Page 58 of High Note

So, she ignored all of them but Mich, who she texted, then called her business manager, Peach.

“Well, hey, honey.”

“Hey, lady. Lay it on me.”

“I think you’d better tell me what happened. I can’t spin it if I don’t know all the details.” Peach clucked softly.

“Oh, I went out with a woman I’ve decided I want to get to know better last night and played music and maybe polished belt buckles a little. Some douche took a party reel. I don’t want to let anyone down, you know that. But I’m not going to act ashamed.”

“Fair enough. In that case, sweetheart, we go high and we ignore the haters. I mean, going out with friends is not a thing. The label execs shouldn’t squawk.”

She chewed her lip. “Well, she’s more than a friend, Peach. And I want to continue the relationship.” Peach needed to know it all upfront. She’d been in Nashville signing deals since the 90s.

“Oh.” There was a long pause, then an, “Oh! Well then, I need to meet her, and we all need to pow-wow.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Where do I fly into?”

“Montrose or Grand Junction, either one. Or you can come into Denver and I’ll send someone to come get you, but that’s a good five hours.”

“Ugh. You know I’ll just fly and he can pick me up at the regional airport.”

Her heart raced a bit, and she wasn’t sure if it was relief or worry. “Sounds good. I’ll get you a room at the B and B when you tell me your dates.”

“Good deal. But until I get there, you ignore it. And don’t answer calls from that fancy label publicist. He’s a dick.”

“I know.” She had to laugh at that. “Ten-four, lady.”

“Just relax. The world is changing. We’ll help it along.”

“We will. It might cause issues with the band.”

“It might. Then we hire more band.” Peach cackled. “As long as Brenda stays, you’re golden.”

“Brenda’s the one that told me to go for it.”

“She’s a brilliant broad.”

Skyla found herself nodding. “She is. Okay. I can breathe. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll send my itinerary. Turn off your phone and pretend you’re not worried.” Peach knew her well.

“I will. Miss you, lady. Love you so.”

“Love you, bug.” Peach hung up.

She turned to look at the bathroom, where Kirsten was still singing in the shower.

Whew. Man, things moved fast.

She’d had about as many mood swings as a pendulum at a psychic fair.

The water shut off, and Kirsten came out, drying her hair, gloriously naked. “You get your phone call in?”

She stared at those perfect, pretty breasts, the tight nipples making her mouth dry. The ink decorated them, making them even more erotic than they would have been blank.

“You like what you see, baby?” Kirsten asked, tossing her towel away.

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