“So, Annie should be here shortly. I told her somebody from Top Shelf wanted to talk about participating in an upcoming performance.”

“Thank you for helping set this up,” Lizzy said.

Charley smiled. “Well, even if I knew who you were, I would have done the same thing. I think she needs to hear it directly from you.” She nodded at Bristol.

All three turned when they heard a soft knock on the door.

Charley cleared her throat and stood. “Come in.”

Annie breezed into the small room and stopped. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

She was even prettier in person. Her eyes were bright, and her gorgeous hair was full of curls and shine. It hung past her shoulders, and Bristol wondered if it was as soft as it looked. “Oh, my God. You’re Bristol Baines. Hi. I’m Annie Foster.” She turned to Lizzy. “You were at the hospital, right?”

“Hi, Annie. I’m Lizzy. Bristol’s manager.”

Bristol could tell she was confused, excited, but also completely comfortable in the room with them. That never happened, but both Charley and Annie treated them like normal people. Annie’s handshake was soft but firm. She unfolded a metal chair stacked against the wall and sat next to Charley.

“I don’t even know how to ask this, but what can I do for you? Charley said Top Shelf was looking to book me for a night or two.” She folded her hands in front of her and smiled at Bristol and Lizzy.

“Do you know Ali Hart?”

Annie nodded. “She’s great. She had a few hits earlier this year. I like her music a lot.” She cocked her head inquisitively at them as though the information was in front of her, but she needed their help getting the puzzle pieces to fit.

“Her wife went into early labor, so she had to leave the tour,” Lizzy said. “We had two opening acts for Denver—Ali and Fast Cars—but now we’re down to one.”

“Lizzy showed me your videos on YouTube and thinks you would be a great fit for us. You’re from here, so people will be excited to see you onstage. One of their own. We know it’s last minute, but would you be willing to open tonight and tomorrow for me?”

If Annie was surprised, she hid it well. “Of course. It sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. What do you think, Charley?” She turned to her friend, and an adorable look of disbelief passed between them.

“Will she get paid?” Charley asked.

Annie gasped, and Bristol laughed.

“Definitely. Not only will you get paid, but you are more than welcome to livestream for your channel,” Lizzy said.

A slight blush feathered across Annie’s cheeks, as though she was embarrassed that they watched her. “That would be wonderful.”