Page 59 of A Christmas Duet

A young woman strolled past wearing a Cantor apron. “Excuse me, do you know where Thelma is?” Hailey asked.

“Not at the moment. Probably on Yukon Lane by now.”

Hailey frowned. “I’m sorry?”

“Thelma is out with a couple other business owners, delivering charity baskets.”

“Oh. Do you know when she’ll be back?”

The woman shook her head. “Maybe another hour or so. Do you want me to tell her you stopped by?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll go next door and order a cup of coffee, and if she isn’t back when I’m finished, I’ll try another time.”

“Okay. Good to see you. I wanted you to know my kids love your Christmas song. They’ve played it on their tablets a dozen times.”

Hailey smiled, enthused to know that her simple song had brought others a small bit of Christmas spirit.

“Oh, and someone was by a few minutes ago, wanting to know if I knew where you were staying.”

“They were looking for me?”

She nodded and reached inside her pocket and withdrew a business card. “He gave me this, even when I said I wasn’t at liberty to give out that information. He looked rather anxious to talk to you.”

Hailey was stumped. She had no idea who this person might be. The name was completely unfamiliar. Leaving the store, she glanced at the business card a second time and stopped cold in her tracks. Listed below Daniel Stamper’s name and phone number was his occupation.

Music producer.

With her hand trembling, she walked into Lucille’s Diner. Several booths were available. The breakfast rush was over, and it wasn’t yet time for lunch. She slid into the one closest to the window to keep an eye out for Thelma’s return. When the server wearing the nametag identifying her as Nancy arrived, Hailey asked for coffee.

“We’ve still got one serving of the blueberry sour cream waffles, if you’re interested.”

As tempting as it sounded, Hailey was still full from her breakfast. “No, thanks, just coffee.”

Nancy left and then returned with the glass pot. She turned over the beige mug and filled it to the brim.

“Thanks,” Hailey said, as she stared down into the dark liquid. Her mind whirled as she ran her finger over the business card. The producer had traveled all the way from Los Angeles to find her. She wasn’t sure if she should contact him.

The door to the diner opened and a distinguished-looking man in a suit and overcoat sauntered inside. Hisgaze went to Nancy, who nodded in Hailey’s direction. Without a pause, he headed to where she sat.

“Hailey Morgan?”

“Yes?”

He smiled, and without an invitation, slid into the booth across from her. “You’re a hard woman to find.”

“I beg your pardon?”

He extended his hand and introduced himself. “Daniel Stamper. I’m here about your song.”

“My song? The Christmas one?” That much should be obvious. Hailey was too stunned to think clearly.

“You’ve created quite an internet sensation, young lady.”

All this was new to Hailey. She’d only learned about the success of her song the day before.

“My family is in Bend for the holidays. We escape the big city every year with the kids,” he said conversationally. “A little family getaway for some quality time together. My kids are getting close to college age, so I don’t imagine we’ll have many more of the mini-vacations.”

Hailey sat silently, unsure if she was expected to say anything or not.

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