Chapter 22

Peach had texted Kirsten to tell her that things had gone pear-shaped with Skyla.

She hated this.

She hated the fact that she'd fucked things up with Skyla's band. Hated it.

And she was a little worried that things were going to fall apart. She knew that Skyla needed her career, that it was bigger than a relationship.

Hell, she couldn't blame Skyla for that. If she were in Skyla's place, she had no idea what she would do. She would like to think she would choose love, but?—

Oh, who was she kidding? She was a sap. Of course, she would.

She got to the coffee shop, relieved to see Skyla waiting for her and Reba outside. But no Peach or Brenda.

Skyla smiled for her, the tight lines around her mouth easing. "Hey, honey."

"Hey, you. Bad morning?" She opened up her arms, to offer a hug.

Skyla walked right into them, laughing when Reba jumped on them. "Greggo and Lucie walked out on the band."

"Fuckers. Well, you have me, if I can help until you find a real studio person." That was fair, right?

"Honey, you're as real as it gets, and don't you doubt it. Peach wants you to hire on full-time." Skyla touched her cheek. "I just want you with me."

"Yeah?" She searched Skyla's eyes. "I swear to you, I'll make it work, somehow. I know people can be mean, but I've got your back."

"Yeah. I want that more than anything, honey. Home here with you, you on the road with me…"

"What about the cats? Will we find them a house sitter, do you think?" It was probably a silly thing to stress about, but it was her first priority. They were her babies.

"Oh, I think there are plenty of kids around here that work for MM who would do it. And be responsible. Or Nadia can find us someone."

Kirsten nodded. "I would trust Nadia."

She'd watched all of their pets, even Goober, so she would be the one to ask.

"Then we'll make it so." Skyla took her hand. "I want a huge piece of cake. I hope they have some."

"I haven't been in yet. I'm thinking that I want a ham and cheese croissant, something with protein." She'd been stressing, and she'd eaten a frozen waffle.

Two mini doughnuts.

A piece of dark chocolate.

A packet of peach instant oatmeal.

A Pixy stick leftover from Halloween.

Stress eating was a real thing.

Skyla's eyes lit up. "Oh, that sounds good. Maybe that and coffee, then more coffee and cake?"

"You understand my pain."

"I do. And then we can ponder a hike with Reba if the weather holds. To work it off."

"Mmm…that sounds fun."

Skyla went in and ordered, Kirsten and Reba hung out under the heaters in the patio, and she started thinking about whether all this could possibly be real.

She wanted it to be. So bad.

Kirsten figured she had to just believe in all the stuff they put in songs, right?

She smiled at the thought, because it was right. She did believe it. She knew people got their happily ever after. She'd met them.

She'd worked for them.

Now maybe she could be one of them. That was a dream worth working for. All the way.

Skyla came out with coffee. "You seem so serious. Are you having buyer's remorse?"

Kirsten shook her head. "Nope. I was thinking about how I believe in happily ever after."

That smile had lit up more than one arena stage, but right now it was only for her.

"I'm starting to as well, honey. I really am."

"Yeah? I love to hear that. So, do we need to make a plan?" She was exceptional at that—immediate, month, year, five-year, and ten-year plans were her jam.

"We do." Skyla plopped down in a chair, setting down the coffee before rubbing Reba's ears. "We need to meet with what's left of the band first, I think."

"Okay. Are they cool with me being…me?"

"They so are. And they're cool with me changing lanes a little. More Red Dirt alt country like I've always loved." Skyla waved a hand, the motion airy, and she looked so much happier than she had in a week or more.

"What about the label?" She wasn't exactly sure what the deal was, but she could figure it out.

"Well, I gave them the albums they wanted, and I'm in the negotiating stage for the next one. If they drop me, I'll call in some favors and go with one of the artist-owned labels I know. Terry McTeague would take me in a heartbeat." Skyla reached over and pressed her hand. "And if not, it doesn't matter. Peach got me the kind of contract new artists only dream of when they start out. I have more money in the bank than we'll know what to do with."

"I want—I'll do whatever you need, lady, but I don't want you to regret me." That would kill her.

"Never, love. That I can promise. I'll never regret taking the time to be with you." They squeezed each other's hands. "This is the important part. I know that now."

"I'm so glad you decided to have pizza that night." Kirsten's heart was slamming in her chest, her cheeks on fire. "I'm so glad you came to Summit Springs."

"So am I, honey." Skyla's lips parted, and she leaned toward Kirsten, which was when Reba jumped up and barked at Brenda and Peach, who were walking out onto the patio. "Whoops. Looks like we're not alone anymore."

"What are you two doing here? Why aren't you home making wild…plans?" Peach asked.

"We wanted a coffee first. And we're going to go see the band." Skyla gave her a look that curled her toes. "Once we get home, I won't want to leave for a bit."

Brenda waved. "Hello? Band member."

"Well, yes. But you know what I have planned." Skyla winked at her, and Kirsten stifled a laugh.

Peach rolled her eyes. "Take your coffees, go home, and snuggle. You deserve it. It was a tough morning."

"You know what? I think that's a great idea." Kirsten stood, holding out her hand for Skyla. "Come on, lady. We'll get Reba a pup cup to go."

"You cool with that?" Skyla took her hand and stood.

"Totally." Home was where the heart was, and she was ready to bring her heart home for good.