It took all of Annie’s mental effort not to jump up and down with excitement. She was meeting Willow McAdams, and Willow knew who she was! “Not yet. We’re doing a couple of shows before we head up the West Coast. We’ll be done by Labor Day.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Willow said.

“It’s great to meet you, too. What are you working on?” It was hard to have a conversation with everyone watching you.

“My third studio album, called Tricks and Treats.”

“So, I’m hearing it first here,” Annie said.

Willow nodded. “Did you sign with Top Shelf?”

Annie shook her head. “Not yet. I just pulled into town for a concert, and Sterling asked me to come in for a quick tour.” She couldn’t help but smile. She was floating at everyone’s confidence in her, but was she ready for such a long-term commitment? Peyton seemed to be doing well from the treatments, but seeing her on FaceTime video chats wasn’t the same thing as holding her on her lap and smothering her with kisses and hearing her sweet laugh in person. It was also nice to give Sarah and Chase a night off from the pressures of having a sick child. And then there was Raven. What did musicians do with their pets when they traveled for months at a time? Raven would never forgive her. It wasn’t as if she could take her along. She was a high-anxiety cat who hated to leave the apartment. Going to the vet required tranquilizers and prayers. Touring with Raven wasn’t an option. “How do you cope with pets and family on the road?”

Willow set down her guitar and gave Annie her full attention. “It’s not easy. I’m very close with my sisters and my parents. It’s within my means to fly them places if they can get away from their lives.” She gave Annie an encouraging smile. “I’ve decided that I’m the artist who can only do short tours. Top Shelf is very supportive of my schedule and what I want to do. How Bristol Baines is doing an eighteen-month tour is beyond my comprehension. She’s a beast.”

“She’s amazing,” Annie said without hesitation. She sat up straighter when she heard the click of the microphone right before Sterling interrupted them.

“Sorry, Annie, but we have to go. Willow has a lot to do in a short amount of time.”

Willow gave her a quick hug. “Good luck. I hope to see your name around here soon.”