A Different Time and Place - A Collection of WoSo one shots.

The Songwriter (Dunn/Krieger)

"Take it from the top."

"Once more, with feeling this time."

"Crystal, honey, this song just isn't working for you. I know you chose it, but I just don't see it on the album."

"I'm sorry about everything Bruce, I just don't seem to be connecting with the songs the label has been sending my way lately."

"I know, and I agree, they just aren't you. Listen, I've been holding back a couple of songs by an independent, I think they might be exactly what you need. I'll email them to you tonight, and if you agree, we can get to recording them right away. It's late, how about we call it a night and I'll see you all bright and early in the morning."

"Sounds good, Bruce. I'll see you tomorrow."

Bruce watches as Crystal walks out the door of the studio and shakes his head.

"What's up, Bruce?"

"Crystal is so talented, and the label keeps sending her shit to work with. She deserves so much better."

"I agree, but what can we do about it?"

"You know that woman Ali, the one I saw singing at the coffee shop a few months ago?"

"I think so, the brunette with the guitar, right?"

"Yeah, well, I've been keeping in touch with her, and it turns out she is a damn good songwriter; she sent me some of her work. I'm going to forward it on to Crystal, I think the songs might connect with her on a personal level."

"It's worth a shot, I guess. I'll see you tomorrow, Bruce."

"Night, Steve."

Crystal arrives home and settles into a nice warm bubble bath along with a glass of her favourite wine. She lays back and listens to the songs that Bruce has sent her and is immediately taken to a different place filled with memories and emotions. She listens to them over and over again, and the tears roll down her face.

She lays in her large bed alone, as she has been since her marriage ended. She thinks about the song, how the words hit home, the feelings it has brought back to the forefront; but also, the acceptance that she and Pierre no longer belonged together. Faced with a rollercoaster of emotions to overcome, it takes a while for Crystal to fall asleep.

Crystal walks into the studio the next morning, feeling drained, emotionally and physically. She slept but feels exhausted, and it shows.

"You like the shit did you sleep at all last night?"

"Barely, those songs you sent me Bruce, really hit home. I need to record them."

"Okay, are you sure you're up to it?"

"Yes, the songs are about dealing with the ending of a relationship and finding your truth; I'm certain I will do them justice."

"Alright, I have them cue up the lyrics for you."

"Thanks, Bruce. One more thing, is it possible to meet the writer of the songs?"

"I'm sure I can arrange that may I ask why? You've never wanted to meet anyone before."

"Everything about them connected with me, it's hard to explain."

"Okay, I'll set it up, now, let's get you in the booth."

A few days later after Crystal has finished recording the songs from the mystery songwriter, she gets a call from Bruce asking her to meet him at an address at 7:00 in the evening. She pulls up in her fancy car, and of course, heads turn when she walks into the small shop. The place is busy, for their open mic night, and many in attendance are aware of the celebrity in their midst. Crystal looks around and spots Bruce off to the side, she takes a seat beside him.

"Why am I here?"

"You asked to meet the songwriter, I thought I'd do you one better, and let you see her perform; I'm sure she will be an eye-opener for you, in more ways than one."

"Bruce, if this is your way of trying to set me up with someone, I already told you, I'm not ready; my marriage just ended."

"In all honesty, I don't believe your marriage ever started. You and Pierre were only ever married on paper Crystal, you were never husband and wife. You are a gay woman Crystal, now that you've accepted it, it's time to embrace and have fun with it. I only want to see you happy. After all, if you are happy then I make more money!"

"And there it is! I love you Bruce, but you're an ass sometimes."

"Oh, honey, I'm an ass all of the time, or so says the old ball and chain."

"Please welcome to the stage, Ms Ali Krieger, singing her original song entitled, "After the Fall."

Crystal watches the woman on the stage, sing and play her guitar and becomes immersed in the experience, so much so that she doesn't even realizes when the song is done until she hears the clapping.

"She's amazing Bruce and she's gorgeous!"

"C'mon, let's go and meet your future Mrs."

Bruce leads Crystal over to where Ali and a few of her friends are enjoying the rest of the show.

"Ali, it's nice to see you again, I want that song."

"I know Bruce and I'll send it to you after I tweak it a little."

Crystal speaks up, "Why would you want to tweak it, it's perfect the way it is."

Ali and Crystal lock eyes for the first time.

"Ali, this is my client Crystal Dunn. She is the one I gave your songs to."

"Oh, nice to meet you, Crystal. Would you like a coffee or something else to drink? I work here so I can get you whatever you like."

"What I would like is for you to join me for supper tomorrow night, so we can discuss future collaborations."

"Future collaborations, huh? How about we start with a coffee for now?"

"Alright, could I have a soy milk latte, please?"

"Of course, beautiful, I'll be right back."

Ali returns with the drink a few minutes later and Crystal smiles at the heart on top of it. She drinks it as they talk, lost in their own world. Ali's friends noticing what is happening choose to leave her alone with the singer, as does Bruce.

Hours later it's time for the shop to close and the shop has emptied out aside from Crystal and the remaining employees. Ali begins the process of cleaning up, with Crystal helping her as she isn't ready to leave, just yet.

"Ali, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"I didn't, but I'm starting too now."