They drank in silence for a few minutes while Reid mulled over another thought that’d been running around in his head since he looked over to find Buddy sitting next to him. She told me not to pull any strings. But I could make it so easy for her. It’s not like she doesn’t have the talent… But she told me not to, and she meant it. Oh, what the hell?

“Say, Buddy, there’s this girl I know. She’s the daughter of a college friend of mine, and she’s come to town to chase the dream.”

Buddy groaned. “Oh, come on, you’re not going to pull that shit with me, are you? Do you know how many times a day I hear about someone’s little girl coming to town with stars in her eyes?”

“This one’s different.”

Buddy sat back to study his old friend. “How so?”

“She’s got a huge talent. You just can’t believe how good she is.”

“Oh, yeah? What makes you such an expert?”

“I’m no expert, but when she sings I get goose bumps, if that’s any indication.”

Buddy chewed on a small plastic straw. “What’s she look like?”

“What the hell does that matter?”

“Ya ever see a total dog on stage at the Opry?” he asked with the big smile that’d made him a fortune.

“She’s a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with the most incredible blue eyes I’ve ever seen.”

“Hmm,” Buddy said. “She’s that good, huh?”

“Honest to God.”

“How old is she?”

“Eighteen.”

“Hmm,” Buddy said again.

“What does that mean? Hmm?”

“I’m just wondering if this eighteen-year-old goddess with the voice of an angel has anything to do with why my mama’s so fired-up pissed with you.”

Reid kept his expression blank, but inside he churned. He should’ve known Buddy would see right through him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I said she’s my friend’s daughter. She’s talented. I thought maybe you’d have an idea of how she can get a leg up. That’s it.”

Buddy studied him in silence for another charged moment. “Okay, if you say so. Where can I find her?”

“She’s playing with a band called the Rafters. They’ve got a gig at Mabel’s next Thursday. Are you in town?”

“Yep. I’ll stop by. If she’s as good as you say she is, I’ll see what I can do. No promises though, ya hear?”

“I got it. And keep this between us, will you? She’s hell-bent on making it on her own. She doesn’t want any help.”

Buddy chuckled. “Just a friend’s daughter, huh?”

Reid got up and tossed two twenties on the bar to pay for both their drinks. “Good to see you, Buddy.”

Buddy held out his hand. “You, too, brother. Don’t be a stranger.”