Annie slung Raven over her shoulder and leaned her head against Raven’s purring chest. She would miss their snuggle sessions and knew her rescue cat would be lost without her, but Sarah and Peyton promised to visit every day and help fill the void. “Auntie Sarah and Peyton will play with you and love on you. I’ll be back after Labor Day, okay?”

Raven purred louder. Annie did a quick check around the apartment and reviewed the list she left for Sarah. Water the plants, pick up the mail, and take all perishable items home with her. It was Thursday, and her Lyft driver would be here any minute. Her sister couldn’t take her to the airport because work was stacking up and she couldn’t get away, but she promised to stop by every day.

“I’ve managed to raise a child and run a hospital. I’m sure I can handle my fur-ball niece.” Sarah’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Annie smiled. “You’re right. And you raised me, so I guess you’ve got the whole cat-sitting thing.” She hated leaving Peyton during treatments, but Sarah promised updates daily and would show the kids Annie’s shows from the stage. She reviewed her flight schedule that Vaughn sent. After a message popped up on her phone that her driver was downstairs, Annie took a final look around the apartment. She would miss her space but was excited to be on the road touring. She had done only day trips around Denver, and when her channel gained popularity, she worked on that instead of being on the road. She still had bills to pay, and while the tip jar felt slightly like begging, it covered her expenses.

“We’re here. United Airlines.” The Lyft driver slid into a tight spot behind a bus. Annie coughed at the exhaust and moved away while the driver got her bags from the trunk. “Have a good flight.”

Annie nodded thanks and rolled into Denver International Airport with two bags, a guitar, and solid determination to make the most of this opportunity. She marched up to the ticket counter and gave her information to the agent.

“Feel free to wait for your flight in the United Club lounge located upstairs after security, Ms. Foster.”

Annie raised her eyebrows at the mention of the first-class lounge. She thanked the agent, slid her bags onto the belt, but kept her guitar case close. No way was she going to check it. Too much risk.

A server wearing a black vest, black slacks, and a white shirt greeted her at the lounge door. “Can I get you a beverage?”

“A water would be great.”

“Sparkling?”

“That’s fine.”

“Coming right up. Feel free to sit anywhere.”