Chapter1
Mac
Mackenzie Nash,live at Pine’s Peak amphitheater tonight!
It’s the first sign I see as my tour bus rolls into town. Even with the migraine that’s been creeping around the edges since this morning, I can’t help but be taken in by the charm of the place. It’s the smallest stop on the tour, and I’m beginning to see why my manager, Mason, insisted on adding it to the calendar.
Mason hops up from his seat and kneels on the bench next to me, looking out the window. Tapping the glass, he notes, “I’ve already lost track of the number of rainbow stickers on the shop windows.”
Normally an all-business kind of guy, his smile is a welcome change.
Lifting my chin at theeverythingof this place, I ask, “Is Summit Springs Colorado’s newest hidden gay enclave?”
He turns to me, grinning. “It sure is. More to the point, while all are welcome, it’s more of a women-loving-women kind of place if you get my drift.”
“Al gets your drift, Mason,” I say, gesturing to our intrepid bus driver.
“I’m just saying. I booked a place where you have a high likelihood of finding a cute girl to spend the evening with. You’re welcome.”
I rub the top of my head, where the pressure is gathering. “I dunno. Might not have it in me to chase some tail tonight. Besides, I can find a girl to spend the evening with anywhere I go.”
He turns around and plops into the seat, crossing his arms with a disgruntled look. “Fine. I’m so glad I put in all that extra time looking for a cool place to stop before we have to move on to the bigger venues.”
“I’m sorry, Mase,” I say, patting his leg. “You’re right. I do appreciate it. And you can definitely tell this place is run by lesbians. The biggest store in town has Outfitters in the name.”
He looks out the window. “Yep. Owned by Liz and Lupe Apocada-Dettmer. Apparently, they’ve been together since the late eighties. They’re like the den mothers of the outdoorsy types here in Summit Springs.”
“How the hell are you getting small-town gossip?” I ask as Al turns toward the ski lodge attached to the amphitheater where I’ll perform.
He’s already informed me the owner recently added to the resort to encourage year-round business. More importantly, the slopes are open, and it’s been a hot minute since I’ve had some fun in the snow. Here’s hoping the migraine stays at bay long enough for me to get in a few runs.
When I get the opportunity to ski, it always takes me back to my early days in Nashville, when I was homesick for Utah and so damn lonely. Despite outrunning my family’s rejection, I found myself missing the Rocky Mountains and the sport my father and I bonded over.
Looking around the little town with fresh eyes, I appreciate Mason for what he’s doing. We’ll have to pack up and go to Colorado Springs quickly after this, but he’s given me an entire afternoon, a mountain full of fresh powder, and a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Mason, unaware of my meandering mind, answers the question, “I get my small-town gossip where everyone gets it these days—from social media. I swear, one of these days, you’re going to have to knuckle-drag into the twenty-first century.”
It’s true—while social media is partially to blame for my success, I’ve never had a real social media account and probably never will.
“No, I don’t, Mason. That’s why I have you.”
“Damn Skippy. You would fall apart without me.”
“That I would,” I agree as Al parks alongside the amphitheater.
Before we get off, Mason knocks into my shoulder. “Hey, Mac—if I see someone cute in the VIP line, want me to hold her to the end so you can see if she might be interested in spending some time with you?”
I bump fists with him. “Perfect.”
That might make Mason sound like a pimp, but I suck at identifying sane people who understand the meaning of a one-night stand. The last time I chose my own bed companion, she came back with paternity papers because I’d used a strap-on. Mason, God love him, has never steered me wrong.
When we get to the resort, the guest relations specialist, a sweet guy named Jed, hands me a branded note card and informs me that M&M Outfitters knows I like to ski and has provided everything I need to enjoy the slopes. I flip over the card and smile at the familiar names.
Enjoy the fresh powder. We’ll be in the front row tonight, cheering you on.
Liz & Lupe
Marmot and Moose Outfitters.
