6th August 2021

The entire orchestra was gathered in the largest practice room. Tables laid down with food had replaced instruments. So far, only a few people had tried some. The rest of us were too nervous to eat - no matter how delicious the food looked.

The film had premiered exactly a week ago and was a box office hit. It had come out on top of the cinemas' "to watch lists" and was already grossing big numbers in the US, Europe and Australia.

And now we were gathered, listening to KIIS FM to count down the top 40 to see if one of our singles had made it into the top ten. So far we had one at number 14 and one at number 9, but we were still waiting for the big one. The one that I had struggled with the most.

If there was an anthem to the film, then it was that song.

Tony was buzzing, but as the songs had ticked by, he'd grown quiet. We all had.

"And that was Olivia Rodrigo at number three with Good 4 U, down one from last week."

"Now we're on to the big boys Jojo. So who's going to take the number one?"

"Will BTS keep their number one spot another week or have we got a new king or queen of the charts? Find out after we catch up with Tommy on the news."

My groan was echoed around the room as everyone leaned back. They seemed to be really drawing out the top 40 this week. Or maybe that was just how it seemed to me.

Shaking the nerves from his body, Tony stood, his usual suits replaced with a pair of jeans and buttoned down shirt - his attempt at a casual Friday.

"I just want to say how proud I am of everything we've been able to accomplish regardless of where we place in the top 40. You've all worked so hard to make this a success and no one can take that away from us. So give yourself a round of applause."

A few chuckles went up as we all clapped. Jaxon pushed on my shoulder and stood.

"Now let's not forget our valiant leader who has worked his butt off to convince the number of producers and executives to give us a chance. To Tony." Jaxon raised his glass, the rest of us joining, to toast a suddenly awkward looking Tony.

"Didn't know you could blush that colour, Tony." One woman shouted, followed by a number of cat calls which Tony brushed off.

"And now it's that time you've all waited for. This week's number two spot is..."

"Shush, they're going to announce it," Jaxon screeched, reaching over to turn up the speaker.

The room fell silent, all of us crossing our fingers.

"It's BTS."

"Oh well, better luck next week boys."

"So, coming up after BTS is our new number one. Stay tuned listeners."

"This is agony," Jaxon claimed, taking a sip from his drink but then realising he'd already finished it. "Who knew the top 40 went on this long."

Tori shook his head. "Everyone."

Jaxon huffed but didn't say anything whilst we all waited for BTS's song to end. It was the longest three minutes of our lives.

"And that leaves only one left. And I think we all know who it's going to be, right Andy?"

"Got to be, Jojo. Let's put them out of their misery."

"About bloody time," Jaxon whispered to himself, loud enough to make me chuckle.

"And this week's number one is Fleeting by our very own Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra."

The first few notes of my piano rang out over the wireless, but our celebrations drowned out the rest.

People swamped me, coming up to pat my back or shake my hand. I tried to explain that it wasn't just me they needed to thank, but no one seemed to pay any attention to me.

"Enjoy it Sam. Everyone knows how hard you worked for this. Embrace it," Tony suggested, patting my back so hard I stumbled a little.

"Well, now you've definitely made it. I wouldn't be surprised if Tony asked you to marry him after this." Jaxon got down on one knee. "Oh, wonderful talented Sam, would you-"

I laughed and pushed him away, watching as he flayed around, trying to gain his balance.

"Serves you right." Tori pointed out to Jaxon.

"I have just one more thing I'd like to say to you all before we celebrate like the true Los Angelians we really are." For a moment cheers rang out, and the alcohol flowed.

"So I know all of you have been wondering why I requested that none of you go to see the film yet. And I know there will be those who will have disregarded my words." For a few seconds his eyes lingered on a group of people who looked distinctly guilty under his gaze. "Tomorrow night we are invited to our own private showing of Expiry Date."

"Yes!" Jaxon cheered, earning a raised eyebrow from Tori. "What, I really want to see the film?"

Tony held his hands up, waiting for the room to quieten. "That is to be followed by an after party hosted by Genny St Clair as a thank you for the work you've all done."

Whispers broke out at this news. "And will she - Genny St Clair - actually be there?"

We all turned to look at one woman before everyone turned back to Tony. I never expected the next words out of his mouth.

"I can confirm that Miss St Clair will be in attendance. Now I don't have to say how important this night will be. As you all know, Miss St Clair didn't attend the official premier in London. She has expressed her desire for this to be her first public appearance."

I felt Tori and Jaxon looking at me, but I couldn't think about them.

"Did you know?" Tori finally asked.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out, so I just shook my head.

We'd talked every day since the party. I just couldn't resist. Her dark humour and wacky ideas about the world were too intriguing for my own good.

But she had said nothing about coming to L.A.

"Maybe she wanted it to be a surprise," suggested Jaxon. "Text her and find out."

I snapped out of it enough to pull my phone from my pocket and formulate a text.

Jaxon leaned over and hit the send button after my fingers just hovered over it.

He looked between me and Tori, shaking his head. "Man, you're just prolonging the agony."

Genny's reply came too quickly for my liking. I stared at the message icon, but my hands remained frozen on the phone.

"Oh, Jesus," Jaxon exclaimed before taking the phone from my immobile fingers and bypassing my security. "Just read it, Sam."

He placed the phone back in my hand, the message open on screen.

"So what did she say?" Tori asked.

I took a deep breath and read through it.

"She wasn't sure she was going to be able to do it, so she didn't want to get my hopes up in case she chickened out."

Tori and Jaxon looked at each other. "That girl sure is scared to leave the house." Jaxon shook his head.

"Do you know what happened to her or has she always been like that?" asked Tori.

I fidgeted. "She doesn't like to talk about it," I admitted.

The truth was, I really wanted to know as well. But it was one of the few subjects she avoided.

"Sounds like something bad to me. Must have taken a lot for her to decide to do this." Jaxon's eyes strayed to me.

I held my hands up in defence. "This has nothing to do with me," I spluttered.

Jaxon just shrugged. But I could tell he wasn't ready to let the subject drop. "Whatever you say, Bro."

I could see him share a look with Tori, and suddenly the room seemed too small.

"I need some air." My tone clarified that I didn't want company.

I left the room at a pace just short of a run. I'm sure I looked like a complete idiot, but all I wanted was to escape.

I was in such a rush I almost ran straight into one of our receptionists.

"Sorry Delilah. Just heading to get some fresh air," I apologised, trying to sidestep around her.

"Wait, Sam. There's someone at reception for you. A Mr Hunter Roberts. He wants to know if you have time to talk. Seemed pretty insistent," she added.

I skidded to a halt, my sneakers squeaking against the wooden floor. "Hunter Roberts?" I couldn't have heard her right.

"That's right." She bobbed her head.

"And he just asked for me?" I queried.

"Yes." Delilah tilted her head and looked at me curiously.

"Oh, okay." I couldn't think of anything else to say. Hunter was here, and he wanted to speak to me. My brain just couldn't process it.

"Just follow me." Delilah kept glancing back at me as she led me towards reception.