Christmas Connection

Bailey. Gorgeous in person and in her pictures.

She exited her car and walked over to him. She might as well have walked in slow motion. A radiant look came over her face, like a sudden burst of sunshine on a c

loudy day. “Jackson?”

“Bailey?” Why did her name sound like a melody? He extended his hand.

“Nice to meet you,” she said with a bright smile.

“Same to you.”

“Have you been waiting long?”

He shook his head. “I don't mind waiting.”

Bailey grinned. Then she tilted her head towards the building, and he moved to open the door for her. “A gentleman. You don't see chivalry like this anymore.”

“It's rare, but I try,” he said. He even went further and pulled out her chair for her.

Bailey took off her coat and draped it on the back of her chair. Then she removed her hat.

Jackson took the seat across from her. “Thanks for coming.”

“You thought I would stand you up?”

“It's happened to me before.”

“I wouldn't do that,” she said.

He touched a hand to his chest. “I appreciate that. That's not a good feeling.”

“Have you been here before?” she asked.

Jackson swallowed. No point in keeping a secret. “Well...”

“Well... what?”

“I know the owner. He's a friend of mine.”

She rested her hands on the table. “How long have you two been friends?”

“Since high school.”

“I come here a lot myself but I've never seen you.”

“I've seen you before.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You have?”

“That's how I recognized you online. That doesn't creep you out does it? I promise I'm not a stalker.”

Bailey giggled. “No, it doesn't creep me out. I didn't see you.”

“You were leaving as I was coming inside. We missed each other.”

Her sepia eyes met his. “I guess we did.”

“Jack, we have a problem.”