"Ryan?" I let out a gasp.

"Stell?" Those big brown eyes pierce into my soul.

"Well, good to see you," I try to walk past him to get to work.

"Stella?" I feel a strong grip on my shoulder, "I haven't seen you in years, and that's how you speak to me."

"What do you want me to say?" I let out a small laugh, "Ryan, you left me. I'm the one who's stuck here living with her parents while you're out living your dream as a publisher."

"I-" He starts but looks off to a blonde woman with a sparkling pink dress.

Oh great, she's walking over to us. I guess this is his new lover. Meanwhile, I'm over here all alone - more single than I have ever been.

"Ryan," she pats his shoulder, "Why are you talking to the locals?"

Ryan looks at me and sighs. "Han," he looks at the blonde, "This is Stella."

"Wait!" She looks at me and flashes a huge smile. "This is the ex?"

"Yeah, that's me. Ryan's good old ex girlfriend!" I roll my eyes. I'm over this conversation. I just want to escape to my music.

"No, Stella," Ryan starts, "You know you're more than just an ex."

"Yeah," the girl nods at me, "Ryan always talks about you. It's literally non-stop."

"Wait," I look at her curiously, "Aren't you guys a couple?"

They look at each other and start laughing loudly.

"No way!" She gasps, "I'm Hannah Robertson. You know, the big time movie star?"

I recognize her as soon as she lets the words "movie star" out. I don't know how I didn't see it before now. Hannah is a huge star. She's been in hundreds of movies. I have zero clue why she'd be with Ryan.

"Yeah, Stell," Ryan smiles at me, "Hannah's here trying to help me with a project."

"What project?"

"Uh," Ryan looks between me and Hannah, nervously. "I can't disclose that information until after tonight is over."

What the hell? The old Ryan would have told me anything. Where is my Ryan? What had happened to him in New York?

"Hey, Ryan!" Hannah hits him, playfully. "You don't have to be such an ass about it. This is Stella we're talking about."

"Speaking of Stella, why are you in this music store?" Ryan asks.

"I, uh, work here."

"What happened to law school? I thought you got in?"

"No, I never applied. Law is stupid. Music has always been my passion, but I guess you can't remember a thing about me."

"Stella!" I hear a loud yell from the stage. Oh god, it must be time for Open Mic Night to start. Thank God for Erica and her loud mouth!

"Well, it's been great guys, but I have to work." I nod and walk toward the stage.

"Welcome Hillsdale!" I love this part of my job. I hear the cheers and screams that always go along with Open Mic Night. "We are so thrilled to have you here tonight. Open Mic Nights are one of the best things in our town. We have several signed up to sing tonight, but there are still plenty of openings. Find me or Erica to get the list. For now, let's welcome Mr. Clark up to our stage to get us started."

Mr. Clark walks up on the stage, and I hand him the microphone. He begins our Open Mic Night with a song I have never heard before.

I walk back off the stage, and go to the bar. I deserve a drink after the day I have had so far.

I glance at Ryan. He's still here, standing by the door talking to Hannah. They are both staring intently at the stage as Mr. Clark finishes up his song.

The song ends, and Erica heads up to the stage to announce our next singer.

An hour passes, and we have no performers left as Erica heads back up to the stage.

"Hillsdale!" Everyone cheers again. "This has been an awesome night so far. We have one performer left. Welcome to the stage Stella Andrews!"

This was not planned. I have no song prepared, but I head on the stage anyway.

"Hillsdale," I say into the microphone, "I was not expecting this to happen tonight. You all will have to excuse me if I mess up, but I have been working on a new song. This one is called 'Good Grief''. I hope you all enjoy it!"

I start to sing. I try to avoid eye contact with Ryan. The lyrics perfectly describe our relationship.

I couldn't make you stay

So I had to set you free

Remember those days when we'd lay in your bed

Laughing and loving and now losing you

Was the hardest thing

Good Grief!

I continue singing, but eventually the song comes to an end. I hear the loud roars of cheering erupt from all around me. I look at Ryan, and he has the biggest grin on his face.

"Wow wow wow wow!" Hannah comes up to me squealing. "You were amazing up there!"

"Thanks," I smile.

Ryan walks over to where we are talking and begins smiling at me. "You know, Stell, you are the best singer I've heard in a long time."

"Hey, Ryan, why don't you tell her about the offer?" Hannah smiles.

"Okay," Ryan pats my shoulder, "Stella, we want you to become the artist that we feature on Hannah's brand new movie."

What. The. Heck.