Canyon Moon: The Making of the 2019 Album, Fine Line {H.S}

The Only Way Up

December 20th 2019

{ANNIE}

I want to turn off my internet. I've deleted every social media app I have and I've been tempted to chuck my laptop into the ocean a few times. I might have already done it if I didn't have to work.

It's everywhere. I knew his album would be a success, but it's huge. He's everywhere. I can't go anywhere without seeing his face.

He truly deserves all the recognition he's getting. I just can't deal with all the rumors and speculation. Everyone wondering who was his 'muse', who inspired the album. I know exactly who it is and I'd rather that stay between me and him. The last thing I need right now is to have the whole world at my doorstep, wondering if I'm the "mystery woman" behind it all. That's not what I need right when I'm trying to make things work with Noah.

I haven't even listened to the album yet. I feel awful about that. I know half the songs already, but I don't want to hear the ones he wrote after he left. The best I can do for myself is keep him out of my thoughts, otherwise I'll never get over him. Though, that doesn't stop them from coming over the radio at work sometimes, but Sam's always there to quickly change the station.

"Up next, from Harry Styles' hit new album, Adore You!" The host announces through the speakers.

"I swear to god, that song comes on like 100 times a day." Sam sighs, then clicks the ipad that controls our sound system.

"Um, can you leave that on? I like that song." A customer in her teens says from her table with her friends.

"No." Sam simply says, then goes back to the drink he's making. She just rolls her eyes and goes back to her phone.

"It's fine. I'm gonna have to hear his songs eventually." I tell Sam.

"I know, but I don't wanna hear it, either. He's an asshole." He complains.

"He's not an asshole, Sam. He didn't have a choice."

"He could have stayed and we both know it." He's right. Part of me wants to believe Harry had to go. But, really, I know he didn't have to if he really wanted to stay and that's what hurts the most.

"You could still go out there, you know." Sam says after a moment. "You can still go to LA if you really wanted to, it doesn't matter what he wanted."

"Who says I still want to go?" I mutter.

"I can tell you do. Look, I know your first try didn't work out, but who says you can't try again?"

"I don't wanna get shot down like that again. I'm happy with my life, I don't need LA." I explain. "Besides, Noah's here now. That's what I want."

"You sure?" He mutters.

"Sam, we've talked about this."

"I know. I'm just saying there's other labels, Annie. All of whom would be lucky to have you."

Before I can say anything else, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. It's an unknown number from Los Angeles. Thinking it could be Tommy from her new office in LA, I step outside the cafe to take the call.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Hi, is this Annie Marlowe?" The man on the other line asks. I guess it's not Tommy.

"Yes, this is." I say.

"Great! Hi, Annie. My name is Hayden Garber. I'm with Rhapsody Records in LA. We're an independent music company. Listen, one of my friend's at Columbia sent over your demos and we absolutely love it."