"Welcome Ms. Lyndel to Buzz 103.6!"

Cass smiled not feeling as stressed as she usually did walking into these interviews. Her reason is sitting next to her. Looking to her left, she sees Nat wink at her as she looks to her for strength. Nat originally was going to wait outside and Cass literally dragged her into the booth where the host was while having her fit for her own headset and mic. Nat's eyes kept glancing around at all the booth had. Cass remembers the feeling of astonishment the first time being in one of these interviews. She returns to her polite smile facing the broadcaster. 

"Thank you everyone for having me."

The host smiles at her before glancing over at the addition to the room before turning back to Cass. 

"Well I can honestly say I love your music Cassie! You are still at the top of the charts in pop music. Your second album I understand has went double platinum, is that correct?"

At this Nat grins and begins clapping making the announcer do so as well. Cass giggles softly before nodding her head. 

"Yea, it was announced to me last week I believe. I am very lucky to have the fans that I have and the team to back me up."

"Speaking of team, I see we have an additional guest with us here today."

The host turns the attention to Nat who goes wide eyed making Cass grin at her before speaking for her. 

"Yes, I have my best friend and better half here with me today."

Nat turns to Cass smiling gently before turning back to the host. The host watches the interaction between the two before clearing her throat gaining their attention back. 

"Well, it's good to have a great support team. You are currently with Marx Records?"

"Yes, have been with them since the beginning. They have an amazing team put in place and helped me every step of the away."

Nat watches as the host looks down at a paper in front of her wondering what it is for a moment. Cass already knows the host has a list of topics/questions that she has to ask through the interview. 

"I see here that your manager is Landon Bounds..." 

She pauses looking over the edge of the paper to glance at Cass. Cass feels herself stiffen but remains composed with the smile still intact knowing where this is heading. Nat however tenses and it is visible to anyone in the room that she is about to say something. 

"Actually, I am currently working with Jackson Fillmore. He is a talented manager and I am lucky to have him."

"Oh?" The host leans back with a raised brow. "I was under the impression that you and Mr. Bounds were in a relationship?"

Nat grits her teeth while Cass giggles slightly. Nat can tell clear as day that the laugh is forced and fake as fuck. She knows that this is a topic that Cass shouldn't have to answer to. As she is about to speak up, she feels a hand on top of her own. Her eyes snap to Cass who doesn't glance to her but understands the underline message. 

"You can't believe everything the tabloids print. He is an agent at Marx Records that I did work previously with however now I am currently working with Mr. Fillmore. He is an excellent fit for my music at this time."

"So Landon and you were never in a relationship?"

"Like I said, he was my manager."

Cass smiles pleasantly but Nat's expression has morphed into a look of utter disgust and rage. The host glances to the 'best friend' and instantly snaps her eyes down slightly frightful of the look she is producing. 

"Well the tabloids have also spotted Mr. Bounds with his new artist." 

She turns around a picture that was printed and Cass feels her heart sink. Nat squeezes her hand keeping her from becoming a hot mess under the eyes of the host. In the photo is whom Nat is presuming Landon. He is sitting in a club booth with his lips attached to a young brunette's neck. Her eyes are closed and it looks way too intimate to be printed. Cass keeps up the facade even as her insides are crumbling. 

"Well... this is his private life and I-" She clears her throat trying to control her voice. "I have no words in regards to that."

At this Nat turns her murderous eyes to the host. The host practically shrinks in her seat before redirecting the topic. 

"Well, we hope Mr. Fillmore helps you produce your next big hit!"

Her smile completely fake and further disgusting Nat. Nat can't understand how people can act like this. She asked those questions just hoping to get a rise from Cass and it royally pissed her off. 

"We are currently in the mix of our next record. His input has helped me greatly along with my muse."

At this Nat squeezes her hand but doesn't stop her glare from the host. Cass smiled as she looked to her best friend whom yet again has her back. She truly doesn't know where she would be without her. 

"Well we wish you the best of luck with your new record! I look forward to hearing it."

"I hope my fans enjoy it. My inspiration comes from them along with another."

"When you say another, do you mean a boyfriend?" The host ask prying yet again.

"No..." She says chuckling gently. Nat can feel her gaze on her filling her with pride. "Something so much better than a man."

"Are you confirming your sexuality orientation?"

Cass couldn't help but laugh however Nat has had enough. She sits up putting her face close to the mic while keeping her eyes locked on the host. 

"Whether or not she is straight, lesbian, or bisexual. What the hell does that have to do with her music and her success!"

"NAT"

She doesn't listen to her best friend and continues while the host appears to be a lost for words. Nat stands up allowing the chair to fly backwards and continues. 

"Listen up everyone, Cassie Lyndel is a talented force of nature and more importantly gifted. She sings from the heart and wants everyone to enjoy her music. Her personally life is just that... personal. Learn how to talk-"

"Nat stop... please"

Cass keeps her voice calm while her nerves are on edge. Nat stops turning to Cass to see her pleading eyes. She throws the headset off and steps out of the booth. Cass watches as she walks away trying to calm herself down. Nat is not used to having to filter her thoughts. That is what Cass loves about her, but in this industry... you have to remain 'reserved' in the medias attention. 

The host sits there as the dead air travels through them for a moment. She blinks a few times trying to calm her heart before turning back to the artist in her booth. She has to give Ms. Lyndel credit, she was able to control herself well. Her companion was another story but she actually felt guilty crossing that line. 

"Well... that was." She clears her throat not even able to continue the interview. Cass leans forward speaking gently into the mic. 

"That was why she is my better half." The host looks to her to see the fondness in her eyes. "I am grateful for the support from my fans, truly. I couldn't ask for better fans... but that woman right there." 

The host turns as Cass points to the woman pacing the hall outside the booth window. She turns back to see the young artist smiling brightly. 

"That is my support. My family."

The host smiles gently understanding the artist. 

"Well Cassie, we appreciate you coming by to speak to all of us here at Buzz 103.6! We wish you the best with your continuous success."

"Thank you all for having me!" 

The host sees the ON AIR sign turn off and takes off the headset along with Cass. Cass continues watching through the window as her friend continues to practically stomp making her chuckle. The host turns around as well and gulps before turning back to the artist. 

"Ms. Lyndel, I want to apologize-"

"For what... Doing your job?" Cass says with no sound of resentment. She understands the media is looking for a story. They all do. She can see the regret on the host's face. "You are doing what is expected of you."

The host raises her eyes and finds a gentle smile on the artist's face. She truly is a nice person. Some of the artist she has worked with were complete nightmares. She was half expecting her to be the same way. 

"Regardless, your friend is correct." She says turning to find Nat has stopped pacing and now is looking at the pair through the window. Cass smirks before winking at her as the host continues. "It was out of line, and I am sorry. You handled yourself exceptionally."

"Thank you" Cass says going to shake her hand. "I appreciate the apology and I want to say thank you."

At this the host's brows furrow in confusion. "For what?"

"Helping me remember why that girl out there is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Leaving on that note, Nat watches as Cass walks out with a small smile. She gives one last glare to the host before locking arms with her best friend. The blonde beauty lays her head against her shoulder. Cass doesn't say anything as they go to get back in the vehicle. 

Clifford is quick to open the door allowing the women into the back end of the blazer. Each getting in silently as Clifford comes around getting in the driver seat and taking off. Nat feels Cass slump and reaches for the button lifting the partition for Cass. Not even a moment after the black wall is up does Cass begins shaking. Nat instantly wraps an arm around her shoulder allowing Cass to crumble again. 

Cass couldn't help recalling the photo over and over again in her head. Her eyes turn red from the amount of water expelling from them while she clutches to her anchor. The safety from her embracing allowing for the emotions to pour out. She can not believe she allowed herself to fall for her manager. 

Nat felt her anger boiling seeing her best friend completely broken because of a man. She wished she could throttle this Landon character. He had no right to hurt Cass the way he did and now to rub it in her face so carelessly. She continued holding her, rubbing her hair gently in a soothing matter while Cass laid her head in her lap. She heard a ding and glance to her phone to see a message. 

Jax (1:26 PM) Looking forward to seeing you tonight

Cass sees the message and instantly sits up when she sees look on Nat's face. 

"You are NOT cancelling your date." 

"Cass you need-"

"I need my best friend to be happy!" She says grabbing her best friends hands into her own. "Besides, I have some fuel to write a song tonight"

A sorrowful smile comes across and Nat is unsure what to do. 

"Cass..."

"Please Nat, just trust me. I need to be alone with my own thoughts."

Searching her eyes, she feels defeated and nods her head making Cass smile and hug her. 

"I'll be okay"