“Do you have any children? It sounds like you’re speaking from experience,” Bristol asked. She wasn’t sure why, but Annie didn’t strike her as somebody who had kids.

“I just have a niece.”

“You’re going to have to scooch closer together. I know it’s tight in here, but I need just your faces,” Lizzy said. She snapped several photos and handed her phone to Bristol and Annie. “Scroll through them and mark the ones you like.”

Immediately, Annie moved closer and pulled her hair over her shoulder. “You’re very photogenic. The camera loves you.”

“I could say the same for you. Looks like we take good pictures together,” Bristol said.

Annie nodded and moved away. “Okay. I’ll see you all at five, and I promise to not disappoint. I’ll play my most popular songs, and if they don’t sound great, we can switch them up tomorrow.”

“Her music is amazing. Don’t listen to anything she says right now. That’s her anxiety talking,” Charley quickly pushed Annie out the door. “Go get ready. I’ll see you later. Text me the tickets, and I’ll round everybody up.”

“Thank you for letting us use your office.” Bristol hated that everyone accommodated her so quickly because it was disruptive, and she hated being that person.

Charley waved her off. “Are you kidding me? Annie is my best friend, and she deserves a break. Thank you for finding her and giving her the opportunity. You won’t be disappointed.”

“I don’t think we will either,” Bristol said. She piled her hair back under the hat and slipped on the dark sunglasses. “Now I want a coffee. It smells so good in here.”

“I’ll make it for you personally, and it’s on the house. It’s the least I can do for you,” Charley said.

Bristol and Lizzy had about eight minutes of uninterrupted small talk at a table near the back before somebody approached them.

“No, I’m not her, but I get that a lot,” she said and grabbed her cup. “See you later, Charley.”

Charley waved back as though Bristol and Lizzy were regulars who had stopped by for an early afternoon caffeine jolt. She smiled all the way back to the car, holding on to the feeling of normalcy. This was what she missed. This was exactly what she wanted. This was what she was willing to give up everything for. Normalcy.

Chapter Three

Annie raced to her car. It was after one. She had four hours to decide on a set list, get her equipment ready, find something to wear, and have her hair and makeup done. This was a job for a professional. She called her salon and waited on hold for five minutes.

“This is Jazz.”

Annie wished she had Jazz’s voice. It was raspy and sexy and everything hers was not. “Jazz. It’s Annie. I have an emergency.”