“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.