Annie sat down and sighed. “It’s fine. I just assumed Top Shelf hired me through you and through Lizzy’s company. They never corrected me when I thanked them for the opportunity.”

Bristol tamped down her irritation. “They are somewhat involved since you’re technically on their tour with me, but they don’t pay you, they don’t rep you, market you, or anything until you sign with them.” Annie looked at Bristol with such vulnerability. To touch her would be wrong, but she obviously had just found out something unsettling, and Bristol wanted to help. “That’s why you need a manager. They’ll weed through all of this for you, and if they’re good, they’ll protect you.”

“What do you think about Lizzy as a manager?”

Fourteen years of friendship, partnership, and business flashed in Bristol’s mind. Lizzy got her everything, but she also pushed Bristol for more. She never doubted their friendship, but if Lizzy had to choose between Bristol and work, Bristol would have to find a new friend. Bristol wasn’t her only client. “Honestly, I’m surprised Lizzy hasn’t already approached you.” Bristol grabbed her new phone. “That reminds me. I got a new phone, but Lizzy’s assistant didn’t put your number in.”

Annie frowned and typed her number in. “When did you get a new phone?”

“Las Vegas.” Bristol looked uncomfortable. “It’s not a big deal. I was irritated that Top Shelf had my location, so Lizzy got me a new phone that no one has the number to.”

“Except me?”

Bristol smiled. “And Lizzy and my family.”

“Why did Top Shelf have your location?” Annie waved her hands in front of her face. “Hold on. Let’s not talk about that. We just had an amazing concert, and you got to see your family for the first time in a long time. Tell me what else puts that beautiful smile on Bristol Baines’s face?”

“What’s on the list now?”

Annie pretended to think hard. “Family, doughnuts, puppies, kittens, children, books, new guitars, old comfortable boots, a crisp fall day, building a snowman outside your niece’s window when she can’t play in the snow with you, a hot cup of tea with honey, and a crackling fireplace that you fall asleep in front of because it’s so comforting.”

Bristol pinched her lips together. “Hmm. That sounds suspiciously like your list, but honestly, it’s not far off mine. How’s Peyton doing?” Bristol took Annie’s hand out of comfort but didn’t let go when Annie flipped her hand so they could entwine fingers. Bristol’s heart vibrated. She was afraid Annie could feel the quickening beat through her fingertips.