Sarah rolled her eyes. “Not even a text?” She gave a low whistle. “I love you, but you are a genuine idiot.” She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. “Here’s the real question. Are you ready?” At Annie’s nod, she asked, “Do you love her?”

Sarah’s words were a sucker punch. Annie leaned over and rested her head in her hands. “It never occurred to me. I mean, Bristol Baines. She’s untouchable.”

“But she’s capable of love, and if she’s as torn up about being apart as you are, then you have to talk to her. She’s a person, sis. I mean, she’s used to being alone, but maybe that’s not what she wants.”

Annie had suppressed all emotions the minute she got into the car Bristol had ordered for her the morning after. She couldn’t even cry because then the driver would know that something had happened, and it would be on all entertainment news outlets. She kept her head high, slipped on sunglasses, and listened to music to drown out her thoughts. She didn’t collapse until she was safely in the airport-lounge bathroom.

Twenty-eight glorious hours. She was with Bristol Baines, in her arms, in her bed, for a solid day. Annie had never given herself so freely to another person. The only reason Bristol had her guard up the next morning was because she thought Annie was going to sign with Top Shelf and go on a path that was completely different from hers.

“Things are different now.” Annie suddenly sat up. “Sarah, things are different now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t need to be on the road. Yes, the tour was great, but there was nothing wrong with what I was doing before.”

“As long as you’re happy, you do whatever you want. I’m proud of you regardless.”

Annie chewed on her bottom lip for a long time. Life was full of change, and big decisions didn’t come very often. “I have a lot to think about, don’t I?”

Sarah held Annie’s hand. “There are direct flights to Los Angeles daily. I’ll even watch Raven another week or for however long it takes. Just make sure Bristol isn’t allergic to cats, because that’s a deal breaker right there.”

Chapter Twenty-eight

“As long as I’m not fired, we’re good,” Lizzy said.