Bristol knew it would be at least an hour before they left. As much as she enjoyed plush five-star-hotel life, her tour bus was her haven. It was big enough for Lizzy and others to gather and brainstorm about the business, and for Bristol to slip away and get much needed sleep.

Security waited for her to gather the personal items she wanted for the bus and escorted her to the back, where they were parked. She saw the signs her fans held up from behind the barricades and waved to them, but she didn’t stop to sign autographs or take selfies. A lot of her signed memorabilia wound up on eBay, and she didn’t like that. She dropped her bag and fell on her bed, relieved the concert was over.

* * *

“This is the diner?” Bristol split the closed blinds with two fingers to look at the restaurant off I-25. The red neon lights that spelled Betty’s Diner reflected brightly against the pale building. It was almost three a.m., and the parking lot was empty. Bristol saw two waitresses and a cook leaning against the counter laughing at something one of them said. She envied the organic exchange. They straightened when they noticed the caravan pulling into the parking lot. “Do you think they’ll know me?”

“Well, the buses certainly got their attention,” Lizzy said. They watched as security from one of the SUVs jumped out to survey the diner. One of the men spoke into his walkie, and within ten seconds, one of Lizzy’s assistants was knocking on the bus door.

“Bruce says it’s clear.”

This didn’t happen often. Bristol, Lizzy, and Lizzy’s assistants were ushered into the diner and sat near the back and away from windows. The waitress who took their order didn’t appear to know who Bristol was but could tell they were somebody important.

“I’m Suzy. What can I get you all to drink?”

“Waters and coffee,” Lizzy said.

“I’ll have an orange juice,” Bristol said. After a brief glance at the large, laminated menu, she decided on the oatmeal. That would help her sleep until they got to Santa Fe. One night there and one night in Albuquerque. Then a day off until the Salt Lake City concerts.

“Where are y’all from?”

Suzy returned with a steaming pot of coffee and a large orange juice. She poured four black coffees effortlessly.

“California,” Bristol said.

“Those are big buses out front. Are you with a politician?”

Bristol bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. That’s her first thought? A politician? She kept her head down as Lizzy took charge.

“Something like that. I think we’re ready to order now.” Lizzy didn’t give Suzy time to ask any more questions. Bristol watched as she scribbled down everyone’s order, asking the bare minimum and nodding the entire time.

“Toast or biscuit? Side of bacon or sausage?”