“How is this happening?”
Annie could barely control her excitement. She muffled a scream into the palm of her hand and quickly looked in the back seat in case her outburst woke Peyton. Her sister reached over and squeezed her leg.
“It’s because you’re wonderful and you’re finally getting much deserved recognition. I’m so happy for you, baby sis. And don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of your plants, Raven, and your mail. Whatever you need. When do they want you to start the tour?”
“In four days. I don’t know if I’m supposed to fly out to meet them or what. Her manager is supposed to meet with me tomorrow with the contract. Do I sign it? Should I have somebody look it over?”
“Of course you should sign it, but I can’t believe they wouldn’t let you seek professional advice first. I’m sure you’ll be able to forward it to your lawyer. Bristol isn’t going to screw you over.”
“I didn’t get that vibe either.” Annie looked out the window at the sparse traffic on the highway. It was a late night for all of them, but Annie didn’t think she could sleep tonight. Her dream, the one she’d never let blossom in her head because she never thought it was possible, was coming true. She pulled up her Instagram to see the comments on her quick post from earlier today when she informed her followers she would be opening for Bristol Baines. “Wow. My subscribers are so sweet. Listen to this. ‘Congratulations. Well deserved.’” She laughed. “Okay. Listen to this one. ‘Bristol Baines should be opening for you. Can’t wait to see your beautiful music climb the charts.’” She turned to face her sister in the darkness. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Sarah’s voice lowered. “Mom and Dad would be so proud of you.”
That was a zinger to her heart. “Thanks, sis. I know they’re proud.”
“And we’re all proud of you, too. Oh, hell. Charley was probably your second biggest fan there,” Sarah said.
“I saw her dancing away. I love my family. You’re all so supportive.”
“Promise you’ll buy me a loaded SUV when you become as big and famous as Bristol,” Annie said. She patted the dashboard of the ten-year-old minivan lovingly. “But I will forever love you, Karen.”
“I’ve never understood that. Why Karen?”
“Because she’s temperamental and bossy and an overall pain in the ass.”
Annie laughed. “I promise to buy you the best car ever. You definitely deserve it.” Her phone dinged. It was Charley.
Are you home yet, superstar, or are you out partying with Bristol?
I’m in a minivan going home. I doubt Bristol’s even thinking about me.
Annie didn’t even get to tell Bristol it was a great concert. Lizzy intercepted her on her way backstage to congratulate Bristol. She directed her away from Bristol’s dressing room and flippantly offered the opening gig for the next six weeks before giving her instructions for tomorrow. It had happened in such a flash that Annie blinked at Lizzy until the words sank in. Thankfully, Sarah was there to answer for her.
Just look at her Instagram. You’re famous, my friend. I’ll be there tomorrow night.
Shit. Charley didn’t even know about the offer. If she told her now, Charley would call screaming, and waking up Peyton wasn’t a good idea. She would tell her tomorrow when she went to get coffee and a doughnut. It seemed so surreal. She was still processing. Good night. See you tomorrow.
“Did you tell Charley?”
Annie shook her head. “I need time to let it sink in.” Annie looked at her watch. “It was only an hour ago. Weird how life can change so quickly.”
“I still can’t believe it,” Sarah said.
“I know. This is all so fast.”
Sarah pulled next to Annie’s building and put the car in park. They hugged longer than usual. “I’m so proud of you, baby sis. Congratulations. Try to get some sleep.”
Annie wiped her tears away and laughed. “Thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you.”
“Stop it. You’re going to make me cry, and I don’t cry,” Sarah said.
The last time Annie remembered her sister crying was when their parents died. Even when Peyton was diagnosed, Sarah put all her energy into getting her daughter healthy. Maybe Sarah cried in private, but never around Annie. She was the rock, the foundation of their small family. Annie was the emotional one. She slipped out of the van and quietly closed the door. “I love you.”
“I love you more.”
* * *
“Well, if it isn’t Denver’s biggest superstar.”
Annie braced herself as Charley greeted her with a warm, tight hug. “How do you feel?” She poured Annie a cup of coffee and plopped a cinnamon sugar doughnut on a plate. “Let’s go sit. I want to hear about everything.” Charley grabbed her own cup of coffee and led Annie to a table. It was after the morning rush, so the place was nearly empty.
“I don’t think you’re prepared to hear what I have to say,” Annie said. Charley reached for her hands. “Honestly, I’m still reeling.”
Charley took a deep breath. “Tell me. Oh, my God. Tell me before I lose my shit.”
Annie took a sip of her coffee and a bite of her doughnut and laughed when Charley leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.
“Really?”
She could almost feel Charley’s anxiety from across table. “So, after the concert, Lizzy, remember her?”
“Uh, yeah. She was in my office. Of course I remember her.”
“Well, she asked me if I would be interested in opening for Bristol for the rest of the tour.” Annie stood up and threw her hands up in the air.
“Shut up!” Charley stood and threw her hands up, too. “Holy shit, Annie. Holy shit!”
“I know, right?” Annie prepared herself for another bone-crushing hug. Charley didn’t disappoint and twirled her in the process. She begged Charley to stop out of embarrassment at the attention.
“What does this mean? You’re going to be on the road with her, with the tour?” Charley asked.
“This means I won’t be here for open-mic night,” Annie said.
“I’m sure once people find out, they’ll be fine. I’ll still have it.” Charley was all smiles, and it was hard for Annie not to soak in Charley’s happiness for her.
“That would be wonderful.”
“If you give me your sign-on info, I can step in as hostess. I mean, it won’t be the same, but at least locals will still get the online presence.”
“That’s even better.” She texted her login information and promised to check in with Charley.
After two more hugs, Annie left the coffee shop and walked three blocks to her lawyer’s office. She’d forwarded the contract the minute she got it. Her lawyer, Dani Grant, had cleared her lunch hour to review the contract and meet with Annie.
“Please have a seat, Annie. I’ll let Dani know you’re here.” The receptionist was attractive and friendly and always kind to Annie. She didn’t frequent her lawyer’s office, but the administrative assistants always knew her name. “Thank you.” She only had to wait a minute before Dani rounded the corner to greet her.
“It’s nice to see you, Annie. Come on back.”
Dani was stunning. Ice-blond hair and no-nonsense professionalism that Annie admired. She was a nervous talker, whereas Dani seemed to calculate the importance of every word. They never discussed personal lives or made small talk. Time was money, and Dani was entirely too busy for unnecessary words. Annie followed her, eager to find out if the contract was good or if Dani red-marked it. Dani pointed to a small table in her office.
“Have a seat.”
Annie obliged. “What do you think of the contract?”
“I had our entertainment lawyer review it, and we think it’s solid. We made only one change. The contract says you can’t record from stage, but they probably don’t realize that you make a living from your online tip jar. Taking that away from you is taking away your livelihood.”
“That’s weird because I livestreamed last night, and they were okay with it. Actually, they suggested it,” Annie said.
“I’m sure it’s because this is a standard contract. But just in case, I’ve made some adjustments. Their on-the-road offer is more than fair, but you still need to maintain your online presence. I gave them two options. Either pay you more per show to offset the income loss generated from your YouTube channel, or let you film from the stage during your set only.” She slid a copy of her proposed revisions in front of Annie and pointed at the tabs. “Just page through the changes, and if you’re okay, I’ll send it back. If they accept, they’ll revise on their end and resend. Either way, you still go on tonight. This contract is for the upcoming shows only.”
“Do you think they’ll rescind the offer? Is this too pushy?” Annie asked.
Dani barked out a noise that wasn’t quite a laugh. “This is not pushy at all. They know that what we’re asking them to do is perfectly legal and fair. My suggestion is tame. I promise. Plus, if you were able to do these things last night, then it shouldn’t be a problem for them to make changes.”
Annie took a deep breath. “Okay. What do I need to do?”
“Just sign this form saying you agree to the changes so we have the paperwork here. If they send back a revised contract that isn’t what we’re asking for, I’ll reach out again a bit more firmly.”
Annie must have had a look of panic because Dani touched her hand. “Don’t worry. They’re expecting some sort of pushback. It’s a stupid game lawyers play. Just remember to check your emails this afternoon with any revisions.” Dani stood, indicating the meeting was over.
“Thank you so much. I would have just signed it without looking it over.”
“That’s why I’m here. Let me walk you out,” Dani said.
Annie looked at her watch. The entire meeting had lasted less than fifteen minutes. “Thank you for meeting me. I really appreciate it.”
Dani nodded and signed a piece of paper the receptionist handed her. “Take care, Annie. And good luck. I’m happy for you.”
Annie smiled and watched Dani retreat behind glass doors. The law office had a contemporary vibe that was surprisingly light and airy and the exact opposite of what Annie thought a law office should look like.
She was having one of the best weeks of her life. Twenty-four hours ago she had been invited to do two shows that not only paid her well but gave her massive exposure. Now she was getting ready to go on tour with Bristol Baines, and that was going to change her life. Last night onstage she didn’t mess up at all. Everything was on the line, even though it was the most frightening and the most exhilarating thing she had ever done.