Page 48 of A Christmas Duet

Hailey accepted their kind words and cast a questioning look at Jay. He smiled and nodded but ignored the query in her eyes.

By the time the table was cleared of their dinner dishes and coffee had been delivered, a handful of additionalcustomers had come over to compliment Hailey on her song, telling her they’d listened to it multiple times. Not knowing how that was possible, Hailey looked to Jay.

“Is there something happening that I don’t know about?” she asked. “Why are all these people coming to the table?”

“There is, and it’s wonderful news for you,” he said. “I should have mentioned it earlier. Forgive me for being so caught up in my own worries.”

“It’s all right. I understand. Did someone take a video of us the night of the festival?”

“They did, and posted it on YouTube. People are loving it, Hailey.”

“My song?” She could hardly believe her ears. “That’s encouraging, I guess.”

He laughed softly. “More than encouraging. You and the song have started to go viral.”

“Oh my goodness.” She pressed the tips of her fingers against her lips, hardly able to believe what he was telling her.

Jay grinned as if he was as delighted for her as she was surprised. “I checked before I left to collect you and was astonished. There’ve been over a hundred thousand views.”

This was unbelievable. Immediately she reached for her phone and realized she’d left it at the house. With nocell coverage, she didn’t see any reason to carry it with her. Regret hit her even as the excitement filled her until she found it difficult to hold still. This was amazing. Unbelievable.

“You’ll be getting a check from YouTube.”

“You mean I’ll be paid?” This was even more astonishing. The social media channel was actually going to pay her. Who knew?

“Any time an artist gets more than a hundred thousand hits, the media outlet pays the artist.”

“Wow. How did I not know that?” she asked, thinking out loud. This only served to tell her how naïve she was when it came to the music business. Which immediately sent a warning signal.

While Jay sounded pleased, his eyes said something else. Hailey knew she should question him further, but she hesitated, not wanting to ruin the moment. Jay’s thoughts were on his upcoming settlement. It would be easy to bombard him about what all this attention would mean to her and her career. She craved answers and would like nothing better than for Jay to explain the ramifications of all this. But he was understandably concerned about his own future. To trouble him about hers would be selfish and inconsiderate.

“I’m happy for you, Hailey,” he said as he slid out of the booth and helped her on with her coat.

Hailey wasn’t sure what any of this meant, although if she was going to collect royalties on her song, then wow. This was like walking through the middle of the best dream she’d ever had. Her head spun with the possibilities of what the future might hold for her.

Once Jay paid the bill, they strolled around town for a time, his mood somber. He held her hand tightly in his own.

After a few minutes of silence, Hailey suggested they head back to the cabin. As if he felt the need to end the evening on a positive note, Jay reminisced about his years on the road and his fellow band members, sharing stories of their antics. She was pleased that despite all that had transpired between Jay and the band, he could look fondly upon their time together.

When they arrived at the cabin, another car was parked beside Daisy’s vehicle.

“Are you expecting any more company?” he asked.

Hailey couldn’t make out the model of the black car in the dark. Sitting up straight, she reached for Jay’s forearm. Hope and excitement mingled as she glanced toward the house. “I bet it’s Charles. He must have discovered where Daisy was hiding and has come to talk some sense into her.”

In her eagerness, Hailey nearly jumped out of the car. Taking hold of Jay’s hand, she raced up the front steps,excited to meet the man who had turned her sister’s life around.

Hailey threw open the front door and, with a gasp, froze.

It wasn’t Charles who’d arrived unannounced.

Instead, it was her parents.

Chapter Sixteen

Hailey nearly groaned aloud. Jay paused just inside the door when she did.

Her mother’s confused gaze immediately went to Jay before she glanced back at her daughter. “Hello,” she said, looking at Jay again. “Who are you?” Julia Morgan asked, staring at him as if in shock.

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