Page 64 of High Note

“Holy shit.” Skyla just stared at her. “That’s a song right there.”

“I know it. You know she left Evie once before, but not this time. She got stronger, after the healing happened.”

“You don’t even know how fucking amazing you are, do you?”

“What?” Kirsten blinked at the seeming change of subject.

“You accept your friends at face value. You believe in love even after what happened to your girl. You make stunning music. You’re my fucking hero, Kirsten.” Skyla’s tone went fervent. “Not only that? Lyrics just fall out of your goddamn mouth. I’m so writing that down.”

“Hush.” Oh, Skyla made her stupid. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Skyla clutched her pie. “I should have put this in the backseat.”

“You’ll remember it.” Skyla never forgot a lyric, even a nascent one.

“I so will. God, poor baby.”

Kirsten shook her head. “She’s happy—she’s got a home, horses, a good business, and Evie. She’s solid as a rock.”

“They sure love each other. And I love their house. It’s comfy.” Skyla reached over with one hand to touch her leg. Nothing sexual. Just happy, she thought.

“Yeah. It’s a little far out of town for me, but it’s cozy. What do you see for yourself? Like what do you want for home?” She was desperately curious.

“Hmmm. Something not a bus.” Skyla laughed. “I would love to buy your whole building.”

“Oh, wouldn’t that rock? I dread the day that my landlady sells. I love my apartment so much, and the basement apartment would make a perfect studio.”

Skyla lit up. “Would it?”

“Yeah. Remind me to show you. It’s empty right now. No one wants to be so damn cold. But with soundproofing and insulation…”

“Damn. That would be fine, to not have to rent studio space here when we’re in town.”

“Yeah. I love it and there’s a door out to the side yard, which is so nice in the winter when you’re downstairs.” Kirsten let herself fantasize a little bit.

“And that would be great for Reba. And the cats, who could stay locked upstairs.”

“Reba would be up and down the stairs like a fiend. Boom boom boom. Boom boom boom.”

Skyla snorted. “She would. She’s energetic. But she would love it.”

“Are we fantasizing?” Was this real?

“We’re making plans. Maybe some of them are pie in the sky, but that’s okay. I love that.”

“Okay. I just needed to know.” She was weird that way, she guessed. She wasn’t sure what that said about her, and she wasn’t sure she cared.

“You okay with this?” Skyla tilted her head. “I mean, I’m just planning your life.”

“Hey, I want—I’m into you. I just didn’t want to be serious, and you were joking.”

“No. I’m serious as a heart attack.” That hand on her leg pressed, squeezing. “I want a life with you, crazy as it sounds for such short notice. But this feels right.”

“I don’t think you’re crazy, honey. I think I’m in love with your fine ass.” And that was that.

“Oh.” Skyla grinned, and it was like the sunrise on Christmas. “I love you too, honey.”

“I am not going to complain, that’s for sure.” She would have taken Skyla’s hand, but it was a little slick, so she didn’t dare.

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