Christmas Connection

Bailey sipped her tea. “I'll think about it.”

Noelle released a heavy sigh and ran her fingers through her loose curls.

Bailey gazed at her friend with focus. “Something wrong? Are you and Lucas okay?”

“We had an argument. Nothing we can't fix.”

Bailey sat her teacup on the table. “Argument about what?”

“I don't even remember. All I know is his mother wants a big wedding. I prefer something small with close friends and family.”

“Have you told Lucas this?” Bailey asked.

“I have but he claims it's no big deal. I don't know what it is but we're not...”

“Not what?” Bailey offered a light squeeze to her friend's hand.

“Connecting.”

“Is it wedding jitters?”

“I hope that's it.” Noelle rolled her shoulders back. “Anyway, I'm happy you're going on a date. Do I need to text you in case there's an emergency?”

Bailey giggled but appreciated Noelle's concern. “If you don't hear from me, everything's fine. If not, I'll text you.”

“Deal.” Noelle went silent.

“Are you okay?” Bailey asked. “I promise I’ll—”

“Nothing. I'm okay.”

Bailey eyeballed her. “This is me you're talking to.”

Noelle shrugged. “I'll be fine.”

“How's premarital counseling going?”

Her friend raised her eyebrows. “Very... enlightening.”

“You're sure about marrying Lucas, right? What about your—”

“I said yes,” Noelle said.

“Noelle, what's going—”

“Let's get back to work,” she said, leaving Bailey in the break room.

Her eyebrows furrowed. Would Noelle tell her the truth?

****

Jackson wrung his hands together. He suggested Mac's Nightclub and Lounge for him and Bailey's date. She agreed, but should he have told her he saw her before? It never came up in their conversations. Even when she told him she lived in town, he didn't share how beautiful she was coming outside the club.

Now he stood in front of the brick building waiting for her in the parking lot. Bushes, trees, and grass framed the lot. Though he smelled the food cooking at nearby restaurants, he felt as if his insides were quivering. Why was he nervous? He felt comfortable enough with her on the phone. Her voice was sweet and sultry.

Jackson licked his lips as he paced. Bailey Cummings. Her name had a nice ring to it. He wouldn't get his hopes up.

He saw a Jeep Compass pull into the parking lot. Was that her? He didn't remember the car from last time since he looked away. He recognized her curls, tucked underneath her cap.