Page 76 of High Note

Kirsten figured she had to just believe in all the stuff they put in songs, right?

She smiled at the thought, because it was right. She did believe it. She knew people got their happily ever after. She’d met them.

She’d worked for them.

Now maybe she could be one of them. That was a dream worth working for. All the way.

Skyla came out with coffee. “You seem so serious. Are you having buyer’s remorse?”

Kirsten shook her head. “Nope. I was thinking about how I believe in happily ever after.”

That smile had lit up more than one arena stage, but right now it was only for her.

“I’m starting to as well, honey. I really am.”

“Yeah? I love to hear that. So, do we need to make a plan?” She was exceptional at that—immediate, month, year, five-year, and ten-year plans were her jam.

“We do.” Skyla plopped down in a chair, setting down the coffee before rubbing Reba’s ears. “We need to meet with what’s left of the band first, I think.”

“Okay. Are they cool with me being…me?”

“They so are. And they’re cool with me changing lanes a little. More Red Dirt alt country like I’ve always loved.” Skyla waved a hand, the motion airy, and she looked so much happier than she had in a week or more.

“What about the label?” She wasn’t exactly sure what the deal was, but she could figure it out.

“Well, I gave them the albums they wanted, and I’m in the negotiating stage for the next one. If they drop me, I’ll call in some favors and go with one of the artist-owned labels I know. Terry McTeague would take me in a heartbeat.” Skyla reached over and pressed her hand. “And if not, it doesn’t matter. Peach got me the kind of contract new artists only dream of when they start out. I have more money in the bank than we’ll know what to do with.”

“I want—I’ll do whatever you need, lady, but I don’t want you to regret me.” That would kill her.

“Never, love. That I can promise. I’ll never regret taking the time to be with you.” They squeezed each other’s hands. “This is the important part. I know that now.”

“I’m so glad you decided to have pizza that night.” Kirsten’s heart was slamming in her chest, her cheeks on fire. “I’m so glad you came to Summit Springs.”

“So am I, honey.” Skyla’s lips parted, and she leaned toward Kirsten, which was when Reba jumped up and barked at Brenda and Peach, who were walking out onto the patio. “Whoops. Looks like we’re not alone anymore.”

“What are you two doing here? Why aren’t you home making wild…plans?” Peach asked.

“We wanted a coffee first. And we’re going to go see the band.” Skyla gave her a look that curled her toes. “Once we get home, I won’t want to leave for a bit.”

Brenda waved. “Hello? Band member.”

“Well, yes. But you know what I have planned.” Skyla winked at her, and Kirsten stifled a laugh.

Peach rolled her eyes. “Take your coffees, go home, and snuggle. You deserve it. It was a tough morning.”

“You know what? I think that’s a great idea.” Kirsten stood, holding out her hand for Skyla. “Come on, lady. We’ll get Reba a pup cup to go.”

“You cool with that?” Skyla took her hand and stood.

“Totally.” Home was where the heart was, and she was ready to bring her heart home for good.

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Thanks, India!” Skyla waved off their house sitter, who’d been watching the cats off and on for about a month. They’d gotten back into town on the bus about an hour ago, and Lloyd had unhooked their SUV so they could drive back to the house.

The cats were losing their minds, but not over her and Kirsten.

It was Reba they’d missed.

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