diff --git a/e2e/e2e_ext_test.go b/e2e/e2e_ext_test.go
index 248ce42d5..bd8106881 100644
--- a/e2e/e2e_ext_test.go
+++ b/e2e/e2e_ext_test.go
@@ -2463,6 +2463,15 @@ func TestGetFinalitiesByL2KeystoneBSS(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
+	// there is a chance we get notifications from the L2KeystonesInsert
+	// call above, if they haven't been broadcast yet.  ignore those.
+	if v.Header.Command == bfgapi.CmdL2KeystonesNotification {
+		err = wsjson.Read(ctx, c, &v)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	if v.Header.Command != bssapi.CmdBTCFinalityByKeystonesResponse {
 		t.Fatalf("received unexpected command: %s", v.Header.Command)
 	}