Page 49 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“That was beautiful,” she said quietly.

“It’s for Luna,” I admitted, setting the guitar aside and approaching the bar. “A healing song about Sparkles.”

Keltie’s breath caught. “Healing?”

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. “Kids believe in magic. Sometimes, it helps.”

She blinked rapidly as if fighting tears. “My mother used to sing old Scottish lullabies about rivers and stars.”

“I didn’t know you had Scottish heritage.”

“On my mother’s side, obviously,” she confirmed. “Hence the name Keltie. She died when I was very young. About the same age you were when you lost your mother.”

I reached across the bar, covering her hand with mine. “She’d be proud of you, you know. The way you’re raising Luna.”

“I hope so,” she whispered, turning her hand to lace her fingers with mine. “There are days when I feel like I’m failing her completely.”

“Not possible,” I said firmly. “That little girl adores you. Anyone can see it.”

She squeezed my hand before releasing it, taking a deep breath to compose herself. “Speaking of Luna, did you know she asked if you could teach her guitar?”

I grinned. “She might have mentioned it a time or twenty. I’d be happy to, if you’re okay with it.”

“More than okay,” Keltie assured me. “She needs good influences in her life. Male ones, especially.”

The implications of her words—that she saw me as potentially filling that role—weren’t lost on me. A weight of responsibility settled alongside the pleasure her trust brought.

“About Ben’s studio,” I said, changing the subject. “He suggested I ask you to come with me when I start recording. Not that it’s happening right away, but…” I trailed off, watching her reaction. “Maybe someday you’d like to get behind a mixing board again?”

A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face before she admitted, “I’d love that. Someday.” Her emphasis on the last word made itclear that “someday” wasn’t today or tomorrow. “It’s been a long time, but I miss it. The technical challenge, the creativity of it.”

“You were good at it,” I said. “Ben made that clear.”

She looked away. “That feels like another lifetime.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” I offered gently.

Before she could respond, the door opened and a group of people who’d obviously spent the day on the slopes entered, laughing and stomping snow from their boots. Keltie’s professional smile slid into place as she turned to greet them.

I walked over to the stage, using the interruption to get ready for my first set.

Over the nextcouple of hours, more customers filtered in, though the crowd remained thin compared to a typical night. I played my usual mix of covers and originals, watching Keltie work the bar the same way she always did.

Closing time came early, given the place emptied out quickly once nine o’clock rolled around. I packed my stuff and found Miguel wiping down tables while Keltie counted out the register.

“I can finish up if you want to head out,” Miguel offered, glancing from her to me. “Not much left to do anyway.”

Keltie hesitated. “If you’re sure. It has been a long couple of days.”

“Go,” he insisted with a smile. “I got this.”

I packed up my guitar, trying not to appear too eager at this development. “Walk you to your vehicle?” I asked casually.

“Actually, I didn’t drive,” she explained, pulling on her coat. “It was such a nice afternoon. But I wouldn’t turn down a lift home.”

The cold air hit us as we stepped outside, stars blazing overhead in the clear mountain sky. I opened the passenger doorof my truck for her, then rounded to the driver’s side, my heart beating faster than the short walk warranted.

“Luna’s with Mrs. Lopez?” I asked as we drove the short distance to her house.

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