“Will it, though? He probably won’t grow up until he’s thirty. Perhaps giving him everything was a mistake.” Bristol knew spoiling her baby brother wasn’t the best thing to do, but it felt good to be able to make him happy with large gifts, and he was appreciative. All the attention had been on her for so long that when Reece came along, her parents were hyperfocused on her career, and her little brother fell into the background. Indulging him alleviated her guilt.

“He’s a good kid. That’s what I’m focusing on.” Vanessa shrugged.

“He really is,” Bristol said.

“So, tell me about this Annie Foster woman.”

She wanted to pretend she didn’t know what her mother meant but couldn’t help her automatic smile when she heard Annie’s name now. “Lizzy found her in Denver when she went to get hydration therapy. She’s really good.”

Vanessa put her hand on Bristol’s knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You look like you’re having a good time with her.”

Bristol felt the blush spread over her skin. “You know, I like her. She’s fun, honest, nice, and doesn’t care that I’m this superstar. She treats me like a person.”

“And she’s very pretty.”

“And she’s very pretty.” Bristol laughed and echoed her mother.

“What’s the problem?”

Bristol leaned back against her pillow and sighed. “Professionally, we’re in different places. I know my attitude about the business would kill the relationship before it even started.”

“Aw, baby. You’re too hard on yourself.” She pulled Bristol into a hug and rubbed her shoulder. “Once you’re done with this tour, you’ll spend some time regrouping. You just need time. Your attitude will change. Music is in your soul. Even if you don’t stay with Top Shelf, you can go somewhere else where you aren’t doing as much.”

“Mom, it’s not just that. I can’t go anywhere or do anything without getting mobbed. Lizzy has me locked down for my own safety most of the time. I love singing and performing, but I wish nobody knew me.” She took a bite of her doughnut and wiped the crumbs off her lap.

“Look at how many lives you’ve touched in such a positive way. Your music has reached people on the other side of the world. You have made a difference. I couldn’t be prouder of you. You took on a lot of responsibility at such a young age. But maybe we pushed you too hard.”

Bristol grabbed her mom’s hand. “No. This is one hundred percent me. I wanted to be the famous rock star. I wanted this lifestyle.”

Vanessa kissed the top of Bristol’s head. “I’m sorry it’s so hard for you. That’s why I’m hoping Annie or somebody like her could ground you.”