Christmas Connection

by Daria White

  Bailey shook his hand. “Bailey Cummings.” She looked at Jackson. “You play here?”

  “Three nights a week,” Jackson said. “I thought there was—”

  “The band tonight ran into severe weather and their bus couldn't make it. We’re on. Alex just got here. Where are we going to find a singer?” Tommy asked.

  Jackson excused himself from the table. He and Tommy walked off to the side.

  “I told you, I was—”

  Tommy held up his hand and interrupted him. “I know, that’s why I called Jake, but what can I do? We’re in a tight spot, man.”

  Jackson weighed the cons and pros. Could he deny his responsibility to his band? He glanced back at Bailey, who tapped her fingers on the table. Would she understand?

  “You said no matter what it takes, right?” Tommy asked. “Things happen. If we’re going to make it, we have to adjust. I’m sorry, bro.”

  Jackson ran his hand down his bearded face. “I know.” He walked over to Bailey. Tommy followed.

  Bailey rubbed the back of her neck, as an idea popped into his head. Their lead singer was out. It was a long shot but why not?

  “You want to?” Jackson asked, gesturing towards the stage.

  “What?” she asked.

  Jackson motioned to the stage once more.

  Bailey's eyes widened. “I-I-I can't.”

  “You got it.”

  “I don't sing in public, Jackson. I told you that. Like, never,” Bailey said.

  He then leaned over her. “We need you Bailey.”

  “Can she even sing?” Tommy asked.

  “I guess we‘ll find out,” Jackson said.

  Chapter 5

  Bailey gulped down breaths to stay quiet. She heard wrong. Her eyes roamed the lounge as people danced to the music through the speakers. Cologne and perfume filled the air. Singing at home in front of the mirror was one thing. Perform in front of a crowd? No way. It had been too long. Adrenaline shot through her system. Would they stop her if she dashed for the exit?

  “Bailey, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important,” Jackson said.

  Why should she sing for him? It had only been two weeks since their connection online, and this was their first time meeting face to face, anyway. Yet, a hyper-awareness took over her body staring into his whiskey eyes.

  “We're on in ten minutes,” Tommy said. Then he hurried back to the stage.

  Bailey's heartbeat raced. She couldn't do what he asked. She didn't have what it took.

  She swallowed despite her dry mouth. Her eyes scanned the room once again. Would the crowd jeer and taunt if the band didn't perform? They would. When Mac's place advertised live music, the crowd expected it. What was their band name again? Did Jackson say Infinity Signs the last time they talked on the phone?

  “Bailey?” Jackson set his jaw, as if expecting her answer.

  Was this a shot? She always dreamt of having another chance with music. Was this it? “What are the songs?” What? She should have said no. The alarms in her head shouted no!

  “We have original songs, but it’s 90s R&B tonight. We may throw in some Christmas carols,” he said.

  Her belly knotted. Why did leaving seem worse than facing her fear? She could drown out the noise. Her dad believed in her. She could try for him. Couldn’t she? Bailey stood on shaky limbs and made her way to the stage. She should have dashed out the door to her car, but the music called out to her.

  As she grabbed the microphone, Mac's voice came through the speakers. Bailey froze as he announced Jackson's band. She couldn't concentrate at first as the spotlight centered on her. Her palms sweated, and her insides shook.

  She couldn’t do this. Then a familiar tune played in the background. The melody of “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” filled her ears. She knew the words.

  Bailey shut her eyes and opened her mouth. She heard only her voice along with the music. Was that really her? There was no shakiness. No sign of fear detected in her voice. Bailey then opened her eyes as she moved along to the chorus.

  Then a tenor voice sung along with her. Jackson smiled at her as he played the keys and sung into his mic. Bailey smiled back as she swayed to the music. The words flowed out of her mouth.

  Who was this woman? Bailey didn't do this. Yet her pulse calmed as she sang the bridge along with Jackson. He even winked at her, causing a flutter inside her chest.

  She tapped her foot on the floor, staying in sync with the drummer. Each song flowed into the next, and Bailey smiled as she sang to the tunes she grew up listening to as a child. At the close of the last R&B song, they changed the genre.

  Bailey froze in place at first, but then the band played “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Jackson nodded at her. She released a deep breath and sung through the classic song.

  She expected another one, but Jackson only smiled at her and stood from the keyboard. Applause filled Bailey's ears as she focused her eyes on the crowd. Her lips parted. What just happened?

  Bailey's thoughts swirled so quickly it was hard to follow them. What had come over her? She sang in public, with a band. She watched as some crowd members stood on their feet. How long did they perform? How many songs did she sing?

  Either way, she dabbed her damp forehead and stepped away from the microphone. This was the chance of a lifetime and she took it. If she never sang again, she gave it her all tonight. She touched a hand to her chest, feeling stronger for her bravery.

  “That was amazing,” Jackson said.

  Bailey turned to face him. “And scary.”

  “You did it.”

  She smiled. “Is this your idea for a first date?”

  “I can be spontaneous.” He winked at her.

  “Oh?” She folded her arms.

  “When I want to be. Admit it. You had fun.”

  “I did.”

  “Does this mean you'll go out with me again?”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  He stepped closer. “Any way I can convince you?”

  Her eyes met his. “I'd like to see you try.”

  “That was incredible!”

  Bailey focused her eyes on the stocky gentleman who clapped his hands. He extended his hand to Jackson.

  “Thanks Mac,” Jackson said. “Have you met Bailey?”

  Mac extended his hand to her. “You were amazing!”

  “Thank you.”

  Mac continued. “You guys are on for the rest of the week.”

  Jackson's eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

  “Did you see the crowd's response tonight? Keep performing like that and I‘ll need a bigger building,” Mac said.

  Jackson looked over at Bailey. “You know she's not—”

  Mac waved away his comment. “Doesn't matter. As long as she's here, she can sing can't she?”

  “You don't mind do you?” Tommy asked Bailey as he put down his guitar.

  Bailey swallowed. “You will give me a minute won't you?”

  She walked off the stage to the ladies' room. Women laughed and giggled as they fixed their make-up and hair. Bailey grabbed the sink with both hands as she stared into the mirror. The smell of soap filled her nose, so she washed her hands to give herself something to do.

  Sing in a band? That wasn’t realistic. Bailey quickly learned that her life wasn't a fairy tale, although her family always made her feel special. How would they react to her singing? Mia and Kenya would want to be her personal stylists. Her mother wouldn't understand—at all.

  She wouldn't say it in so many words, but Bailey knew how her mother felt about music. She recalled the stories as a girl. Her father's band and how traveling almost broke up their marriage. Could her mother not support his dream? Why didn't he fight for it? Didn't her mother want him to be happy?

  Bailey shook her head. This was not happening again. She dried her hands and exited the restroom, only to see Jackson at the end of the hall. He wrung his hands together. Then he faced her.

  Bailey wal
ked over. “Thanks for giving me a moment.”

  “Are you okay? I know that was... a lot.”

  Bailey gave a small smile. “No kidding.”

  He took her hand in his. “Tonight was incredible. You looked so... happy.”

  “I was.”

  “Mac would like for you to continue to sing with us. Piper is our lead singer, but if you could stand in for her until she gets back.”

  Bailey peeled her hand from his. “And what about when she comes back?” She rubbed at her shoulder. “Jackson we've only known each other a couple of weeks, and this is a big step for me. Going out with you? Singing in a band?”

  He adopted a softer tone. “I'm sorry. It is a lot in one night.”

  Bailey dropped her hand from her shoulder. “I... um... think I need to go home. I'm not feeling too well.”

  Jackson raised an eyebrow. “Do you need anything?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing a good night's sleep won't cure.” She moved past him but then turned back to face him. “Thank you for tonight. I'll always remember that.”

  “Goodnight, Bailey,” he said.

  “Goodnight, Jackson.”

  ****

  “She agreed?” Tommy asked.

  Jackson stuffed his hands in his pockets. “She wants to think about it.”

  Tommy nodded. “That's something. She was amazing. I mean... wow.”

  “I know.”

  “And she listens to you?” Tommy motioned to the door. “Go.”

  His best friend knew him too well. Jackson couldn't let her leave. It was as if the crowd was under a spell as she sang.

  Jackson hurried after her outside, bypassing the people walking to and from the entrance. “Bailey!” Though a car alarm went off, it didn't deter him from reaching her.

  She stopped in her tracks and turned around.

  He didn't hesitate but walked closer. “Don't go.”

  She shook her head. “I need to.” Bailey grabbed her keys. “I shouldn't have done that.”

  “Why not?”

  Her eyes narrowed at him. “I'm not a singer, Jackson.”

  He chuckled. “You could have fooled me, Bailey. That was incredible. Why don't you sing?”

  Bailey wrung her hands together. “I just... don't.”

  Jackson stepped closer. “I don't want to pressure you. I know we don't know each other well yet, but there's something about you and I...”

  She looked up at him. Her eyes shimmered. “You... what?”

  “I want to know more,” he said.

  Bailey's eyes lowered to her feet. “I've never felt that before.”

  “Felt what?”

  She raised her chin. “Free.”

  Jackson inched closer. What was this pull between them? He didn't know her. What was her favorite color? What was her middle name? Yet, why did he sense that he knew her heart? The way their eyes locked when they sang together. Even their voices blended.

  “Don't go,” he said.

  Bailey sighed. When she licked her lips, Jackson's breath hitched.

  Tommy shouted. “Jackson!”

  He groaned but turned to see his friend. “What's wrong?”

  “Mac needs an answer,” Tommy said.

  Jackson said, “Can you give us a minute?”

  Tommy nodded his head and went back inside.

  Jackson then turned to Bailey once more. “Well?”

  Bailey rubbed at her arms. “I don't know if I can do that again. It felt incredible, but I'm not a professional.”

  “You're a natural.”

  “Thank you, but this is different,” she said.

  He focused his eyes on her. “I think you can do it.”

  Bailey didn't look convinced. “Can I have the night to think it over?”

  “I'll talk to Mac and let him know.”

  “Thank you.” She turned and walked to her car.

  Chapter 6

  Noelle’s eyes widened. “You did what?”

  The whir of a blender rattled in Bailey's ears. She swallowed another spoonful of cookies and cream, inhaling the waffle cones nearby and toasted nuts. “I know. It was crazy.”

  “You don't sing in public.”

  “I don't know what came over me.”

  Noelle dropped her plastic spoon inside her cup. “I wish I could have been there. How did he get you on stage?”

  “Their lead singer was sick.” Bailey blew out her cheeks. “Before I knew it... I was on stage... singing.”

  Noelle grinned.

  “What?”

  “I think you should go for it.”

  Bailey coughed and touched a hand to her chest. “What!”

  “Go for it. You love music, Bailey, and have always wanted to sing.”

  “That was when I was seven. I'm a grown woman with bills.”

  Noelle folded her arms. “Ever heard of record deals? People make a living in music. What if this is an opportunity?”

  Bailey shook her head. It was a ridiculous idea. “You know my reasons, Noelle.”

  “I think your dad would be proud,” she said.

  A sinking feeling overwhelmed Bailey's stomach. “I know but...”

  “I think if you were honest, your mom would understand too,” Noelle said.

  Was it that simple? Bailey swallowed another spoonful of ice cream. If she were honest with herself, it was unbelievable being on stage. Weightlessness took over. Her mind had emptied of all worries and fears. Nothing mattered but the music.

  Noelle's smile reached her eyes. “You can do it, Bailey.”

  She combed a curl behind her ear. “I'm giving Jackson an answer today.”

  “And?”

  “The answer is no.”

  Noelle frowned. “Can you live with that? Regret?”

  “I guess... I'll have to.” Bailey pushed her cup aside. Could she live with regret? “Thanks for coming with me.”

  Noelle grinned. “A midday treat. How could I resist?”

  The pair laughed together.

  “So?”

  Noelle raised her eyebrows. “So… what?”

  “The wedding, Noelle.”

  Her best friend's eyebrows drew together, and her face tightened. “I have some written thoughts.”

  “Have you picked out your colors?”

  Noelle put her hand over her face.

  “You would tell me if something was wrong. Right?” Bailey asked. “Is it your aunt?”

  Noelle shrugged. “She's fine—as always.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Whenever you're ready to talk,” Bailey said. She wouldn't push her friend to talk if she didn't want to.

  Noelle smiled, but it appeared forced. “I know. I appreciate it.”

  ****

  Jackson blew inside his gloved hands as he waited for Bailey. His breath fogged the brisk air, and he was grateful he wore a scarf. Snow covered pavilions, picnic tables, and the icicles shimmered in the sun. He only had an hour before rehearsal, but when Bailey called and asked to meet him at the park, he agreed.

  He adjusted his seat on the park bench, hearing a soft whump of heavy snow falling off a tree branch. Would Bailey agree to sing for them? Her voice was the most beautiful sound he ever heard. He rubbed the tip of his nose as another chill went through his body.

  Could he have felt connected to her this soon? Was it the music that created the bond between them? Was that all they had in common? Then again, he didn't feel awkward during their conversations. He could... talk. There was no judgement in her voice. He could be himself.

  “Jackson?”

  He stood to see Bailey standing next to him. “Hey.”

  She rubbed her hands together. “I didn't expect all this snow today.”

  “Me neither. How are you?”

  “I'm okay. Thanks for meeting me. How are you?”

  “Wondering what your answer is,” he said. There was no sense in dancing around the issue. He wanted her to sing with the band. Her voice and talent couldn't go to waste.r />
  She sat on the bench and patted the seat next to her.

  He sat beside her. “What is it?”

  “I've loved music since I was a kid, but the last time I tried it...”

  “What?” he asked.

  She tugged at her scarf. “Trust me, it was humiliating.”

  “But you did an amazing job with the band.” He nudged her shoulder.

  Bailey dragged her palms down her pant legs. “That night I don't know what came over me.”

  “Maybe you're braver than you think.”

  “I don't want to take that chance and make a fool of myself. What if the next time I'm so nervous I pass out?”

  “You wouldn't be alone, Bailey.” He scooted closer. “Would it make you feel better to know I get nervous before every performance?”

  “But you're used to it.”

  “No, I'm not. I just do what I love.” That was true, right? He fixed his gaze at her. “Can I be honest with you?”

  “Please do,” she said.

  “I think singing is your passion. I think you love it more than anything else in this world. You just need to believe in yourself.”

  Bailey's bottom lip trembled. “I haven't been brave like that in a long time.”

  He reached for her hand. “I think you can do it.”

  She shook her head as her eyes shimmered. “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “Then help me understand. What’s holding you back?”

  She turned at an angle, avoiding eye contact with him altogether. “It wouldn't work.”

  “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” Jackson asked.

  Bailey released his hand and stood to her feet. “I need to go.”

  He rose from his seat. “Don't run, Bailey.”

  She fingered at her gold necklace. “What do you want from me?”

  Jackson reached for her hand again. “I want to know the woman who loves Christmas music.”

  Bailey giggled.

  “I want to know the woman who's obsessed with chocolate.”

  “It's not an obsession.”

  “I beg to differ based on our last conversation.” He cupped her cheek. “More than anything, I want to know the woman who has the soul of a singer. Your voice radiates the room. It's smooth, unique, and pure. I want to get to know that woman.”