Page 6 of A Christmas Duet

Zach’s favorite, Hailey remembered. This was exactly what she didn’t want. Her mother would be gushing over Zach, making him feel like part of the family while she did everything she could to avoid him.

“And that’s not all, I have all our meals planned. Zach offered to bring the ham for Christmas Eve, the spiral-cut one. So generous of him.”

“Mom,” Hailey tried again. “Zach asked me about coming for Christmas and I flat-out told him no. He isn’t listening and now he’s gone behind my back…”

“But he didn’t,” her mother insisted. “He called with a legitimate excuse. I was the one who insisted he come.”

“Zach knew my feelings.” Hailey wasn’t willing to give him a pass. Zach was aware what to expect when he contacted her mother. And she’d played right into his hands.

Another short, painful silence followed. “Hailey, be reasonable. I can’t rescind the invitation. It’ll all work out, trust me.”

Sitting up, Hailey leaned against her headboard as her shoulders sank with dread. This was destined to be the most uncomfortable, awkward Christmas of her life.

Her mother seemed to take her silence as acceptance. “How soon can you get here?” she asked. “Your father got us a new car he’s excited to show you. He ordered it in this dark green. I’d hoped for blue, but you know your father. He wanted green, and so I gave in. It’s important to know when to stick to your guns and when to give in. So come soon, okay?”

“Christmas isn’t for another week,” Hailey reminded her. She had no intention of spending one minute more than necessary at the family home. It went without saying that her mother would spend the entire holiday touting Zach’s many fine qualities. There was only so much a girl could take.

“I suppose you have a few things you need to take care of before you leave Portland.”

Hailey leaped on the excuse. “Exactly. I’ve been so busy with school that I haven’t done anything to get ready for Christmas.” She desperately needed time to consider her options. It didn’t look like her mother would be willing to tell Zach it would be best if he didn’t come. The mere thought of being trapped with him and her mother sent her mind into a whirlwind.

“Take the weekend to get caught up,” her mother offered. “Zach said he would be able to get a few days off, and there’s this big Christmas light show we could all attend.”

“Mom, I can’t—”

“Oh sweetie, am I being too pushy? I’m sorry. It’s just that I know how eager Zach is to see you. He said this would be the first time in over three years.”

This was the last thing Hailey wanted to hear. Apparently, Zach was confiding in her mother, gaining her support. It was even worse than Hailey had realized. What really irked her was that he seemed to think she would be so grateful to hear from him that she’d immediately fall in line. It must have come as a shock when she had been less than welcoming. Now he was garnering support from her mother.

“I won’t be there after the weekend, Mom.” She made sure her mother understood that she had no intention of falling into the plans Zach had made with her family.

“Oh, but you must. Zach told me in confidence that there’s something important he wants to discuss with you. I wouldn’t say anything if I knew how you were going to react.”

“Sure he does,” Hailey said, unwilling to hide her sarcasm.

“Now, Hailey Lynn Morgan, you listen to me. Zach was nothing but wonderful. He’s always been kind and gracious. The least you can do is meet him halfway.”

“I need to think,” Hailey said. The idea of spending the holidays with Zach was fast becoming untenable.

“I don’t know what happened between the two of you,” her mother continued. “Whatever it was, I’m sure Zach is looking to make it right.”

“He told you that, did he?”

“Well, not in so many words, but I’m convinced he regrets whatever it was that caused the breakup. We talked for over an hour. We had the best time catching up. Give him a chance, Hailey. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.”

Hailey closed her eyes. Just talking about Zach had her head pounding with the beginning of a migraine. “I need to think. I’ll call you later today to let you know what I plan to do.”

“Good. I hope to see you soon. Love you,” her mother whispered.

“Love you back.”

After disconnecting the call, Hailey pondered the conversation for several minutes. She’d put Zach out of her life, cut all ties, and moved on. After they broke up, she accepted the job at the high school and decided to write music whenever time allowed. That hadn’t happened, and whether it was fair to blame Zach or not, she did.

Anytime she needed to think, Hailey cleaned her house. She spent the morning knee-deep in cleanser as if demon possessed. She scrubbed down the sinks and countertops, vacuumed the carpets, changed her sheets, and wiped down all her kitchen appliances. When she’d finished, her apartment had never shined brighter. Best of all, she had her answer. Slumping down on her sofa, she exhaled a long breath and smiled. She knew exactly what she needed todo.

Chapter Four

Katherine answered her phone after the first ring. “Hey, girlfriend, what’s up?”

---