Page 15 of A Christmas Duet

While he continued to lug in her things, Hailey unpacked the grocery bags. She didn’t have a clue what she’d been thinking. In her rush to escape, she’d randomly selected what she’d assumed she would need. Interestingly, she’d brought butter but no bread. A jar of peanut butter and popcorn seeds. Individual packed creamers and no coffee.

Jay appeared again, her guitar case in his hand. Thankfully, she hadn’t missed packing the most important item.

“Do you play?” he asked.

She shrugged. “A little. You?”

“I pluck away now and again myself.” He said this in an offhand manner, as if he was something of an amateur.

Just from the way he said it, Hailey strongly suspected he was downplaying his ability.

When the water started to boil, Hailey brought down two mugs from the kitchen cabinet and poured the powdered mix into each one before adding the water and stirring. This was the best she could do without milk. Taking the small creamers, she tore open three for each cup, hoping that would help the flavor.

Jay carried both mugs to the couch that was angled close to the fireplace. Hailey curled up against the couch arm, winding her stocking feet under her.

Despite her lack of the proper ingredients, the cocoa tasted wonderful, warming her from the inside out.

“I have a protein bar if you’d like one,” she offered, hoping to find a way to tangibly show her appreciation.

“No, thanks, I ate earlier.”

Jay sipped the hot liquid. “From the things you brought, it doesn’t look like you intend to stay a while.”

“I’ll head back a day or two before New Year’s,” she told him.

“Anyone joining you?”

“Nope. It’ll just be me.”

He frowned. “You mean to say you’ll be spending Christmas alone?”

“Yup. By choice.”

He gave her an odd look and didn’t question her further. Hailey didn’t volunteer any additional information.

When he finished his drink, Jay rose and carried his empty mug into the kitchen, setting it in the sink. “Seeing that it will take a bit for the bedroom to warm up, I’d suggest you sleep on the couch tonight.”

That was a good idea. “Okay.”

He walked into the long hallway that led to the bathroom and laundry area and returned with a thick comforter and a pillow. “I spent enough time up here as a kid to know where things are kept.” He set everything down on the end of the couch.

Hailey knew she would have eventually found what she needed. Jay bringing it to her was a help, though.

He lingered for a moment. “I better head back before Mom starts to wonder where I am. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Hailey walked him to the front door. “Thanks again, Jay.”

He nodded, accepting her appreciation as he headed down the stairs. “Happy to be of help.”

Hailey closed the door, leaned against it, and sighed. Her adventure was just starting. Next would come the music.

Chapter Seven

It shocked Hailey how well she’d slept; the sofa had been surprisingly comfortable. By the time the fire died down to glowing embers, the heat from the furnace had kicked in, and Hailey woke warm and well rested. Mostly, she felt relieved to be in Podunk and not in Tacoma with her parents. Instead of feeling guilt creep into her soul, there was a wild sense of freedom. Stretching her arms above her head, she arched her back and welcomed the day.

Tossing aside the thick comforter, she quickly surveyed the room to be sure Mr. Raccoon hadn’t found his way back inside. Relieved that she was animal-free, she dressed in jeans and her favorite sweatshirt from a Maroon 5 concert.

Searching through the cupboards, she found a tin ofcoffee and fervently thanked the good Lord, since she hadn’t thought to pack anything beyond her favorite creamer. The freshly brewed coffee tasted like heaven. Eager to get to her guitar, she skipped breakfast.

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