“Shit?” Annie looked at Bristol and back to the women, who were now approaching them.

“Sterling. Top Shelf executive and my very ex-girlfriend.” Bristol gritted her teeth and pasted on a fake smile. Her entire body was tense as she leaned forward in the booth. “Hello, Sterling.”

“BeeBee. It’s so good to see you.” Sterling leaned forward and kissed Bristol’s cheek, then held out her hand to Annie. “Annie Foster. I’m a big fan. I’m Sterling Mayfield.”

She slid into the booth without being asked. Her friends pulled up chairs without being asked, too. Bristol leaned back and crossed her arms. Sterling was here for a reason, and Bristol knew better than to ask but couldn’t help herself. The sooner they knew why she was here, the sooner she and her primped and pampered posse would leave. “What are you doing here, Sterling?”

“Looking for you, of course. Unfortunately, we missed your show. We just arrived about an hour ago.”

“This is kind of a private party,” Bristol said.

Sterling looked offended, even though Bristol knew she wasn’t. “Oh. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I know you’re leaving in just a few short hours.” She looked at Annie. “I’m here on official Top Shelf Records business.”

The chill in her bones exploded into a thick, icy mixture that stole her breath. “Oh? What could that be?” Bristol asked.

“We have an interest in signing Annie. She’s been great on the tour, and if we don’t make a move now, I’m afraid somebody else will gobble her up.”

“Wait. What?” Annie asked.

“Yes, the same label that reps Bristol wants to rep you. How does that sound?” Sterling’s nasal voice sounded as annoying as somebody shredding Styrofoam, and Bristol tried hard to show zero emotion. She could hear Lizzy’s voice in her head telling her that Top Shelf was a reputable company, and just because it wasn’t working out for her didn’t mean that it wasn’t good for somebody like Annie. She could also be a sounding board for important decisions if Annie signed with them.

“Oh, my God. That’s amazing,” Annie said.

Bristol could feel Annie’s excitement. She wanted to be happy for her, but trying to smile while Sterling was wolfishly cornering Annie wasn’t possible. She hoped Annie would see Sterling for the snake she really was.

“What do you think, Bristol?” Annie asked.

Bristol forced a smile. “I’m not surprised. You’re very talented.”

“She is. That’s why I’m here.” Sterling brushed her fingertips over the back of Annie’s hand. Annie slowly pulled away and reached for her water but didn’t take a drink.

“I’d love to hear what you have to say. Honestly. I don’t even have a manager yet,” Annie said.