Bristol nodded at the security guy stationed outside the VIP bathroom. The private room had its own sink and a counter full of personal-sized hygiene products from mouthwashes to deodorants. She washed her hands, used minty mouthwash, and double-checked her makeup. The jacket she was wearing was hot, but it looked so good on her that she suffered through the discomfort. She wore a thin tank top under it and a pair of ridiculously expensive black pants that clung to her. Her hair was down, but she pulled it up with one hand and fanned herself with the other. She hated that she looked tired. She was going home and crawl into bed and stay there for days until she had to go to her meeting with Top Shelf. She let her hair down, fixed her lipstick, and opened the door. The first thing she saw was Annie sitting on a chaise lounge.

“You made it.” Bristol gave Annie a small smile, not knowing where Annie stood on how they’d left things.

“I’m supposed to be at the airport in two hours to catch an early flight out.”

Bristol could feel Annie’s anger in the space between them, but she felt something else, too. Hope had needled its way into Bristol’s heart. Annie was here, was sitting right in front of her wanting something. She was always beautiful onstage, but the Annie in front of her was extremely sexy wearing stilettos with her little black dress. Her curls hung loosely over her shoulders and rolled down her back. She was the most beautiful woman Bristol had ever seen. Her light blue eyes were piercing in the soft glow of the room.

“We can change your ticket.”

“I already did.”

“Oh?” Bristol took a step closer. Annie didn’t move. “You look amazing tonight.”

Her shoulders relaxed at Bristol’s words. “Thank you.”

Bristol stepped closer. “You did a remarkable job on tour. I’m happy you were with us. I know things are off between us, but, Annie, I really hope you get whatever you want out of this.” She bit her bottom lip to keep from saying something unsavory about Top Shelf.

“Thank you. I’m still working on the getting-what-I-want part,” Annie said.

Bristol didn’t know if she should read something into her remark but decided to go for it just in case she wasn’t misreading the signs. “Do you want to go somewhere quiet? Where we could talk?”

“You don’t have to say good night to anyone?”

Bristol pulled out her phone to send Lizzy a text message.

I’m out. Have a fun night. I’ll see you at the meeting.

“That’s it?” Annie asked.