Page 17 of A Christmas Duet

She blushed at his praise. Just from the way he spoke, she could tell he was sincere.

“Do you have a title?”

“Not yet…It’s a Christmas song.”

He sat down on the overstuffed chair across from her. “Would you play me what you have from the beginning?”

Hailey hesitated and then went for it, strumming the song along until she reached the bridge. It was at this point that she’d had trouble. When she looked up, Jay’s appreciation warmed her from the inside out.

“That’s good. Really good. It has the genuine feel of Christmas.”

“Thanks.” His praise fed her heart like a Thanksgiving feast. She’d doubted herself and her talent for so long. “It’s a simple song.”

“Simple, yes, but that’s the genius of it. I was enjoying the melody,” he said, studying her. “Why did you stop?”

“I’m having trouble coming up with the bridge before the last chorus.”

“That can be tricky,” he agreed. “You’re a good songwriter, Hailey.”

She shrugged. “I try.”

“With that kind of talent, I’d be surprised if you haven’t already sold songs. You have, haven’t you?”

This was a common question, once people knew she wrote music. “Have I heard anything you’ve written?”

At her hesitation, Jay asked, “People ask you that a lot, don’t they?”

She answered with a nod. “I’ve sold a few things, nothing major, if that’s what you’re asking. Just advertising jingles for radio and television.” Those small sales had been a great encouragement. She treasured each one, as they had fed her creativity. The money wasn’t enough for her to survive financially, but that was okay. Something she had composed was worthy of being paid for and played, and really, that was what mattered most.

“Do you work in the music industry?” Jay asked, his gaze narrowed slightly.

Hailey was unable to read the look in his eyes.

“I’m the assistant band director at a Portland high school.”

“Nice.” His shoulders seemed to relax. “Sorry if I’m being intrusive, but what brings you to Podunk by yourself?”

“You mean because it’s Christmas and I’m all alone?”

He nodded.

Hailey gave him a brief rundown, without making mention of Zach and his unexpected reappearance in herlife. Instead, she talked about the pressure her mother had put on her to marry and provide her with grandchildren. Jay listened intently, and when she’d finished explaining, he was both encouraging and understanding.

“I can sympathize with you. My mother has been after me to marry for years. Thankfully, my sister has taken the burden off me when it comes to grandchildren.”

Unsure why he was so curious about her music, and her reasons for being away from family over the holiday, Hailey decided to ask him a few questions. There appeared to be more to Jay Cantor than met the eye. “You said you played the guitar yourself.”

“I do.”

“Ever composed music?”

He exhaled before he responded, as if hesitating. “I have.”

She noticed he didn’t elaborate with any accomplishments. She could ask, but decided against it. What she wanted was for Jay to fill in the blanks on his own. However, when he wasn’t immediately forthcoming, curiosity got the better of her and she asked, “Were you ever in a band?”

His smile was large and genuine. “I started a rock band in our garage when I was in junior high. We were atrocious, but what we lacked in finesse we made up for with passion. Our efforts nearly drove my parents crazy. Iformed another band in college, and we had some success. Later I joined the Rebel Rousers. Ever heard of them?”

Hailey hadn’t. “Sorry, no.”

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