Page 20 of High Note

Skyla wrapped her arms around herself. “Of course.”

“Look at all that snow down there, girl! It’s soft, right? You were just playing in it.”

“Right.” She bit her bottom lip. This was nuts. And she suddenly wanted to text Kirsten. Which was even nuttier. Right?

Except Kirsten was local. Kirsten could pick up her dog if she needed to.

So she texted, just in case Kirsten was at work or something and couldn’t answer a call.

Her phone immediately began to ring.

She picked up and heard, “What the actual fuck? I’m getting in my car.”

“Hey, honey. I’m sorry. I—They stuck me in a conference room. Someone is bringing me a Coke. I’m not even sure you can get up here.”

“It’s okay. I know people. What happened? What do you need?”

Her hero.

“I don’t even know. I looked out the window and saw her dangling. All sorts of people went speeding out there. That was a big drop. I’m kind of scared she’s dead.”

“I bet she’s going to be damn embarrassed, but fine.” Kirsten sounded so sure, like there was absolutely zero doubt.

“I hope so.”

“I know it. But I’ll be there in a few to help any way I can.”

“That means a lot, honey.”

“Of course. I’ll text when I get there. Breathe.”

“I’ll try.” She hung up when Kirsten did, then huddled in her jacket, staring at Mich, who stared back. Waiting.

“Was that your guitar player?” Mich asked.

“Yeah. It was. I texted her. She’s the only person I know here.”

And Kirsten didn’t even hesitate.

There wasn’t a second’s pause before Kirsten was coming. That was…she was used to people expecting her to do that, not the other way around. It felt warm when she was super cold.

“Go her. It can’t be a bad thing to have a local here to help.” Mich took her hand and squeezed. “And I can’t wait to meet her.”

“I want you to. I think y’all will like her.” Skyla sure did. She just didn’t know what to do about it.

“Of course we will. We’re friendly old bitches.”

“You are.” She chuckled at that. They got their Cokes and maybe ten minutes later there was a knock on the door.

“Miss Bridey, there’s someone here to see you. A Kirsten Langdon.”

“Oh, send her in.”

The door opened, and Kirsten ducked in. “Hey, lady.”

“Hey.” She smiled. “What the hell is going on?”