“We’re in row Q on the floor.”

Annie almost groaned. They wouldn’t be able to see much from there. Their row sounded close, but after the VIP and the double-letter rows, they would probably be thirty rows back. And they weren’t taller than her so they would be struggling to see the stage. She shot Lizzy a quick text, knowing somebody would get back to her within seconds. “Are you going by yourselves?” Annie asked. She was concerned for their safety but also wanted to know how many tickets she needed to give them. Lizzy’s text back said she could have four VIP tickets.

“My mom is going with us.” The blonde rolled her eyes as though it was a massive inconvenience for them to have her mother tag along. Annie would have given all of this up for one night with her mother.

“I think that’s sweet.” When the elevator stopped, Annie held out her phone so they could scan the QR code for VIP passes. “Wait. Scan this. I hope it helps you have a better time.”

“Oh, my God! Are you for real? Are you serious?” She and her friend screamed and jumped up and down when the reality hit that they were going to meet Bristol. The blonde threw her arms around Annie, surprising her. “Thank you so much. Gosh. I didn’t mean to get into your personal space. I’m just so happy. I can’t wait to tell my mom.”

“I have to go now, but I hope you have a great time tonight,” Annie said.

“Thank you, Annie Foster. You rock!”

She waved at them and followed the arrows down the different hallways to her hotel room. She felt giddy knowing she’d just made their night. Two down, thirty thousand to go.

Chapter Eight

What was it about her? Bristol ignored the rapid flutter in her chest and the lightness in her heart as she watched Annie perform. Something was different about Annie tonight. Maybe it was her confidence or that she was finally embracing the opportunity, but whatever it was, it was sexy. They had barely gotten to practice, but Bristol assured her she would be ready to sing her song. She’d learned it this afternoon. Music was a part of who she was, and learning a few verses was easy.

“It’s like she’s a whole new person up there,” Lizzy said.

When it was her time to sneak onstage, Bristol grabbed the microphone from a roadie’s hand and started humming while Annie was singing. When the fans recognized her slowly making her way to Annie, they screamed with excitement. Bristol started singing softly, careful not to upstage her. She looked into Annie’s bright-blue, expressive eyes and saw happiness and pride. Annie was having the time of her life. For the first time in ten years, Bristol forgot the words to a song.