Lizzy held up her hand. “I know you’re struggling right now, but you used to love giving opportunities to underrepresented artists. Maybe if you make somebody else’s dream come true, you’ll be able to focus on something positive.” Once she heard Bristol take a deep breath, she quickly added, “Just because you’re done with it doesn’t mean somebody else wouldn’t love the chance. Just give it some thought. We have two nights here and twenty more shows in six weeks. Would you rather trust the studio to send someone you like?”

Bristol sighed and took the phone from Lizzy. She listened to two original songs and another cover. Annie Foster’s voice was crystal clear. It was pure and beautiful. Bristol knew she was a good fit for their tour but didn’t like how sure Lizzy was. Besides, she was in a bad mood and wanted to wallow for a bit longer.

“I can see in your eyes that you want to sulk for the rest of the day, and I totally get it, but since we’re pressed for time, I, as your manager, friend, and publicist, need to jump on this,” Lizzy said.

Bristol tamped down her tantrum. “Can I go with you when you talk to her?”

“I need to find her first.”

“Can’t we just go to The Evening Eagle, or whatever it’s called, and find her there?”

Lizzy laughed. “The Night Owl, and why don’t I just call there and get her contact info? Maybe we can do a Zoom or a FaceTime call. I can also leave a message at the hospital for her sister.” She didn’t have to remind Bristol that it was almost impossible for her to be out in public without causing a massive disturbance. Social media was a blessing and a curse. They could be in front of millions with a simple post in a matter of minutes. They parked the tour buses at a different hotel to throw off the fans, but the diehards knew what she was doing, and they always found her.

Bristol growled. “I need a day out. Just a quick dash. I’ll put my hair under a cap and wear a business suit or a hazmat suit, whatever you think will hide me. I just need to be around people.” The effects of almost eighteen months on the road, performing the same songs over and over and being around the same people day in and day out were starting to take their toll on her mental health. She needed to do something normal, like have lunch in a restaurant again or window-shop for something she didn’t need. She missed strolling in public and feeding off the energy of people. She frowned. That hadn’t happened since she was a teenager, and that was eight studio albums ago.