Annie felt the jolt in her touch. Not because she was attracted to Sterling, although she was pretty, but because the person who could do the most for her career was offering her everything she’d ever wanted. “Honestly, I want to get through this tour and then do what I can to find a manager before I commit to anything.”

“I completely understand.” Sterling looked out the window and smiled. “Good news. We’re here.”

“That was fast,” Annie said. She waited until the driver opened the door for them. Annie felt slightly frumpy in her summer dress and flat sandals standing next to Sterling, who was dressed in designer clothing and heels. She followed Sterling into the building.

“We have the entire building, so let’s start in the studios. I don’t know who’s recording today, but we’re going to find out.”

Annie couldn’t help the shiver of excitement at the possibility of seeing one of her favorite artists cutting a new album. Sterling tapped lightly on the first door, even though the light above it was red, indicating that somebody was in the studio and they weren’t to be disturbed. A grumpy technical engineer opened the door. When he saw Sterling, he instantly dropped the scowl.

“Who’s in there?” Sterling asked.

“Kingston Brock,” he said as his gaze moved from Sterling to Annie.

Annie took a small step behind Sterling. Sterling turned to her. “Do you like Kingston?”

She didn’t but also didn’t want to be rude. “I’m not familiar with their music.”

Sterling asked to see the schedule. The engineer quietly closed the door and returned with a tablet that he handed to Sterling.

“Okay. We have four artists recording today who you might know. And a few new ones.”

Annie wanted to see the list immediately but waited for Sterling to name off the artists. When she heard Willow McAdams was there, she had to tamp down a squeal. “I know Willow McAdams’s music.” She hoped her voice was chill. Willow had scored several number-one hits in the last year.

“Let’s go say hello,” Sterling said.

Annie followed her down the hall and around several corners until they stood in front of studio fourteen. Sterling knocked softly and stood back. The door flew open, and a giant man towered over them. Again, Annie shrank back, but Sterling took a step forward.

“Dez, we’re here to see Willow.” Immediately, he took a step back and ushered them inside.

“Sorry about the interruption, Willow.” Sterling waved through the glass at Willow, who returned the wave.

“It’s no problem. What’s going on?”

“Just doing a quick tour. I have Annie Foster with me, and she wanted to see the studios.”

Willow waved Annie inside. “You’re touring with Bristol right now, aren’t you? Is the tour over?”