After returning to the hotel, more staff checked into multiple rooms for wardrobe and makeup testing. Everyone else was having fun trying on different outfits and looks in those rooms. At the same time, I was stuck in another room surrounded by mattresses with Aniya.
"Since we're working on a couple of your songs, we'll have a 3rd room just for this." Caleb started to say. "I have to check on everyone else, but you stay here with Diego; he's our traveling producer. He'll take care of you." Caleb walked right out without saying another word. I nodded my head with some nervousness.
"I still feel pretty bad about not telling anybody," I said out loud.
"Imagine how proud they will be of you if you tell them, Nessa. They'll probably be more upset later down the line if you continue to hold it in." Very supportive, aniya tried comforting me. I nodded and grabbed the music sheet for the song. 'Toxic.'
Diego and I spent 30-40 minutes going over this before any got bored and decided to check on everyone else. "Some people don't understand the music process," He said with a grin.
I chuckled while looking over the music sheet, "The song is great; there are a couple of changes I'd like to make."
Without saying another word, he handed me a pen, then left to grab a few things from his truck. While going over the music in my head, I heard the door open and assumed it was Aniya. "Your fake; you left me; you could leave again," I said without looking up from the paper.
"Well, ouch. I know I didn't tell you I was your opening act, but that doesn't mean I'm fake."
I looked up to see Johnny sitting across from me, "that's exactly what that means. Also, it would be best if you weren't here. Off-limits."
"Oh, Aniya told me you were in here." He said, then stood up. "I guess if you want me to leave and leave you be, I'll go." I watched him for a few seconds before allowing him to stay.
"I'm not going to be here much longer anyways. I also have to deal with wardrobe before tonight." I said while placing the paper and pen next to me.
"Why are you recording music? Are you guys working on a secret album?" He asked while looking at my music sheet. Then, he scoffed, grinned, and looked up at me." or are you planning a solo escape?"
"It's not a solo escape," I defended and took the paper from him. "It's a little project I always wanted to do."
He looked from the sheet up to me, dying down his smile to a square face, "they don't know, do they?" I looked down at the paper and placed it next to me again. I shook my head and looked at him. "This is safe with me. I won't tell them, and I won't tell my group."
I looked up at him with a smile. Of course, he doesn't have to keep my secret like that, but I appreciate him doing so, "Thanks."
He nodded and rechecked my music sheet, "Need help? It looks good so far."
I looked at the sheet and then back at him. "I know what I'm doing, but I could use the company." He stayed happy, but he did end up helping me change some things. He even added some of his ideas. When Diego returned with more of his equipment, I ran some of the lines that Johnny had added. It sounded great. Diego nodded with approval throughout the song. "Now we can put your name on the credits too."
Johnny shook his head, "flattered but no. Take all credit."
As I was about to respond and force him to take some credit, Caleb stuck his head in the room. "Vanessa, we need you for wardrobe fitting."
I removed the headphones and thanked Diego. He and I scheduled times when he and I would work together on my album. The plan was to finish the single within a few weeks so I could announce it. Then I would meet with choreography to help me with the dance then. After that, I'll be able to perform it and officially make it a part of our tour.
