Annie didn’t like the way Sterling pushed, but she knew that was part of her job. She was there to make sure Annie got signed, and as much as Annie wanted to walk the fuck away from this table, she knew it was rude, and she was in no position to burn bridges. While Sterling cooed over Annie’s presence onstage, she tuned her out and thought about Bristol. Her stomach was in knots wondering if Bristol was upset or if she understood Annie had to play the game.

“I appreciate the confidence you have in me. I would love a tour of the place. Why don’t you text me tomorrow? Like Bristol said, we should pull in about noon.” She stretched and yawned. “In the meantime, I should probably get packed up and maybe catch a nap before we head out. Touring is draining.”

“It’s not that bad,” Sterling said. She finished her second glass of champagne and put the glass firmly on the table. “We’ll work with you on a tour and make sure it’s not a concert every night. Bristol likes to push herself. This wasn’t supposed to be an eighteen-month-long tour. It was only supposed to be a year, but she pushed it out.”

Annie quirked her head. It didn’t sound like something Bristol would do, but she knew all about biting off more than she could chew. “Thanks again. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She nodded at Sterling’s drunk friends. “It was nice to meet you both as well.”

Sterling waved her phone at Annie. “I have your number now, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Annie waved and gave a deep sigh of relief when she walked down the VIP stairs. She was greeted by one of Bruce’s security guys. His hair wasn’t buzzed like the rest of Bristol’s security detail. He looked like a dude out in the club, except for the Spaulding Security polo stretched over his muscles. “I’m Cam, and I’m here to make sure you get back to your hotel room safely. Are you headed there now?”

Annie was seriously thinking of heading straight for Bristol’s room but wasn’t sure what to say. How much time had passed? Bristol had left her thirty minutes ago. “Yes. Thank you, Cam.” Showing up this late was in poor taste. She would just explain herself to Bristol when they got to the venue tomorrow.

“If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” Cam said as he delivered her to her door.

“Thank you.” The suite was quiet, so she shot off a text to Charley.