“I’m so sorry that happened to you,” Bristol said. She remembered being thirteen, trying to figure out who she was and tripping over her emotions. It was a pivotal moment in her life. She couldn’t imagine losing her parents then. “I like your sister. She seems nice.” She remembered the eye patch Peyton wore while they were backstage and was curious about it, but didn’t want to pry. “You don’t have to tell me, but what illness does your niece have?”

“It’s a condition called retinoblastoma, which is a form of eye cancer.”

Bristol gasped. “Is she going to be okay?”

Annie smiled and nodded. “She is. She’s a fighter. She’s so tough, and I’m so proud of her. I know she’s confused about it because none of her friends at preschool have medical conditions, but she’s getting to know the kids where Sarah works, so that makes it easier. She says she’s special, and she most certainly is.”

“Sounds like the Fosters are a strong family.”

“We have to be. All families have their problems, but we’ll get through them. Tell me about yours.”

Bristol knew people only in the entertainment industry, and they were horribly selfish and greedy. Annie was so genuine. She was a breath of fresh air. “I’m close with my mother. My teenage brother is a pain in the ass, but he has a good heart. My dad’s an artist and thinks I’m wasting my talent just to get famous.” She gave Annie an eye roll for effect. “We argue about everything, so I’m not really close to him.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. The fact that he’s an artist is pretty cool, though. What about your mom?”

“My mom runs one of my charities. She never remarried after the divorce. My dad’s on marriage number three. The latest wife is maybe two years older than me.”

“That’s awkward. Tell me about your brother. What’s the age gap?”

“He’s eleven years younger. I call him my oops brother. He doesn’t like that so much.”

“He’s probably really proud of you. I bet your entire family is. How could they not be?” Annie asked.

Just when she was going to tell Annie things she’d never told anyone except for Lizzy, her phone alarm went off. “Where did the time go? It’s already four.”

Annie jumped up. “Oh, my gosh. You need sleep. I need sleep. We need sleep.”

Bristol just now noticed how Annie’s bright eyes were a little droopy. “I’m so sorry I kept you. Thank you for the chat. I needed it more than you know.”

Annie hugged her, and while Bristol was completely taken aback by the gesture, she leaned into Annie for strength. She wasn’t used to people touching her without her permission. She wasn’t offended. It was just foreign to her.