Dear Readers, This is an apology and an explanation. I started Wildcat Fall earlier this year and realized it wasn't the story I wanted to tell. So, I have started from scratch, and here is a completely new Chapter One. This is the continuing saga. I would appreciate any feedback. Constructive criticism is important to me as I am writing this story. Thanks.
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New Chapter Two
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The Cats gazed over the empty seats of the Hollywood Bowl. They stepped back as forklifts moved large crates of equipment. Union stagehands set up scaffolding to support extra lights for TV broadcasts. Massive cameras rolled into position. Two cranes with camera booms connected to tractor-trailers transporting a full TV studio. Overhead, flexible screens hung at the top of the open-air venue.

Lisa turned to Zoe. “It’s happening.”

They watched miles of cables being unrolled. Crews handled sound, adjusting the musicians' monitors and installing large speakers for the audience. A group climbed scaffolding to prepare their spotlights.

It was early Monday morning. Teri waved to get the band’s attention. They gathered in a small circle as Phil handed each of them a large binder.

Tiffany held her three-ring notebook up and laughed. “Oh, this is so middle school. I love it, but I need to practice writing 'Mrs. Michael Taylor' over and over again in my fanciest script. Phil, can I put some glitter on the outside? Maybe some stickers, you know, the puffy kind.”

Without pausing, Tiffany kept going. “And I’m going to need glasses.”

Gina stared. “Are you having trouble seeing? Getting headaches?”

“No. Nothing like that. I’m thinking big, thick, black frames.”

Lisa laughed. “Schoolgirl glasses!”

Tiff nodded.

Phil waited until everyone stopped laughing and then raised the binder. “There’s a studio two blocks away, large enough to rehearse and record with the talent. On Saturday, we’ll be back here to block everything out. Beyoncé and Taylor will be here Saturday afternoon to rehearse before the show.”

Lisa looked through the book. “This is unreal.”

Teri smiled at Lisa. “We have the week to master it, and it’s going to be easy.”

Tiffany laughed, “Right. Just keep the alcohol out of my reach.”

Gina laughed. “You’ll have Mike help you get rid of your anxieties. I doubt you can wear out that fine specimen of a man.”

Zoe laughed. “He is cute.”

As they looked around, Phil grabbed a large boom box. Everyone followed Teri’s arrangement on the sheet music as they listened to Halo.

Phil cleared his throat. “Jay-Z is making a guest appearance to do his part for Crazy in Love.”

Lisa looked over the song and laughed. “We need big horns. Thank goodness we have our Flower Sisters.”

Tiffany shook her head. “I don’t know. This sounds like a lot to learn in just a few days. I’d rather write my new name and hide in my room listening to music.” Tiffany raised her hand. "Uncle Phil, can I borrow that boombox?”

Zoe smiled, “That’s the spirit, girl! But did you see the list of movie stars who are giving speeches? Turn to the back index.”

They all looked at the list of celebrities.

“Oh,” Tiffany whispered. “So many stars to fall in love with me, then whisk me away to their private island in Tahiti.”

Gina chuckled, “That’s your latest plan?”

Tiffany nodded. “It is. And after this week, you’ll need to find a new bass player who sings, dances, writes music, and looks beautiful. But hey, nothing’s forever, right?”

Lisa nodded, hiding her grin. “Tiff, we’re going to miss you. Why don’t we have your going-away party this week, since you’ll be leaving with Prince Charming on Saturday night?”

Tiffany nodded, “A party! Great idea, Lisa. Could we invite Mike?”

Lisa tried not to laugh. “Sure. But aren’t you leaving him and the band?”

Yeah. I really love him, but you know. I mean, I love all you guys and will miss the band and everything, but I’m going to have a billionaire.

Phil had been around the band long enough to dismiss their playfulness. “Well, let’s bus over to the rehearsal studio. The Flowers should be arriving, and we can start going through our five-hour mission.”

Zoe asked, “How many recording artists are performing?”

Phil nodded. “There’ll be twenty-five acts. It’s all in your notebooks.”

Gina leaned over to Teri, “So let me get this straight, we’re not doing a Wildcats set for this fundraiser?”

Teri nodded, “Uh-huh. We fill in and perform originals during commercial breaks. We’ll entertain the live crowd.”

Gina snickered. “We’re playing while everyone talks, walks around, eats, and goes to the bathroom?”

Teri smiled. “Right. Just like every other time we play.”

Gina shook her head. “That’s not true. When we do our shows, the fans listen.”

Teri winked. “Maybe we’ll have more fans after this. Saturday, we’re backing up the stars.”

In the meantime, Lisa was glancing at her notebook. “Jeez, sis. How did you keep all this straight?”

Teri shrugged. “Phil’s been a big help. We’re using the talents’ sheet music. I’ve made new arrangements for the Flowers and the band.”

Zoe smiled. “But still no Wildcats theme music.”

Teri laughed and shook her head. “We can only hope.”

After practicing all day with the Flowers, they headed back to the hotel. Tiffany was talking about her boyfriend. “I’m looking forward to jumping on Mike when he gets here. He’s the second director all week, coordinating drones and boom cameras. He’ll be exhausted when he’s done. It’ll be my job to sex him up to keep his spirits high.”

Zoe looked at her curiously. “Sounds like Mike should be taking you out to dinner or showing you the town.”

Tiff was nodding. “Shopping’s a great idea. I was hoping to look for fetish wear. I figure LA is the best place to find vinyl and leather. You know how I look great in black.”

Zoe shook her head. “You’ve been reading too many X-rated romance novels. Slow down, girlfriend.”

“Are you going to tell Mike about your Prince Charming plan?” Teri smiled.

“Teri, are you serious? Mike is Mr. Perfect, and I wouldn’t want to lose him. Honey, I’m not stupid.”

Teri shook her head. Tiffany never made much sense, but she always kept the band from getting bored. “Never said you were, but what if?”

Tiffany smiled. “Sure, baby. But the offer has to be good enough for me to leave Mr. Right.”

The bus drove straight onto the tarmac to meet the chartered flight bringing the Allentown group to LAX. Then, they headed to the Chateau Marmont, the famous hotel on Sunset Boulevard. They were greeted by the Wildcats, Phil, Richard, the Flower Sisters, and William Wiggins. After receiving their room keys, everyone was encouraged to relax and unwind after their long flight.

After Teri helped Jenn finish unpacking, they climbed onto the bed. Jenn talked about their new place in West Philly. “Your mom and I scouted out a great condo. We talked to Gina’s dad, then used your money to buy it.”

Teri hugged her. “That’s incredible. At eighteen, we’re buying a house.”

Jenn turned to kiss her. “Just think, our very own place, and it’s three blocks from the University of Pennsylvania campus. That’s great!”

Jenn pushed Teri down and climbed on top of her. She used her weight to press her further down. She loved hearing Teri’s breathing increase and she started to pant. “I really enjoyed buying this place, but didn’t want to slight you. I worried that you might feel hurt because I took control.”

Teri wrapped her arms around Jenn’s neck. She softly kissed her lips, slowly increasing the pressure and intensity. “No, you enjoy being in charge. You like the responsibility. I appreciate you taking care of us.” She was feeling overcome with flushes of passion as Jenn gripped her firmly.

Teri gasped. “ After three months of touring, I might have well have been on the space station, floating alone in a vacuum.”

“The space station, huh? Did you feel that isolated?”

“I felt trapped in a bus driving far away from you. Each night, more miles separated us.”

“Hmm.” Jenn kissed her everywhere. “I did love our reunions when we’d get time together.”

“Uh-huh. I lived for them. And now I've got these lyrics buzzing through my head. Please wait for me.” She grabbed her tablet and wrote:

Heading into deep space
Rocketing away
No time to think or worry
Just steering the course.

Thousand of miles,
Long days and nights.
Too far to reach out
And hold your hand.

Jenn looked at what Teri wrote. “Looks like David Bowie’s Major Tom. This makes me feel loved.” She kissed her hard on the lips and continued keeping Teri in her power.

Teri smiled. “How’d you know I was writing this about us?”

Jenn laughed. “You’re just not that complicated.”

Teri told her about Tiffany and her plan to make a movie star fall in love with her.

“But I thought Mike made her happy.”

“Oh, he does. She just has this wild imagination. Now, how about a shower?”

Tiffany was undressing Mike before they walked through the door. “C’mon, baby. We’ve got to make up for lost time.”

Mike lifted her up, and threw her onto the bed. He grinned. “Lost time, huh? You mean you missed me?”

Tiffany snuggled into his arms. “Uh-huh. Missed you so bad. Now what can we do about it?”

Mike slipped out of his clothes and let his body speak for itself. After several gasps and moans, he murmured, “How’s that?”

Tiffany smiled and kissed him. “Mmm. Maybe we can try a little boot camp and get you working harder. Teach you how to toe the line and get things done.”

Mike flipped her over so he was on top. “Are we talking about discipline, paddling?”

Tiff frowned. “Oh, but Mikey. I’ve never paddled anyone.”

Mike held her wrists firmly and whispered, “I was picturing me administering the discipline.”

Tiffany’s eyes opened wide. “Really?”

Mike murmured, “Might be just what you need. You might like it.”

Tiffany started giggling.

Smith and Lisa ignored the slow elevators and hurried up the stairs together, stopping at every landing to hold each other tightly and kiss passionately. By the time they reached their suite, they were happy making love on the thick carpet.

As they were lying there, Lisa climbed on top and looked down. “You know, they’re talking about us.”

“Who?”

“The band.”

“How’s that?”

Lisa smiled. “They describe our lovemaking as very physical.”

Smith frowned. “Is that bad? Should we be doing something different?” He reached down and began tickling her.

Lisa gritted her teeth, grasped his hands tightly, and quickly uttered, “Stop that!”

Smith cooed. “Why, honey bun? We could touch softly and practice Tantric lovemaking. We can meditate and do deep breathing exercises.”

Lisa held his wrists to stop him from tickling her again. When he started touching her softly like that, she hated how it drove her crazy. “Hold me tightly,” she said through gritted teeth.

Smith laughed and smacked her backside. “Like that?”

Lisa roared in pain and swung at him. “Yes.”

Zoe’s belly made it difficult to comfortably curl up in Bruno’s arms. He gently explored her body, looking for tender ways to reignite their passion.

They carefully undressed each other and sat on the shower floor as the water poured down on them.

Grace and Gina walked hand in hand from the elevator to their suite, taking their time to slowly undress each other. Then, they climbed into the large tub, adding more hot water as they held each other tightly, surrounded by soap and scented bubbles.

Gina kissed Grace passionately. As she softly bit her neck, she murmured, “I love the thought of having you for a whole week.”

Later, each suite woke to the phone informing them that the limos would be downstairs in ninety minutes to take them to dinner.

They were driven to Somni, an upscale restaurant in West Hollywood, and enjoyed a twenty-course tasting menu, including sparkling waters.

As they ate, the buzz continued. Laughing and joking, everyone caught up. They quieted when Richard stood. “We’re here to celebrate the Wildcats' first national tour. Everyone here contributed to the band's success with their love and support. This week, while the Cats rehearse, I’ll be offering day trips to our guests. The itinerary is in front of you. I’ve arranged shopping excursions. GLOW is welcoming all of you to their Rodeo Drive salon for an afternoon of spa relaxation. Please join us to sightsee, shop, or enjoy the beautiful hotel grounds. I want to remind you that Jessica Jade and John Mac Issac are heading up our security, and we ask you to take advantage of their company, even if you want some quiet time.

As everyone reviewed the day trip information, William Wiggins spoke. “Folks, Warner Music is excited about our Wildcats' national success. All their hard work has led to sold-out shows everywhere, while keeping their music on the charts. Now, please be our guests and enjoy this wonderful week.”

After dinner, they toured LA’s famous spots, including the rock clubs, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Venice, and the movie studios.

Every evening, the entourage enjoyed a private dinner at some of Los Angeles' top venues, providing everyone with a chance to socialize and relax after a busy day. Each night, the Cats shared stories about the stars they met, while the Allentown guests talked about their day trips around LA.

Lisa questioned Richard about security. “Seriously, what are we supposed to fear? What do you know?”

Richard frowned. “Well, we’re walking into the perfect storm here at the Hollywood Bowl. You’ve been making lots of new friends, and while we get the occasional creepy stuff, it’s been harmless. But all the publicity surrounding the fundraiser has brought the band back into the public eye, and we’ve been getting a few strange notes on the internet. The FBI was informed of everything. They have a whole department that maintains files and is familiar with the usual suspects. The fact that you’re all beautiful young women focuses attention on the band.”

“Uh, should we be worried? Is this going to be like New Orleans again?”

Well, not yet. But Jessica and her team are working to protect the families and the band. The talent has their own security. I’m not too worried, but we want everyone to stay safe.

Lisa was glad she wasn’t Teri, who tended to imagine entire scenarios.

When Lisa brought it up, Teri raised her hands to her face and shook her head. “You know, Lisa. I never thought I’d grow old. Jenn says she wants to live in Paris, and I’ll play in little clubs. A dream life. But I don’t see it. Amos almost killed me twice, and it’s still in my head."

Lisa hugged her. “Well, Jessica rescued you the first time and was there to deflect him the second time. He’s gone.”

Teri was nodding. “I can still see him pointing that shotgun at me. High noon and a showdown on Royal Street.”

Lisa smiled. “I think that during rehearsals and hanging out, the Cats should stay out of interviews and the public eye as much as possible. This fundraiser is outdoors, and security is the city’s concern. Those police are used to hosting dignitaries. We’re fine."

“Well, if you say so. I’m just wondering if they have low-profile bulletproof armor that I can coat with glitter.”

Lisa hugged her. “Yeah, glitter.”

Later, Teri was sharing her conversation when Jenn started crying. “I don’t like it. The Cats have been the most giving band, and well, you don’t do anything wrong. And now you’re giving up all this time to raise money. Why people should hate you is beyond me.”

Teri hugged her and kissed the tears from her cheeks. “Uh-huh. It sucks big time. When we are rehearsing, there are all these police-like men and women standing around looking ready to shoot anyone who gets out of hand.”

“I just worry. We’ve never been in the spotlight before.”

Teri hugged her close. “Actually, the Wildcats have gotten a lot of TV coverage. Those appearances on the Ellen Show and the Tonight Show made everyone familiar with our band’s name. And when Wiggins held a press conference and announced our multi-million dollar contract with Warner’s, well, suddenly people wanted to know about us. We never thought that Fur Face would become a viral meme, and we’d be on the Today Show.”

Jenn kissed her. “Shit. I don’t want anything happening to my girlfriend. I couldn’t live without you.”

Teri smiled. “Kinda like Romeo and Juliet.”

Jenn looked at her curiously. “Are you still thinking about your rock opera?”

Teri nodded. “After this ends, it’s what I’m going to work on.”

When Saturday arrived, the Cats were escorted to the site for a sound check and final walk-through. The grounds of the Hollywood Bowl had been roped off all week, and only people with passes were allowed inside. Even then, everyone was stopped, and IDs were checked multiple times. Everywhere you looked, there were police officers and dogs. The plainclothes officers were easy to identify because they wore suits on a warm afternoon. Everyone had been issued photo IDs.

Teri shook her head. “It’s like the President is making an appearance.”

Lisa looked around. She shook her head at Zoe. “Looks like a war zone.”

“All the trailers remind me of North Carolina and the movie set for Chances.”

Gina smiled, recalling the movie set. “I think that was better organized, and they didn’t have this big security profile.”

Tiffany closed her eyes. “I’m still wishing for a star to sweep me off my feet and turn me into a princess.”

Gina laughed. “More like some toad kidnapping you and making you their slave girl in Saudi Arabia.”

Tiffany looked horrified. “Don’t we have bodyguards?”

Gina shook her head. “You haven’t watched enough terrorist movies. They’d come right in and take over completely. They’d be holding everyone hostage for Bitcoin.”

Zoe chuckled. “I think you’re confusing Batman movies with real life.”

Gina looked at Zoe. “You mean Batman’s not real?”

They went through security and took the stage. The union workers had moved all their equipment onto risers.

Phil was there as they examined their equipment and unpacked their guitars and the Flower Sisters’ horns. Teri was talking to Phil while he showed her the controls for their sound.

Teri slipped on a headset with a microphone. “Everyone has a headset to adjust. We’ll still hear our sound, but all the other director stuff just comes through to my headset.”

The Cats were ready. After a week’s rehearsal, they were calm.

They sat on stools and listened as the speakers had their final run-throughs. They watched as the lighting crews adjusted their spots.

Then it was time to greet Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Their entourage all stood in the wings and offstage, while the two women were introduced to Phil and the band.

Teri greeted them warmly but couldn’t stop shaking with excitement. She was amazed at how kind they were. Both listened carefully to hear what Teri had to say, but they kept laughing and saying things like, “My daughter is almost your age or I’ve got socks older than you.” Neither could believe that Teri had sent them arrangements, complete with sheet music, so their musicians could rehearse their show.

Beyoncé was smiling and frequently hugging Teri. “Baby, you’re the same age I was when I first cut a single. And look at you running the whole show!”

Both Beyoncé and Taylor stopped singing when the Cats began harmonizing as their backup voices. They exchanged looks and laughed, praising the band for how impressive they sounded.

Taylor Swift couldn’t believe how tight the band was. “I’m going to steal all of you to open shows for me. I’ve got plans to do a big tour coming up. We’re calling it the Era’s Tour, and it’s going worldwide.”

An hour later, both women kissed and hugged everyone goodbye, saying they’d see them later that night.

Tiffany spoke. “Where do you think they’re going? Do you think they’re staying in some hotel or with someone who lives here?”

Zoe patted her on the back. “Oh, honey. I’m sure both of them own homes here. They could be in the Hollywood Hills or out in Malibu. Both these women have enough money to own ten houses.”

Tiffany shook her head. “It’s hard to believe. They’re the best in the world, and we got to hang out with them. Wow!”

Teri was nodding and wiping the tears from her eyes. “Could you tell that I was shaking the whole time. I’m sure you could hear it in my voice.”

Lisa wrapped her arm around Teri’s shoulder. “They loved you and your work. Seriously, you sent all those arrangements out to them weeks ago, right?”

Teri nodded.

Lisa kept up her pep talk. “Well, they came ready to work. Both of them had rehearsed and were ready to play. Everything went perfectly.”

Teri tried to smile. “I hope it goes that well tonight.”

Gina laughed. “It’s going to be great. You watch. That’s when they’ll let it all rip and shoot for the moon. Both of them are total professionals.”

By four o’clock, they’d finished dress rehearsal. Richard arrived to make sure they got fed, dressed, and ready to be presented to Gina’s sister, Isabella, for hair and makeup.

Teri quietly slipped away by herself and found a spot outside the lounge. She looked up at the hazy, smoggy downtown LA and tried to smile. She had done everything she could to make this work. Everyone was ready, and it felt like the same nerves she got before every Cats show. She closed her eyes and remembered the first time she dressed up and played with the band on a Thursday night during her Spring Break. She recalled how fun it was and how scared she felt standing on that stage.

She looked down at her nails. One of her projects was learning to take care of her hands on her own. Tiffany had done a good job of teaching her. Now, they were glossy silver just like her hair. She shook her head, thinking about how much she had changed. Teri was like her hair and nails, all glossy and smooth.

She felt tears streaming down her face and realized she’d found her dream of playing in a band. But she was a different person who stood on that stage the first night. That person had vanished, or perhaps had never existed. She’d tried to remember if she’d ever had any testosterone-driven fantasies. She always came up short. As she let the sobs shake her body, she felt herself being embraced and held. She smelled the perfume and knew it was her sister.

She turned and looked at her sister as she squeezed her tightly. “Lisa, it’s okay. I just get lost sometimes.”

Lisa kissed her cheek and smiled. “We all do, honey. I get frightened when I realize that I’m a grown-up and have to behave.”

“What do you do?”

“I run, work out, or fuck Smith. It helps me realize that I haven’t lost anything.”

“I hate running and working out. I do it because it’s a Wildcat thing.”

Lisa murmured in her ear. “You haven’t lost anything. It’s all still there.”

Teri shook her head. “I don’t know. I stopped hanging out with the guys playing video games.”

Lisa laughed. “No shit. You can hang out with your boys and play Slime Ball Stompers anytime too. You could probably chill with your friends and beat them. They’d be so mesmerized, they’d do anything you want.”

Teri was grinning. “Yeah, I have changed.”

Oh, baby. You might have been an ugly duckling, but you’ve grown into a beautiful swan. Now, wipe your face and go find Isabella.

Teri found Isabella and gave her a big hug. “I think I want to just let everything go for the next couple of months. We’ll be in Philly, and Jenn heads to school. Maybe search for a new look.”

Isabella was back to brushing Teri’s hair and twisting it into a pageboy for tonight. “Sure, honey. Change is always good. Think about color and extensions. Might be time to change it up.”

Teri smiled. “Let me think about it. I want to run it by Jenn and hear what she thinks.”

Of course you do. She’s the most important person in your life. We can all sit down for a consultation," Isabella smiled. Over the past year, she’d seen many changes in Teri.

After Tiffany was finished, she tracked down the studio trailer where Mike was working. She showed her pass and snuck in. As she crept in, Mike turned and smiled.

“Hey, I was hoping to surprise you.”

Mike pointed to the fifty monitors on racks in front of them. He grinned. “I saw you coming from five different angles.”

She kissed him. “How’d I look?”

“Beautiful as usual. Everyone’s jealous cause you’re mine.”

It had been a long week, but the band was ready when the lights came on. The Wildcats started with Ellen’s TV theme song. Teri and Gina played percussion and drums, the Flowers played trumpets and sax, while Tiff grooved on her bass. They all sang, “Have a little fun today.” The audience rose as one, cheering for Ellen DeGeneres.

Ellen greeted the TV viewers and live audience. She thanked everyone participating. She explained why they were there, then she introduced George Clooney.

From that moment on, it was a fast-paced train ride. The Cats supported every talent and occasionally showcased their own material. The audience moved around during the commercials to shake hands, hug, and chat.

Every time a speaker went on stage, the Wildcats would slip off and refresh. After five days of rehearsals, they knew their cues. But live shows always go off the rails. Some of the talent didn’t make it, and some went a little over their allotted time. A few women decided to stay on stage and sing backup with the Cats. Those crazy moments were exciting. Everyone knew there’d be blow-ups and detours, but the Cats were in their comfort zone. As Lisa said, “The pressure’s on the talent. We’re just along for the ride.”

And then it was over.

Teri put her headset down and reached for a water bottle. She took a deep sip and relished their achievements. All she’d ever wanted was to play and create musical arrangements. Before the Wildcats, she’d hoped to earn a four-year music degree. Now, she was actually arranging music in the real world. She had written and arranged music for the Cats. When they were in New Orleans, she helped Eaten By Raptors develop their new album and rework their old tunes. And now Beyoncé and Taylor knew who she was.

It had exactly been what Gina had said. Every star had given their best. The evening had flown by quickly.

Zoe checked her watch as the moon shone high in the sky. Playing outside at the Bowl had been a fantastic experience. She saw Lisa and walked over.

“Hey, girl. I usually liked the quiet that goes along with the middle of the night, but tonight, this might as well be high noon.”

As they walked together, talking, they had to be careful as crews operating forklifts and cranes dismantled the stage and lowered the light stands. Stagehands were coiling up the cables and sliding speakers into storage cases. The effort was immense, involving tractor-trailer trucks full of TV equipment and packing up a complete broadcast studio.

Lisa shook her head. “I’m glad we run every day. If you’d have told me that I’d have any energy left after playing all night, I would have never believed it.”

Zoe laughed. “Thank goodness they had those famous people talking between musical acts, discussing where the money was going and all the good things those donations would do. If it weren’t for them, we never would have had time to eat or use the bathroom.”

Lisa smiled. “The whole thing was one big adrenaline rush. I mean, running around playing keyboards, guitars, singing backup, and reading sheet music for the biggest stars in music. I never thought that five girls from Allentown would be backing up all the world’s biggest stars all in the same day.”

Tiffany joined them. She leaned in. “Do you think anyone noticed us?. Whenever we played our music, they went to a commercial.”

Teri was nodding. “Oh, yeah. I had a monitor in front of me showing everything that was being televised. We got a lot of face time. And the cameras loved the Flower Sisters playing their shiny brass. But you know, the world won’t hear our original music until the downloads and videos come out.”

Zoe was nodding. “Well, regardless of us being lost in the shuffle, it was a job worth doing. And I’ll be able to tell little Boomer that she was there for the whole thing.”

Teri’s eyes brightened. “She, as in, Boomer’s a girl?”

Zoe shrugged and gave a sly smile. “We’ll know when we see her.”

Tiffany got in on it. “Names?”

Zoe shook her head. “Secret, and my lips are sealed.”

As Teri filed away all the sheet music and placed it in a large box, Tiffany looked at the massive pile of music. “I saw Beyoncé and Taylor Swift autographing your copy of their set music and giving you hugs and kisses. Those arrangements were genius, and both women seemed to have a fun time.”

Lisa smiled. “I think we forget that talent is full of the same insecurities we have. They really took a leap tonight. One day of rehearsing and boom, they’re on prime-time television.”

Gina nodded. “I think that nervousness only makes them work harder. They motivated each other through their performances tonight. And they knew that it went well.”

Zoe cheered. “This time tomorrow, Bruno and I will be sleeping in another suite in Hawaii. We’re flying straight from LA to the Islands. I’m taking advantage of all the time we have alone together before our Boomer arrives.”

Gina laughed and turned to Zoe. “You mean to say, you won’t miss any of us? How can you go weeks without seeing my smiling face?”

Zoe chuckled. “Send me a picture of you and Grace living the high life in her penthouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and I’ll think loving thoughts about both of you.”

Lisa was smiling. “Well, this time tomorrow, Smith and I are heading to visit his parents in Austin, then going off to his mountain-top ranch in Nashville. We’re planning to hide out with campfires and marshmallows. It’s all about s’mores.”

Tiffany shook her head. “Well, while the three of you are heading out of town for fun and joy, I’ll be holding down the fort in Allentown. Mike’s going to be editing all of the tape from the concert. But I get to watch from the best seat in the house, his lap.”

While everyone was talking, they turned to look at Teri, who was very quiet. Tiffany spoke up. “And what’s our Little Shit going to do with her three weeks of vacation?”