PIPER

I sat on my couch, nursing a cup of coffee and trying to shake off the lingering effects of the previous night's chaos. The meeting earlier had gone well, all things considered, but Ben's unexpected invitation to the Grammys kept replaying in my mind. I knew I had to talk it over with Lara, my publicist, so I gave her a call Lara picked up on the second ring. "Hey, Piper. What's up?"

"Hey, Lara," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've got something I need your advice on."

"Sure thing. What's going on?"

"Ben asked me to be his date to the Grammys," I blurted out, unable to keep it in any longer.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "Really? Mr. Nashville Womanizer himself?" She nearly laughs as she uses the tabloids favorite title for him.

"Yeah," I said, running a hand through my hair. "I didn't know what to say. I mean, it's not like he asked me on a real date. He said we could go as friends, but still..."

Lata's voice was thoughtful. "You're worried about the rumors." She finishes my thoughts.

The headlines are having a field day with Ben and me after that night two days ago. Pictures of us, drunk and dancing like we owned the place, are plastered everywhere. The press caught us leaving together, and now the rumors are swirling like crazy.

"Music's New Power Couple? Piper and Ben Spotted in Late-Night Shenanigans!"

"Spotted: Piper and Ben's Drunken Dance-Off—Love in the Air?"

"Piper and Ben's Wild Night: The Rumors Heat Up After Steamy Exit!" I rolled my eyes at this headline especially. Steamy exit? You mean me being a sloppy drunk and then humiliating myself by vomiting all over his shoes? Yes, very steamy.

"Grammys on Fire: Will Piper and Ben Make Their Debut as a Couple?" Not a couple.

Exactly," I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "We've already got enough speculation flying around after last night. If I show up to the Grammys with him, it'll just add fuel to the fire."

"I get it," Lara said. "But it could also be good publicity. The two of you collaborating is already going to get a lot of attention. This could help control the narrative. Plus, let's be honest, showing up with Ben Morgan will definitely turn heads."

"I just don't want to be seen as another one of his conquests, you know? His reputation isn't exactly squeaky clean."

"I understand," Lara replied. "But he did help you out last night, and from what you said, he seems genuinely interested in working with you. Maybe there's more to him than the rumors suggest." I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong, and if my own publicist wasn't against me attending the Grammy's with Ben then I guess I shouldn't be either. I am just so protective of what I've built for myself.

Ben's charm was undeniable. You either loved him or loved to hate him. His decision making was pretty questionable lately, but it seemed like he was really trying to make an effort to turn things around. I wasn't naive though. I knew him getting close to me would help his reputation out a bit. I just didn't want it to take mine down in the process.

"I don't know," I said, feeling torn. "Part of me wants to say yes because it could be fun and it might help with our collaboration. But another part of me is worried about what people will think."

"At the end of the day, it's your decision," Lara said, her tone pragmatic. "You have to do what feels right for you. If you think going with Ben could be beneficial and you can handle the potential gossip, then go for it. If not, there's no shame in saying no."

I sighed, leaning back against the couch. "I'll think about it. It's just...complicated."

"Whatever you decide, I'll support you," Lara said. "Just remember that you're in control of your career and your image. Don't let anyone else dictate that for you. Even though that's sometimes my job." She laughed.

"Thanks, Lara," I said, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning."

"Good. Now, let's focus on this collaboration. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, and I know you're going to knock it out of the park."

I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "You're right. Let's make this song something incredible."

As we continued discussing ideas for the collaboration, I couldn't help but think about Ben and the complicated feelings he stirred in me. Maybe this collaboration would help me understand him better. And maybe, just maybe, it would help me understand myself a little better too.

I spent the next day mulling over Ben's invitation to the Grammys. With only three days left until the event, I knew I couldn't leave him hanging much longer. After a lot of back-and-forth in my mind and another conversation with Lara, I decided to go for it. Lara got Ben's number from his manager and passed it along to me.

Taking a deep breath, I dialed the number. It rang a few times before Ben picked up.

"Hello?" His voice was smooth and confident, as usual.

"Hi, Ben. It's Piper," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Piper," he said, sounding pleasantly surprised. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

I smiled despite myself. "I, uh, wanted to talk to you about the Grammys. Your invitation, I mean."

There was a pause, and then he said, "Oh? And what did you decide?" It was strange to hear him sound unsure.

I could practically hear the smirk in his voice. "I've decided to accept your invitation," I said. "But just as friends. I want to be clear about that."

"Of course, just as friends," he replied smoothly. "I'm just glad you said yes. It'll be a fun night, I promise." That's what I'm scared of.

I relaxed a little at his response. "Alright, then. I guess we're going to the Grammys together."

"Fantastic," he said, his tone genuinely pleased. "I'll see you in LA."

"Sounds good," I agreed. "Bye and uh, thanks?" Why am I an idiot? Thanks? So embarrassing.

"No, thank you, Piper," he said, a hint of flirtation in his voice. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Okay, see you then," I said, trying to keep my own tone neutral.

"See you then," he echoed, and I could almost see his charming smile through the phone.

After hanging up, I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. The decision was made, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was going to be an interesting Grammys, to say the least.

The next few days were a whirlwind of preparation, with Lara, Emily and me coordinating outfits and logistics. Despite my initial reservations, I couldn't deny a growing sense of anticipation. Sunday night couldn't come soon enough.

~*~

The meet and greet for the charity event was in full swing, the room buzzing with energy. The event was to raise money for kids with illnesses, and I was glad to be a part of it. Smiling for photos and signing autographs, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing we were making a difference. Among the crowd, I spotted Maverick. He was doing his part, but there was something off about his demeanor when we locked eyes. He quickly averted his attention from me.

After the event wrapped up, I made my way over to him. "Hey, Maverick," I greeted, giving him a hug.

He lamely reciprocated the hug with a lazy arm stretching over my shoulders before pulling back. "Hey, Piper," he replied, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

As the last of the kids left and the crowd thinned out, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering him. "Is everything alright? You seem a bit off."

He shrugged, still avoiding my gaze. "Just tired, I guess."

I frowned, not buying it. "Come on, Maverick. We've known each other too long for that. What's really going on?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's nothing, really."

"Mav, talk to me," I insisted. "I can tell something's bothering you."

He finally met my eyes, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. "I don't know if this is the place to talk about this."

I sighed, he was probably right. "Can we get dinner? Catch up?" I asked, hopeful.

"I can't tonight," he said as he slipped on his leather jacket. His eyes finally met mine again and he let out a breath. "After the Grammys?" He offered.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm. "Sure,"

Maverick managed a small smile as he adjusted his ball cap. "See you later,"

"Bye, Mav." I watched as he turned to walk away.

The next day, I was caught off guard when Emily called me with some exciting news. "Hey, Piper," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "I've got a proposition for you."

"What's up, Em?" I asked, curious.

"I just got off the phone with the Grammys," she replied, barely containing her enthusiasm. "They want you to perform a tribute to Dolly Parton at the ceremony."

My heart skipped a beat at the news. "Are you serious? That's incredible!"

"Yeah, they were really impressed with your performance at the Grand Ole Opry and thought it would be fitting since Dolly surprised you on stage," Emily explained.

I felt a rush of gratitude and honor. "I don't even know what to say. Of course, I'll do it!"

"That's the spirit!" Emily exclaimed. "I know it's short notice so please get your song choice and start practicing."

My excitement quickly turned to nerves. "That's so soon." I almost forgot it was only 2 days away.

"I know, it's short notice," Emily acknowledged. "But I know you can do it. And hey, I'm here to help you every step of the way."

I nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed but determined to make it work. "Thanks, Em. I'll get started on it right away."

After hanging up with Emily, I realized I needed some help choosing a song and getting it rehearsed in such a short amount of time. Given our complicated history, I hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Ben.

I dialed his number, trying to keep my nerves in check. When he picked up, I launched into the reason for my call. "Hey, Ben. It's Piper. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I could really use your help with something."

"Hey, Piper," he replied warmly. "Of course, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath, trying to play it cool. "So, I've been asked to perform a tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grammys, and I need to choose a song and rehearse it ASAP. I was wondering if you could help me pick a song."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Ben responded. "Wow, that's amazing, Piper. Yeah let's meet up and go through some songs."

Relief flooded through me at his willingness to assist. "Thank you so much, Ben. I really appreciate it."

"No problem at all," he said. "I'll see you soon."

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted such a warm response from him. Despite our complicated history, he always managed to surprise me. And as much as I tried to keep things professional, I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement at the thought of spending more time with him.

Ben arrived at my house, and I couldn't help feeling a bit awkward as I invited him in. "Hey, come on in," I said, gesturing for him to enter. "Sorry, it's a bit of a mess."

"No worries," Ben replied with a grin. "I'm not here to judge your housekeeping skills."

I chuckled nervously, leading him outside where we could play our guitars without disturbing the neighbors. As we settled in, I offered him some drinks and food, but all I had to offer was leftover Chinese and a lunchable. "Sorry, it's not much," I apologized sheepishly, gesturing towards the meager spread.

Ben's eyes sparkled with amusement as he surveyed the offerings. "Hey, this is perfect," he said, flashing me a charming smile. "I'm not really hungry anyway."

We started going through the songs of Dolly Parton, and Ben's talent and knowledge of music impressed me. "You're really good," I couldn't help but comment as we played through each song.

"Thanks," he replied modestly, but there was a twinkle in his eye. "You're not too bad yourself."

Eventually, we settled on "Apple Jack" and began to rehearse the song. I hadn't been expecting to sing during our session, but as Ben strummed along, I found myself getting lost in the music. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and for a moment, it seemed he felt the same way. Our eyes met in the midst of us singing together and just as quickly as it had appeared, Ben seemed to shake off the connection, his demeanor shifting slightly. "I think that's enough for today," he said, interrupting the song abruptly.

I blinked, taken aback by the sudden change. "Oh, okay," I replied, trying to hide my disappointment.

He flashed me a smile, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes. "Thanks for having me over, Piper. I'll see you in a couple days."

And with that, he was gone, leaving me standing there feeling a bit bewildered. As I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but wonder what had spooked him.