Page 23 of High Note

“So do I need to call the studio and cancel tomorrow?” Andi asked.

“I—I mean…we need to get sound checks…” Skyla looked panicked, and Kirsten had to reach over and pat her hand.

“Lead guitar is kind of important, boss,” Greggo said.

Skyla snapped into glare mode, leveling it at the drummer. “I am well aware of that, Gregory. You can stop it.”

“Fuck off. I almost dropped her!” Gregory snapped right back, and Kirsten watched everyone stare.

This was like watching tennis. Vaguely.

Skyla grimaced. “I’m sorry. I’m just wigged out. But you’re right. You have every right to be off kilter.”

Gregory came to Skyla, bent down and hugged her tight. “Love you, Cloudy.”

“Love you too, Greggo.” Skyla kissed his cheek.

“I’m going to lie down,” Greggo said. “Holler when it’s time for noodles? The garlic bread’s all set up to heat.”

“You know it, and thank you.” Skyla leaned back against her. “Jesus, woman, I’m tired.”

Kirsten could understand that. “You’ve had one hell of a day.” The main room had gone quiet, the ladies all in the kitchen, Greggo gone upstairs. “Thank you for coming. I know it has to be a pain in the ass.”

“You needed me. I came.” Silly, but true.

“Yeah. You want a shot too?” Skyla opened the bottle of Titos.

Fuck yes, but this wasn’t the time. “No, honey. I have to drive home.”

“Oh.” Skyla tilted her head. “I mean, you could stay here.” Then she poured Kirsten a shot.

Kirsten stared at Skyla for a moment, thinking of all the ways that was a bad idea. But she took the shot, didn’t she? And followed it with a beer chaser.

By the time they were done with the second shot, Skyla was in her lap. “I want you to play guitar for me tomorrow. Will you?”

“Uh, yeah.” She didn’t have to work tomorrow. “I mean, if you think the band will be okay with it.”

“Of course they will. They need to work and they can’t without me. And in this case, you.” Skyla nodded and sighed, smiling. “I need some help, and I’ve heard you pick.”

“Okay. I’m in.” She really wanted to jam with Skyla. She loved the idea in fact, even if it might be awkward with the band.

“Thank you.”

She shrugged, her cheeks heating with pleasure. “Anytime.”

The smell of browning meat started wafting from the kitchen. “Yum.”

“Andi makes an empowering meatball.”

“Not a vegetarian, then?” she teased.

“Lord, no.” Skyla looked stricken for a moment, then laughed. “Oh my god, for a minute I thought you were, but I’ve seen you eat tacos.”

“Yep. I mean, I do meatless Mondays, sure, but I like a nice juicy burger too.” Kirsten leaned in, daring to whisper low. “I’m more Austin than Portland.”

“I like that, honey.” Skyla patted her leg, sending tingles all through her. “Fuck, I love Austin, and I’m looking forward to…learning about Colorado.”

She had to grin wide at that because it couldn’t be more obvious. And she hoped to hell they got to pick up where they’d left off at her apartment. Soon.

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