Stars of Big Sky

By Betty Raymond Gubler

Tiana, a music major completing her junior year in college, is hired by Big Sky to sing as the female part of a trio performing at Big Sky. Before leaving for Big Sky, her fiancé Cache gives her an engagement ring. He has plans to make it big in the music world in Nashville. However, on his way to Nashville, he falls asleep at the wheel and is killed. Blue, one of the singers in the trio, becomes Tiana's closest friend and comforter. Billy Rider, a well-known country singer, takes a shine to Tiana while performing at Big Sky. Tiana, however, is still grieving over Cache's death and uninterested in any other man. Frank, who often attends the Big Sky performances, along with Blue's former girlfriend, Rhonda, is upset because Tiana rejects him on the dance floor and slaps his face. Rhonda, still in love with Blue, urges Frank, a known criminal, to take vengeance on Tiana since she can see that Blue is very fond of Tiana. Read the book and enjoy the many surprises along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098031794

Book preview

Chapter 1

A Contract and a Ring

It was mid-April. The branches of the trees were just beginning to fill out with new green leaves that were fluttering gracefully with a soft swishing sound due to the presence of a cooling breeze. Enjoying the pleasant weather, some of the students attending the university were lounging on the grass, while others leaned against the trees as they studied their textbooks, worked on their assignments, or enjoyed socializing with one another.

Tiana Chaney, a junior at the university, having just finished attending her last class of the day, walked to her off-campus apartment that she shared with a few other girls. Although she stopped briefly to chat with some of her friends, there was only one thing on her mind, and that was to get to her apartment as soon as she could.

When she reached her apartment, she headed straight for the mailbox, hoping that this was the day she would be hearing from the Big Sky Hotel. Anticipation shone in her eyes when she looked at the return address on a manila envelope sent to her from the Big Sky Hotel. It finally came! she exclaimed with delight, although no one was near enough to hear her. Entering her apartment, she quickly opened the manila envelope. Six weeks earlier, she had responded to the Big Sky Hotel’s advertisement seeking to employ a female singer to perform for them during the summer vacation, which would begin for Tiana in just three more weeks. Although she had heard from the manager a few weeks earlier that her application was being seriously considered and that they thought very highly of her performing ability as indicated by the CDs and DVD she had sent them, she was still waiting to hear if she would be offered the job. She read,

Dear Miss Chaney,

I must admit, as I mentioned earlier, that I was very impressed with your application, pictures, and CDs of those fine original songs you sang. Judging from the DVD that you sent as well, I feel that your songs and manner of singing show great promise. We feel that you can help us deliver the quality of entertainment we want to provide at Big Sky. The job is yours if you want it. We’ll provide your board and room as well as a few outfits for you to perform in. Just fill out the form I’m including so we’ll know your sizes and measurements as well as your particular tastes in clothing. I’m including a couple of catalogs for you to look at to help you make your choices. We usually schedule shows for Friday nights, Saturday matinees, and Saturday nights. However, we also encourage our singers to take part in community events such as parades, rodeos, and fairs.

The original organizer of the Big Sky Trio is the fine Blackfeet entertainer, Benjamin Blue Cloud, whom we refer to as Blue. He’ll be your supervisor this summer. Blue often visits his Indian people and performs for them. I’m sure he intends to include you in these shows. You’ll be paid separately for any shows that you participate in outside of Big Sky. Blue highly recommended you after hearing your songs. In fact, once he reviewed your application form and materials, he felt that the search was over. However, we still had to wait to process the other applications that were mailed to us before the deadline for receiving them had passed.

The other member of the Big Sky Trio is Yazzie, a Navajo. You might be interested to know that both Blue and Yazzie graduated a few years ago from the university you’re attending now and were members of one of your performing groups while there. You mentioned in your application that your mother was part Sioux. It looks like our Trio this summer will have a lot in common. This wasn’t intentionally planned, but I’m delighted with the outcome.

We often hire other well-known singers to perform for us during the summer. No doubt, you’ve heard of Billy Rider who’s really going places in the country-and-western music field. Let me know when you’ll be arriving. I’ll take care of your airfare for you and send someone, most likely Blue, to the airport to pick you up.

Sincerely,

Brad Griffith, Manager

Big Sky Hotel

P.S. We sometimes use members of the Big Sky Trio and band to help us out at the reception desk in the main lobby, but the duties are very light.

As soon as Tiana finished reading Brad’s letter, she went to the telephone and dialed the number of Cache Johnson, her boyfriend of four years. During her three years of college, they had often sung together in a trio that included their friend Mike Nielson. Mike, like Tiana, was finishing his junior year at the university. Because Cache, the leader of the group, demanded professional-quality performances, they had become very popular and in great demand.

Cache, Tiana said, her voice filled with excitement, guess what. I’ve got the job I applied for at the Big Sky Hotel in Montana!

Great! he answered enthusiastically. You really wanted this one, didn’t you?

Yes! When I read the job description in the advertisement, it seemed that it had my name written all over it. She laughed happily. I’m so thrilled to be the one they chose to give the job to. It’s exciting as well as a little bit scary. This will be the first time I’ve tried my wings alone.

Alone? Hey, don’t take this alone business too far. You know I’m planning on having you sing with me again after you graduate next spring.

I’m planning on that too. However, the reason I applied for the job was because I wanted to find out what it was like singing in front of a crowd made up of people other than college students or church congregations before I graduate next year. Cache, you deserve much of the credit for my getting the job. The CDs and the DVD that you helped me put together had a lot to do with their choosing to hire me.

I’m glad they liked them, but it was your talent they were judging. It’s obvious that’s what impressed them. Maybe I should start worrying that your performing at Big Sky will sour you on me. After you get used to singing for the people at Big Sky, you might not want to join me next year as we’ve planned.

Nothing’s going to change, Cache, at least as far as our plans are concerned. But this summer will be a good time for me to, well, to learn to make my own decisions and take control of my life. Right now, everyone thinks of me as being Cache Johnson’s girlfriend.

What’s wrong with that?

I’m not complaining, but I’m beginning to wonder if I know who Tiana Chaney is. You’ve always been around to advise me and help me whenever I’ve had any problems. I need to see what I can accomplish on my own before settling down permanently.

I didn’t know you felt that way. Cache paused. Well, honey, he agreed, unfortunately, I have to admit that I understand what you’re saying. You’ve obviously come to the conclusion that I’ve been monopolizing you. I guess you want to get rid of me for a while. Right?

No! No, Cache. I don’t want to get rid of you. Shame on you for even thinking that way! You’re the most important person in my life right now. You ought to know that.

All right! I surely needed to hear that just now. Phew, you had me worried for a minute.

Well, your worries are over. As far as I’m concerned, I could never replace you. You’re one of a kind.

Thanks! I guess that lets you off the hook. Although it’s not going to be easy on me, I’m going to have to let you have this fling at being independent.

There are going to be a lot of changes in my life anyway, Cache, especially with you graduating and heading out to Nashville.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m proud to admit that when it comes to writing songs and singing, you don’t need me anymore. He paused for a moment, looking very serious, and then asked, Tiana, would you consider going to Big Sky wearing an engagement ring?

Cache! Are you proposing?

Well, it’s a little sooner than I intended to ask you to marry me, but it’s a foregone conclusion anyway, isn’t it? You know I love you and want you to be my wife. Tiana, you’re a very beautiful young lady. Other men—

Cache, she interrupted him before he could finish his statement, I think you’re asking me to wear your ring for the wrong reason. It sounds to me as though you don’t trust me. I don’t want—

Tiana, girl, I love you! That’s the only reason I want you to wear my ring.

Are you sure?

You’re darned right I am! In fact, let’s go buy the ring today. I’ll announce our engagement at the Spring Fling tomorrow night. Would you like that?

It sounds rather sudden. I mean, well, we’ve planned on it happening eventually. In my mind, I’ve pictured you giving me an engagement ring later this year, maybe at Christmas time.

How did you guess? Well, you can thank Big Sky for my advancing the date. By the way, I haven’t heard you agree to my proposal yet.

And you haven’t heard me disagree either. She laughed. I want to wear your ring, Cache. I really do. I just want to make sure you’re asking me for the right reason.

It’s settled then. In a few more hours, you’ll be wearing my ring. If the old Pontiac is running all right, I’ll meet you at six tonight.

Later that evening, Cache and Tiana sat across from each other at the popular student hangout, Kelly’s Place, having just shared a toasted cheese sandwich, their favorite treat there. Cache reached for Tiana’s left hand, examining the marquise diamond in a white-gold setting. Thank you, Cache, Tiana said, squeezing his hand. I hope you’ll never regret giving this ring to me.

Regret? All I regret is that I can’t buy you a ring with a bigger diamond. I also wish I could have treated you to something fancier than a toasted cheese sandwich to celebrate our becoming engaged. Until I get myself a hit song—he laughed—we’ll probably have to settle for peanut butter sandwiches after we get married. I hope you don’t mind.

Of course not! Tonight I’m too excited to be hungry anyway.

Before I picked you up, I talked to my friend, Kyle MacKenzie, who lives in Nashville now. You’ve heard me mention his name a number of times. He says he’ll help me get started in Nashville by letting me stay with him for a while and by introducing me to the right people.

Wonderful! I’m so glad to know you’ve got someone in Nashville who’ll help you get started. Now I won’t worry quite as much about you when you head out there.

I know my songs are good, Tiana, but some people say the recording industry is filled with a lot of shady, perhaps even criminal, elements. I don’t know. It seems to depend a lot on your connections as well as your talent. Are you going to be rooting for me?

Of course, and I know you’re going to make it. You’re the best there is!

Say, I’m not that good, he teased her. Almost, but not quite! Pressing her hand affectionately, he added, I’m going to miss you next year, honey, but right after you graduate, we’ll get married.

I’m going to miss you too. Just thinking about your leaving for Nashville makes me miss you already.

Well, I won’t be leaving for Nashville before the first week of June as I’ve got some things I need to take care of first. Would you mind it if I spend a weekend at Big Sky? Maybe we could sing together there for the last time.

For the last time. Cache, that sounds so final.

I didn’t mean it that way, honey. It’s just that once I hit Nashville, I’m going to be saddled down for a while without being able to see you. Say, besides talking to Kyle earlier, I also talked with my folks on the phone before I picked you up. They were so excited about our becoming engaged that they let me in on a little secret. Tiana, my folks are giving me a new car, I mean a new used car, for a graduation present! What do you think of that?

I think it’s wonderful! You surely need one that’s more dependable than your Pontiac if you’re going to drive all the way to Nashville. I’m glad for you and also very relieved. She beamed.

I’m glad for me too! I had some doubts as to whether my old Pontiac could make it to Nashville. The car they’re getting me is only six years old. Remember, it will be your car too after we get married. Darn, I can’t help it, honey, but I wish I could take you with me this year.

I do too, but your being in Nashville and my being at Big Sky this summer will be good for both of us. We’ve still got a lot to learn.

Yeah, well, time goes by fast. At least, that’s what everyone says. Before we know it, you’ll be graduating. Then you’re going to become Mrs. Cache Johnson! What do you think of that?

I’m excited about it! I can hardly wait for us to begin our lives together. I just hope that nothing will change our plans.

I can tell you right now that you won’t have to worry as to whether or not I might become interested in another woman while I’m in Nashville. Me, well, I’m a little uneasy about your going to Big Sky. A lot of the guys you’ll meet there this summer will want to date you. But I guess you know what you want.

Yes, and I want to go to Big Sky! My getting this job was very important to me. You know you don’t have to worry about me dating other guys. After all, I’ll be wearing your ring.

Great! So you feel we’ve made the right decision?

I’m sure we’re doing the right thing! Already, because we’re engaged now, I feel a lot more secure about going to Big Sky. I have to admit I’m feeling a little uneasy about how other people will treat me when I’m on my own. I’ve always had you, Dad, and Aunt Marianne around to take care of me.

You’ll do fine.

I hope so! You’re the only guy I’ve dated seriously and the only one I’ve ever cared for. I realize though that there’s quite a different world out there than the sheltered one I’ve known. I’ll probably be the most naïve female singer they’ve ever hired!

Don’t change, Tiana! Just remember that you’re my girl. You’re everything I want my girl to be right now. Don’t try to act sophisticated and worldly to get people to notice you. And don’t dress immodestly like some of the female singers who reveal more skin than talent. I find it a real turnoff when women cavort upon the stage showing off their bodies as if they were strippers instead of singers. Acting like that just isn’t you, thank goodness! Nevertheless, men will still find you very attractive and they’ll want to date you, I’m sure. Just remember not to let anybody take advantage of your trusting nature.

Cache, she answered in reproach, you know that I’d never lower my standards to make people come to hear me sing, at least I thought you did.

Yeah, I guess so. I just don’t want anything to change concerning our relationship. You mean everything to me. I’m sure I’ve told you that many times before.

You have, but I still like hearing it.

Good! By the way, I’ve heard about this Billy Rider guy that Brad mentioned in his letter. Billy has the reputation of being a ladies’ man, you know, the love ’em and leave ’em type. There are a lot of Billy Riders out there, honey, and they won’t be able to resist trying to date you unless you make it plain where you stand. Now that Rider guy, if he so much as kisses you on the cheek, why, I’ll…I’ll—

Stop it, Cache. Tiana giggled. You’re jealous already! What if I were to say the same to you about all those women in Nashville, the dolls in faded jeans and painted faces I’ve heard about? They’ll find you, those big blue eyes, and your blond hair totally irresistible. And when they hear you sing, they’ll probably go out of their minds! I’ve heard that the women in Nashville really go after the male singers in a big way.

You won’t have to worry about my becoming interested in another woman while I’m out there without you. You’re the only one I care about, he assured her, taking her hand in his and kissing it. Reaching into his pocket, he put a tip on the table for the waitress and then stood up.

Wrapping his arm possessively around Tiana’s waist and winking at her, he said, Come on, woman! I’ve got to be getting you back now. Don’t forget we’ve scheduled a one thirty rehearsal for tomorrow afternoon.

The following day, Tiana met Cache after classes were over. Before we begin rehearsing, honey, Cache suggested, I think we ought to call your dad and tell him about our engagement, that is, unless you’ve already told him.

That’s just what I was thinking too. It’s amazing how much we think alike, Cache. I didn’t call Dad last night because I wanted us to tell him together.

I doubt if our becoming engaged will come as much of a surprise to him. Cache grinned. Here, you dial and talk to him first.

Dad, she responded to hearing her father’s voice, it’s me. Cache is here too. We’ve got something special to tell you.

Not giving her a chance to explain, he remarked, Don’t tell me you’re getting married and leaving college, Tiana!

You know I wouldn’t do something like that, Dad. You spoiled my good news though. Cache bought me an engagement ring last night! However, we’re not planning to get married until after I graduate next year.

Phew, you had me worried for a second. I thought he might have talked you into going to Nashville with him.

Dad, I’m determined to finish college and nothing will stop me from doing it. I thought you knew that. Another reason I called you is to tell you that I got that job at the Big Sky Hotel in Montana, the one I told you about that I was applying for about a month ago.

That’s great, honey! I’m really proud of you. Will you be coming home before you start working there?

Yes, but only for a couple of days. My airfare is going to be paid for by the Big Sky management. They’re also paying for my board and room and some of the clothes I’ll perform in. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Sure does if that’s what you want. Personally, I wouldn’t mind having you spend the summer at home, seeing that you’re planning to marry Cache next year. But I’m pleased things are going well for you and you’re happy. That’s what counts the most. Say, since Cache is there, let me have a few words with him.

Hi, Dad! Cache beamed. I guess I might as well get used to calling you Dad.

Well, technically, you might run into a few legal problems, but personally, I don’t mind.

So speaks the great lawyer! Cache laughed.

Are you still planning to go to Nashville right after you graduate? Tiana’s father, Garrett Chaney, asked.

Sure am! I’ll try to get things going out there so Tiana and I will have a good life together. I’ll still have my degree in computer science to fall back on, however, if things in Nashville don’t work out for me.

Well, son, it’s good to have something to fall back on when you’re trying to succeed in the recording industry. From what I’ve heard, it’s not the easiest field to make your mark in. Be careful, Cache, and keep in touch with us when you’re in Nashville. If you run into any legal problems, let me know.

Okay, Dad. Thanks! Well, we’d better let you go. Tiana and I have to rehearse for tonight’s Spring Fling. I’ll drive her home to visit you when vacation begins and we’ll have a couple of days together. Before I leave for Nashville, I’m also going to visit her at Big Sky to make sure things are going well for her there.

That’s a wonderful idea, Cache. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I think I’ll try to spend a couple of weekends there myself. You know that these past three years I’ve had to be both mother and father to her. I only wish I knew what her mother would say to her at a time like this. But Tiana has a pretty good head on her shoulders.

Pretty and good, Cache agreed. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about Tiana. That doesn’t mean we both won’t miss her though while she’s at Big Sky. Well, goodbye, Dad. We’ll be seeing you soon.

All right. I’ll be looking forward to your visit. Take care now.

That evening at the university’s Spring Fling, Tiana wore a V-necked black dress of georgette material that had a print of small purple flowers on it. It gracefully skimmed over her slender figure. Her dark wavy hair fell below her shoulders. She wore little makeup, a touch of mascara, eyeliner, blush powder, and lipstick.

The chairs in the audience were filled, the chattering had stopped, and the hush of expectation that so often preceded curtain time prevailed. When the curtains opened, Cache, Tiana, and Mike stepped forward. Cache and Mike played their guitars while the trio sang a medley of country songs. Then Cache spoke to the audience, thanking them for coming. Putting his arm around Tiana’s waist, he said, Most of you know that after I graduate this spring, I plan to try my luck in Nashville. Since tonight is my last performance here at the university, I’m going to make an announcement that will probably come as a surprise to no one. But here goes! I’m leaving this university as an ‘engaged’ man! Tiana accepted my proposal yesterday and she’s now wearing my ring. We plan to get married right after she graduates next spring.

The students and faculty members in the audience clapped enthusiastically while some of the young men whistled. Then Cache sang a number of songs he had written during his four years at the university. Tiana and Mike provided background harmony. Tiana sang a few of the songs she had written, dedicating the last one to Cache. The two of them then provided background harmony while Mike sang some of his songs. Near the end of the performance, Cache singled out Tiana and sang She Wears My Ring. As was their tradition, they sang a hymn at the end of the program. Tiana’s lovely clear voice filled the auditorium as she sang the verses of In the Garden. Cache and Mike joined her in the choruses.

After the hymn had been sung, the vice president of the university stepped forward, thanking the trio for their last performance together and wishing Cache the best of luck in Nashville. Recognizing Cache’s exceptional talent as a performer, he then presented Cache with an expensive-looking new guitar as a gift from the student body and faculty for his four years of entertaining them. Cache, touched deeply as well as delighted, thanked everybody present. He put the guitar he had been playing on the floor, picked up the new one, and tuned it, preparing to sing his final song, one he had written just a few days ago, What Made the Rivers?

You science majors may not agree with my philosophy here, he admitted. However, I’ve based my conclusion not on my scientific knowledge but on a lot of observation of human nature. This song is about a young boy talking to his recently divorced father about one of his school assignments. He then sang,

Daddy, what made the rivers and the lakes and streams?

Tell me how all the water got there,

’cause I’ve got to tell the teacher how it happened. It seems

that there’s water flowing everywhere.

Son, I ain’t never been to any school, but I

think I know what the answer is now.

All that water’s from the teardrops that the people cry

when there’s no one loves them anyhow.

When a man hurts a woman and she hurts a man,

then the rivers begin to flow,

making all the mighty oceans. Yes, that’s how they began

when a heart was breaking long ago.

There’s a stream for every heartache. Yes, it’s true, my son.

There’s a river that’s named after me.

From the teardrops that I cried last night, a stream began to run.

Now a river’s flowing to the sea.

Tell your teachers and your classmates why the rivers flow.

Tell them why so many teardrops ran.

Maybe God above will change the way, but everyone must know

hearts have broken since this world began.

The people in the audience cheered approvingly, giving Cache a standing ovation. When the curtains closed, he hugged Tiana. How can we miss now, honey, he exclaimed. A new guitar, a new ring, a new car, a graduation diploma, I’ve got it made! Nashville, here I come! Yahoo! he yelled, lifting Tiana into the air and twirling her around. Putting her back down on her feet, he lifted her smiling face to his and kissed her. Tiana, I want you to know that you’re the best part of it all! I can’t wait until you graduate next year and become my wife! Then he addressed the empty space about them and waved his arm above him. World, he announced, you’re going to hear from us and how!

Chapter 2

Big Sky Blue

While the plane was landing, Tiana’s mind was filled with both excitement and anxiety. Could she fulfill the expectations of the Big Sky management? Would she, Yazzie, and Blue work well together? Although she felt confident about her singing abilities in front of an audience of university students as well as church congregations, she began to feel deep doubts about whether or not she would measure up to the standards expected by those attending the Big Sky performances. Had she made the right decision? Already she missed Cache’s reassuring presence and guidance.

When she walked into the airport terminal, she looked around for Blue. A ruggedly attractive dark-haired young man approached her, smiling warmly. You must be Tiana Chaney, he stated matter-of-factly.

Yes, I’m Tiana. She smiled with relief. You must be Benjamin from Big Sky.

I recognize you from your pictures, Tiana. Yes, I’m Benjamin Blue Cloud, but most folks just call me Blue. Seeing that we’re going to be singing partners this summer, why don’t you also call me Blue?

Tiana took his extended hand into hers. Instead of shaking her hand, he covered it momentarily with his other hand. As he studied her expression, she felt as if he could see into her very soul. Here was a man, she concluded, that one readily trusted. Blue had a sincere smile and serious, dark, penetrating eyes. Thoughtfulness and sensitivity showed in his expression and bearing.

Blue, she said graciously, I’m glad to meet you. Although I was a little nervous while on the airplane about starting my job at Big Sky, seeing you makes me feel more at ease. There’s something about you that makes me feel as if I’ve met you before.

Well, I must admit that you’re not exactly a stranger to me, he admitted. I’ve studied your DVD and CDs enough to know that you’re just the girl we need at Big Sky. Brad and I processed all the applications for the job, but Brad left the final decision of hiring to me.

Thanks for your confidence, she responded. I feel obligated to you for giving me this opportunity. I surely hope I won’t be letting you down.

Rest assured, partner, that the thought hasn’t even occurred to me. You’ve evidently had a lot of experience singing in public. The songs you’ve written are very appealing, especially your Indian ballads. I’m eager for the people who come to our performances at Big Sky to hear them. Say, he noted, it might be a while before your luggage is brought in. Would you like to get something to eat?

No, thanks, Blue. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to look around the gift shops for a few minutes.

Okay, but you might find the prices rather high.

That’s all right. I mean, well, I don’t want to give you the impression that I’ve got a lot of money to throw around or that I’m a ‘shopaholic.’ It’s just that I’ve got a special friend I want to buy a gift for. It’s some unfinished business that I should have done sooner. I was thinking about getting something for him all the time I was on the plane. As she said this, she held out her left hand so that Blue could see the engagement ring she was wearing.

Oh, I understand, he nodded his head. All right then, let’s look around and see what we can find for this, uh, friend of yours.

In one of the shops, jewelry was being sold and engraving was being done on the spot for the customers. Let’s stop here, Tiana suggested as she looked at a row of identification bracelets being displayed near the window. She went inside, accompanied by Blue, spoke to the clerk, and asked to examine a man’s bracelet that was decorated with turquoise stones and an Indian motif.

Yes—she smiled approvingly after examining it closer—this is very masculine, just like Cache. I know he’ll love it.

Would you like to have me engrave something on it? the clerk asked.

Cache Johnson, she replied. It sounds like c-a-s-h, but it’s spelled c-a-c-h-e. Here, I’ll write it down for you.

When the engraving was finished, it appeared to have been done in a very professional manner. Then the clerk asked Tiana if she wished for him to engrave something on the inside of the bracelet. Oh yes! Could I? Hmm, I can think of so many things. How about something like ‘With Love from Tiana’? I surely wish I knew my new address and telephone number, she sighed.

I have that information, Blue offered, and he wrote it down for the clerk. After the engraving job was finished and the bracelet was gift wrapped, Tiana paid the clerk. Then Blue steered her to the place where she would find her luggage.

This Cache Johnson is a college friend of yours, isn’t he? he asked as he accompanied her to his car, helping her to carry the luggage.

Yes, but more than that! We sort of grew up together in the same town not far from the university. We had the same piano and voice teachers when we were young and often performed together. Cache is the only guy I’ve ever dated. We’ve gone together for the past four years and plan to marry after I graduate next spring.

Hmm, Cache Johnson, I remember seeing him and a Mike Nielson on your DVD and that they sang some of the songs with you on the CDs you sent us. That’s why I knew you could handle singing with Yazzie and me here at Big Sky. In fact, I think I may have met Cache the year I was a senior at the university. He has an unusual name and it has a familiar ring to it. What does he do for a living?

He just graduated with a degree in computer science, but as you could tell from the DVD and CDs, he also sings, she answered, her eyes shining with pride. That’s probably why you remember his name. You’ll meet him soon because he’s coming to visit me before he heads out to Nashville.

Nashville, the big time, huh?

Yes, but if things don’t work out for him there in the recording industry, he’ll be able to use his degree in computer science. It’s a pretty good field right now and the pay is good.

Glad to hear it. I’ve never tried Nashville myself, but I hear it’s a hard place for an unknown to become a part of the in-crowd. Me, I enjoy being out here near my people doing what I like best. I guess Brad aims to make Big Sky competitive in a small way with the Nevada resorts, but he demands only clean and quality entertainment. Since several of our guests are older people, some of them who stay year-round, we want to please them as well as attract people who like wholesome entertainment.

That’s what attracted me to your advertisement and why I wanted to perform for your audiences at Big Sky.

So far, the expenses of supporting the Big Sky Trio have been more than repaid, so Brad’s sponsoring us at Big Sky has been profitable for the hotel. I guess I’ll never be rich or famous but life here is very satisfying. Here, he said, taking her luggage from her, "I’ll put your luggage in the back. Then I’ll open the door for you. We believe our new leading lady of the Big Sky Trio ought to