Vanessa squeezed Annie’s hand. “It’s fine. Most people know I’m from here. I’m Vanessa.” She turned to get the attention of the tall teenager beside her. Same brown hair and expressive brown eyes as Bristol. “This is Bristol’s baby brother, Reece.”

“Nice to meet you.” Annie had to raise her voice as the crowd started getting louder, knowing that Bristol was due onstage any moment.

“Your music is great,” he said. His arm was draped across the shoulders of the girl next to him, who easily looked twenty-five years old but was probably his age. She was busy scrolling on her phone and talking to a girl on the other side of her.

“Thanks,” Annie said.

“How are you liking the tour?” Vanessa asked.

“I can’t possibly find the words to tell you how excited I am that Bristol picked me.”

“You two are brilliant together. I mean, you’re both good, but together you have chemistry onstage.”

The heat on Annie’s cheeks wasn’t because it was a hot California night. She knew they had chemistry, too. “Thank you,” she said shyly. “I’m glad you and Bristol were able to see each other today. I know she’s been missing you all.” Annie wanted to say more but knew it was inappropriate since they’d just met, and she didn’t know Bristol enough to speak on her behalf. Or that it was even her business.

The lights cut out, signaling the start of the show, and Annie couldn’t hear anything other than screaming fans. She and Vanessa smiled at one another, knowing full well that having a conversation over the next two hours would be impossible. There was a quick burst of quiet activity on the stage as her band slipped on and the roadies slipped off after putting equipment in place. When Bristol ran into the single spotlight, Annie held her breath. She looked so beautiful and serene. Her long hair was pulled back in a fishtail French braid. She was wearing a cream-colored A-line skirt that flared right above her knee and a cold-shoulder blouse that accentuated her curves but covered them modestly. The color of her lipstick matched her blouse. The soft pink made her pouty mouth seem even more kissable. Bristol always fussed about how much makeup her stylists put on her, but seeing it from the crowd’s perspective, she looked amazing.

“We love you, Bristol!” the crowd yelled.

Bristol didn’t have her guitar with her on the first song. Annie smiled because she loved the new a cappella version of her number-one hit. After the song was done and a roadie ran her guitar out to her, Bristol took the time to chat with the crowd. Annie couldn’t believe how calm and confident Bristol was onstage. She had seen this concert several times now and was still in awe every time she watched Bristol perform.