Page 29 of High Note

“Let’s play.”

Skyla struck up another song, and the whole building seemed to ring with it.

She couldn’t think of a better way to spend a day than this. This was perfect.

Chapter Ten

Kirsten crept along the streets, the snow blowing around wildly. “You okay, honey?”

She needed to get home, and feed the cats, and Skyla didn’t want to go back to her house, which was fine with her.

She wasn’t sure what had happened, but Skyla had been so tense, and by the time they’d left, she’d been smiling.

“Yeah. That was a great day, Kirsten. Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome. Do we need to grab anything from your place?”

“Driving looks tough enough. Surely you have jammies I can wear.”

“I do. I have cozy clothes, food, wine, and snuggly kittens.” And a bed big enough for two.

“See? I knew I could count on you. And I know you have that extra toothbrush.” Skyla grinned over at her, looking younger than she had since Kirsten had met her, the lines around her mouth relaxed.

“I do. I’m the queen of preparedness. Think Boy Scout with less boy.” She pulled into her space, managing not to totally skid out. Go team her.

“That was super good, honey. I wouldn’t have been able to do it.” Skyla peered out the window. “I might bust my ass just going in.”

“Nope. Not busting your pretty little ass. You can hold my arm.” She hoped she didn’t do the busting herself.

“Got it.” Skyla crawled out of the car and grabbed Kirsten’s arm, and together they slipped and slid into the building, where they both sighed with relief.

The cats were meowing and leaping and terrorizing each other.

“I think they were worried.”

“I thought cats could go days on their own?” Skyla started stripping out of cold weather gear, and that was worth watching. It really was. It brought to mind other kinds of disrobing.

“They can, but these guys are used to me, and the kittens are disrupting the balance. All but one go home this week.” And then they’d all settle.

“Oh right. Kittens. I didn’t forget, exactly, I just wasn’t thinking.”

Kirsten tilted her head. “Where’s your dog?”

“Hmm?”

“Didn’t you say he travels on the bus?”

“Oh! Yes.” Skyla chuckled. “I told you she was in daycare, right? But my bus driver wanted to take her for a bit. He worried about the rental house. They’re besties.”

“Oh, good. I want to meet her. Him. The dog. I love dogs.” She just loved cats first.

“Totally. In fact, I’m going to have Dan bring him in tomorrow. I want to play in the snow with him.” Skyla chuckled. “The band will have to just wait on me now.”

“You’re the one who calls the shots. Are you hungry?”

“Starving. I bet ordering is out in this weather. But I can cook.” Skyla came to her, sliding both hands up under her shirt.

“Oh…”Babe, I bet you can.“Your hands are warm.”

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