A lot has changed. The first thing I did when I got back from Florida was to hire a lawyer to help me officially take control of my finances. I fired Mariska and hired a new publicist (because after all, what kind of publicist lets me get involved in a fiasco like the one she and Jesse created—and then tells everyone I’m in rehab?). I decided that three of the songs I had written would go on my new album. I took Mom off the payroll as a manager (after finding out that she had set it up so that she was drawing a $750,000-a-year salary!) and added her on as a consultant at $100,000 a year. With her tail between her legs, she said yes. I told her afterward that I wouldn’t need my consultant to travel with me on tour but that she was welcome to come visit anytime she wanted to.

In other words, I took back my life. And I’m taking back my music too.

I knew I was taking a risk with the new album, because I made it more me. It’s less pop and more rock. The lyrics are not bubble-gum sweet; I tried to infuse them with as much honesty as I could. It’s not overproduced to the point you can barely tell it’s me, like my earlier stuff. And oh yeah, it’s full of guitar solos from the great Ben Hudson, who’s become a better friend than ever. He even produced four of the tracks on the album.

And guess what? Everyone loves it. The reviews so far have been really great. The first single, “All of Me,” just hit number one on the charts this week. The best part of that is that “All of Me” is one of the songs on the album that I wrote.

I spend thirty minutes answering press questions. Yes, I’m happy to be back. Yes, I’m looking forward to the tour this summer. Yes, I’m slowly getting my relationship with my mom back on track. Yes, I’m thrilled that “All of Me” has already hit number one. No, I haven’t talked to Jesse Bishop since the fall. Yes, this album is my favorite one I’ve done so far. Blah, blah, blah, blah.

The press conference seems to be winding down when my new publicist, Sarah, calls on a journalist in the back of the room who’s been waving his hand wildly in the air.

He stands up, and I suck in a quick breath as I recognize him.

“Star,” he says slowly. I stare at him, and all the reporters in the room seem to fall away. “I’m sorry I had to come to the press conference like this, but you won’t take my calls. I just wanted to say I love you. We miss you. I hope you’ll come home.”