“I’m so happy you’re here,” Bristol said as she hugged her mom and Reece. She was fresh from the shower, wearing a T-shirt and shorts. She assumed it was only family on the tour bus, but she was delighted to see Annie sitting at the table.
“Honey, you did such a great job. Those fans of yours are so loud,” Vanessa said.
Bristol noticed her mother’s voice was a bit loud for normal conversation. It would take several hours for the ringing in her ears to subside. She laughed and nodded. “You should have worn your ear plugs.”
“I know,” Vanessa practically yelled and pulled her into another hug. Bristol sank against her mom and felt tears well up. She needed this—to be around her family. Even her annoying brother was a sight for sore eyes.
“Now can we do a TikTok?”
“I was just thinking that it was great to see you, and then I remembered that you talk,” Bristol said. At her brother’s shocked look, she caved. “Fine.” Bristol rolled her eyes to seem put out, but secretly she loved making her family happy, even if it was doing stupid videos. “What do you want to do?” Her brother explained a new dance trend. She learned the moves in ten minutes. Reece started it, and Bristol jumped in behind him to finish it. It was a thirty-second video that ended with them crashing into one another because the space on the tour bus was too confined. Lucy recorded them and yelled, “It’s perfect,” then stopped recording.
Bristol untangled herself and helped Reece up. “Are you an influencer now or still just playing around?”
“Playing around. I told you I want to play for the Dodgers. That’s more of a career goal.”
“Your arm is only going to get you so far,” Bristol said. “Let’s sit and talk. I’m tired, and we’re hitting the road in a few hours.” As nonchalantly as she could, she slipped into the round padded bench beside Annie. “Thanks for spending time with my family.” Being so close to Annie that she could feel her body heat made Bristol’s insides twist with nerves. Annie’s eyes were bright and beautiful, and her curly hair was pulled back to offer some relief from the heat of the summer night.
“I’ll never get tired of watching you onstage,” Annie said.
When Bristol looked at Annie’s lips then back up to her eyes, she felt that exciting jolt that had been happening more and more when they shared space. “Thank you. It was a good night, wasn’t it?”
“What do you have to eat around here?” And the award for worst timing ever went to Reece. He slid into the booth beside her, bumping her into Annie. He cringed and apologized.
“Sorry about that. Apparently, my body is shutting down because I need food.”
Reece faked feeling weak and made a big production of laying his head on the table and pointing to his mouth.
“You’re ridiculous. Food will be here in five minutes,” Bristol said. She looked at Lucy, Tam, and Carter sitting on the couch across from them. “Why are they shy all of a sudden?”
“I don’t know. Lu seems to be all about Instagram and TikTok. At least I can look up from my phone. She doesn’t seem to be able to.” He motioned for his friends to come over. “Don’t be rude.”
Bristol blushed but didn’t correct him. They were being rude.
“I’m sorry, Bristol.” Lucy sat next to Reece. Vanessa sat on the other side of Annie. Reece’s friends sat in cushy chairs across from the table. “This is a really posh bus, Bristol. I bet touring is easy in this thing.”
Bristol smiled. She was so young and so uninterested. She wondered if Lucy was taking photos and posting them. “Thanks. Also, please don’t post any photos of the inside of the bus. For safety reasons, okay?” Bristol bit back her smirk when Lucy’s eyes widened with panic.
“Oh, definitely won’t,” Lucy said.
Bristol watched as Lucy casually hit a few buttons on her phone while trying to make it seem like she wasn’t in full panic mode. After a few furious clicks, Lucy’s shoulders relaxed, and she put her phone facedown on the table. Carter opened the door when they heard a knock, and someone announcing the catering service was there with food. Reece playfully pushed everyone out of the way and hovered over the staff as they set up the food, plucking warm chicken tenders and a brownie from the serving platters.
“Can you not be such an animal? There are plates and silverware available.” Bristol put her hand on her hips and scowled at her brother. She’d picked the menu knowing her brother and his friends would eat things like chicken tenders, French fries, cole slaw, and potato salad, but she also knew that grease made her voice sound froggy, so she added salads and grilled chicken.
“This is a lot of food,” Annie said.
“My brother eats like a horse. Trust me. Most of what you see here will be gone in an hour.”
“Your family dynamic reminds me of mine. It makes me miss Sarah and Peyton.”
Bristol covered Annie’s hand with her own. It was warm and soft and fit perfectly. “Less than two weeks.” She pulled her hand away and smiled encouragingly at her.
“Hey, Bristol.” Reece interrupted them. “You never answered me. Are you going to give me eight tickets to the finale?”
“Do you even know eight people?”
“Ha, ha, ha.” He snorted. “I’m auctioning them off on eBay to the highest bidder. I mean I could pay my college tuition.”
Bristol bumped her shoulder against his. “You already have a college fund.”
“I’m teasing. I want to bring some of the guys from the team. You know, senior year starts next week.”
“I’m not letting eight pre-frat guys have the best seats in the house.”
“Reece, honey, it’s the last concert,” Vanessa said.
“Tonight was the concert for that,” Bristol said. “I could’ve easily hooked you up.”
“But your final concert is…” Reece paused and put his fingers up to his lips and made a chef’s kiss. “It’s going to be magnificent.”
“I’ll give you four tickets. That’s it.”
“How many are you giving Mom?” he asked.
“Don’t worry about it. Top Shelf is limiting comp tickets because it’s such a sought-after event. Every person onstage gets a four-pack, so that fills up VIP fast.”
“But you’re the headliner. You should be able to get more.”
“I have more people in my life than just you. Mom wants to bring some friends, too.”
He put his arm around Vanessa. “Hey, Mom. Who’s your favorite son?”
She pushed his arm away. “You are my favorite son, for sure, but you’re not getting my extra tickets.”
Reece sighed. “Fine. I’ll take the four. Thank you.”
There was another knock on the door, and Bristol knew it was Lizzy. It was pushing three in the morning, and they had a long drive up the coast. She wasn’t ready for her family to go but never pushed for them to stay. She wanted her mother to know that she could do this, could finish the tour without breaking down. It was only for a few more weeks.
She hugged and kissed them as a few tears fell on her cheeks. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Stay strong, baby girl. I’ll greet you with doughnuts again in bed on the morning you get back.”
Bristol nodded and waved as security took them away. It was just her and Annie.
“I should probably go, too. You’re probably exhausted,” Annie said. She slipped on her shoes that she’d kicked under the bench.
“Family time pepped me up. You can stay if you’d like. We’re all going to the same place.” Bristol smiled and hoped her desperation didn’t come across in her words. She didn’t want to be alone, but she also didn’t want to be around Lizzy. She wanted to ride the high of being happy and feeling loved and normal for the first time in what felt like forever.
“I mean, sure, if you don’t mind. I should probably grab my bag from the other bus. I don’t think I want to fall asleep in this.” Annie looked down at her stage outfit. She looked up at Bristol. “I mean, if you wanted me to stay the whole way. On this bus. As friends. Ack!” She buried her face with her hands in embarrassment.
Bristol laughed. “There’s plenty of room here. We have six bunks. Sometimes the band sleeps here when we’re working on songs. Other times Lizzy and her assistants stay here when the regular bus gets noisy. This close to the end, most people just want their own space,” Bristol said.
“Do you want your own space? Tonight seemed like a lot for you.”
“Tonight was wonderful. I’ve been emotionally rejuvenated. I’m ready to finish this God-forsaken tour,” Bristol said.
“Let me go grab my things. I’ll be right back,” Annie said.
Annie seemed nervous but also excited. There was nothing for Bristol to do except brush her teeth. She’d already showered and was wearing clean clothes. She pulled up a national news app on her phone and scrolled through the headlines. Being on tour felt like being in a different world. Days rolled together, weeks felt like months, and anything good felt like it was gone in a second.
Annie knocked on the door and peeked in. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought my guitar. Just in case you felt like playing something.”
“Come on in. Get comfortable. Lizzy said we’re taking off soon. It’s always best to get out of town when the traffic is light,” Bristol said. She felt nervous at how calm Annie looked. She was so quietly confident standing in front of Bristol. “Let me show you where everything is. The bus is divided into three sections. You can have any of these bunks. The band sleeps in the other bus.”
“Nobody else stays here? All of this is yours?”
Bristol shrugged. “Sometimes Lizzy and her assistants sleep over, but mostly they pop on after we’ve all stopped for gas or whatever. They stay up front and plan the day or figure out where I’m supposed to be. Sometimes they have me booked on a radio show or morning talk show.”
“It’s unbelievable to me how many people are needed to make this tour happen. Like a hundred people, right?”
“Around that. Half is from Top Shelf. Like the roadies and the set crew. Lizzy and her assistants are from her agency. I hire my own security, and I hire the opening act.”
“You were serious about that? I thought Top Shelf was paying me. I remember seeing their name on the contract.” She was so excited to be offered the job and relied on her lawyer to button things up, she’d never considered the logistics of the contract. Annie stopped, and a flash of irritation crossed her features.
Bristol, confused at Annie’s reaction, took a step back. “Technically Lizzy’s company pays you on my behalf. Top Shelf provides the stage, so that’s why their name was on the paperwork. Is something wrong?”
Annie sat down and sighed. “It’s fine. I just assumed Top Shelf hired me through you and through Lizzy’s company. They never corrected me when I thanked them for the opportunity.”
Bristol tamped down her irritation. “They are somewhat involved since you’re technically on their tour with me, but they don’t pay you, they don’t rep you, market you, or anything until you sign with them.” Annie looked at Bristol with such vulnerability. To touch her would be wrong, but she obviously had just found out something unsettling, and Bristol wanted to help. “That’s why you need a manager. They’ll weed through all of this for you, and if they’re good, they’ll protect you.”
“What do you think about Lizzy as a manager?”
Fourteen years of friendship, partnership, and business flashed in Bristol’s mind. Lizzy got her everything, but she also pushed Bristol for more. She never doubted their friendship, but if Lizzy had to choose between Bristol and work, Bristol would have to find a new friend. Bristol wasn’t her only client. “Honestly, I’m surprised Lizzy hasn’t already approached you.” Bristol grabbed her new phone. “That reminds me. I got a new phone, but Lizzy’s assistant didn’t put your number in.”
Annie frowned and typed her number in. “When did you get a new phone?”
“Las Vegas.” Bristol looked uncomfortable. “It’s not a big deal. I was irritated that Top Shelf had my location, so Lizzy got me a new phone that no one has the number to.”
“Except me?”
Bristol smiled. “And Lizzy and my family.”
“Why did Top Shelf have your location?” Annie waved her hands in front of her face. “Hold on. Let’s not talk about that. We just had an amazing concert, and you got to see your family for the first time in a long time. Tell me what else puts that beautiful smile on Bristol Baines’s face?”
“What’s on the list now?”
Annie pretended to think hard. “Family, doughnuts, puppies, kittens, children, books, new guitars, old comfortable boots, a crisp fall day, building a snowman outside your niece’s window when she can’t play in the snow with you, a hot cup of tea with honey, and a crackling fireplace that you fall asleep in front of because it’s so comforting.”
Bristol pinched her lips together. “Hmm. That sounds suspiciously like your list, but honestly, it’s not far off mine. How’s Peyton doing?” Bristol took Annie’s hand out of comfort but didn’t let go when Annie flipped her hand so they could entwine fingers. Bristol’s heart vibrated. She was afraid Annie could feel the quickening beat through her fingertips.
“She’s such a fighter. She doesn’t complain about how unfair life is. She looks forward to going to the hospital to see her friends there so she can make them feel better. I miss her so much.”
Bristol smiled. “She sounds amazing. I’m thankful she’s going to make a full recovery.”
“So am I. She’ll have to wear glasses for a while, which I know she’s not happy about.”
“You have the same color eyes as her, right?” Bristol asked. It gave her the opportunity to stare directly in Annie’s eyes without fear of getting caught.
“Hers have a bit of green in them.”
“And yours are like a tropical ocean. They’re very beautiful.” Bristol could feel her confidence blossoming now that nobody was around. It was nice to sit back and flirt with Annie.
When Lou knocked on the door to inform them they were leaving, neither Bristol nor Annie pulled her hand away. While it was nice to hold hands and talk about normal life, Bristol needed to feel Annie’s warmth next to her. “Can I get you a drink? We have water, soda, or juice.”
“I’ll take anything at this point,” Annie said.
Bristol pulled herself from Annie’s grasp and grabbed two sodas and two waters from the refrigerator. “Oh. We also have lemonade.”
“That sounds delicious.”
Bristol put all six drinks on the table and sat next to Annie instead of across from her. Her body hummed with excitement at the possibilities. When the bus jerked forward as it pulled away from the curb, Annie touched Bristol’s knee, either to keep her from sliding away or falling off the bench. Bristol’s excitement grew. “The first jolt is always the worst. The rest of the trip will be smooth sailing.” Bristol wasn’t sure when it happened, but they were holding hands again and having a nice, easy conversation about family, food, and songs.
“I don’t know how you’re so graceful between chords. I feel like a clumsy monster when I play. It’s the one thing I listen for with other people. You are so incredibly smooth in your transitions,” Annie said.
“Grab your guitar, and let’s see what you’re doing,” Bristol said. She’d noticed, but Annie’s hesitations were so slight that they didn’t bother her like some guitarists’ did. She watched Annie as she carefully opened her case and pulled out her guitar.
“It’s not top-of-the-line or anything, but I’ve been playing her for so long I can’t retire her,” she said.
The guitar had seen better days but still had a beautiful sound. “How long have you had her?”
“About eight years. It was the first major purchase of my life. Who needs a car when you have a beautiful guitar like this?”
“Wait. You don’t have a car?”
The sound of Annie’s laughter made Bristol’s stomach quiver. “I have a car, but she definitely cost less than the guitar.”
“Whatever it takes. I think you’re doing great,” Bristol said. She admired Annie for going about things differently than she did.
Annie blushed. “Thank you.”
Bristol liked how she didn’t try to compare their levels of success. That was the difference between a fan and a friend. “Now play something.” She leaned forward to watch Annie’s hands. After several minutes and a few suggestions, Annie was able to improve.
“I can’t believe this. I’ve been playing forever, and you improve me in ten minutes.” Annie said.
“Don’t take it personally. Remember, I was taking piano, guitar, and voice lessons for years before I even cut an album. I practiced every day for hours with overpaid music teachers. Hey. Let me grab my guitar,” Bristol said. She returned with her Preston Thompson acoustic. “Since we’re sharing our babies, here’s mine.” She handed it to Annie.
“Oh, my gosh.” Annie leaned the neck of her guitar against the table and stood to wrap the strap of Bristol’s around her neck. “She’s gorgeous.” She ran her hands over the smooth rosewood neck and body. “How many guitars do you have? I don’t think I’ve seen this one before.”
“On this tour I have six, but she stays on the bus.” Bristol leaned closer to Annie. “I don’t trust anyone with her.”
Annie was so close and her breath a mere whisper. She widened her eyes playfully. “But you trust me.”
Bristol nodded slowly. “I do.”
“Can I play your guitar?”
“Why, Miss Foster, that’s such a personal question.”
“May I?”
“Of course,” Bristol said. Her face got really close to Annie’s as she maneuvered around her to sit. “Play me something.”
Annie thought for a moment and strummed chords until she got comfortable. “She’s so smooth. I love her.”
“Don’t forget what you just learned,” Bristol said. She smiled when Annie closed her eyes to concentrate. She was flawless. Her skin was smooth. Slight laugh lines at the corners of her eyes became more pronounced when she smiled as she felt her way across the strings. Bristol wanted to kiss her. When Annie opened her eyes and started singing, Bristol caught herself leaning closer and made herself sit back. Annie was giving her a mini concert. When she finished the song, Bristol applauded.
“You have such a clear voice. It’s so impressive.”
Annie touched Bristol’s arm. “And I would kill for yours. It’s so sexy, and your range is incredible.”
“So, together we sing perfectly,” Bristol said. “The fans think so. The messages Dom weeds through daily are amazing. They want us to sing more.” She picked up Annie’s guitar, and for the next hour, they played several random songs. It was the best time Bristol had ever had on the tour.
“It’s five thirty in the morning. We need to get some rest,” Annie said after noticing the time.
Bristol wasn’t ready to say good night, even though she knew they both needed sleep. “Let’s drop a teaser on social media.” She picked up her phone and hit the camera button. “Is a picture okay?”
“Yeah. Totally.” Annie moved closer to Bristol to fill in the frame.
“That’s fine. We’re holding each other’s guitars. That should generate talk,” Bristol said. She tried not to smile so hard, but she was happy. Snap. They took one photo that looked like two friends playing guitars. Bristol swallowed hard when Annie rested her head against her shoulder. Snap. It was precious, and Bristol’s heart sped at feeling any part of Annie pressed up against her. She turned to look at Annie, and they laughed. Snap. Bristol felt like they were in a photo booth. On a whim, Bristol kissed Annie’s cheek. Snap.