When Snoopy rushed to Kevin Love's house, he found himself face-to-face with Donaldson, a top producer from Hollywood Records, and a rather unamused Miley Cyrus.
Ever since her breakout role in Hannah Montana back in 2006, Miley had become Disney's reigning princess, swiftly outshining Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff. Last year, Disney even launched her on a world tour, and this year they'd turned it into a full-on 3D concert film.
In the ongoing rivalry of Disney's "three princesses," Miley was a full stride ahead of Demi and Selena.
By late March, Disney had signed her officially under Hollywood Records, planning to create a super platinum album by scouting the hottest new songs.
And that's how Snoopy's "Just The Way You Are" landed on the label's radar. Heartbroken from a recent breakup, Miley fell in love with the song the moment she heard it, a sweet, tender love ballad that struck right at her emotions.
"Hi, I'm Snoopy."
He greeted Donaldson and Miley politely, shaking hands with both.
Miley's sapphire-blue eyes caught the light as she smiled, finally, a genuine smile. She had that kind of effortless confidence and charm that seemed to glow.
Maybe that's why she got to play Hannah Montana, the bright, confident star, while Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato were typecast as the plain "girl next door" types. In fact, in Hannah Montana, Selena even appeared as Miley's on-screen rival.
And now, life was imitating art.
Miley's ex, Nick Jonas, was now publicly dating Selena, and the tabloids couldn't get enough of their sweet, inseparable moments. Miley could only grit her teeth behind her practiced smile, even yesterday, she'd been baking cookies with Selena, watching as Selena drew a heart in icing on hers.
All she could do was roll her eyes in secret and chirp, "Wow, Selena, that's adorable!"
She hated that feeling. Which was why she'd chosen Snoopy's love song, and after watching his performance on YouTube, she'd told Donaldson flat-out:
"I want to sing this as a duet, with him."
That put the producer in a tight spot. It would complicate everything. But Miley was firm.
So now, here they were.
Donaldson cleared his throat. "We'd like you two to try a duet version. If the chemistry works, we'll record it tomorrow."
He expected Snoopy to be overjoyed, after all, who wouldn't be thrilled at the chance to record with Disney's golden girl?
But Snoopy just scratched his head and said honestly,
"I know recording takes time, but I really don't have much of that right now."
His meaning was clear, no.
Kevin quickly stepped in to explain, "Snoopy's our team's starting, uh, point guard. We've got our Final Four game next Tuesday. Tomorrow's our only day off."
Donaldson was about to suggest dropping the duet idea altogether, but before he could,
Miley interjected, "I like his voice. And his look. I'll clear my entire schedule tomorrow. One day's enough to record it."
And that was that.
Donaldson couldn't say no to Disney's top star. He ushered them both into Kevin's home studio for a test run.
"Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining…"
The moment Snoopy sang the first line, Donaldson froze, his eyes wide in shock.
Uncle Mike Love raised an eyebrow. "Told you. The demo didn't even capture sixty percent of his tone. He's got a recording voice built for the big leagues."
Then Miley joined in:
"When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change…"
Perfect harmony.
Their voices fit together like puzzle pieces, a warm, youthful chemistry bursting through the speakers. Snoopy's tone had a smooth, metallic clarity, the kind of calm, composed voice that made him sound like a stoic, cool-headed school prince.
Miley's voice was vibrant and sunlit , the lively girl next door who'd fallen for him.
Donaldson grinned from ear to ear. "It's perfect! It sounds like a campus love story between a bright, fearless girl and the quiet, handsome boy she can't resist."
He clapped his hands decisively.
"Tomorrow, we record it officially at the studio."
Then he turned to Snoopy. "Have you ever thought about signing as a recording artist? I could get you a deal right now."
Snoopy was about to refuse, but Uncle Mike gave him a subtle wink. So he smiled politely instead and declined gently.
Later, Uncle Mike explained,
"Hollywood Records only knows how to make teenage pop idols. If you ever want to go serious in music, I'll introduce you to a much better label."
Snoopy hadn't really thought much about it. He wasn't chasing fame, the song had just popped into his head one day.
Still, with the $300,000 licensing fee and 19% royalties, it was already the biggest payday of his life.
And that, he thought, was more than enough.