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Tawnie gave me a brisk nod, and I turned, forcing myself to keep my pace calm as I moved down the steps and slipped behind the pop-up stage.

Truthfully? I had no idea where she could be. But rule number one, always check the bathroom first.

The entrance to the women’s restroom was a few feet away. I pushed the door open and immediately crouched, searching beneath the stalls for a flash of bright red cowboy boots.

The room smelled like air freshener and…smoke.

My gaze zeroed in on the last stall.

Red boots. One crossed lazily over the other.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I hissed, marching over and pounding on the stall door. “Lolly! Get out here. And put that cigarette out!”

The boots jerked upright, heels clattering against the tile. A plop, a flush, and then the stall door swung open, a thin veil of smoke drifted out before Lolly stepped forward.

“I got caught up in my online bingo,” she said, waving her phone like it was an acceptable excuse. “I was on a real roll.”

“Good for you,” I muttered flatly. I stepped behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders and steering her toward the door. “But you need to BIN-GO back onstage.”

Lolly snorted out a laugh, shuffling along, one exaggerated step at a time as I guided her through the event room. I still couldn’t believe she’d thought sneaking a smoke break inside and in the middle of the event was fine. There were designated smoking spots outside. Plural.

“You are supposed to be up there, announcing the next act.”

Lolly waved me off.

“They won’t mind waiting a few minutes. If I don’t get my cigarettes I am a bitch to deal with.”

I could respect that.

“Fine, but next time just let someone know. I don’t have the patience to look for you again.”

Without missing a beat, Lolly jogged up the steps, snatched her mic from the sound station, and strutted straight into the spotlight like nothing had happened.

I rejoined Tawnie. She glanced from Lolly to me, eyebrows climbing. I only shook my head.

If that was all that went a bit sideways today, I’d be thrilled.

“All that matters is I found her. Where are Tracy and Chuck?”

“They’re on their markers behind the far curtain. The show must go on,” she added with a grin.

This was the act I’d been most excited to see—the second-to-last duo.

Colton and Cooper had been saved for last because, let’s be honest, that’s what everyone here was waiting for. The CEO of Stone Ranch performing live, center stage.

I’d made sure it was printed in big, bold letters on every flyer, impossible to miss.

Judging by the packed room, it had worked.

The energy was electric—anticipation humming through the space like a live wire.

“Before we can get to the grand finale, we have one more spectacular act. Tracy and her Australian Shepherd, Chuck, are here to wow you all with his impressive acrobatic moves.” Lolly smiled, turning to face the opposite direction.

“Tracy and Chuck have been training together for years. What started as a simple foster situation turned into a beautiful partnership. Tracy says she may have rescued him on paper, but he rescued her where it counts most. So, let’s give them a huge round of applause.”

Who didn’t love seeing a dog do some pretty insane tricks?

As Lolly exited the stage, I made sure to keep a close eye on her.