Annie finished the studio tour on a high. Sterling was completely chill. Gone was the high-pressure salesperson trying to get her to sign on the dotted line. She chalked it up to alcohol and tension between Bristol and Sterling. They had a past, and it didn’t end well, according to what she’d read online. She didn’t want to gossip, but maybe she should ask Vaughn about it.

“Not a bad setup, right? I don’t mean to cut it short, but I know you have to get back and do a practice run onstage before tonight’s concert,” Sterling said.

Annie was surprised that it was almost four and still no text from Bristol. “For sure. Top Shelf is an amazing company.”

Sterling didn’t join her in the limo, citing work, but promised the limo would get her back to the arena in a flash. “Can we have a verbal agreement that you won’t sign with another label until you get a manager and sit down with Top Shelf first?”

Annie didn’t want to burn her bridges yet, and honestly had it not been for Bristol whispering in her ear last night, she would have eagerly signed with them today. She shook Sterling’s hand. “Once I’m done with the tour, I’ll get a manager, and we’ll reach out to you first.”

Sterling dropped the sexiest smile that did nothing for Annie. She wasn’t interested in her that way. “I will hold you to it. See you later tonight.”

Annie was surprised. “Oh. You’ll be at the show?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Maybe if you’re up for it, we can go out after the show. I might not be Bristol Baines, but I can still get us into the best clubs in the city,” Sterling said.

Her smile was so sincere that Annie had a hard time saying no. “I’m leaning toward yes, but let’s see how I feel after the show. I’m still exhausted from Vegas.”

Sterling held her hands up and backed away from the limo. “Go. I’ll see you later. We can plan something if you’re feeling up to it. Break a leg, and rock the crap out of that arena.”

Annie laughed when the driver closed the door. Where was this charmer last night? Sterling Mayfield had turned out to be more than Annie gave her credit for. She ended up being nice and professional while still having a personal touch that made Annie feel like more than a number for Top Shelf Records.

Chapter Fourteen

“I saw her getting into a limo a few hours ago.”