“Sleep well, and I promise to get the words right,” Bristol said.

Annie grabbed her guitar case and walked to the door. “I’m not even worried. I think tonight was a bigger success than any other night we’ve had so far. Thank you again for the opportunity, Bristol Baines.”

“Have a good night, Annie Foster.” Bristol locked the door and slid under the blankets. When was the last time she’d climbed into bed smiling?

Chapter Nine

“Viva Las Vegas!” Annie greeted Charley at the airport with a bottle of champagne. Charley landed at noon, and even though Annie hadn’t slept much, she wanted to be at the airport to greet her best friend.

“My famous friend!” Charley made a big production of running up to her and squeezing her so tightly she grunted.

“Ow. Don’t kill me before I get to stardom,” she said. She leaned back to get a good look at Charley. “It’s been less than two weeks, but I missed your face.”

“I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe this is happening.” Charley grabbed her bag from the belt and followed Annie outside to a waiting limo. “Really? A limo?”

Annie threw her hands up. “Bristol insisted.”

Charley cocked her eyebrow. “Bristol now? Just Bristol?”

Annie rolled her eyes. “What else am I supposed to call her?”

“Oh, how I love all of this. You look amazing. Touring suits you.”

“Thank you. I feel amazing. Tired, but still amazing.” Annie held Charley’s hand. “How are you? Was it hard to get away?”

“Nope. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Vegas and my best friend. Are you nervous about playing here?”

Annie thought about it. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace held only about four thousand spectators. It was an incredibly small venue for somebody as big as Bristol. Both shows were sold out. Tickets on the street were going for over a thousand dollars each. “I don’t know why we’re playing to such a small audience, but I think it’ll have an intimacy that’s missing with the stadium tours. I’m kind of excited.”

Charley shook her head as her eyes welled with tears. She looked up at the ceiling. So did Annie. “I can’t believe any of this. It’s so amazing, and I can’t think of a more deserving person than you. You’ve earned it.”

Annie brushed away an errant tear. “Nah. I was simply in the right place at the right time. I’m learning that this business is about who you know and luck.” She hugged Charley. “Now, we’re finally in Vegas. Whatever shall we do?”

“I’m going to gamble, watch my best friend take the stage, gamble some more, drink, sleep, gamble, and watch my best friend take the stage.”