Page 42 of High Note

They trooped through the noisy main dining room to the back where there was no music tonight, and they put Skyla in themiddle of one of those big round booths, flanking her on all sides with band members. They tended to want to make sure no one could get to her.

It was sweet and kinda crazy-making.

“Hey, y’all. Welcome to Cherry’s.” Kirsten’s voice sounded, surprising the hell out of her.

Oh.

When Kirsten had said she needed to get some work done, she hadn’t imagined that she’d meant here. Waiting tables.

“Dude, you are moonlighting as a waitress?” Geoff asked, and Kirsten actually saw them.

“I am. I’m a waitress, a music teacher, a picker for tips. Whatever gets the rent paid, right?” She chuckled and passed out menus. “What do y’all want to drink?”

“Beer!” That was the chorus, and Skyla waited to chime in.

“Diet Dr Pepper.” And it felt so weird having Kirsten wait on her, it really did.

“You got it. I’ll be right back with those.” Kirsten headed back to the bar, and Lucie blinked over at her.

“This was who you were replacing me with? The waitress? Guys!”

“Hey, now,” Skyla snapped. “We all started out in Nashville waiting tables and slinging drinks and all sorts of other shit at people. Give it a rest.”

“You know what I mean. You are supposed to say, ‘We could never replace you,’ butthead.”

“We didn’t. But she sat in, and she’s a damn good picker.” She stared Lucie down.

“Sure. Sorry.”

Skyla nodded. “You know you about scared ten years off my life doing what you did.”

“I don’t even remember it. I just passed clean out. So stupid.” Lucie rolled her eyes. “Seriously…just bang. Thank God for Geoff.”

“Right?” Andi nudged Mich. “Breaking in someone new is hard.”

“Hence what I said. Sorry, boss. I didn’t mean anything.”

“I know.” She did. She just didn’t want anyone dumping on Kirsten for waiting tables.

“Still, it’s a waste. Why’s she wasting her time waiting tables? She’s not a kid. She’s got talent.” Mich kept her voice low, the tone gentle.

“It’s hard to get a real break here in Summit Springs, I guess.” Skyla shrugged. “How many people way older than her do we all know waiting tables on the strip in Nashville?” She sighed, and shook her head. “I’m going to sell that song for her.”

“Good on you. I’m not being a bitch. I think she’s got chops.” Mich bumped shoulders with her. “I’m rooting for her.”

“Thanks. Me too.” She let her shoulders come down. “Sore spot, y’all. We all know how it’s just about a lucky break once the talent and drive are equal.” It broke her heart about Kirsten’s young love thing, but she got how Summit Springs could be home. Not just a safe place to hide, which would be sad, but like, a real place to love and be proud of.

She could see wanting to stay with Kirsten and that amazing tub and the cats and the positive vibe of the place.

Kirsten came back with drinks, and Skyla smiled, pushing up her glasses. “How’s it going today, honey?”

Pink stained Kirsten’s cheeks. “Been pretty slow tonight. You guys are the most interesting thing to happen.”

Oh, she wanted to be so much more interesting to Kirsten. Kind of intensely. “I can’t believe how much pizza these people consume.”

“This stuff is addictive. There’s a chicken, pesto, jalapeno special that’s kicking tonight.” Kirsten winked at her. “The cats love it.”

“And her cats are damn picky,” Skyla said, sotto voce.