Page 20 of Collide

“Rise and Shine America?” I ask, my mouth dry as I gape at Kylie and Mark.

“Yes.” He nods, grinning from ear to ear. “They’ve asked for you.”

“Lara Spencer is a hugeStarstruckfan,” Kylie chimes in, clapping her hands together. “You were her pick to win, and she wanted to snap you up as soon as she heard you were in the country.”

“Plus, she owes me a favor, and this will give you massive exposure,” Mark adds with a grin, as if it’s all business as usual.

“Awesome.” I smile nervously, feeling the anxious excitement bubble up inside me. Wow,Rise and Shine America—that’s crazy! The realization hits me sharply; this isn’t just another gig, it’s an enormous opportunity, my first real test on a major U.S. stage. The thought of millions watching, judging, hoping—it’s exhilarating yet daunting, and I feel the weight of expectation on my shoulders.

“Wait till you hear what’s next,” Mark teases, grinning wider than ever, clapping his hands together to snap me out of my dazed thoughts.

“Starstruck Americawants you to perform your new single at their season two grand finale in October!” Mark beams, and I feel my breath catch in my throat, a whirlwind of excitement and fear tightening my chest. It’s not just the prestige of the moment or the massive audience awaiting me. It’s the realization that this could define the next chapter of my career, shaping the way the world sees me as an artist.

“Hey,did you want to grab a coffee?” Mark calls out from behind me as I’m heading out.

“Sure.” I say, grateful for the moment to step away from the intensity. He smiles in return, and we head down the bustling street toward a nearby coffee shop.

As we walk, we chat casually—Mark talks me through ideas for my music video, his plans for a trip to the Bahamas in December, and about an ‘amazing track’ one of his other artists is producing for another huge international artist.

“You choose a seat. I’ll pick up the coffee. What will you have?” Mark asks, holding the door open.

“An iced caramel latte, please.”

He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads,

“You mean an iced macchiato, mate?” He laughs, feigning an Aussie accent.

I take a seat by the window, sinking into the comfort of the orange café armchairs on either side of a low brown coffee table. Outside, I spot a few boutique stores across the street, and my eyes land on a vintage shop tucked between a laundromat and an Italian restaurant. That looksinteresting. I’ll make a stop after coffee.

Mark walks over with two coffees and sits opposite me. Continuing from where we left off, he opens his tablet, revealing a mood board of golden beaches, sunsets, bonfires, and laid-back fashion.

“Yeah, so we’re thinking San Diego for the shoot,” he says, taking a sip of his brew.

“Why San Diego?”

“The beaches,” he replies, grinning. “A bonfire beach party concept for the video. Your love interest? Your friend, the actor Logan Fisher, is pretty popular at the moment. Great for generating buzz.”

Oh, Logan. Riley’s cousin. My mind flashes back to our awkward teenage kiss.

“What’s Logan doing in San Diego?” I ask, sipping my drink, enjoying the sweet caramel.

“He’s there for Geek-Fest, promoting his movie. Only time he’s available,” Mark explains.

“When do I fly out?”

“Next week,” Mark replies casually.

Mark’s phone buzzes. “Chloe,” he answers, irritation flickering briefly.

“He did what?” He sighs. “Okay, five minutes.” He shoots me an apologetic glance.

“Go ahead. I’ll be fine,” I reassure him.

“I’m really sorry.” His eyes soften before he shoots to his feet. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah.” I smile warmly. “Thanks for the coffee, Mark.”

He rushes out, hails a cab, and waves goodbye through the window. I linger for a moment, anticipation already building for what’s coming.