Lennon let out a loud laugh that was cut it short when no one join in.

"Lennon, think about it," Jordan said.

"Are you serious?"

It was a rhetorical question. The look on his face told her he was serious and everything seemed to fall into place.

"Miss Kayhill," Matt said.

"Please call me Lennon" she said, "and tell me you are joking."

"Lennon," Jordan said, his look conveying so much.

He was serious. He actually wanted her to consider the offer.

"Lennon, please let me give you more information before you jump to any decision," Matt said.

"This will be huge," Jordan said. "The last girl Kade dated went from a normal college student to writing a cookbook. Can you imagine what it could do for you?"

"We can work it out so it is extremely beneficial for you," Matt jumped in.

They were coming at her from both sides.

"You knew," Lennon said, turning her attention Jordan.

"Of course I knew," he said, all his defenses up. "I'm your manager and I have to do what's best for your career."

"You honestly don't think I can do it on my own?"

As the words left her mouth, she realized how much it hurt to say them. Was this honestly the only way Jordan thought she could make it? By riding the coattails of the lead singer of a boy band?

"That's not what I mean at all. You know I believe in you. You'll make it whether you agree to this or not. You would make it without me or anyone else. You have something money can't buy but people would pay millions for. You're charismatic and people are drawn to that. I just thought this could make the climb a little easier."

"And if I say no?" Lennon asked Matt.

"Unfortunately, we will have to find another opener."

"So, you just wanted me because I have boobs and what, you thought I would look good on the front of the gossip magazines?"

"Lennon!" Jordan tried to warn her but she ignored him.

She stared down Matt, demanding an answer.

"I wasn't lying when I said I like your image," he said. "Its an image the label wants Kade connected with. I thought I saw an opportunity for a "win win" situation for everybody but if you don't want it then I will have to find another solution."

Lennon was quiet, her mind racing. Somehow the logical side made an appearance before she said something you would regret.

"Can I have some time to think about it?" she asked.

"Of course," Matt said.

********

The next morning, Kevin greeted them in the lobby and showed them to Matt's office.

"Lennon, thank you so much for coming again," Matt said, eagerly moving out from behind his desk to shake her hand.

"Please sit," he said.

He exchanged quick greetings with Jordan and then they both joined Lennon.

"Would you like any food? Coffee?" he offered.

"No, thank you," Lennon politely declined. "I'd like to get straight to business."

"Sounds good. Would you like to start?"

"I would like to hear all the details you have worked out about the potential dating scenario. I want to know what it would entail."

"Great. I will start with the big picture and finish with the details. If you have questions, stop me and let me know."

Lennon gave him a small nod and he started.

Matt wanted a commitment of a year. They would start to drop subtle hints and let the fans and press put it together. Their reps would confirm in the fall and then they would have to live their lives like they were in a relationship, while in public and around friends.

He stressed the need for complete secrecy on both sides. If the media got any hint that the relationship had been arranged it would backfire on everything they were working on.

For the year, Matt kicked around a few ideas: a collaboration, holiday family visits, a vacation.

After a year they would start to plant seeds of fighting and a rocky relationship.

"How does that sound so far?" he asked.

"Like something I could work with," Lennon said.

"That sounds more promising then yesterday."

"I do have a few conditions I would like to discuss," Lennon said.

"Understandably. Like I said before, I want this to be beneficial for both parties. Tell me what you are thinking and I'll see what I can work with."

Lennon jumped right in.

"If at any point in the relationship we all come together and agree it isn't working anymore, the contract becomes void," she said.

Matt nodded his head and sat back.

"If Kade is found cheating during the year, I have the option to make the contract void. This does not mean I will but I have the option."

"I think that's fair," Matt ceded.

There were more details about events that would occur during the year but Lennon agreed with Matt that they could work them out as they came up.

"Alright Miss Kayhill, am I right in assuming that unless something huge comes up, we have a tentative agreement?"

"You are correct, Mr. Watkins."

"Alright, I will start working on the first draft of the contract and send it over for your party to look at. If every thing goes according to plans, we could be announcing your addition to the tour by the end of the week."

Matt stood and Lennon and Jordan followed suit.

"Thank you. We'll wait for the contract," she said, shaking Matt's hand.

"One more thing Miss Kayhill. I think it necessary for you and Mr Matthews to spend some time together before the tour begins."

"I agree. Let's get the first draft of the contract finished and then we can talk about that."

"You handled yourself very well in there," Jordan said, as they got outside.

"Thanks. Jordan..."

"Lennon..."

They said at the same time.

"You first," he said

"I understand that your job is my career but we are a team, we work together because at the end of the day your job is my life."

She kept her voice firm but quiet.

"I understand and I won't let it happen again, I promise," he said sincerely.

Lennon studied his face for a moment before nodding. It was hard to stay upset with him after they had been through so much. If it hadn't been for Jordan, Lennon would still be performing at open mics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She had been clueless about the industry, just doing what she could to get noticed. Jordan had stumbled upon her and changed her life. He had taken her from open mic to opening for indie bands with crowds of a couple hundred to finally her own headlining tour. Their next big hurdle was her first full length album.

Lennon's phone beeped and she looked down to see a text from Charlotte.

"Baby girl, the suspense is killing me. Call me when you can."

She smiled at the several hearts that followed the words.

"I'm going to make a call," she said, holding up her phone and stepping away. Before she went far, she turned back to Jordan. "I have to be able to tell her."

Jorden was silent for a moment, then gave a decisive nod. "Ok."

Lennon pulled up a familiar number and put the phone to her ear.

"It's about darn time," Charlotte said answering. "You can ask Deacon, I didn't sleep a wink last night. Tell me everything."

Lennon smiled.

"Sorry," she apologized. "The meeting took longer then I thought."

"Two days. You can say that again. Did they let you sleep? Actually, I don't care, tell me what happened!"

"I'm tentatively opening for Hey Farewell!" Lennon said in a quiet squeal.

"Ahhh!" Charlotte screamed. "Deacon, she got it!"

Lennon smiled and rolled her eyes, she hadn't expected Charlotte to keep the news from Deacon. They had both been like proud parents when she had released her first EP and they still acted that way.

"Baby girl, I am so proud of you!" she gushed in a motherly tone.

"It's not set in stone yet but..."

"Don't go doubting yourself. They are lucky to have you. So when do you leave?"

"Well, its not that simple."

"What are you talking about? You are amazing! It doesn't get much simpler."

"There is one condition I had to agree with."

Lennon's palms began to sweat as she pictured Charlotte's reaction to the news.

"Everyone agrees it will be a good publicity stunt if I am linked with the lead singer of the band," Lennon said.

The line went silent.

"What do you mean by linked?" Charlotte asked hesitantly.

"It will look like I'm dating Kade Matthews."

Lennon suddenly felt the need to explain herself and the words came tumbling out.

"This will be huge for my career. Opening for the band will mean jumping years forward in my career. My fanbase will double, triple in size," Lennon said. "People all over the world will be able to hear my music and thats my dream. Thats why I started doing it in the first place. And being linked with Kade will double the amount of press and recognition I get."

She paused but Charlotte didn't respond.

"Thats why I said yes," Lennon said.

"It sounds like you have thought over this decision," Charlotte said.

Lennon breathed out, "I have."

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Charlotte asked.

"I am."

"Well, I can't say I understand and I'm not sure I agree but I trust you."

Lennon's shoulders relaxed.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

"Now, when will this tour bring  you to North Carolina? I need to mark it on my calendar."

Lennon's heart swelled with love, it wasn't even a question whether she would be at the show.

"I don't have the tour dates yet but I will let you know when I can."

"Ok, I'm gonna start the phone calls and let everyone know my girl - "

"No!" Lennon felt bad for cutting her off. "You can't tell anyone yet. It's still in the planning stages so we can't announce anything."

"You mean I can't gloat?" she grumbled.

"Not yet."

"Ok. I'll keep my lips sealed until I hear from you."

"Thanks."

"So how long will you be on tour?"

"Between the American and European tour, I'll be on the road until September."

"That's so exciting! Europe!"

"I know. I should go. I should call my dad."

"Yes, you should. He should have been your first call."

Lennon felt a twinge of guilt.

"Well, I'm calling him now."

"Good. I love you and I'm so proud of you."

"I love you too!"

**********************************************************************

Yellow!!!

Wait for it! (Hamilton reference for all of those who are obsessed like I am) Kade will be appearing in the next chapter!!! I know guys have been waiting for this moment for a long time and it will be worth it!! Vote, comment (tell me what's on yo mind!) follow and share if you so chose!

Thanks for reading!!