“I’m stealing one of your picks,” I joke, holding it up in the light. There’s a rainbow hologram in the lesbian colors, and that is just so damn cool.
“Go for it. I’ve got plenty where those came from.”
I make quick work of the spaghetti, then push aside the bowl and transfer the music, lyrics, and notes to the fresh sheet of paper. Mac grabs the sheet when I’m done.
“So fastidious,” she laughs. “Though…I will say this is easier to read. I’m convinced ‘All Night With You’ had a different chord progression initially, but I could never make sense of my notes and had to make up something else.”
I crack up. “You know, there’s this new technology called a computer, and I’m certain I’ve seen artists hook up their guitars or pianos and write it up that way.”
Oof. She shoots me a look bordering on contempt, and I hold up my hands. “I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“There you go.”
A yawn hits me before I can stifle it, and she grabs my hand. “I’m sorry for keeping you here. You should go home and get some rest.”
“Not at all. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
“Really?” she asks, not quite believing me.
“Eh, you know how it is. The job keeps me busy, busy, busy all day. Barely have enough energy to make myself a meal, let alone get out and have fun.”
“At least you love what you do,” she says encouragingly.
I scrunch my nose, and she wrinkles her brow.
“Youdon’tlove it?”
“I—” I pause, looking for the words. “I love supporting women’s health, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say the pandemic sorta killed my love for healthcare in general.”
Running her finger along her bottom lip, she nods. “I hear you. Well, go on. Get outta here so you can get through everything and get some rest.”
“Will do, Nurse Mac,” I joke, my eyes caught on the gesture.
Rolling her eyes, she points to the pages on the table. “This was really helpful. If you think you’ll have a little time every now and again to help with this song, at least until I can sing and play again, I’d be grateful.”
I nearly swallow my tongue. “Of course. It was fun to pick up a guitar again and play around with new music.”
“Awesome. Have a good evening.”
“You too.”
Chapter7
Mac
When Kinley showsup two days later with fresh bread and cream, she knocks on the door instead of leaving them behind.
“How’s it going today?” she asks, putting away the food.
“You know, Icanput away my own food.”
“Yes, and I can do nice things for you without you bitching about it,” she says, putting her hand on her curvy hip.
I suck my teeth at her but can’t help the grin tugging at my lips. Hearing someone else play this raw, new music helped me in a way I hadn’t expected. I know she’s so busy, and I hate to ask it, but…I really think there’s something to that creative spark.
“Think you’ll have some time in the next day or two to help me with the song again? I’ve got a few more lyrics and chords written down.”
I shouldn’t have worried so much about the asking. Her eyes light up and her smile is stunning. Somewhere along the way, I missed how pretty her lips were and that the sunlight changes her coloring based on the time of day. Right now, for instance, the morning sun is turning her eyes into whiskey-soaked facets while highlighting the honey and red tones in her long, pretty brown hair.
