia washes over me… I don’t even remember packing it. Maybe it will bring me good luck. I slip it on, the fabric huge and oversized, and tie it in a knot just under my breasts, feeling a mix of comfort and connection.

As I step outside, my mouth drops open in disbelief. “This is my car while I’m here?” I exclaim, staring at the sleek red Mustang that gleams under the California sun.

“Yup, you’re getting around in style,” Jasper says with a playful grin, tossing me the keys. I catch them, still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I get to live this life… this cool apartment, this incredible car… all because I’m singing a song. It feels like a fairytale.

When we arrive at the TV studio, Jasper strides up to the reception, confident and at ease. He gets two access cards and a quick rundown of where we need to go. As I look around, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all. “Oh wow, this is so cool, Jasper! Look at this!” My excitement bubbles over as I take in the bustling environment.

We walk through the studio, making our way to the music department and the meeting room. I can’t help but feel like I’m in a whole new world, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for everything that’s about to unfold.

Once we reach the waiting area, we plop down on the couches, and I can’t shake the feeling that something important is about to happen. “Ami, there’s something I should probably tell you before they turn up,” Jasper says, suddenly looking nervous.

I turn to him, sensing the tension in the air. “What is it, Jasper?”

“I actually know who you’re singing with, sweetie. It’s the star of the show.” He suddenly seems very interested in his nails, avoiding my gaze.

I’m about to ask who that is when I hear footsteps behind me. An older man’s voice breaks through the moment. “Amelia and Jasper?”

I stand up, ready to introduce myself, but as I turn, I collide with something solid… something that feels like a wall. Except it’s not a wall. Strong arms catch me, and I know instantly who it is. I’d recognize that masculine, spicy scent anywhere. My heart races, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement and familiarity. It’s him.