Page 39 of A Christmas Duet

Hailey tilted her head up to stare at the gathering gray clouds in the sky and sighed. Her sister’s arrival was a disaster. The skies, which had earlier been clear and sunny, seemed to sense her mood as storm clouds gathered in the distance.

“It’s freezing out here,” Daisy announced. “I’m going back inside where it’s warm.”

With her sister inside, Hailey hung her head, feeling defeated and miserable.

Sensing her mood, Jay came up the stairs and placedhis hand on her shoulder. “Whatever happens, it will be okay, understand?”

Oh, how she wished that were true. “You don’t know my sister,” she whispered, grateful Daisy had returned to the warmth of the house.

“You’re right, I don’t know your sister, but I know you. The music inside you will make its way out with or without Daisy. You’ll manage.”

Hailey wanted to believe him, although her doubts remained. “When will I see you again?” So much for their jamming sessions and cuddling alone in front of the fireplace. That would be impossible with Daisy underfoot.

“I’ll stop by tomorrow. How about I take you to dinner in town? Our restaurant choices are limited, but Lucille’s place has a great down-home menu. I think a little comfort food might be just what you need.”

The promise of a date with Jay helped raise her spirits. “Okay,” she said, eager to be with Jay again soon.

He kissed the top of her head. “Now get back inside before you freeze to death.”

“Bye,” she said, her heart in her throat. She loved Daisy, she really did, and would do her best to be a good sister.

“See you soon,” he promised.

With her steps heavy with reluctance, Hailey returned to the house. To her surprise, Daisy was nowhere in sight.

“Daisy,” Hailey called out, wondering where her sister had gone. When she didn’t get a response, she tried again, louder this time.

Her sister appeared at the top of the stairwell. “Where do you keep the sheets?”

It appeared that Daisy had already made herself at home. She pretended not to hear the question. “Come down so we can talk,” Hailey said.

Daisy started down the stairs and plopped on the sofa while Hailey remained standing, pacing, as she formulated her thoughts.

When Daisy appeared to notice the look on Hailey’s face, she asked, “What’s wrong, sis?”

Unable to formulate words, Hailey tossed her hands in the air. Everything was wrong. She rubbed her palms together and took in several deep, calming breaths.

Daisy appeared oblivious to Hailey’s mood. “Jay seems nice.”

“He’s wonderful and…” Rather than continue, Hailey got to the point. “We need to talk about your visit.”

Daisy sat up straighter and pulled back her shoulders as though she had managed a big accomplishment. “I became a regular sleuth. When you said you were in Podunk, I thought it was a joke, but I found it on the map—a real town. Then I decided I couldn’t let my only sister spend the holidays all by herself.”

“But—”

Daisy didn’t let her finish. “Tell me all about Jay. How’d you meet?”

Daisy continued to avoid discussing her unexpected appearance, almost as if she was afraid Hailey would ask her to leave. She seemed rather pleased with herself, smiling as she spoke, only Hailey noticed she didn’t seem quite like herself.

“I know showing up like this wasn’t in the plan,” Daisy finally said when Hailey ignored the question. “When I talked to Mom, she said Zach was coming for Christmas. No way was I heading to Tacoma with Zach there.”

“You mean to say he still insists on coming, even knowing I won’t be?” When would he accept that she had no interest in getting back together? He seemed oblivious.

“Apparently, he’s on his way. I didn’t know he’d been in touch until Mom mentioned it. I was never fond of Zach. Mom was positive he was destined to be another Bill Gates. You aren’t seriously considering getting back together, are you?”

“No way. That ship has sailed.” Hailey noticed how Daisy continued to lead the conversation away from her visit. “I want to talk about you…being here,” Hailey said again.

“Oh yes, I got sidetracked. I found Podunk on the map—”

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