"How's Brett?" I asked, changing the subject. She had married my lead guitarist and they now lived in Colorado. He was in a bigger band now and toured frequently.

She sighed. "On tour again."

"Everything okay?"

She let out a deep breath. "Yeah, but I just wish he didn't have to go away so much."

"Welcome to the music business."

She laughed. "So, what's up? How have you been?"

"Good," I said, but I had said it a bit too quickly.

"Okay. ...