Christmas Connection

Bailey lips parted as her cell pinged inside her pocket. She read the text from her client. She was on her way.

****

Bailey eyed the neon exit sign at Mac's Nightclub and Lounge. Despite the empty feeling in the pit of her stomach, she wouldn't run. Closing her eyes, she took a calming breath. She could sing the songs in her sleep, and the band practiced enough times for her to feel confident.

She watched as Alex, Tommy, and Jackson finished setting up for their performance. Bailey stood in place off stage praying her hands would stop sweating. Grabbing her phone from her pocket, she checked the time. It had changed little in only five minutes. Bailey stuffed it back inside her back pocket.

Closing her eyes, she ran through the lyrics once more. She hummed to herself. She was ready. There was no doubt in her mind. She wouldn't be alone. Jackson was with her. She swallowed as her muscles quivered.

Reminiscing their kiss, the corners of her mouth raised. Her mouth moistened as she recalled how his strong arms embraced her. She smiled at nothing. When her phone buzzed inside her pocket, Bailey jerked. She looked around, grateful no one was paying attention to her. She smiled at the screenshot of her best friend.

“Tell me you're here,” she said.

“Not quite, but I'm close. How are you? Nervous?” Noelle asked.

“I'm five seconds away from running outside this building.” Bailey ran her fingers through her curls.

“I won't let you. You'll do great.”

“Thanks, Noelle.”

“So... how's Jackson?”

“I knew you couldn't resist.” Bailey grinned.

“Well, after you spilled your guts about that kiss what am I supposed to ask?”

“Can we talk about that later? I need to focus.”

“Okay, I won't bother you about it now. We will discuss it though. I'm almost there so I'll see you soon.”

Bailey hung up but her phone rang with a FaceTime call.

“Hey,” she said to Mia.

“I'm sorry we can't be there tonight,” Kenya said with a wave to her cousin.

“I know you'd be here,” Bailey said. She appreciated their support.

“With signs, T-shirts, and glow sticks,” Mia said.

Bailey laughed. Family. One of the best parts of her life. She could always count on them. All except… she couldn’t think that now. Her head needed to be clear. “Don't do that, please.”

“We'll be at the next one. I promise,” Kenya said. “We need another sister spa day.”

Bailey rolled her eyes. “Always wanting a massage.”

“How’s Jackson?” Kenya asked.

“Please don’t,” Bailey said.

“We’re going to get to know him sooner or later,” Mia said.

She checked the clock on the wall. “True, but not now. I have to go. Love you.”

“Love you,” Mia said. Kenya blew a kiss.

Bailey returned her phone to her pocket after hanging up.