Page 25 of A Christmas Duet

Have a very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

this year!

When she finished, she looked up to find Jay sitting at the edge of the sofa, closely studying her. She set aside her guitar and sat back down.

“Hailey, wow, that was great. Exceptional.”

She glowed with pleasure. “Thank you.”

“I’m not just saying that; I’m sincere. Your Christmas song is as good as anything I’ve heard. With the right singer and marketing, it could become a classic.”

Hailey hardly knew what to say. As silly as it sounded, she felt like crying. He seemed to be saying he would be willing to sign her. That would definitely be a dream come true. Tears gathered in her eyes, and she blinked several times, not wanting to embarrass herself.

He must have noticed, because he softly said her name: “Hailey?”

“Sorry, it’s just that I’m not used to my songwriting skills being validated by a professional. My piano teacher was a great encourager, and my friends claimed I had talent, but this is the first time, the very first time…” She paused, because her voice started to crack with emotion. “Forgive me, I’m usually not the crying type.” She wiped the moisture from her cheeks, and then, because she felt she needed an excuse, she waved her hand toward the wineglass. “It’s likely the wine.”

“There’s a saying that in wine there is truth,” Jay said. “And the truth is, you are a naturally gifted songwriter.”

Sniffling, she smiled. “You write music yourself, don’t you?”

He nodded. “I do, and many of the songs our band played over the years were mine.”

“Play me one,” she asked, eager to hear one of his creations.

Jay reached for his guitar. “I wrote this after leaving the band. I guess you could call it a farewell piece.” He bowed his head and sang.

Sometimes

Photos come unglued

But I’ll always rememberyou

Suddenly a melody

Brings you to mind

So grateful for all the years and time

The music and miles and miles of road

We so often carried each other’s load

I can’t help wondering what might have been

And yet I know it’s my time to say good-bye

Go and succeed

You have all you need

Withoutme

Hailey’s eyes drifted closed as the words and the music swirled around her like a misty cloud. While Jay said he’d written the song as a tribute and farewell to his friends, his brothers, it felt more like a love song, a parting, with a heart bursting with gratitude and love.

---