Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Skylar follows Weston to Wild Rose Records, reeling from a public breakup and crippling on-camera anxiety. Determined to secretly make her own album, she arrives unannounced. Ford and Rosalie weigh housing options while the studio is unfinished, and Rosalie offers her brother’s simple nearby bunkhouse, giving Skylar a private place to start over.
Summary
Driving behind Weston Belmont after the bear encounter, Skylar fixates on Weston’s hands and presence while confessing her recent collapse: a humiliating breakup, suffocating public image, and new on-camera paralysis. She resolves to secretly record her own album without her controlling parents or agent.
Weston leads Skylar to Wild Rose Records’ lakeside property and, after a wry exchange with her talkative parrot Cherry, declines further thanks, telling Skylar she owes him nothing. His parting eases Skylar’s guilt as she steels herself to face producer Ford Grant.
Inside, Skylar meets Rosalie, the business manager, and Ford, who is surprised by her unannounced arrival. Skylar asks to start early despite the unfinished studio and cottages. Ford considers temporary solutions, even offering their house, while Rosalie teases his stern demeanor.
Overwhelmed by feeling like an imposition, Skylar backtracks, but Rosalie intervenes, proposing her brother’s nearby bunkhouse: private, unfancy, and available during peak tourist season. The offer gives Skylar a low-key base to begin writing and regroup from fame, heartbreak, and anxiety while plans for recording are set for the coming days.
Who Appears
- Skylar StoneFamous performer fleeing a humiliating breakup and camera anxiety; arrives unannounced to secretly record an album.
- Weston BelmontHorse trainer who guided Skylar to Wild Rose; reassures her and leaves, insisting she owes him nothing.
- Rosalie (Rosie)Wild Rose Records’ business manager; warm and decisive, offers her brother’s bunkhouse for Skylar.
- Ford GrantProducer at Wild Rose; surprised by Skylar’s early arrival, offers help while studio and cottages are unfinished.
- CherrySkylar’s outspoken African grey parrot, interjects rudely and adds humor to tense moments.