“Thanks. And have them only program people I like in it. It’ll be my personal one.” There was a small victory in knowing that she would have that control back.

“Did Sterling try to get you to talk about the next album?” Lizzy asked.

“She tried, but I deflected. I told her I was out having a good time and business could wait.”

“Did she press you?”

“Not really.”

“Did she embarrass you? We know how she is when she’s trying to impress somebody new. Everyone else is the butt of the joke.”

“She tried. She made it sound like we were childhood sweethearts again, calling me BeeBee. You know, her usual bullshit.”

“Well, then why do you still sound angry?” Lizzy asked.

Bristol pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned. “Because the twatwaffle ruined my night by stealing my date!”

Chapter Thirteen

After five minutes alone with Sterling and her friends, Annie knew she’d made a terrible mistake. When Sterling first sat down, Annie thought Bristol was just mad her ex had showed up. After talking for five minutes, she knew it was because Sterling had bad vibes.

Her selfish dream of making it big had outweighed her desire to be with someone wonderful like Bristol. They were getting along so well, too. Annie was sure Bristol was going to kiss her. She could tell by how close Bristol sat and how they held hands, because just friends didn’t do that, did they? She was reeling at the realization that her one-sided crush wasn’t so one-sided. Bristol was into her, and Annie had just fucked that up by making the wrong choice at the worst time.

“Top Shelf is the company you want to sign with. I mean, you could be as big as Bristol Baines,” Sterling said. She leaned closer to Annie. “Bigger than Bristol. You already have such a strong internet presence. I’ve seen your YouTube channel explode over the last month.”

Annie smiled at the compliment. She had worked hard over the last few years, with no breaks except for this one. And she knew she owed it to herself to hear all offers. That’s why she was on tour. Exposure and opportunity. Bristol’s message came through loud and clear about getting a manager before making any rash decisions. “Thank you. I’ve worked hard to get where I am.”

“And I’m here to make sure you get what you deserve. All the fortune and fame you want.”