Page 66 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“We’re goin’,” said Buck, sounding a little too much like Roscoe. When his eyes met mine, we both chuckled. “Fuck, I sound exactly like the ol’ bastard,” he muttered.

“At least you don’t look like him,” Porter added.

“Ain’t that the truth?” said Cord.

“What our brothers are dancing around,” Flynn said, “is that we’ve figured out a way for you to be with Keltie and Luna while still satisfying the trust requirements.”

“I talked to Beau. It isn’t an issue to have the helicopter bring you here, touch down, then you leave again,” said Cord.

“That’ll be mighty expensive.”

Cord’s eyebrows flashed. “As Beau said, there’s no better use of his money, and just so you aren’t worried about it, the guy’s a billionaire.”

“Again, I appreciate it, but I can’t let him do that.”

Flynn stepped closer and put her hand on my arm. “Look at it this way. He isn’t doing it for you. He’s doing it for Keltie and Luna.”

Their immediate willingness to help struck a chord in me, and I realized she was right. If it meant I could be there with them, I could damn well lower my pride and accept Beau’s offer. “Thank you,” I said, looking around the room. “All of you.”

“When are you heading back to Denver?” Buck asked.

“The day after tomorrow, if I can arrange it.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Cord offered.

After a quick bite to eat,I drove myself to the Goat. As soon as I walked in, Miguel spotted me and lifted his chin in greeting. I made my way through the crowd toward him, acknowledging familiar faces but avoiding conversations.

“Didn’t expect to see you tonight,” Miguel said as I approached. “We don’t usually have music on New Year’s Eve. We leave the shindigs to the resorts.”

“Good night for me to play, then,” I muttered. “How’s business been?”

“Steady. We can handle things here. Don’t worry about the bar.” His expression turned serious. “How’s Luna?”

“Holding up better than any of us. She’s a tough kid.”

“Good with me if you only do one set,” he offered. “No offense, man, but you look like shit.”

“I feel even worse.”

After getting my mic and speakers set up, I glanced around the room. There were more familiar faces here than usual at this time of year. Locals tended to only come out once the skiers left. On the other hand, as Miguel said, the Goat wasn’t hosting an event tonight, so most everyone figured it would be quiet here.

I didn’t bother with my usual greeting. I simply began to play. I knew I’d need to mix in covers to keep the crowd happy, but I sure wasn’t in the mood for it.

The bar quieted for a couple of minutes, but then conversations picked up again. I was happy not to have all eyes on me tonight. When I finished the first couple of originals, I transitioned into old favorites that required little thought, allowing me to go through the motions while my mind remained in Denver.

Between sets, several locals tossed money in the tip jar. Plus, Stacey from McGill’s, Dave from the hardware store, Sheriff Kaleb, and Mrs. Winters from the elementary school all offered different kinds of help—watching the house, organizing fundraisers, and helping with the bar.

Their overwhelming support had me tearing up. “Thanks,” I managed.

Stacey handed me a small box. “This is for Luna. Coloring books, small toys. Stuff to keep her occupied in the hospital.”

“And this is for Keltie,” Dave added, passing me an envelope. “From folks around town. It’s not much, but it might help with expenses.”

My throat tightened at their generosity. While Crested Butte was my home, had been all my life, Keltie was a newcomer. That everyone cared so much about her and her daughter spoke volumes about how much of an impact they’d made on our small town in a very short amount of time.

I ended up playing my usual two sets, mainly because of how overflowing the tip jar was. I knew every penny was meant to help Keltie, and I sure appreciated it. My family contributed quite a bit too, including more than one hundred-dollar bill tossed in with the usual ones and fives.

Back at my cabin,I called Keltie. Her voice was heavy with exhaustion, but she shared that Luna was resting peacefully. When she mentioned that a representative from Miracles of Hope Children’s Charity would be visiting them, my attention sharpened immediately.

---