Another big shout-out to my online friends who read, tweet, post, and share our books with their friends. I love our community of readers and writers who lift one another up.

My patrons are doing great things on Patreon for animal shelters and sanctuaries around the world. I’m proud that what we are doing is making a difference. Animals give us unconditional love, and even though we can’t keep them all, we can at least give them food, beds, and toys until they can find their forever homes.

Thank you to everyone who reads this book and continues to support our LGBTQIA family. You are the real superstars!

Dedication

For all the pop and rock stars who never made it to the stage.

Chapter One

“Big turnout tonight, huh?” Charley asked.

Annie adjusted the microphone stand and smiled at her best friend. “I can’t believe how many people signed up.” She absently wiped her hands on her black pants before pushing a blond curl behind her ear. Her curly hair always managed to slip out of the confinement of the hair tie, giving her a messy “I just woke up” look no matter how many times she tried to tame it. She slipped her phone into the docking station and took a deep breath. In eight minutes, she was going to livestream Coffee & Chords, a popular show for her YouTube channel. Wednesdays were open-mic night at Charley Shock’s coffee bar, The Night Owl. It always amazed Annie how many people drank coffee late at night, but there was a need, and The Night Owl was the only coffee bar that stayed open until eleven.

“Go get ready. I’ll get the stage set up.” Charley pointed to her clock.

Annie went into the back room to slip into her jacket, throw product on her hair, and touch up her makeup. She sat on the single bar stool onstage and adjusted the mic. Wednesday nights were her absolute favorite. Most people loved Friday nights, but not Annie. That was her night to order takeout, curl up on the couch with a good book, and fall asleep until Raven Elizabeth, her rescue cat of eight years, pawed her on the face for a late-night snack or a game of fetch. Brainpower and creative juices flowed best for her on Wednesdays.