DJ Spinz Madness was getting the crowd pumped up while Annie hung with Willow backstage. Her anxiety and excitement levels were at an all-time high. It was the last night of the tour. The last night of playing in front of thirty thousand people. Also, the last night of singing with Bristol.
“Have you made a decision about Top Shelf?” Willow had to yell in Annie’s ear.
Annie shook her head. “Not yet. I need a manager first, but I have a few meetings next week.” As much as she liked Willow, she didn’t want more advice. She wanted to enjoy this night and not think about tomorrow. Live in the moment, Sarah always said. That’s exactly what she was doing.
“Good for you. Make sure you take care of yourself.”
Annie nodded thanks. Suddenly, Willow grabbed her hand and pulled her onstage. “What are you doing?” Annie could only laugh when Willow twirled her and started shaking her hips to the beat. The crowd screamed when they saw them dancing. Annie felt rusty, but Willow was so smooth that Annie was able to slip into a rhythm that was comfortable and fun. She was having fun! DJ Spinz Madness was pointing at them and even mixed in a snippet of one of Annie’s songs. Willow’s eyes widened when she recognized the music and pointed at her. Annie loved the new arrangement and did a solo dance to it. When it slipped into another popular song, Willow twirled Annie and waved good-bye to the crowd as they skipped offstage.
“That was amazing,” Annie said. She hugged Willow. “So much fun.”
“I plan on having the best time tonight, and I hope you do, too. I’m headed out on a small tour next week, so this will help me get into the mood,” Willow said.
Annie studied her. “How many cities?”
“About twenty-five and I’ll be home by Christmas.”
“That doesn’t sound bad at all.” If Top Shelf was working with Willow, they would probably work with her, too. Maybe Bristol’s experiences were because of her past with Sterling. Or maybe because Bristol was young when they signed her and they knew they could take advantage of her. That still didn’t account for making her work with a dangerous producer though. Maybe they had learned people like Denny Briggs were bad for business.
“Always go for the short tours. They seem to tack on extra shows at the end, depending on your popularity. Since you’re hot, they’ll want to cut an album quick and get you in front of people,” Willow said.
Her voice was so matter-of-fact that Annie started doubting her own doubts. Maybe Top Shelf would take care of her. Maybe signing with them was the way to go. Before she could ask Willow anything else, somebody dressed in black wearing a headset tapped Willow on the shoulder.
“You’re up in ten minutes.”
“Oh. I’d better grab my guitar. Good luck tonight. I can’t wait to hear you live,” Willow said.
Annie watched her disappear in the small crowd that had gathered backstage to either watch the show or were busy prepping for it. She was up after Willow. How that had happened was beyond her. Willow was a bigger name than Annie. Fast Cars followed Annie like always, but X-Treem had an hour-long set before Bristol closed out the show. There was talk of all the bands onstage at the end singing something fun for the crowd, but Annie hadn’t been notified. She wasn’t worried.
“Hello, Los Angeles. Isn’t tonight unbelievable?”
Annie smiled as the crowd roared. It was an amazing concert to not only be a part of, but to witness. She whooped with the crowd as they showered Willow with applause and whistles.
“If you don’t know this already, I’m Willow McAdams. Maybe you’ve heard of me.”
More screaming and cheers. Annie crossed her arms and smiled hard at the playful banter. She thought she was pretty casual onstage, but Willow gave chill a whole new definition. She played three songs, and right when she started the fourth, Sondra and Lizzy flanked Annie. Sondra handed Annie her guitar.
Lizzy leaned close and shouted, “At the end, we’re going to have all the performers go onstage with Bristol. Are you good with that?”
Annie thanked Sondra for her guitar and turned her attention back to Lizzy. “Yeah. That’s fine. I’ll be here and ready.”
Lizzy nodded and hesitated before continuing. “Look. I’m sorry for being such an ass the other day. You’ve been nothing but great on tour and good for Bristol. I got out of hand. What you do on your time is your business.”
Annie could tell she was sincere. “Thank you for saying that. I know touring is tough. I didn’t mean to come at you that hard.” She still meant what she said, but she could have done it with a little more finesse.
“Here’s an access pass for VIP if you want to see the concert from down there. Or you can stay backstage.”
“I appreciate it. Thank you.”
“Okay.” Lizzy nodded. She stood next to her awkwardly for about ten seconds. “You’re on in ten. Have fun up there.”
DJ Spinz Madness took over during the transition time between artists to keep the groove going. Instead of fifteen minutes to transition, the artists were asked to allow for only five. Annie had only a guitar, so setting up was a cinch. She wasn’t going to livestream tonight. It was too nerve-wracking with other artists in the mix, and she didn’t want to fuck up.
“Up next is fan favorite Annie Foster! Have a great night!” Willow waved and blew kisses to the crowd.
Annie high-fived Willow on her way backstage. “Oh, my God. You were so good out there.” She was beyond nervous. She waited until she heard the beat of DJ Spinz Madness’s music fade, took a deep breath, and walked onstage. It was hard not to smile at the energy of the place. “Los Angeles! I’ve missed you.” She found Reece easily enough in the crowd. Vanessa was two seats down. She gave them a quick wave, even though seeing them added weight to her heart. “How incredible is Willow McAdams? She’s amazing.” The crowd agreed. “I’m Annie Foster, and I’m here to play you a few songs.”
The crowd started screaming, and Annie couldn’t figure out why. She knew they liked her music, but this was insane. Bristol moved into her peripheral vision holding a phone recording her.
“What are you doing?” It was incredible how Bristol made every part of Annie blossom, from the huge smile on her mouth to her rapidly beating heart.
“You always livestream your set, and this is a big one to miss. Am I right, Los Angeles?” Bristol shouted.
Annie stared at Bristol. She looked good. No. She looked beautiful. A white lacy camisole with thick straps ended right above the high rise of her tight jeans, affording Annie a peek of smooth skin. She was barefoot with pink toenail polish. It was different than the shade they used in Vegas. Her hair was pulled back in a long ponytail and her makeup very minimal. Annie wanted to melt into her.
“Ack! Now I’m nervous,” Annie said. She started strumming her guitar to the first song on her set. Bristol circled her during the chorus, getting the crowd involved and totally flirting with Annie. Annie flirted back and plucked the strings effortlessly. When the song ended, one of the roadies brought out a stand and helped Bristol attach her phone.
“You’re still live,” Bristol said. She waved to the crowd. “I’ll see you in a few songs.”
Annie played the next four songs perfectly and even spent an extra minute talking to the crowd. Instead of playing “Waiting All Day” like they usually did, she plucked the first few notes of “Brass in Pocket.” Bristol lifted her eyebrow when she joined Annie onstage. She had her guitar this time and added a few notes to enhance the song. Annie liked it. When Bristol leaned forward to share the microphone, Annie almost kissed her out of reflex. Damn, she missed her.
“We love you together!”
Somebody from the crowd yelled during the perfectly quiet moment between strumming and singing, and their message was loud and clear. Annie and Bristol smiled at one another. She felt the flush of excitement as Bristol looked at her like she had the other night when Annie was flat on her back and the weight of Bristol between her legs was the only thing keeping her from floating away. It was hunger. Annie couldn’t look away. Bristol’s gaze went down to her lips when they sang. If Annie thought they had chemistry before, whatever was happening right now was explosive. She didn’t think she was going to survive the song, but she did. Bristol waved to the crowd before leaving the stage for Annie to finish her set.
“Thank you, Los Angeles, for being so welcoming. I’m Annie Foster, and even though the tour stops here, I hope to see your faces at future events. I love you all!” She waved and left the stage. How could tonight get any better?
* * *
Annie would never get tired of watching Bristol perform. She was fierce and full of energy on the stage. Her voice was powerful and rich. She didn’t even sound out of breath as she danced and sang and gave the crowd the best performance. As much as Annie wanted to stay in the front row to finish the concert with the fans, security arrived to escort her from the VIP section for Bristol’s planned encore.
“I’m sorry, Miss Foster, but it’s time. Please follow me,” Cam yelled.
Annie slipped through the barrier security moved for her and made her way backstage. “What’s the plan?” she asked Willow.
“Bristol is going to do one song by herself, and then we’re all going to get onstage and sing ‘Turn It Up.’ I guess there are fireworks, too, so don’t get scared when you hear explosions and see bright lights.”
“Phew. I’m glad somebody told me.”
“She’s killing it onstage tonight. Look at her,” Willow said.
It was hard to look away. While it was incredible to watch, Annie knew it was because this could very well be the last time Bristol took the stage. It broke her heart how something Bristol was so passionate about had turned on her. There had to be a middle ground. No way would the world allow Bristol Baines to just fade away. Her music was too important. Annie and Willow stepped to the side when Bristol and the band said good night and ran offstage. It was hard not to stare. Lizzy showed up with a towel and a cold water.
“You’re amazing tonight,” Lizzy told her.
Bristol smiled as her eyes briefly flickered on Annie. She returned her attention to Lizzy. “Thanks. I’m feeling the energy.”
“Good job, Bristol.” The lead singer of X-Treem patted her on the back.
Bristol gave her a smile. She drank the rest of the water, wiped the back of her neck, and made her way back onstage to the single spotlight. This was her a cappella song. Annie wanted to give Bristol her undivided attention, but one of the stagehands was passing out microphones and stepped into her line of vision several times. DJ Spinz Madness had slipped over to his station in the dark. Once Bristol finished, he was to cue up the beat, and the band would jump in before all the acts joined her onstage. According to the poorly sketched diagram being passed around, Annie was on the far end away from center stage. Her heart sank. She had hoped for time with Bristol, but tonight seemed impossible. There was always the after-party. Annie had a plane ticket for the morning, but she’d rebooked it for Wednesday. She’d agreed to a meeting with Sterling and Tyson on Tuesday. She wasn’t planning to sign and expected them to fight her on it, but she also knew to keep a level head. Having everything she wanted sounded great, but Bristol had showed her it always came with a price.
“Let’s go,” Willow said.
Annie followed everyone out onto the stage and started singing “Turn It Up.” Bristol’s voice was loudest, but it was hard to hear because so many people were singing at once. It was a hot mess, but the crowd loved it, and Bristol looked happier than she had in a long time. Annie was so proud of her. What a grueling tour, but she’d made it. Near the end of the song, fireworks shot off from the far side of the arena, and fans applauded the bright showers of exploding red, white, and blue stars.
“Thank you to DJ Spinz Madness.” Bristol pointed to him at the back of the stage. He waved to the crowd. “And thank you, X-Treem.” They waved and trotted offstage. Bristol introduced everyone, until it was just Bristol and her onstage. Annie wanted to cry. Bristol already had tears in her eyes. She pulled Annie into a hug and squeezed her. For a tiny moment, it felt like they were the only ones up there. Bristol’s body felt familiar against hers, and Annie leaned into her warmth. Bristol pulled away first. “And Annie Foster. Thank you for finishing out the tour with us.” She held up Annie’s hand high above their heads as though she’d just won a sporting match. Annie waved. She was sad when she had to drop Bristol’s hand to leave the stage so Bristol could finish her encore.
“Good night, Los Angeles. I’m home now, and I hope to see you around.”
Bristol dropped the microphone onto the stage, something Annie had never seen her do, and softly jogged backstage. Annie got pushed back into the crowd as people swarmed Bristol, congratulating her on a great concert. Bruce and three of his henchmen whisked her away.
“Hey, the afterparty is at The Cliffs. Do you need a ride?” Willow asked.
Annie had no plans. She had luggage on the bus and nowhere to put it. She tamped down the panic. “Oh, no. I’ve got a few things to wrap up here. I’ll head there when I’m done. Thanks, though. I’ll see you there.” Annie grabbed her guitar and made her way back to her dressing room. For the first time in a long time, she felt lost. She closed the door, pulled up hotels around the airport on her phone, and booked two nights at the Hilton. Finding a Lyft with everyone leaving was going to be difficult. Better to let the traffic die down. She made her way to the tour buses and had security pull her two bags. She wasn’t the only one grabbing their things. She recognized one of Lizzy’s assistants, who smiled at her once and avoided eye contact after that. She ordered a Lyft and hung around the bus until her driver was close. She clumsily made her way over, rolling two suitcases in front of her and balancing her guitar on top of the bigger one.
“Is this everything?” he asked.
She nodded and slipped into the back seat, embarrassed to be leaving this amazing tour in such a pedestrian way. By the time she got to the hotel, she questioned whether she should even go out. She dug through her suitcase and was about to throw in the towel and call it a night, when she saw the little black dress she’d picked up at Caesars Palace in Vegas. She smirked. Fine. If Bristol didn’t think hooking up was a good idea, then she was going to make damn sure Bristol knew what she was missing.