The bartender shot a dirty look to a group of women who were working up the nerve to approach Buddy at the bar.

Reid laughed and clapped his oldest friend on the back. “Of all the gin joints in all the world…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever.” Buddy tilted his black Stetson to reveal the sleepy golden eyes and neat goatee that’d driven his female fans crazy for years. “How are ya, man? I’ve been meaning to call you to find out what the hell happened between you and Mama. She’s mad as a wet hen, and she won’t tell me why.”

Reid took a long sip from his drink. Buddy was Martha’s son and a country music giant. He and his wife, Taylor Jones, were among Nashville’s royalty, mostly because they were two of the nicest people in a town not always known for nice people. When Reid told Kate he knew people in the business, he wasn’t kidding. “Let’s call it a difference of opinion,” Reid said in answer to Buddy’s question.

“Must’ve been some kind of dustup if neither one of you is talking. What’re you doing here anyway?”

“City council meeting. Trying to get approval for an office building we’re doing out by the airport. I knew it would run late, so I’m staying over. What about you?”

“That barbeque chain I’m into with Freddy Perkins and George Gentry,” Buddy said, rattling off two other big names in the music business. “We’re opening our tenth franchise here next month. I came over for a look-see.”

“It’s good to see you, Buddy. It’s been too long.” They’d grown up like brothers in different parts of Reid’s house.

“We’re either on the road or hibernating with the kids.”

He and Taylor toured only together and only three months a year so their four kids could have a somewhat normal life. Reid had a lot of respect for the way they handled two high-powered careers but still kept their priorities straight.

“So your mama’s really pissed, huh?”

“Yeah, she is. I’d been after her for years to retire to that house I built for her on my property, but she always said she couldn’t leave you alone. Then one day she shows up and moves into the house like she’d been planning to forever.”

“It was time for her to slow down anyway. I’m just sorry she left the way she did.”

“You oughta come by and see her. Kiss and make up. Taylor would love to see you, too.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Reid said, but he didn’t think he’d be welcome with Martha in light of the way they’d left things.