A Christmas Duet

Chapter Fifteen

Hailey and Daisy stayed up late into the night, talking and laughing and, at times, crying together. For the first time since their early teen years, Hailey felt as if she had a sister. All the barriers were down, and they were able to be honest with each other. As a result, they discovered how much they shared in common, and, despite their obvious differences, how alike they were. At some point in their mid-teens a rift had grown between them that had remained until now.

Before heading to bed, they hugged and held on to each other for several long seconds, securing their bond. Over the years, Daisy had gone through several relationships. Rarely had any lasted more than a few weeks. Hearing her sister talk about Charles convinced Hailey that this might possibly be the first time Daisy had fallen completely in love. Her sister was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for fear she would disappoint Charles or somehow drag him down. From everything Daisy had said about him, Hailey sincerely believed the brainy rocket scientist loved her sister exactly the way she was. He had no desire to change her, nor would he care about any past romantic involvements. Hailey’s one hope was that by the time Christmas was over she would be able to persuade Daisy to give up the crazy notion of joining the French Foreign Legion and return to Salem and Charles. She wouldn’t hound Daisy, knowing that had the potential to hurt her sister. Hailey intended to be subtle with her efforts.

Hailey woke and realized it was five days before Christmas. She’d slept better than she could remember in a long while. Stretching her arms above her head, she arched her back and yawned. Eager to start her day, she tossed the covers aside and climbed out of bed. By the time she’d showered and dressed, Daisy was already in the kitchen and had coffee made and breakfast cooking.

“Something smells good,” Hailey commented, as she took an appreciative whiff.

“It’s my special egg dish,” Daisy said cheerfully. While on the inside her heart might be breaking, her sister refused to let it show. “It’ll be ready in a jiffy. I put it in the oven when I heard your shower going.”

Even though she felt a renewed kinship with Daisy, she was skeptical about this egg dish. She couldn’t imagine what she had found with the limited supplies that would make a decent breakfast. “Anything unusual in the recipe I should know about?” she asked.

Daisy placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t you trust me?”

“Only to a certain point,” Hailey told her, half kidding and half honest. “I’d feel more comfortable if I knew what was in it.”

“Oh ye of little faith. Nothing shocking, I promise, just a few eggs, herbs, and mounds of cheese. I can’t live without cheese. I tried, remember?”

Herbs? That could mean a lot of things, and Hailey remained suspicious. “What kind of herbs?” Doing a mental checklist, she could recall only a few dried spices and herbs that were in the cabin when she arrived. “There isn’t much here.”

“I brought my own,” Daisy informed her without so much as blinking. “I always travel with them.”

Hailey hesitated. “Nothing illegal, right?”

Daisy grinned as she shook her head. “You’re safe. I added a bit of fresh basil and oregano.”

As it turned out, the egg frittata was scrumptious. “This is delicious,” Hailey said after she finished off the entire slice.

“Thank you.”

“You can make this any time you want to.” She wondered when Daisy had learned to cook like a French-trained chef. “I don’t suppose you have a recipe.” As a rule, Hailey didn’t often eat breakfast as she rushed to get out the door for school. If she ate anything, it was likely a granola or protein bar.

“Recipe?” Daisy repeated, like it was a foreign word. “I’ve never been able to follow one. I sort of make up my own as I go along. I’ll write down what I remember. Unfortunately, it changes every time I make it, depending on what’s available.”

“The fresh herbs made the dish.”

“They came from my kitchen garden. I grow them myself. In the summer I sell them along with my macramé. The herbs are always the first item to sell out.”

“If you cooked for Charles, it’s no wonder he’s in love with you.”

Her sister’s face fell before she quickly adjusted her expression. “I…I think he enjoyed my cooking.”

“How could he not? You won’t get an argument from me if you volunteer to cook our Christmas dinner.” The fleeting sadness that came over her sister told Hailey she would need to tread lightly when it came to any mention of Charles.

“I’d be more than happy to cook our Christmas dinner,” Daisy said, with a spark of enthusiasm.

Before Hailey could offer, Daisy had cleaned up the kitchen. “While you work on your song, I’ll head into town and buy the groceries we’re going to need. Which would you prefer? Turkey or roast?”

Tradition said turkey, but this was a different kind of Christmas. “Roast, I guess. No, turkey,” she said, quickly changing her mind. “I don’t know,” she cried. “You decide. Surprise me, and it doesn’t have to be either of those choices.”

“I make a wonderful…” She paused midsentence. “I’ll surprise you.”

Daisy dug around the kitchen, presumably checking for ingredients for what she intended to prepare, and then with a list in hand, left the cabin, eager to give Hailey the peace and quiet time she’d requested.

Hailey reached for her guitar and her mind went to work. Whether it was starting her day with a nutritional breakfast, getting a good night’s sleep, or clearing the air with her sister, she couldn’t tell. What she did know was that soon after Daisy left the cabin, her imagination came alive, with the notes and lyrics blossoming like a large fragrant bouquet in the sunlight. She couldn’t write the notes down fast enough. With her head and her heart full, she was eager to share her song with Jay. She could hardly wait for their dinner date that evening.

Daisy didn’t return until lunchtime. Refusing Hailey’s offer to help, Daisy unloaded several bags of groceries from her car. “My guess is you haven’t had lunch yet.”

“Nope.” Hailey glanced at the time and realized it was after twelve. Time evaporated when she was able to concentrate on her music. It seemed like Daisy had been gone only minutes, but she’d been away several hours.

“I brought us broccoli cheese soup,” Daisy informed her, and pulled a plastic container from one of the bags. “I met Thelma, and when she heard that you and I are sisters, she couldn’t stop talking, except she called Jay Jethro. Is that his real name?” Her lips twitched with humor.

Hailey had been amused herself. She’d explained the night before how they’d met. “You can imagine what I thought when Thelma told me Jethro was coming to get rid of the raccoon. The picture of some hillbilly came to mind, dressed in coveralls with straw between his teeth.”

Daisy laughed. “Bet you were surprised. Jay’s got hunk written all over him.”

Daisy could say that again. Every time Hailey looked at Jay, tingles of awareness shot through her. She was counting down the hours until he arrived for their dinner date. Although she’d been in town only a few days, she’d bonded with him faster than she had with anyone. It’d been less than twenty-four hours since she’d last seen him, and it felt as if part of her was missing.

Daisy and Hailey spent the rest of the afternoon playing cards and watching Christmas movies from videos they found in a cupboard.

An hour before the time Jay planned to collect her, Hailey was dressed and ready to go. Daisy tried to hide how miserable she was by keeping busy, flittering around the kitchen.

“You sure you don’t mind me leaving?” Hailey asked, checking the time.

“Of course not,” Daisy insisted, waving off her concern. “Don’t be silly. Go and have a wonderful time. I plan on baking a batch of snickerdoodle cookies, then crocheting a bit. I picked up a magazine while I was in town and want to leaf through that.”

Hailey wasn’t fooled. Her sister planned to pack her time with tasks to keep her from thinking about Charles. Knowing how miserable Daisy was, Hailey didn’t want to bring him into the conversation, although the temptation was strong.

Jay arrived at six, and Hailey let him in. He hugged Hailey and his eyes met hers. “Missed you today.”

“Missed you, too.” She’d been counting down the hours until they could be together again.

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

“Thanks,” her sister said, but the smile didn’t reach her 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, “but Lucille 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.”

Hailey had heard a similar sentiment from a few of her friends who’d filed for divorce.

“Most important, I can’t hold out financially any longer. I’m going to need the settlement if I’m going to make a success of Cantor Music.”

“I can only imagine how difficult this must be. I’m sorry, Jay,” she said, and stretched her arm across the table to take hold of his hand. She squeezed his fingers, and he squeezed back.

“My attorney advised me to sign the papers as soon as they arrive, which they did this afternoon.”

“How soon will you leave?”

“First thing in the morning.”

“Oh, okay.” A disappointment for sure, but understandable that he would need to settle his business affairs before he’d be able to move forward. Even from the few things he’d mentioned, she knew the outcome of this legal entanglement weighed heavy on him.

“If all goes well, it should only take a day, two at the most. I’m planning on returning before our dinner plans for Christmas. This is one Podunk Christmas I have no intention of missing.”

Hailey was relieved to hear that he wouldn’t be away long. “This will be my first Podunk Christmas.”

“I hope it will be one of many,” Jay added, reaching across the table.

She wasn’t sure what he meant, and had to assume he thought she would use this time every year to return to the Stockton cabin for a respite to write her music.

“This has been a good time for us both,” he continued. “We’re each here for different reasons. I feel as if we were destined to meet, don’t you?”

“I do,” she agreed. She felt more alive in this backwoods town than ever. Meeting Jay had changed everything for her in a positive way. “I’ve loved being here so much, I hate the thought of returning to Portland,” she admitted.

Jay folded his much longer fingers around hers. “The thing is, we’ll only be three hours apart. I don’t want our relationship to end after the holidays.”

She noticed he didn’t say personally or professionally. He hadn’t exactly stated that he wanted to produce her music, although she had gotten the notion he was interested. The assumption was, he needed the money from the settlement from the band. Either way, she wanted nothing more than for them to continue seeing each other. As Jay said, they would be a mere three hours apart.

Hailey didn’t believe in coincidences. In her heart of hearts, she felt they were meant to meet. If they were able to work together, then all the better. More than once he’d praised her songwriting ability. Surely he must be thinking the same thing she was. She suspected any contract depended on the outcome of the settlement.

“I don’t want our relationship to end after Christmas, either,” she said as she held his look.

“Good.” He gave her a brief smile and seemed to relax.

She hated the thought of him leaving, even briefly. But this settlement was important to Jay and his future.

Their server returned to take their order.

Hailey had barely looked at the menu. “Any suggestions?” she asked Jay.

“You can’t beat Lucille’s chicken pot pie,” he advised her.

A warm, golden-crusted pot pie sounded perfect to Hailey.

“I’ll have that,” she said, glancing up at the server.

“Me, too,” Jay added.

The server wrote down both orders. “Those pies will be right up,” she assured them.

“Good, because I’m hungry,” she admitted. The soup Daisy had brought home for lunch had worn off hours earlier.

Even though Jay would be away for a short while, she would miss him and count the hours until he returned. Having him admit that he felt as strongly about her as she did about him made her heart sing.

It seemed he was about to say more, but then their meals arrived. Any conversation after that was nearly impossible, as they were interrupted several times by folks stopping by their table, wishing them a merry Christmas.

Twice people congratulated Hailey and she wasn’t sure why, although one woman had mentioned the song she’d sung the night of the festival.

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 additional customers 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 no cell 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 na?ve 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.