Stay

“You’ve been exposed and I hope you know what we had was gold now tarnished and old. Reap what you sow, and this case is closed. You can walk alone ‘cause I felt that way so long ago. Stand on your feet now. Your willingness to be ignorant is what’s wearing me down. I detached my heart from you long ago. I don’t ever wanna fall in love again. Don’t wait for me I’m no saint, you’ll see. But if I do, I bet I’ll never fall for you, not for you. I don’t ever wanna fall in love again. Don’t wait for me I’m no saint you’ll see. But if I do, I bet I’ll never fall for you, fall for you.” – The Audition

The meeting with the producers of her album went really well and they loved the songs she had to show them. In a few short weeks she would start the official recording of her music. It was the most exciting and terrifying thing to happen to her. All she had to do was pick a producer, or more than one if she really wanted to.

Melody was lost in her own thoughts that she didn’t notice a man standing next to her apartment door. The smile that had been stuck on her face since leaving the meeting quickly fell. She looked at the man for a moment unaware that she had stopped walking. He looked so different to her, like a completely different person. He looked healthy which shocked her considering she assumed he would have turned to drink like he always did. Taking a deep breath Melody continued to her door and didn’t say a word as she unlocked her it. As she walked in the door she left in open a silent ok for him to enter.

“Did Joe tell you where I lived?” She asked as she heard the door close.

Refusing to look at him she went about picking up her living room where there was sheet music littering every surface.

“Maybe.”

His voice sent a wave of happiness through Melody’s body. It was that same beautiful voice she fell in love with years ago.

“He shouldn’t have.” She said setting down the stack of paper. “Why are you here?”

“I wanted to convince you to let me produce your album.”

Melody turned to look at him giving him an irritated look.

“Why would I want to work with you?” Melody asked voice harsh. “I want nothing to do with you.”

“If that was true you wouldn’t have let me in.”

Nick hoped she wouldn’t kick him out before he had a chance to talk to her. This was his last opportunity to win her back and prove he was changing.

“Just give me a chance, one song, that’s all I’m asking for.” Nick continued to say before Melody could say anything else.

“Fine. One song then will you please leave me alone?” Melody asked unable to turn him down.

“If that’s what you really want.” Nick said hoping by the end of their time working together again she wouldn’t want that.

**

Saying yes to Nick as a producer turned into something Melody had never expected. She was surprised to see he knew exactly what to do. Luckily for Nick Melody had yet to choose another producer, and just maybe she’d let him be the producer on the other songs.

“Ok, what are we working on?” Nick asked his focus on the sound boards in front of him.

“Just so you know these songs-“

“I know.” Nick said cutting Melody off. “Joe has already warned me.”

“I’m not going to apologize for anything said in these songs.”

Nick turned to look a Melody a sad look on his flawless face.

“I understand and I wouldn’t expect you to.”

Melody handed Nick the sheet music she had brought with her. She watched him as he looked at everything she had written down for the song. His face didn’t change and he just set it down when he was done like he had no connections to the song.

“Alright let’s get started.”

Melody spent the next seven hours with Nick. By the end of the night they had only gotten the first verse and chorus done. Melody was quickly learning having two stubborn perfectionists working together was going to make a great album but cause a lot of bickering. From what they had already had Melody was impressed with Nick’s work, the song was sounding just like she had expected.

“Are you free tomorrow?” Melody asked as she picked up her things.

“I am.” Nick said momentarily stopping what he was doing.

“I think we need to get together and work some more.” Melody said ignoring the disappointed look from Nick. “We could probably use Joe’s home studio since this one is taken for the rest of the week.”

“I have one at my house.” Nick said turning back to his computer. “Come over around four.”

The idea of stepping into the house she used to call home was not something she wanted.

“Let’s go to Joe’s.” Melody said quietly.

“Mel-“

“I can’t go there, Nick.”

Nick’s heart broke once again knowing why she refused to step foot in his home. If he was in her place he would be the same way. A lot had happened in that house for the two of them to be together and try to work. With a sad sigh Nick agreed to ask Joe if they could use his studio.

The following day Melody and Nick worked on her song with a little help from Joe. At the rate they were going they would have it finished within the next day. Melody could feel Nick’s eyes on her often and it was hard for her to ignore it. She knew he wanted to talk about everything but she wasn’t ready for that. All she wanted was to have a work relationship and nothing more.

“Well I think I’m going to call it a night.” Joe said rubbing his tired eyes. “Karen is waiting for me. Remember to look up the house when you go.”

Nick tried not to look happy about being alone with Melody once again. They were almost done for the night and it he had to move quickly if he wanted to spend more time with her. Melody was looking over her lyrics making notes on them as she thought of new revisions.

“Hey Melody?” Nick said cautiously pretending to be working on his computer.

“Yeah?” Melody said looking up at Nick.

“Would you like to come over to my house?” Nick asked taking the chance to glance at Melody. “I want to talk to you about some things.”

After a moment of thought Melody said yes. She liked having Nick around again and if this was the best way to form a friendship then this is what she has to do. As soon as his house came into view Melody was overcome with emotion. This used to be her home until she lost everything.