“I’ll do better on the encore,” Bristol said. Only a few more shows. She took a deep breath and jumped back onstage with the band. The crowd didn’t seem to notice that she was out of sorts. They sang the final two songs with her and begged for more when she waved good night.

“Much better,” Lizzy said.

Bristol fell into step with her security and followed them out to the buses. She waved to the fans who left the concert early to catch a glimpse of her getting onto her bus. They wanted to hit the road early tonight to set up in Sacramento because Bristol had a signing at a Top Shelf records store at ten, an interview with KIXS radio at one, and still had to get a sound check in before the concert. She could taste the finish line. She popped into the shower and washed off the sweat and bitterness of tonight. Slipping into fresh clothes, she could hear Lizzy barking at somebody. Who? And why? The show had gone off without a hitch. She hated it when Lizzy got overly bossy with people. What she did with her staff was her business, although behind the scenes, Bristol had words with her about being too stern. People, especially the ones at her beck and call, deserved respect. Tours were brutal, and everyone was doing the best they could.

“What’s your problem? One minute you’re nice and inviting, and the next you abuse me like I’m one of your staff.”

Bristol recognized Annie’s voice and quickly made her way to the front of the bus. “Hey. What’s going on here?”

Annie’s chest was heaving as she faced off against Lizzy. “I’m not required to attend every set of every concert. It’s a perk, and while I love watching you in concert, I’m getting tired of Lizzy making me feel like crap just because I miss one. I sure as fuck haven’t seen Fast Cars in the crowd.” Annie’s hands were curled into fists and her eyes bright with anger.

Bristol turned to Lizzy. “What did you say to her?”

Lizzy held her hands up. “I just wanted to know why she wasn’t at your concert. It obviously upset you.”

“She doesn’t have to be at my concerts,” Bristol said, although she always liked finding Annie in the crowd.

“It’s not just Lizzy. What’s going on with you? We had a great time the other night, and then your manager shows up drunk and you forget everything that happened. Who blows people off like that? It’s rude and childish. If you’d like to say something to me, don’t send Lizzy to come at me.”