Bristol knew that was her mother’s way of telling her she looked rough. Subconsciously, she patted down her hair and tried to wake up. “I haven’t been sleeping the best. And we just got done with Vegas. You know how I never sleep there.” She took a bite of the sweet pastry and expressed her appreciation with a loud moan. “These are the best. I can’t wait until I’m home and can have these every weekend. Tell me what I’ve missed.”

Vanessa moved the plate with the doughnut from her lap onto the nightstand and tucked her hair behind her ears. She curled both hands around the eco-friendly disposable cup. She was always so gentle. It was one of the things Bristol loved about her mother. Show business was hard, but her mother was always ready to hold her if she needed strength. Her mother was her hero. She taught Bristol how to play the piano, how to braid her hair a million different ways, and how to stand up for herself.

“Your brother got home about midnight. He’s still sleeping.”

Bristol waved her hand as though it didn’t matter that her little brother didn’t race over to see her even though it had been almost nine months. It stung. “He’s living his life. Plus, I’ll be home in two weeks.”

“He’s very excited about your final concert. He wants eight VIP tickets. Do you think you can swing it?”

“Ha! The answer is no because even I can’t get that many, but he can ask me himself. He knows how to text.” She knew her reaction was childish, but it bothered her that he wasn’t here.

“He’ll stop by before you head to the arena. What time are you leaving?”

Bristol looked at the clock. It was almost noon. She’d need at least an hour onstage before sound checks for Annie and Fast Cars. “I should probably leave by two.”

Vanessa cupped Bristol’s face. “I can’t wait to have my daughter home. It’s been lonely without you.”

“It’s been pretty lonely on the road, too. Next time I go anywhere you’ll have to travel with me. Reece is old enough to be left alone.” Bristol laughed at the absurdity of that statement. He was the most immature teenager she ever knew. Her mother didn’t pick up that she didn’t say the word tour again.

“I’ll have him stay with his father and put the alarm on so if he tries to sneak in, security will be here in no time. That’ll teach him,” Vanessa said.