Page 35 of Protecting Hailey

I moved the scrambled eggs around my plate as a thought occurred to me. “Maybe I should sing it live on my social page? I want to prove to everyone that I can sing and this song has never been recorded. It could be a great way to share something special with my fans and still prove a point to my haters.”

“I think that’s a great idea.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m going to call Sam.”

I pushed back from the table and nearly ran out of the kitchen when I remembered something. I poked my head back in. “Thanks again for breakfast. I appreciate it.”

“My pleasure,” he murmured, and I walked away, smiling.

***

Later that afternoon, Sam and Ingrid stood in my living room, setting up a tripod and ring light. “Almost done, Hailey.”

“Sam, have you posted my statements? I haven’t had a chance to check yet.”

She tightened the screw on the tripod. “Yes. Your fans loved it. I can feel the support swinging back your way.”

My shoulders relaxed. “That’s great.”

“There were a couple of negative comments, but Ingrid replied to them.”

“Thanks, Ingrid.”

“Don’t mention it,” she said shyly.

“Okay, we’re all set up. How’s your throat?”

“It’s perfectly fine. I’m good.” I perched myself on top of a nearby stool. “Ready?”

Sam turned to Hailey, and she gave us the thumbs up. Then she counted me down on her fingers.

Five, four, three, two…

“Hi everyone. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. I woke up with a smile this morning and it reminded me of one of my favorite songs when I was a little girl. It was the first song I’d ever written. I wrote it for my daddy, but although I’m all grown up now, I discovered this morning, it still makes me smile. I hope you like it.”

I picked up the guitar next to me and strummed it. Taking a deep breath, I played the first chord, and I smiled, recalling the first time I’d performed this in my family room with my stuffed animals as the audience.

“You’re the June to my May. The one who makes my worries go away. You’ll always be my daddy, and I’ll always be your Hailey, loving you forever and a day.”

I laughed at the corniness of the song and sang the next verse. Louder this time, just like I did when I was a kid. I finished the set with the melody I’d written and then ended it on a high note. Dropping my pick, I smiled at the camera and waved goodbye.

“And cut.” Sam walked over and hugged me. “That was so sweet. Everyone’s going to love it, Hailey.”

“You think so?” Now that it was over, I felt a bit silly singing a song I’d written when I was ten. I should have chosen one of my hits, but for some reason, I wanted to share something personal today.

Sam checked the phone with Ingrid, and her grin widened. “Your page is blowing up! The comments are pouring in.”

Sam showed me the phone.

Love this, Hailey! I’m going to show it to my dad.

Hailey!!! This is so sweet!!! Love your voice!

Yas, Queen!

The comments wiped away any doubt from my mind and it felt as though I was now back on track to focusing on my music and forgetting about all that negative stuff. “Thanks for helping me with this, Sam.”

“You’re welcome, Hailey. I’ll try to book you for a radio interview soon. We should move quickly now while the momentum is positive. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

---