Page 34 of A Christmas Duet

“Ignore the negativity of others,” he advised.

While Hailey knew what he said was true, it was easier said than done, as the cliché went. It was a cliché because it was true.

“And now, out of the blue, Zach is interested again,” Jay said, as if thinking out loud. “Do you think your lack of interest has made you all the more appealing in his eyes?”

Hailey had no idea. “I don’t know.”

Jay appeared to mull this over. “It’s probably what prompted him to approach your mother, right?”

“It was a smart move on his part. Mom was more brokenhearted than I was when Zach and I split.”

“Are you sure about your feelings?” Jay asked, his hand tightening around the steering wheel, as if this was information he needed to know.

Without hesitation, she responded, “Positive. Zach was my first love, and our relationship was great until it wasn’t. I think what I found to be the most disappointing aspect of our breakup was how willing he was to let mego.

“At first, I believed once he thought about it, he’d change his mind. All along I’d supported and encouraged him; I’d always assumed he would do the same for me. Todiscover he wouldn’t came as a shock. He keeps saying that since he’s now established in his career, making a good salary, that he’s willing to support my dream.”

“Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” Jay asked.

“It was.” She couldn’t deny it. “At one time, but no longer. I’m stronger emotionally now and would far rather find success on my own, without relying on anyone else.” She glanced at Jay as he sat beside her in the truck cab. “Being with you the last few days has been a tremendous boost to my belief in myself. It may take a few years. And, really, I don’t care if it does. At some point in the future, I’ll be writing music and making a living at it.”

“I believe that, Hailey, and I mean that with everything in me.”

She choked out a whisper. “Thank you.” Emotion swelled in her chest, and she distracted herself by scrolling down the long list of unread text messages. She found six from Zach. Six.

Jay’s gaze followed hers. “Are you going to read those?”

“No,” she stated decisively. “I have nothing to say. I’m here to concentrate on writing music. Anything he wants to tell me would be a distraction I don’t need or want.”

“I can appreciate that more than you realize.”

“How so?” she asked, although she could guess what he meant.

“I’m in Podunk for Christmas for much of the samereason you are. The breakup with the band left a lot of hard feelings all around. I didn’t want to get caught up in the court battle that’s been going on ever since the split. Like you, I’ve moved on, and I’m working hard to make Cantor Music a success. I hate the infighting and dealing with the attorneys. This time with my family is helping me clear my head. The best thing I can do when it comes to figuring out this financial mess is to wait until I hear from my attorney. It’s a struggle, and I won’t have my feet under me until the ruling is made.”

Jay had casually mentioned the band’s breakup, but Hailey hadn’t known that his finances were held up until a settlement was reached.

“I felt the urge to return to my roots for this Christmas,” he continued. “Little did I know I’d be fortunate enough to meet you.”

“Nor I you.” It felt like fate, stars shining down on them, that they should stumble upon each other in Podunk. In retrospect, Hailey should thank the raccoon invasion, as that was what led her to meeting Jay.

Hailey considered his situation. “It seems we are both at a crossroads in life.”

“So it appears,” he concurred.

Thinking she’d had quite enough upheaval after reading her texts, Hailey turned off her phone and tucked it away.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He looked surprised by her appreciation. “For what? I didn’t do anything special.”

“But you did. Talking helped clear the spiderweb’s sticky strands inside my brain.”

Jay grinned. “You ready for me to drive you back to the cabin?”

“Ready.”

Jay started the truck and backed out of the parking spot. Once they were on the road, he reached for her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. “Stay true to yourself, Hailey. You have the talent and the passion; don’t allow anyone to destroy that.”

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