Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Skylar meets Ford to define a stripped-down album and secures his promise to exclude her manipulative parents. She admits she hasn’t written songs and agrees to review options next week, when Ford will bring his daughter. A solitary, emotional week helps Skylar reset. Dressed up for a night out, she and West share intense flirting before she leaves with Rosie.
Summary
On Monday, Skylar meets Ford at Wild Rose Records to commit to making an album. She declares it payback and insists her parents be kept out. Ford promises an ironclad contract and to ignore their outreach, which visibly relieves Skylar.
Discussing creative direction, Skylar asks for a stripped-down, imperfect sound and admits she hasn’t written her own songs. Ford offers to source songs, call in favors for musicians, and set timelines, asking if she needs coaching. They schedule a follow-up the next Monday, when Ford will bring his daughter, Cora.
Skylar then spends a week alone, confronting grief and anger without distractions. She practices singing, cries, rests deeply, reads a romance novel, and begins liking her unadorned reflection. She ignores her parents’ pressure via email, decides she won’t let their exploitation continue, and feels herself stabilizing.
Preparing to go out with Rosie, Skylar dresses boldly, embracing a more confident identity. At the farmhouse, she briefly laments turning down West’s dinner invite, wondering about his quiet house. West exits in his bowling team gear; their mutual attraction flares as he compliments her eyes and energy. Skylar touches West’s chest, kisses his cheek, and wishes him luck before leaving with Rosie.
Who Appears
- Skylar StoneDetermined to make a stripped-down album without her parents; spends a cathartic week alone; shares flirty tension with West.
- FordLabel head who supports Skylar, promises an ironclad contract, sources songs, and plans to include his daughter next meeting.
- Weston (West) BelmontCrosses paths with Skylar before bowling; compliments her, deepening mutual attraction; receives a cheek kiss and good-luck wish.
- RosieArrives to pick up Skylar for a night out, prompting Skylar’s departure after the charged moment with West.