Page 46 of A Christmas Duet

Jay turned his attention to her sister. “Daisy, merry Christmas.”

“Thanks,” her sister said, but the smile didn’t reachher eyes. The holidays would be sadly lacking for Daisy, Hailey feared.

“Mom mentioned she met you this morning,” he said, addressing Daisy. “She wanted me to invite you both to join us for Christmas dinner.”

Hailey shot a look at Daisy, needing some indication of her sister’s reaction. Daisy had spent the entire morning shopping for their own little dinner. Personally, Hailey would love to spend the day with Jay and his family, but she had Daisy to consider. “What a lovely invitation, only—”

“How thoughtful,” her sister broke in. “We’d be honored. Perhaps you could join us for Christmas Eve dinner.”

Hailey was pleased with the compromise idea. Christmas Eve with Jay and Christmas Day with his family.

“I’d like that.” Jay’s eyes met Hailey’s, and she could see he liked the idea as much as she did.

“My sister and her family will be joining us for Christmas, too.”

Hailey had met Ruth, her husband, and their two children the night of the Podunk Winter Festival and had liked Ruth immediately. They were able to speak for only a few minutes, and in that short time, Hailey found Jay’s sister warm and friendly, much like the entire community of Podunk. Her two children were adorable, too.

“You sure we won’t be imposing?” Hailey asked. After all, both she and Daisy were basically strangers.

“My mother insisted,” Jay assured her.

They left for town soon afterward, and Hailey talked nearly nonstop as Jay drove. It was like she’d been holding everything inside until they were together. She started off telling him about the talk she and Daisy had, but only a few of the details. Then she mentioned the jazzy, fun song that had popped into her head out of the blue and sang it for him.

Grinning when she finished, he nodded. “Love it. Wow, Hailey, where have you been hiding yourself? You’re far too talented to hide away in some high school.”

His praise was everything. “I feel more like myself than I have in ages,” she admitted. “I didn’t realize how much of myself, my personality, I’d hidden when I chose to ignore my dreams.”

“Every original song you’ve played for me is full of promise. This kind of talent can’t be ignored.”

She loved how he encouraged and strengthened her ability to believe in herself. She’d never had that in a relationship before, and realized how important it was.

With only a few days until Christmas, the diner was hopping when they arrived. The tables were full, and chatter echoed around the room. The servers wore reindeer headbands as they sashayed among the tables, taking and delivering orders.

“They don’t take reservations,” Jay explained, “butLucille promised she’d make sure we got a table as soon as one became available.” He had his hand at the small of her back, and Hailey could feel his touch even through her thick coat.

The wait for a table barely took five minutes. Hailey noticed several heads turn in their direction as they were escorted to a booth on the other side of the restaurant. A couple waved and Jay returned the gesture. A few people had their heads together, whispering. It seemed the entire diner stared at Jay and Hailey, watching their every move. Briefly she wondered what it was about, and then surmised it was because they’d been together at the festival. Besides, Jay was the town’s celebrity. Hailey heard someone whisper, “That’s the girl.”

A woman wearing a Santa hat stopped Hailey on their way to the empty booth. “I really liked your song. I’ve played it several times.”

Played it? How is that possible?

The attention both embarrassed and delighted her. People enjoyed her song, and that made her heart sing. This was like a dream come true for her, although she had no clue how anyone would have been able to play it, unless there had been a video.

In quick succession, the server arrived with menus and took their drink order.

“So everything is settled between you and Daisy?” Jay asked, although she’d already mentionedit.

“It’s been great. The truth is, I wasn’t happy about her visiting, but, Jay, it’s been wonderful.”

“Hailey?” A thoughtful frown came over Jay as he set aside his menu. “There’s something you should know.”

This didn’t sound good. “Okay.” She felt the need to hold her breath, as if she were about to sink under a deep, dark body of water.

“Earlier today, I heard from my attorney about the settlement from the breakup of the band,” he explained. “We’re close to signing off. I don’t have all the details yet. I’ll admit I’m nervous, as I don’t know what to expect. I have a feeling it won’t be near what I deserve.”

“That’s disappointing.”

He agreed with a short nod. “I’ve decided to accept rather than delay this lawsuit any longer. The only ones getting rich are the attorneys.”

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