by Daria White
“Delicious,” Bailey said. She then used her napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Applause and whistling filled the air as the marching band played “Deck the Halls.” Mia and Kenya joined in with the few voices that sung along. Bailey laughed. She would have sung, but the prickling on her scalp resurfaced. No singing in public. She swallowed the rest of her doughnut—her last treat for the week.
Mia couldn’t hide her grin. “I can't believe this is my first Christmas as a married woman!”
Bailey giggled. “Any plans for your six-month anniversary?”
“Carter won't tell me,” Mia said.
Kenya stuffed her phone back inside her crossbody purse. Her expression looked pained.
“Everything okay?” Bailey asked.
Kenya nodded.
Mia touched her sister's shoulder. “You're not stressing are you?”
Bailey's heart went out to her cousin. Kenya wanted to be a mother, but she and her husband hadn't had success yet.
“I'm trying not to, but I thought Shawn and I would have a family by now,” Kenya said.
Mia’s expression softened. “I wish I knew what to say.”
Bailey placed a hand on her cousin’s back to provide comfort. “You and Shawn are already family.”
“Give it time, sis,” Mia said.
Kenya nodded. “I'm trying to remember that.”
“How about we browse after the parade? It's not too late,” Bailey said. As recorded music came through the floats, she hummed along to the Christmas music. Her favorite was “Joy to the World.”
“Someone sounds chipper.” Mia winked at her.
“She’s the voice in this family,” Kenya said. “I don't know where she gets it.”
“Uncle Robert could...” Mia stopped herself. “Sorry Bailey I didn't mean to--”
Bailey waved away her comment. She didn't mind talking about her late father, especially when he loved music as much as she did. The only difference was he didn't clam up when singing in public. He could have been a pro, but he only sang at their church and family gatherings.
If only her mother understood, but she didn't discuss music with her. So Bailey never brought it up. Between her mother's disapproval and the fiasco of her last performance, music would only remain a hobby. Maybe one day she’d regain the courage to sing again. Maybe.
“On another note,” Kenya said. “We have someone we want you to meet.”
“No.” Bailey tossed her trash in the nearby trash bin. Should she tell them about the dating app? While she loved her cousins, perhaps it wasn't the time to share with them about her dating life. They’d only grill her with questions. Kenya would probably have Shawn, a police officer, run background checks.
Mia patted her sister's shoulder. “I'm sure she'll meet plenty of prospects at Noelle's wedding.”
Bailey couldn't think of an excuse to leave. Would they notice if she got lost in the crowd and went home? It was her family. They would notice. “I'll let you know.”
“Where is Noelle? I thought she was coming to the parade?” Kenya asked.
Bailey checked the time on her phone and also saw a text from her friend. Noelle wasn't coming. She must have had plans with Lucas.
Chapter 3
Bailey sucked her teeth as she held her phone. She was over the dating app after a week. In the last few days, she’d met men who only wanted to “have fun” as they phrased it. No commitment. Her skin tingled, recalling the messages. She wouldn’t depend on this app to find her “person.”
Perhaps there was no such thing. When she opened up the app, Bailey saw a new message. She’d had enough of the non-committal guys. Yet, her thumb itched above the green icon. Once she opened the message, she gazed into the whiskey eyes of the man’s profile picture.
I see you like music. What’s your favorite song?
Bailey’s nose wrinkled. Should she open the door? She could ignore the message. What was it about his eyes though? Jackson.
Her pulse increased as she typed her response.
Rhythm and Blues so too many to say. You?
She plopped on her sofa and grabbed the throw blanket for her legs. If she didn’t like his response, she would block him and delete the app.
Same lol but I like rap. I’m Jackson. Nice to meet you.
Bailey smiled and typed. I can get with that. Nice to meet you. I’m Bailey. What made you sign up here?
She held the phone to her chest. Was that too much too soon? Great. Only two minutes into the messaging and she asked his intentions.
Jackson replied. Looking for something long-term and real. You?
Her eyes bugged. Few responded like that. Straightforward and to the point. So what? Maybe that was a line.
She released a deep breath. No sense in forming an opinion without evidence. I agree. There’s nothing like the real thing.
Well said.
Bailey licked her lips. This meant nothing.
Jackson wrote. Guess what I’m doing now?
What?
A few minutes later he sent a picture. A Christmas tree? Was that blue and red garland?
She replied with a grin. Isn’t that a lot of garlands?
Never too much for Christmas lol
Bailey laughed. Her mother was the same way. She went over the top with decorations. Christmas lights hung from her house, lighted candy canes lit her driveway, and a seven and a half Christmas tree stood before her large window in the living room. Not to mention the small nut crackers scattered all over the house.
Haha looks like we love the same holiday
He replied. Nice! What’s your favorite part of the holidays?
She ran her fingers through her curls. This was nothing. She wouldn’t overthink it. She wouldn’t overreact.
The snow
He wrote. No way.
Why? You don’t like it?
It’s one of my favorites too. Loved it as a kid.
Bailey ran a hand down her cheek. She could do this. Right?
****
Three days later…
Should he call her? Though the background music played over a loudspeaker in the convenient store, Jackson stared at his phone in his hand. He then bypassed the wall of built-in coolers filled with milk all the way to vitamin water.
Jackson stopped at the counter with coffee and hot chocolate machines. He chose the latter this time. Taking a sip of the hot cocoa, he stared at the last message from Bailey with her cell number. It was now or never.
“You saved my number right?” he asked.
“I did. Nice to hear your voice, Jackson,” Bailey said.
“Are you busy?”
“I just got home from work.”
“How long have you worked at the salon?” He remembered that much. To think she lived in the same town he did blew his mind.
“For the last five years.”
“Is that what you pictured yourself doing for the rest of your life?”
“No, but I enjoy working with my mom. I didn't think I would be a nail technician. Are you happy with music?”
“I wouldn't want to do anything else,” Jackson said.
“I wish I could find what I'm passionate about.” Bailey gasped. “I said that out loud.”
“Don't worry about it. Sometimes we need to vent. What's on your mind?”
“Nothing. It's nice to hear that you love what you do.”
“What do you love?”
“I enjoy singing but it's a hobby. My dad was a singer. He even encouraged me into thinking I could be a professional.” Bailey laughed.
“I don't think it's a bad idea. Are you any good?”
She laughed. “I don't sing in public.”
“Not even for me?” He paid the cashier and walked outside. Jackson flexed his free hand inside his glove. He turned his face away from the bitter wind and headed to his car.
“I don’t know you,” Bailey said.
“My name's Jackson Mills. I have a younger sis
ter, my favorite color is gray, I play piano, and I'm a fan of sugar cookies.”
Bailey giggled. “Sugar cookies?”
“My mom made them all the time when I was a kid. I wasn't born with the gift to bake.”
“I'll keep that in mind. I don't sing in public.”
“Okay no pressure.” He cleared his throat.
“What?”
“Nothing. It's nice to put the voice with the name.”
Silence.
“Bailey?” Did she hang up? Did he sound corny? He was out of practice with dating.
“No, that was...”
“Corny?”
“Sweet,” she said. “I have to be honest. This is out of my element.”
Jackson laughed. “Me too.”
“What’s your dream with music?”
If he told her, would she listen? “Honestly?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve written songs since I was thirteen.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I would love to hear it played on the radio, or even record an album.” Here came the backlash. Didn’t anyone understand that he had to make it into the music business? He had to for… Jackson blinked. He needed to stay in the moment.
“That sounds amazing. My dad used to write songs and teach them to me,” she said.
“Sounds like a talented guy. Did he ever make an album?”
“No, he chose us over his career. Thanks to my mother.” Bailey groaned. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Thanks for listening anyway,” she said.
“I could say the same about you. It’s been a long time since someone… let me… talk.”
“What made you go through with it? The dating app I mean,” Bailey asked.
Jackson tossed his empty cup in a nearby trashcan on the side of the street. He winded his scarf around his neck. “I had nothing to lose.”
“I guess... I didn't either.”
“Any regrets so far?”
“I think that depends on you.”
“Now I feel the pressure.”
Bailey laughed.
By the time he arrived home, he told her goodnight. An unexpected release of all tension left his body. Bailey listened. She asked questions as if she wanted to know him. Scratching the back of his head, he walked over to his keyboard. The new song needed his attention. He’d think about her later.
He sat, tapped one key, and hummed along to the tune. They had another performance soon with the band. Jackson couldn't miss a note during the show. He couldn't disappoint.
He had to make Anthony proud. The flashbacks started again, playing like previews before a movie in his mind. The shattered glass fell to the floor as he had stirred in the passenger seat. He smelled the blood from his upper lip.
Intense fear had filled his chest. “Tony!”
He tried to move. The pain only increased in his head.
“Jack,” his brother had whispered.
The last time he had heard his brother's voice. For years Jackson had mentally berated himself. He should have fought through the pain. He could have saved his older brother.
Chapter 4
Bailey shook out her hands in the break room. “He wants to meet.”
“And... that's a bad thing?” Noelle raised an eyebrow. Her chair squeaked as she scooted closer to the dated table.
Two weeks passed since Bailey met Jackson online. Since they exchanged numbers, he called her every night. If she missed it, she called back. She looked forward to their conversations before bed. They talked about family, friends, personal dreams of the future, and their interest in music. He was a musician. What were the chances of that?
It had been a long time since she felt comfortable talking to someone. Was intimacy building between them? Without a touch of his hand, she felt his heart as he shared about his upbringing. While he hesitated a few times, as if to keep something from her, Bailey figured he’d tell her in time. Was it too quick to give someone her trust? Was it true when others said “when you know, you know?”
Bailey's stomach rolled. “I don't know.”
“From what you know so far, do you like him?” Noelle asked.
She shrugged, ignoring the burnt coffee smell in the air. “He seems nice.”
“Bailey?”
“I guess. I think so.”
“Then suggest you meet up somewhere. Take your car so you can leave if he's not who he appears to be,” Noelle said.
Bailey rubbed at her fluttering stomach. “It's been a long time since I've had a... date.”
“I'm happy for you. He sounds like a good one.”
“Let's hope he's the same in person.” Bailey hoped with all her might.
“It'll be fine. If you need me to, text me, and I'll call you with an emergency.”
“What emergency?”
Noelle shrugged. “Doesn't matter.”
Bailey giggled. “Thank you for that.”
“So... what are you wearing?” Her eyes widened. “Wear your sweater dress and heeled boots.”
Bailey sipped her tea. “I'll think about it.”
Noelle released a heavy sigh and ran her fingers through her loose curls.
Bailey gazed at her friend with focus. “Something wrong? Are you and Lucas okay?”
“We had an argument. Nothing we can't fix.”
Bailey sat her teacup on the table. “Argument about what?”
“I don't even remember. All I know is his mother wants a big wedding. I prefer something small with close friends and family.”
“Have you told Lucas this?” Bailey asked.
“I have but he claims it's no big deal. I don't know what it is but we're not...”
“Not what?” Bailey offered a light squeeze to her friend's hand.
“Connecting.”
“Is it wedding jitters?”
“I hope that's it.” Noelle rolled her shoulders back. “Anyway, I'm happy you're going on a date. Do I need to text you in case there's an emergency?”
Bailey giggled but appreciated Noelle's concern. “If you don't hear from me, everything's fine. If not, I'll text you.”
“Deal.” Noelle went silent.
“Are you okay?” Bailey asked. “I promise I’ll—”
“Nothing. I'm okay.”
Bailey eyeballed her. “This is me you're talking to.”
Noelle shrugged. “I'll be fine.”
“How's premarital counseling going?”
Her friend raised her eyebrows. “Very... enlightening.”
“You're sure about marrying Lucas, right? What about your—”
“I said yes,” Noelle said.
“Noelle, what's going—”
“Let's get back to work,” she said, leaving Bailey in the break room.
Her eyebrows furrowed. Would Noelle tell her the truth?
****
Jackson wrung his hands together. He suggested Mac's Nightclub and Lounge for him and Bailey's date. She agreed, but should he have told her he saw her before? It never came up in their conversations. Even when she told him she lived in town, he didn't share how beautiful she was coming outside the club.
Now he stood in front of the brick building waiting for her in the parking lot. Bushes, trees, and grass framed the lot. Though he smelled the food cooking at nearby restaurants, he felt as if his insides were quivering. Why was he nervous? He felt comfortable enough with her on the phone. Her voice was sweet and sultry.
Jackson licked his lips as he paced. Bailey Cummings. Her name had a nice ring to it. He wouldn't get his hopes up.
He saw a Jeep Compass pull into the parking lot. Was that her? He didn't remember the car from last time since he looked away. He recognized her curls, tucked underneath her cap.
Bailey. Gorgeous in person and in her pictures.
She exited her car and walked over to him. She might as well have walked in slow motion. A radiant look came over her face, like a sudden burst of sunshine on a c
loudy day. “Jackson?”
“Bailey?” Why did her name sound like a melody? He extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she said with a bright smile.
“Same to you.”
“Have you been waiting long?”
He shook his head. “I don't mind waiting.”
Bailey grinned. Then she tilted her head towards the building, and he moved to open the door for her. “A gentleman. You don't see chivalry like this anymore.”
“It's rare, but I try,” he said. He even went further and pulled out her chair for her.
Bailey took off her coat and draped it on the back of her chair. Then she removed her hat.
Jackson took the seat across from her. “Thanks for coming.”
“You thought I would stand you up?”
“It's happened to me before.”
“I wouldn't do that,” she said.
He touched a hand to his chest. “I appreciate that. That's not a good feeling.”
“Have you been here before?” she asked.
Jackson swallowed. No point in keeping a secret. “Well...”
“Well... what?”
“I know the owner. He's a friend of mine.”
She rested her hands on the table. “How long have you two been friends?”
“Since high school.”
“I come here a lot myself but I've never seen you.”
“I've seen you before.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You have?”
“That's how I recognized you online. That doesn't creep you out does it? I promise I'm not a stalker.”
Bailey giggled. “No, it doesn't creep me out. I didn't see you.”
“You were leaving as I was coming inside. We missed each other.”
Her sepia eyes met his. “I guess we did.”
“Jack, we have a problem.”
Jackson pivoted in his seat towards his best friend, Tommy Wilkes. “I'm in the middle of something right now.”
“Jake had an emergency and can't play tonight in your place. Plus, Piper has the flu.”
“Is everything okay?” Bailey asked.
Tommy looked over and grinned. His eyes diverted back to Jackson, and he extended his hand. “I'm Tommy. His best friend and fellow band member. I'm lead guitar.”