Page 15 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

After a restless night of worrying about Luna and her mother, one thought kept circling through my mind: I hadn’t given Keltie my number.

How had I spent hours with her at the hospital—playing guitar for Luna, bringing coffee, offering to drive them to Denver—and somehow forgotten something so basic? I knew the Goat had my contact information, but it was Christmas Eve. Keltie had mentioned the bar would be closed today and tomorrow.

Rolling out of bed, I pulled on a clean shirt and jeans, grabbed my keys, and headed for my truck. I’d drive into town, maybe see if anyone who could connect us was at the Goat, or maybe stop by Miguel’s and see if he’d put me in contact with her.

I’d gone out to my truck, gotten in, and was about to pull away from the cabin when I hit the brakes instead and put it in park. What in the hell was I doing?

I cut the engine and went inside.

For the next hour, I paced the wooden floors, picking up my phone and setting it down again, unable to decide on a courseof action. I had Miguel’s number, but if I called him, I’d have to explain why I needed to reach Keltie so urgently.

A knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. I pulled it open to find Sam and Juni standing on my porch.

“So?” Sam asked, pushing past me into the cabin. “Are they coming for Christmas?”

Juni followed with an apologetic smile. “Sam’s been planning since you left yesterday.”

“Planning what?” I asked, closing the door behind them.

“Operation Christmas Miracle,” Sam declared, unwinding her scarf. “We need to know if Keltie and Luna are coming, so we can prepare. Did you invite them like you promised?”

“I mentioned it at the hospital.”

“The hospital?” Juni gasped.

“Luna was, err, sick. Well, not really sick per se. At least not the contagious kind of sick.”

“What do you mean?” Sam asked.

I hesitated, not wanting to share too much of Keltie’s private business. “The doctors aren’t exactly sure what’s wrong. They’re running more tests, and she has to take her to Denver next week.”

“You’re sure it isn’t contagious?” Juni asked.

Based on what I’d overheard, it was much worse than that. “Positive,” I responded instead of giving details.

Sam’s expression softened. “All the more reason they shouldn’t be alone for Christmas.”

Before I could reply, she pulled out her phone and began typing.

“You have her number?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice.

“I do.” Sam glanced up with a knowing smile. “Why? Did you want it?” She winked.

“No. I mean yes,” I mumbled, watching her phone for Keltie’s response. When no immediate reply came, I felt my patience wearing thin. “Maybe you should call her.”

Juni laughed. “It’s been thirty seconds, Holt.”

“She might be busy with Luna,” I reasoned.

Sam and Juni exchanged a look that made me want to crawl under the floorboards.

“Fine,” Sam said, pressing the call button. “But only because you look like you might spontaneously combust if I don’t.” I could hear it ringing on the other end, then Keltie’s voice.

“Hey, it’s Sam. Holt mentioned you had to take Luna to the hospital last night. How is she this morning?”

As I listened to Keltie thank her for asking, then say her daughter seemed much better now, I shifted my weight, fighting the urge to grab the phone.

“Actually,” Sam continued, “I’m with Juni and Holt right now, and he’d really like to talk to you. Mind if I put him on?”

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