“I’ve been thinking about everything. The tour, what you said, what I want. As much as I loved being on tour and getting all the attention, I didn’t love being away from the important people in my life. There are other ways I can succeed as a musician.”

“Did you find a manager?” Bristol asked.

“I’m talking to one. I would be his first client. He knows what I want, and having spent a great deal of time recently on the Angel/Devil tour, he knows it’s not for me.”

Bristol frowned. She had no idea who Annie was talking about. “Who? I mean, most of the guys were stagehands.”

Annie smiled. “Vaughn. He quit Lizzy’s firm and asked if I would be his first client. Who better than somebody who just witnessed what went down the last eighteen months for you and everybody?”

“I should probably check my emails more.” Bristol couldn’t believe that Annie was here. Or that Vaughn had struck out on his own.

“I know we’re talking about my professional future, but we’re forgetting about the most important part.”

“Which is?”

“Us. I want there to be an us. The time we had together made me realize that what I really want isn’t a world tour.” Annie looked at their hands. “I want you, Bristol. Time spent with you was the best time of my life.” She put her hand on Bristol’s heart. “Not the famous international pop star, but Bristol Baines, the shy woman who has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. The woman who helps people out because she can, not because she’s contractually obligated. And the woman who is playful and fun and likes to eat ice cream in bed and watch bad television from the eighties.” Annie moved closer. “The woman who makes my heart feel like it’s going to burst out of my chest whenever I see her.” Tears welled in the corner of Annie’s eyes. “Just hearing your voice makes me want to curl up in your arms and stay there for as long as I can.”

Damn all the tears today, Bristol thought. She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. “Are you sure about this?” Her heart sounded like thunder in her chest as she waited for Annie’s answer. She was rewarded with Annie’s full lips pressed against hers.

“I want us. More than anything else. I want to see you when I want, and I want to see my family when I want. I don’t want to miss Peyton growing up. I can still have a music career.”