Instead of getting upset, Annie threw her head back and laughed. She kept strumming. “It’s okay. We can make up the words as we go.”

Bristol covered her face with her hand. “I’m so embarrassed.” She leaned closer to Annie. “I’m so sorry. I thought I knew this song forward and backward.” She didn’t tell her that being this close to her was unnerving. When was the last time she’d felt the little kick in her heart or wanted to stand this close to somebody?

Annie kept strumming and reminded Bristol of the words. Their fans were eating up their exchange. It was flirty, fun, and showed the world that Bristol Baines wasn’t as cold as the tabloids indicated.

She took a deep breath and looked Annie directly in the eyes. “Just a little bit longer, my heart grows stronger and stronger.” She found the beat again and finished the song. When she was done, she hugged Annie, waved to the crowd, and bounced offstage. She liked surprising the crowd. She liked singing with Annie. It felt good. When was the last time she felt so complete?

“You were seventeen the last time you froze onstage. What happened?” Lizzy and security flanked her on her way to her dressing room.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m tired.”

“Or maybe somebody’s baby blues got you all messed up.” Lizzy smiled.

Enough time had passed since her last relationship that the ribbing didn’t sting. She thought about denying Lizzy’s remark, but what was the point? “She is attractive, isn’t she?” Bristol kept the excitement out of her voice to convey a more laid-back response.

“I should’ve asked her sister if she’s dating anyone,” Lizzy said.

“I’m not interested in anything at the moment,” Bristol said. She wasn’t sure why she added “at the moment.” Maybe she was ready, but hooking up with one of the performers or somebody on the tour made for a sticky situation if the relationship went south. She’d made that mistake once and wasn’t going to do it again.

Bristol pushed open the door to her dressing room. Annette and Phoebe were in the room standing by to fix her hair and makeup. Her stylist had picked out the two outfits for tonight. As much as she liked summer dresses and light makeup, she loved the turning point in the concert when things got a little grittier and darker. It was almost as if she was playing a part in a movie or play. Breaking out of the squeaky clean good-girl image was tough, but this concert was proving she could be sexy yet still sweet.

“Let’s finish the tour first. It feels like a lifetime away.”