Bristol smiled when she felt Annie’s fingers on her hand again. “As of two hours ago, I work for no one.” Bristol wasn’t going to fire Lizzy as her manager because she still ran Bristol’s business side of things, but she was going to make it very clear that she was done touring and was never going to sign another contract with Top Shelf again.

“Let’s go,” Annie said.

Bristol’s driver was behind the club in a side alley. Security was standing guard to prevent people from parking in front of him so they could get away quickly. Parking in downtown Los Angeles was a nightmare. A text message from Lizzy popped up, but Bristol ignored it. Tonight was her night.

“We’re going to have to sneak out. Hold on to me so you don’t slip in those incredible heels,” Bristol said.

Annie clutched Bristol’s hand tighter and followed her as they made their way down the hallway and through the back of the club to the side door. Bristol tipped the security guy who led them as she and Annie ducked into the limo. Nobody saw them, but when Willie pulled away, tons of paparazzi snapped photos of the moving limo, hoping their flashes would penetrate the privacy glass.

“Can they see us?” Annie asked.

“No. It’s reflective, so even if they had a high-powered flash, it wouldn’t penetrate,” Bristol said.

Annie relaxed against Bristol. “So, what are we doing?”

“Going somewhere to talk.”

“We could’ve talked back there,” Annie said.

Bristol leaned forward so she could look into Annie’s eyes. “We could’ve, but I owe you my undivided attention.” She paused and tried hard to keep any desperation out of her voice. “Can we just have tonight? Just us? No talk about touring, nothing about managers or the future. Can we just pretend we’re two women who are going back to my place to have a glass of wine or breakfast or whatever and get to know one another?”

“But you said you didn’t want this kind of relationship. You thought it would be better to stay friends,” Annie said.

Hearing her words thrown back at her was hurtful. She understood why Annie was hesitant. “We’re just talking. I’ll cook you breakfast. You can stay in one of the guest wings until your flight back to Denver. We can even send for your luggage and guitar if you want.”

“Guest wings? As in more than one?”

Bristol shrugged. “I’m the only one who lives there, so yes. I promise to behave. I like you, Annie. If nothing else, we can be friends.”