“About twenty-five and I’ll be home by Christmas.”

“That doesn’t sound bad at all.” If Top Shelf was working with Willow, they would probably work with her, too. Maybe Bristol’s experiences were because of her past with Sterling. Or maybe because Bristol was young when they signed her and they knew they could take advantage of her. That still didn’t account for making her work with a dangerous producer though. Maybe they had learned people like Denny Briggs were bad for business.

“Always go for the short tours. They seem to tack on extra shows at the end, depending on your popularity. Since you’re hot, they’ll want to cut an album quick and get you in front of people,” Willow said.

Her voice was so matter-of-fact that Annie started doubting her own doubts. Maybe Top Shelf would take care of her. Maybe signing with them was the way to go. Before she could ask Willow anything else, somebody dressed in black wearing a headset tapped Willow on the shoulder.

“You’re up in ten minutes.”

“Oh. I’d better grab my guitar. Good luck tonight. I can’t wait to hear you live,” Willow said.

Annie watched her disappear in the small crowd that had gathered backstage to either watch the show or were busy prepping for it. She was up after Willow. How that had happened was beyond her. Willow was a bigger name than Annie. Fast Cars followed Annie like always, but X-Treem had an hour-long set before Bristol closed out the show. There was talk of all the bands onstage at the end singing something fun for the crowd, but Annie hadn’t been notified. She wasn’t worried.

“Hello, Los Angeles. Isn’t tonight unbelievable?”

Annie smiled as the crowd roared. It was an amazing concert to not only be a part of, but to witness. She whooped with the crowd as they showered Willow with applause and whistles.

“If you don’t know this already, I’m Willow McAdams. Maybe you’ve heard of me.”

More screaming and cheers. Annie crossed her arms and smiled hard at the playful banter. She thought she was pretty casual onstage, but Willow gave chill a whole new definition. She played three songs, and right when she started the fourth, Sondra and Lizzy flanked Annie. Sondra handed Annie her guitar.

Lizzy leaned close and shouted, “At the end, we’re going to have all the performers go onstage with Bristol. Are you good with that?”

Annie thanked Sondra for her guitar and turned her attention back to Lizzy. “Yeah. That’s fine. I’ll be here and ready.”

Lizzy nodded and hesitated before continuing. “Look. I’m sorry for being such an ass the other day. You’ve been nothing but great on tour and good for Bristol. I got out of hand. What you do on your time is your business.”