Christmas Connection

Jackson played the final chord to the band's new song on his keyboard. He then rested his hands on his thighs. He had no more energy after three hours.

Bailey couldn't make rehearsal. On one hand, he was glad. If she were present, she would witness his slow process of learning and organizing his thoughts. Though not diagnosed for a disability as a child, Jackson learned about his slow process in elementary school. While he took to music somewhat quicker as opposed to other courses, learning music theory was not a cakewalk. Though he had an ear for the music, half the time he didn't know what he was playing. Why didn’t the song click in his head yet?

Tony could hear a tune once and play it back within minutes. Jackson ran his hand down his face. His beard prickled at his palm. Tony would have been a great musician. He couldn't let him down. He would work harder than anyone if he had to. His brother's dream wouldn't die with him.

Humming to the tunes had helped Jackson pick up on the songs quicker, but that didn't mean his way of learning wasn't difficult. Today was a slow day. He read over the sheet music and chord charts once more. Jackson swallowed the last of his coffee. He had to get this right.

He closed his eyes but only saw Bailey. He heard her voice singing the song already. Bailey. He recalled their kiss at the bridge. He exhaled still feeling her soft lips on his. Despite the wintry winds, warmth spread throughout his chest.

Why did she seem so familiar to him? He knew those eyes but how? They just met.

“Sounds good,” Tommy said. He set his guitar to the side. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Jackson cupped the back of his neck with one hand.

“You sure?” Tommy folded his arms across his chest.

Jackson peered behind his shoulder. Their drummer, Alex, was packing his things to leave. No offense to the man, but Jackson wouldn't spill his guts to his best friend in front of him. While they were all close as a group, Tommy was a brother to Jackson.

“It's Bailey.”

“What about her?” Tommy asked.

“I feel like I know her,” Jackson said.

“I thought you met online?”

“We did, but I can't put my finger on it. I know her. We didn't live here long when I was a kid, but her eyes. There's something about her I know.”

Tommy shrugged. “Does it matter? You like her right?”

Jackson nodded. “Yeah.”

“Don't worry about it. Maybe she's the one. I had my doubts at first, but she might be good for you.”

“What if she was a horrible person back then?” Did Tommy say she was the one?

Tommy blinked. “Is she that way now?”

“I haven't known her long.”

“Is it possible this is all in your head?” Tommy asked.

“You would think that. I… can’t afford another mistake.”

“Take it slow. She might surprise you.”

Jackson's stomach tensed. “You're probably right.”

“I'm always right.”

He laughed at his friend. “Don't let that go to your head, please.”

Chapter 8

“What time is your first appointment again?” Bailey's mother asked her.

Bailey moved her rolling chair from her workstation and unlocked her drawer. “Thirty minutes. She's