Superstar

Studio

The sun was barely up when I finally forced myself out of bed, even though I'd been awake for hours. Victoria's jacket was still draped over my desk chair where I'd carefully placed it last night, and I couldn't help but smile remembering our text exchange.

*Made it home safe 💕*

Vic: good 😌 get some rest superstar. you ate today fr

That one message had me tossing and turning half the night, overanalyzing every word like I was back in high school. The way she called me superstar in the studio was one thing, but seeing it in text just hit different.

I padded to the kitchen, desperately needing coffee before my 9 AM meeting with the label. My reflection in the microwave caught my eye – I was wearing the same goofy smile I'd had since leaving the restaurant.

"Get it together," I muttered to myself, but the smile wouldn't budge.

My phone lit up with a call from mom just as I was pouring my coffee. Her perfect timing never failed.

"Baby!" Her voice filled my apartment with warmth. "I saw your Instagram story. You were at that studio all night!"

I laughed, settling onto my couch. "Yeah, the session ran long."

"Mhmm," she hummed knowingly. "And why exactly did my child look so happy in that 2 AM selfie? You know you can't hide nothing from your mama."

Heat crept into my cheeks. The selfie in question was taken right after I got home, still wearing Victoria's jacket, though I hadn't mentioned that part in the caption.

"Just had a really good session," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "Actually... you'll never believe who I'm working with."

"Girl, spill it! Don't keep me waiting!"

"Victoria Monét."

The screech that came through my phone could've shattered windows. "VICTORIA MONÉT? Baby! Not the Victoria Monét that got you through your breakup with that trifling-"

"Yes, mama," I cut her off, laughing. "That Victoria Monét."

"Oh, this is big! My baby really out here living her dreams!" I could hear her getting emotional. "Your daddy would be so proud."

My throat tightened. "I know, mama."

"He always said you were gonna be somebody. Remember how he used to call you his little songbird?"

"Mama, don't make me cry before these meetings," I warned, but I was already wiping at my eyes. "I got a full face to beat."

"I'm just saying! Look at you now – signed to a major label, working with your idol..." She paused. "Speaking of which, how was it? Working with her?"

I glanced at the jacket again, remembering the way Victoria's hand felt when it brushed mine, how her eyes sparkled in the restaurant's dim lighting.

"It was... perfect," I said finally. "She's so talented, mama. And kind. Like, genuinely kind."

"Mhmm," my mom hummed again, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "Just remember what I always tell you-"

"Stay focused, stay humble, stay prayed up," I finished with her, making us both laugh.

"That's right. But also remember to enjoy these moments, baby. You worked so hard for this. Let yourself feel it."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I love you, mama."

"Love you more, songbird. Now go get cute for them meetings. And tell Victoria I raised her biggest fan!"

"Mama, stop! I'm hanging up!"

Her laughter followed me as I ended the call, shaking my head but still smiling. I had two hours before my first meeting, then lunch with Sarah to discuss promotion strategy, and finally – another studio session with Victoria.

My phone buzzed with a text.

Vic: morning ⭐️ ready to cook up again today?

My heart did a little flip as I typed back:

*born ready*

This time, I didn't try to fight the smile. Maybe mama was right – I should let myself feel it all.

Even if "all" included this growing flutter in my chest whenever Victoria's name popped up on my screen.

Even if "all" meant admitting that last night was more than just a professional dinner.

Even if "all" scared me a little.

Or a lot.

I looked at my reflection in the window, the LA morning light making everything glow golden. The girl looking back at me seemed different from yesterday – stronger, brighter, more sure of herself.

Ready or not, this was happening.

And I couldn't wait.

—-

Sarah's office felt warmer than I expected, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The morning meetings had gone well – marketing loved the social media strategy, and the production team was buzzing about yesterday's session. Sarah had that proud look in her eyes as she reviewed her notes, but there was something else there too – a hint of careful consideration.

"You're making waves already," she smiled, closing her laptop. "The team can't stop talking about your session with Victoria. Sounds like you two really clicked."

I couldn't help but smile, remembering the magic in the studio. "Yeah, she's incredible to work with. We got dinner after and talked about music for hours."

Sarah nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "It's good to see you connecting with other artists. Victoria's incredibly talented, and her co-sign means a lot." She paused, choosing her next words carefully. "Just remember to pace yourself, okay? These early days are crucial."

"What do you mean?"

"The industry can be... intense. Especially when you're just starting out." She leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle but professional. "Everything moves fast – the connections, the friendships, the creative partnerships. Sometimes it's good to take a breath, keep some professional boundaries."

I shifted in my chair, suddenly aware of Victoria's jacket draped over my arm. "Oh, we were just collaborating, getting to know each other as artists-"

"Of course," Sarah smiled warmly. "And that's exactly what you should be doing. I just want you to remember that right now, the focus needs to be on establishing your own identity. Your sound, your brand." She gestured to the marketing plans spread across her desk. "We've got big plans for your rollout, and the clearer the narrative, the better."

"Right," I nodded, though something in my chest tightened slightly. "Keep it professional."

"Just... balanced," Sarah corrected gently. "You're going to make amazing connections in this industry – that's part of the journey. But remember why you're here. The music comes first."

I thought about texting Zara later because something about this conversation felt like it needed unpacking. "Makes sense. I guess I'm still learning how it all works."

"That's what I'm here for," Sarah assured me. "To help you navigate it all. Speaking of which – Elena wanted to catch up with you before your session. Something about social media guidelines?"

I nodded, standing up. "Thanks, Sarah. For looking out."

"Always," she smiled. "That's my job."

I found Elena in her office, scrolling through what looked like press coverage of another artist's rollout.

"There's my girl," she grinned, waving me in. "How're you settling in?"

"Good, I think. Just had an interesting chat with Sarah about... industry boundaries?"

Elena's eyes flickered with understanding. "Ah, the 'keep it professional' talk?"

"That obvious?"

"It's standard advice for new artists," she shrugged. "This industry runs on relationships, but it also runs on timing. They just want you to find your footing first."

Vic: you still got my jacket? might need it for the session later 😌

I smiled despite myself, typing back:

*wouldn't want you getting cold in that ice-cold studio 😉*

"You good?" Elena asked, watching me.

"Yeah," I said, surprising myself by meaning it. "Just learning to balance it all."

She nodded approvingly. "That's the key word – balance. You'll figure it out."

I left her office feeling lighter than I expected. Yeah, there were rules to learn, lines to navigate. But maybe that was part of the journey too.

The studio session was in an hour, and Victoria's jacket was still warm in my arms.

—-

The studio felt different when I walked in – quieter, more intimate somehow. Victoria was perched elegantly behind the board, her honey-blonde waves cascading over one shoulder as she adjusted settings with practiced precision.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, looking around for the usual crowd of producers and engineers.

She glanced up, her eyes catching mine in that way that always made my breath catch. "I wanted it to be just us today. You seemed a bit tense yesterday with all those eyes watching." Her voice was soft, melodic. "I've got everything handled."

I clutched her jacket closer to my chest before laying it carefully on the back of a chair. "Thank you for letting me borrow this."

"Of course," she smiled, gracefully rising from her seat. "Though I have to admit, it looked much better on you." She moved toward a small table I hadn't noticed before, her movements fluid and purposeful. "Espresso? I always need one before afternoon sessions."

Before I could answer, she was already pouring the rich, dark liquid into two tiny cups with the kind of elegant efficiency that made everything she did look like art. I hadn't even seen her make it – it was like the coffee just materialized, much like everything else about her that seemed effortlessly perfect.

"Here," she said, extending one cup toward me. Her fingertips brushed mine as I accepted it, sending little sparks up my arm. "It'll open up your voice for those high notes we're chasing today."

The espresso was exactly like her – smooth, intense, and somehow both sweet and bold at the same time. I watched as she sipped from her own cup, her lipstick leaving a perfect imprint on the rim.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice carrying that gentle authority that made me want to give her anything she asked for.

The next few hours were pure magic. Without the pressure of other people watching, I felt free to experiment, to push my voice places I hadn't dared go yesterday. Victoria guided me with a mix of professional expertise and intimate encouragement, her voice through the talkback somehow both soothing and electrifying.

"That run was absolutely beautiful," she praised after one take, her eyes closed in appreciation. "Wait, let me add something..."

She laid down harmonies that made my original vocals soar, our voices intertwining like lovers' whispers. When she played it back, the hair on my arms stood up.

"There's something special about how our voices blend," she said softly, her gaze intense enough to make me forget how to breathe.

"Yeah," I managed, lost in the way the setting sun painted golden streaks through her hair.

The moment hung between us, heavy with possibility, before she gracefully turned back to the board. "One more?"

By the time we finished, the sky had turned purple and pink outside the windows. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so creatively fulfilled, so completely seen.

"This was perfect," Victoria said, her fingers dancing across the board as she saved our files. "But I should head out soon. I'm flying to Atlanta tonight for a show tomorrow." She turned to me, and even in the dimming light, her eyes sparkled. "But I'm having some friends over this weekend when I get back. Nothing too crazy, just a little gathering at my place. You should come."

My mind flashed to Sarah's gentle warnings, but Victoria's presence was intoxicating, making everything else feel distant and unimportant.

"I'd love to," I heard myself say.

Her smile was radiant, making my heart stumble over itself. "Perfect. I'll text you the details." She stood, gathering her things with that natural grace that made even the simplest movements look choreographed.

As she headed for the door, she paused, looking back over her shoulder. "See you this weekend, superstar." Her voice was honey-sweet but her eyes held something deeper, more intense.

I watched her leave, her heels clicking softly against the floor, already knowing that no amount of gentle warnings or professional boundaries were going to stop whatever this was becoming.

Sometimes the most dangerous things are the ones that feel the most natural.

And nothing had ever felt more natural than falling into Victoria's orbit.