“Good evening, Los Angeles. It’s great to be home.” Annie could tell by Bristol’s wide smile and genuine laughter that she meant it. “I slept in my own bed last night for the first time in almost nine months. It was great. What was even better was that my mother, who’s here tonight—hi, Mom!—woke me up with Primo’s doughnuts and coffee. I think I cried.” The crowd laughed, and several “Hi, Moms” were heard. Bristol plucked a few strings on her guitar. “Who’s ready for an amazing concert?” After twenty seconds of fans screaming at the top of their lungs, Bristol said, “We started off strong with Annie Foster. Subscribe to her YouTube channel right now. Go ahead. Pull out your phones. I’ll wait.” She playfully strummed and added, “And download Fast Cars’ latest album Turbocharged. It’s fantastic.” She paused for effect. “Okay. If we’re all done, let’s get back to some music.”

Bristol didn’t have to turn to her band to let them know when to start the next song. They just knew. Annie could barely organize a small venue at The Night Owl without tripping over equipment and other performers, but Bristol made it look easy. She was completely in charge, and that made her even more attractive to Annie. The first half of the concert flew by. When one of the band members started the drum solo, everyone knew it was time for the switch. Annie wondered what Bristol was going to wear for the devil portion. Her wardrobe was vast. Colored spotlights spun in circles around the arena like a perfectly timed laser show. It kept the crowd entertained during the ninety seconds Bristol had to change her clothes and let down her hair.

A lone white spotlight found its way to the stage. Bristol slipped into the bright circle wearing a purple butterfly crop top with long sleeves and black pants. Annie couldn’t see Bristol’s shoes, but it didn’t really matter. For the first time all tour, Bristol’s midriff was showing. Not only was it more skin than Annie had seen before but it also revealed a very toned and flat stomach. The pants were low on her hips, and the only thing Annie could do was stare. She didn’t even try to sing with the crowd. Bristol had rendered her speechless. She swallowed hard when Bristol made her way to the front of the stage and gave her mother and brother a quick wave. Annie felt her heart explode, and a kaleidoscope of emotions twirled through her when Bristol winked at her. Maybe it was for somebody else in the crowd, but until the concert was over, she was going to tell herself that wink was hers.

Chapter Eighteen