Page 26 of High Note

“That sounds perfect.” Skyla grinned, already feeling lighter. “I haven’t had a not-for-work session in ages. You don’t count, because that was like foreplay.”

“It so was. I—I want you to relax. We’re super casual; there will be snacks and lots of lazy girls in flannel.”

“Thank you, honey.” She beamed at Kirsten, glad to just be out and about with this woman, going to meet her friends and maybe play and sing some for fun, not profit. She had a great life. One most people envied. She knew that. But damn, sometimes she just wanted to let go and have fun.

“You’re welcome. I just want to hang, play, breathe.” Kirsten winked over. “With you.”

“Ditto.” She put a hand on Kirsten’s, loving the way that made Kirsten suck in a deep breath.

They ended up near the river at a wild-looking set of buildings, with rafts and skis and sleds stacked along the outside walls.

“M&M Outfitters…” Skyla tilted her head. “What does that stand for?”

“Marmot and Moose. Or at least that’s the story.” Kirsten got out, crunching on a crust of ice and snow. She grabbed her guitar. “Come on.”

She wasn’t one to say no to an adventure, so she hopped out too, guitar in hand.

“Hey, girlies!” The door opened, a pretty girl waving from the blankets draped over her shoulders. “There’s cocoa in the crockpot!”

“Hey, Britt.” Kirsten gave her a one-armed hug. “This is Skyla. Sky, Brittany. Cocoa?”

“Yes please! Nice to meet you, Brittany.” She got a warm smile.

“Come on in. We’re having a snow day.”

“A snow day?” Skyla glanced at the sky. “There’s no snow.”

“Not yet. Huge storm coming. We’re going to make a happy pile and make a ton of music.”

“I’m all for it.” Skyla grinned wide, her cheeks actually hurting with it. “Will there be booze later?”

“Hell, yes. But it’s early yet. Come meet everyone.” Brittany led her to meet a long, tall woman with short, sun-bleached hair and rangy, athletic build. “This is my girl, Kiley.”

“Skyla.” She held out her hand.

“I know you, lady. Skyla and Kiley. Sky and Ky. I like it.”

Skyla hooted. “Me too!”

Kirsten put her guitar down, and Skyla found herself surrounded by laughing women, a couple older, a few younger, and soon she had a mug in her hand and a cozy spot on a well-loved sofa, blankets around her and over her lap.

She had a feeling things would warm up once they all got packed into the smaller lounge area she was in. But the bustle was fascinating.

There were guitars, a bunch of bongo drums, a tambourine, and a ukelele. Kirsten sat next to her, almost snuggling in.

“You good?”

“I am.” Her hands itched. “I should have brought my rig, but I’m comfy and this is damn good cocoa.”

“Mmm. It is.” Kirsten grinned. “I love the hint of cinnamon.”

“Yeah. Is this—a normal thing?”

“During bad storms, you know it. We hang out, goof off, stay warm and cozy.”

“This way no one has to crank up their heat. Liz and Lupe let us use theirs. And we generate a ton of hot air, right?” Brittany raised her mug.

“More than. Besides, they love to come down and listen.” Kirsten leaned back, rolling her head on her neck.

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