“Someone sounds chipper.” Mia winked at her.
“She’s the voice in this family,” Kenya said. “I don't know where she gets it.”
“Uncle Robert could...” Mia stopped herself. “Sorry Bailey I didn't mean to--”
Bailey waved away her comment. She didn't mind talking about her late father, especially when he loved music as much as she did. The only difference was he didn't clam up when singing in public. He could have been a pro, but he only sang at their church and family gatherings.
If only her mother understood, but she didn't discuss music with her. So Bailey never brought it up. Between her mother's disapproval and the fiasco of her last performance, music would only remain a hobby. Maybe one day she’d regain the courage to sing again. Maybe.
“On another note,” Kenya said. “We have someone we want you to meet.”
“No.” Bailey tossed her trash in the nearby trash bin. Should she tell them about the dating app? While she loved her cousins, perhaps it wasn't the time to share with them about her dating life. They’d only grill her with questions. Kenya would probably have Shawn, a police officer, run background checks.
Mia patted her sister's shoulder. “I'm sure she'll meet plenty of prospects at Noelle's wedding.”
Bailey couldn't think of an excuse to leave. Would they notice if she got lost in the crowd and went home? It was her family. They would notice. “I'll let you know.”
“Where is Noelle? I thought she was coming to the parade?” Kenya asked.
Bailey checked the time on her phone and also saw a text from her friend. Noelle wasn't coming. She must have had plans with Lucas.
Chapter 3
Bailey sucked her teeth as she held her phone. She was over the dating app after a week. In the last few days, she’d met men who only wanted to “have fun” as they phrased it. No commitment. Her skin tingled, recalling the messages. She wouldn’t depend on this app to find her “person.”
Perhaps there was no such thing. When she opened up the app, Bailey saw a new message. She’d had enough of the non-committal guys. Yet, her thumb itched above the green icon. Once she opened the message, she gazed into the whiskey eyes of the man’s profile picture.
I see you like music. What’s your favorite song?
Bailey’s nose wrinkled. Should she open the door? She could ignore the message. What was it about his eyes though? Jackson.
Her pulse increased as she typed her response.
Rhythm and Blues so too many to say. You?
She plopped on her sofa and grabbed the throw blanket for her legs. If she didn’t like his response, she would block him and delete the app.
Same lol but I like rap. I’m Jackson. Nice to meet you.
Bailey smiled and typed. I can get with that. Nice to meet you. I’m Bailey. What made you sign up here?
She held the phone to her chest. Was that too much too soon? Great. Only two minutes into the messaging and she asked his intentions.
Jackson replied. Looking for something long-term and real. You?
Her eyes bugged. Few responded like that. Straightforward and to the point. So what? Maybe that was a line.
She released a deep breath. No sense in forming an opinion without evidence. I agree. There’s nothing like the real thing.
Well said.
Bailey licked her lips. This meant nothing.
Jackson wrote. Guess what I’m doing now?
What?
A few minutes later he sent a picture. A Christmas tree? Was that blue and red garland?