PIPER

The next morning dawned bright and early, the excitement of the day filling me with a mix of nerves and anticipation. I had barely slept, but adrenaline and coffee were keeping me going. As I sipped my coffee and looked out at the city from my hotel suite, the reality of what laid ahead began to sink in.

Today was the Grammys.

At 10 AM sharp, there was a knock on the door. It was Emily and Lara, both armed with their schedules and determined expressions.

"Good morning, Piper," Emily said cheerfully. "Ready for your big day?"

I smiled, trying to mask my nervousness. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Lara handed me a printed itinerary. "We've got a busy day ahead. First, we head to the final dress fitting, then the press junket at noon. After that, you'll have a break before hair and makeup arrive at 3 PM."

I nodded, trying to absorb it all. "Got it. Let's get started."

We headed out, and the morning flew by in a blur of activity. The final dress fitting went smoothly, my stylist making last-minute adjustments to ensure everything was perfect. The gown was stunning—a floor-length, shimmering creation that made me feel like I was living in a fairytale.

The press junket was a whirlwind of flashing cameras and rapid-fire questions. I did my best to stay composed, sticking to the pre-approved answers Lara had coached me on. The reporters were relentless, but I managed to keep my cool, focusing on the excitement of the evening.

As we arrived at the press junket, the energy in the room was palpable. Reporters crowded around, cameras flashing as they vied for my attention. Emily and Lara guided me through the chaos, leading me to a designated area where I would field questions from the press.

The room was buzzing with anticipation, and I could feel the weight of all eyes on me as I took my seat. Emily handed me a stack of cue cards with pre-approved questions and answers, a precaution to ensure the interview stayed on track.

But as soon as the first reporter spoke, I knew something was off.

"Piper, there have been rumors circulating about a possible romantic involvement between you and Ben Morgan. Care to comment?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a surge of panic. This was not what I had prepared for. I glanced at Emily and Lara, but they looked just as surprised as I was.

I took a moment to compose myself, reminding myself to stick to the plan. "I'm here to talk about my music and my album. Let's keep the focus on that, shall we?"

But the reporter persisted, pressing for a response. "But Piper, the pictures from the other night—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Lara stepped in, her voice firm. "We're not here to discuss rumors or speculation. Piper's focus is on her music and her career, and that's what we're here to talk about."

The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air. I felt a mix of relief and frustration, grateful for Lara's intervention but rattled by the unexpected turn of events.

As the press junket continued, I did my best to stay composed, sticking to the prepared questions and answers as much as possible. But the incident lingered in the back of my mind, a reminder of the scrutiny and speculation that came with fame.

As soon as the press junket was over, I stepped outside, needing a moment to collect my thoughts. Emily and Lara hovered nearby, their expressions concerned.

"Are you okay, Piper?" Emily asked, her voice gentle.

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just caught off guard, that's all."

But inside, my mind was racing. The rumor mill was working overtime, and I knew this wouldn't be the last time I faced questions about Ben. Did I really want to make a public statement? Would it help, or would it just fan the flames?

Lara frowned, her brow furrowing with worry. "We'll make sure to tighten up security for the red carpet. We can't have reporters throwing you off like that again."

Her words were comforting, but I knew the real issue went deeper. No matter how much security we had, the rumors would persist. I needed to take control of the narrative, but how?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my thoughts. Ben and I were just friends, and I valued that friendship deeply. But I didn't want our connection to overshadow my music. My career was my passion, my life's work. Would addressing the rumors head-on help, or would it only give them more power?

The idea of making a public statement kept nagging at me. It felt like the right move, a way to clarify things once and for all. But would it really work? Or would people just twist my words, creating more gossip and speculation?

Finally, we returned to the hotel for a brief break. I took a moment to breathe, lying down on the bed and closing my eyes, trying to center myself. The hours passed quickly, and before I knew it, it was time for hair and makeup.

The glam team arrived right on schedule, transforming me from a bundle of nerves into someone who looked confident and poised. My hair was styled in loose waves, and my makeup was flawless, highlighting my features without being too over-the-top.

As the finishing touches were applied, my phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Ben.

From Ben:
Picking you up at 5:30 tonight. Slightly hungover from last night, but nothing I can't handle... hopefully lol.

A small smile tugged at my lips. Last night had been fun, it really showed me that he wasn't the guy in the tabloids. But it also reinforced my decision—clarifying things was essential to keep moments like these from becoming public.

From Piper:
I think the 4th cup of coffee finally cleared mine haha. See ya tonight.

Just as I put my phone down, there was a knock on the door. Emily opened it to reveal Maverick, looking dapper in a tailored suit. His eyes lit up when he saw me.

"Wow, Piper," he said, grinning. "You look incredible."

I felt a rush of warmth and smiled back. "Maverick, what're you doing here?"

He stepped inside, giving me a quick hug. "Just wanted to stop by. How ya feelin'?"

"Nervous but excited," I admitted. "It's a lot to take in."

"You've got this," he said confidently. "Just be yourself and enjoy the moment."

I smiled. "You too,"

Emily glanced at her watch. "It's almost time. The car will be here any minute."

I looked back at him, anxiously biting at my bottom lip. "I guess I should get ready to go..."

His hand slipped to the back of his neck, his nervous tick. "Listen, Piper... I'm sorry I've been so distant."

"It's okay," I said.

Maverick shook his head. "It's not and I have to be honest with you. Seeing you with—"

"Ben just arrived, Piper. We're on a strict schedule." Emily said as she came back into the room. Her eyes darted between Maverick and I until finally giving me that look.

I gave Maverick a sorry smile. "We'll talk soon. I promise, but I have to go. Good luck tonight, Mav."

He sighed. "Yeah, you too."

We headed down to the lobby, where a sleek black limousine was waiting. The driver opened the door, and I saw Ben step out, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp tuxedo. He gave me a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with the kind of mischief that always put me at ease.

"Ready to go?" he asked, holding out his hand to help me into the limo.

"I think so," I replied, taking his hand and stepping inside.

As I settled into the plush leather seats, I glanced back at Maverick. He stood at the entrance of the hotel, a pained expression on his face. I couldn't understand why he seemed so upset.

The limo door closed, and as we pulled away, I couldn't shake the image of Maverick's crestfallen face. What had he been about to say before we were interrupted? I pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the excitement of the night ahead.

Ben leaned back in his seat, his hair slightly disheveled, but touseled perfectly at the same time. He was undeniably handsome, the tux escalating what already good looks he possessed. "Look at you, James. You clean up pretty damn good." He smiled. "You look beautiful."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "Thanks, Ben. You clean up pretty well yourself."

He laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I try."

We drove through the city, the lights of downtown sparkling outside the windows. I couldn't help but steal a few glances at Ben, admiring how effortlessly handsome he looked.

As we approached the venue, I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the red carpet chaos. Ben squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"Don't be nervous. I'll be right there with you." He promised.

I nodded, grateful for his support. "You'd think I'd be used to this."

"You never get used to people screaming at you and cameras flashing in your face."

The limo came to a stop, and the door opened to the blinding flash of cameras and the roar of the crowd. Ben stepped out first, then turned to help me out of the car. I felt the rush of excitement and nerves, but Ben's presence seemed ground me.

As Ben and I stepped onto the red carpet, Reporters shouted our names, eager to capture the perfect shot and get a few words out of us. Ben, ever the charmer, grinned widely and waved, his hand at the small of my back.

We moved along the carpet, pausing every few steps to pose for pictures. Ben wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer for the photographers. I could feel the warmth of his touch through the fabric of my dress, and while it was meant to be reassuring, I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry about how it might look.

I couldn't deny how I actually liked the warmth his body gave mine. Ben was comforting in a sort of way. His arm wrapping around my waist smoothly send shivers down my spine. It felt all too intentional and past the line of friendly.

"Ben! Piper! Over here!" one reporter shouted, waving frantically to get our attention.

We turned towards the source of the voice, ready to face the onslaught of questions.

"Ben, Piper, you two look amazing tonight!" the reporter exclaimed. "Are you excited for the show?"

Ben stepped forward, his charm in full force. "Absolutely. It's always a thrill to be here, especially with such talented company."

I nodded in agreement, trying to keep my smile in place despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "It's an honor to be nominated, and I'm looking forward to celebrating with my fellow artists."

The reporter's eyes flickered between us, and I could sense the curiosity in the air. "So, are you two here together tonight?"

Before Ben or I could respond, another reporter jumped in, eager to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Piper, there have been rumors swirling about a possible collaboration with Ben on your next album. Care to comment?"

I felt a pang of anxiety, knowing that any slip-up could fuel the gossip mill even further. But Ben was quick to step in, his easy charm diffusing the tension.

"Ah, you know how it is in this industry," he said with a chuckle. "Nothing's set in stone until it's set in stone. But Piper and I make a pretty good team, so who knows what the future holds?"

I shot him a grateful smile, relieved by his quick thinking. Together, we navigated the rest of the red carpet interviews, fielding questions with practiced ease.

"Over here, Piper! Ben! Smile for us!"

"How about a kiss for the fans?"

I forced a smile, trying to maintain my composure. Ben leaned in, whispering in my ear, "Just keep smiling. We've got this." His warm minty breath fanned over my neck.

As we reached the end of the red carpet, I gently pulled away from his grasp, turning to face him. "Ben, we need to be careful about how this looks. I don't want to give the press any more ideas about us." I said, gesturing to our very close proximity.

He looked at me with a reassuring smile. "Piper, it'll be fine. They're going to talk no matter what we do. But tonight, let's just focus on having a great time. You deserve to enjoy this, for once just be in the moment. Plus, you look absolutely stunning. No one's going to blame me for wanting to be seen with you."

I felt my cheeks flush. "It's really important to me that the focus stays on the music." I said, ignoring his flirting.

He nodded, his expression softening. "I understand. And I promise, I'll do my best to keep the spotlight where it belongs."

As we entered the venue, the buzz of the crowd and the grandeur of the setting amplified my excitement. The night was finally here, and I was about to perform on the Grammys stage. Ben and I made our way through the groups of people, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the chaos.

When we reached the backstage area, it was time for us to part ways. I turned to Ben, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. "Wish me luck," I said, my voice slightly trembling.

Ben smiled, his eyes warm with reassurance. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. "You don't need luck, Piper. You've got this. But just in case—break a leg out there."

I felt a rush of warmth from his touch and his words, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "Thanks, Ben. I'll see you after the afterwards."

With a final smile, Ben turned and headed towards the seating area. I watched him go for a moment, finding myself surprised and grateful for the unexpected friendship I've found in him
Ben Morgan of all people. Taking a deep breath, I focused on the task ahead. The stage was calling, and it was time.

I entered the dressing room, a sense of calm washed over me. This was familiar territory—the place where the magic happened, where nerves turned into adrenaline and anticipation turned into excitement.

With the help of my team, I slipped out of my Chanel ball gown and into something more suitable for the stage—a slimmer black dress that subtly shimmered amongst the lights. The fabric clung to my curves in all the right places, giving me an added boost of confidence.

With a final glance in the mirror, I squared my shoulders and headed towards the stage entrance. Here we go.

As I watched the monitor backstage, my heart pounded in my chest with each passing moment. The tension in the air was palpable as the awards were announced one by one. It felt like an eternity as the ceremony went on, but finally, it was my turn.

As the show went into a commercial break, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it—the moment I had been waiting for.

When the show returned, I listened intently as the announcer called out my name. A rush of adrenaline surged through me as I made my way to the stage, the spotlight shining down as I took my place behind the microphone.

I looked out at the audience, a sea of faces watching me with anticipation. This was my chance to honor one of the greatest artists of all time—Dolly Parton.

With a nod to the band, I began to play the first chords of the tribute song, my fingers dancing across the keys with practiced precision. The music filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

As I sang, I poured my heart and soul into every note. The audience listened in rapt silence, hanging on every word as the melody washed over them.

The applause rang out as I reached the end of the song. I bowed at the crowd, baffled to be here. Never did I imagine even a year ago that my career would be going where it's gone.

After my tribute to Dolly Parton, I hurried backstage to change back into my dress, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. The moment was over too quickly, but the memory of it would last a lifetime.

I slipped back into my Chanel
gown and with a quick glance in the mirror to make sure everything was in place, I made my way back to the seats, where Ben was waiting for me. He smiled as I approached, his eyes shining with pride.

"You were amazing up there," he said, pulling me into a quick hug.

I smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through me. "You sure? I was so nervous."

"Couldn't even tell." He assured.

We settled back into our seats, just in time for the next round of awards to be announced. As the nominees for Male Album of the Year were announced, I held my breath, knowing Maverick was among them. But when the winner was announced and it wasn't Maverick, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for him. Still, I applauded along with the rest of the audience, happy to see another talented artist recognized for their work.

Next up was Female Song of the Year, and my own name was among the nominees. My heart raced as the winner was announced, and when Kelsie Rae's name was called, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—sadness that I hadn't won, but also genuine happiness for Kelsie Rae, who deserved the recognition for her incredible record breaking year.

As she made her way to the stage to accept her award, I joined in the applause, a smile on my face despite the disappointment. Tonight wasn't about winning or losing—it was about celebrating music and the incredible artists who made it. And in that moment, surrounded by friends and fellow musicians, I felt grateful to be a part of such a vibrant and inspiring community.

As the Female Album of the Year award category was announced, I felt a surge of anticipation mixed with nerves. This was the big moment, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. I glanced over at Ben, who was sitting beside me, his hand reaching out to grab mine.

"The nominees this year for Female Album of the Year are..." the screen behind the two presenters flashed behind them videos of the nominees and the shining moments they had this year. "Kelsie Rae, Undone." The audience applauded as the nominees continued.

His touch was reassuring, grounding me in the midst of my swirling emotions. I felt a rush of warmth spread through me at the simple gesture, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of excitement and anxiety.

As the nominees were listed and the winner was about to be announced, I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered with anticipation, and I found myself holding my breath as the envelope was opened.

"And the winner is..." the presenter opened the envelope and at the same time they said, "Piper James, Chance."

A tidal wave of disbelief, joy, and overwhelming emotion crashed over me. I was frozen for a moment, the reality of what had just happened sinking in.

The applause was deafening, a roaring wave of sound that brought me back to the moment. I stood up, my legs feeling unsteady as I made my way to the stage. Each step felt surreal, like walking through a dream. My heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced with a mix of gratitude and disbelief.

As I climbed the stairs to the stage, I could see the beaming faces of my peers, mentors, and fans. The lights were blinding, but I could feel the warmth of their support. Reaching the podium, I took a deep breath and looked out over the sea of faces. The award was handed to me, and its weight felt both substantial and surreal in my hands.

I leaned into the microphone, my voice trembling with emotion. "Wow, I don't even know where to begin. This is... this is unbelievable. I want to thank everyone who believed in me, who supported me on this incredible journey. My family, my friends, my amazing team—thank you from the bottom of my heart."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I looked out at the sea of faces before me. The support and love in the room were palpable, and I felt humbled to be standing here, surrounded by so many talented artists and musicians.

"I want to start by thanking my incredible family," I continued, my voice gaining strength with each word. "My parents, my brother, and everyone else who has been there for me since day one. You have supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. This award is as much yours as it is mine."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about all the sacrifices my family had made to help me pursue my dreams. "I love you all more than words can express, and I am forever grateful for everything you have done for me."

The crowd erupted into applause.

"As artists, we have the power to touch people's hearts and souls with our music," I continued, my voice gaining strength with each word. "And I promise to continue using that power to spread love, hope, and positivity to everyone who listens."

I raised the trophy high above my head, the weight of it feeling like a symbol of all the hard work and sacrifices that had brought me to this moment. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. This is for all of you."

With that, I stepped away from the microphone, the applause ringing in my ears as I made my way back to my seat, my heart overflowing with gratitude and love. Tonight was a night I would never forget, and I was grateful to have shared it with so many incredible people, especially my family.