Christmas Connection Read online

  Christmas Connection

  A Bridge Point Romance

  Daria White

  (A Sweet Romance Novella)

  Christmas Connection

  Daria White

  Copyright © Daria White 2020

  All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this eBook may be copied or sold. This eBook is fiction. All characters, locations, and situations are purely fictional, coincidental, and for entertainment only.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable, right to access and read the text of this book. Except for reviews or in promotional posts or similar uses, no part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Stay in Touch

  Thank You from Daria

  Christmas Connection

  A Bridge Point Romance

  (A Sweet Romance Novella)

  Chapter 1

  Online dating. Bailey never thought her personal life would come to a dating profile. Five-five, twenty-eight, and looking for a relationship. She ran her fingers through her curls, biting at her lower lip.

  The couch groaned as Bailey adjusted in her seat. Noelle, her best friend, shook her head. It was her idea to sign her up. If only she hadn’t complained about being single.

  Even Noelle’s boyfriend proposed to her three weeks prior. She would move after they married in the New Year. What would Bailey do without her best friend living across the hall from her? She wouldn’t be able to visit as often, but she would call her as much as she could.

  Bailey didn’t mind being the maid of honor as long as her friend was happy. She had bounced on her heels when her friend flashed her engagement ring to her. “Is this necessary?”

  “You’ll thank me later.” Noelle typed away on Bailey’s cell. “Favorite movie?”

  Bailey looked upward. What was more appealing? A romance or an action movie?

  “It doesn’t matter. You can be honest.”

  “How about... the Taken series with Liam Neeson?”

  Noelle tilted her head to the side. “No romance?”

  “A woman can like other movies besides romance.” Bailey folded her arms across her chest.

  “Other women, but we’re talking about you here.”

  Bailey rolled her eyes. “Okay.”

  “How about we skip that one?”

  Bailey inched closer to see her profile, but Noelle scooted over on the couch.

  “Not yet,” she said. “You’ll talk yourself out of it again.”

  “Why did I let you talk me into this?”

  “It’s another way to meet people, that’s all.”

  “What about those crazy stories we hear on the news?”

  “That’s people. Be careful either online or in person. This site is safe, and it verifies your matches for you.” Noelle’s thumb glided across the screen one final time. “Done.”

  Bailey reached for her phone, this time retrieving it from her best friend. There she was. Online. Her stomach rumbled in disbelief. “I hope I don’t regret this.”

  “If you don’t like it, you can always delete it later. Who knows, you may meet a nice guy tomorrow at the grocery store. This is you keeping your promise to me to step out of your comfort zone.”

  Bailey’s phone chimed, and Noelle shrieked.

  “Looks like you have matches!” Her best friend clapped her hands.

  “Already?” Bailey tapped the screen. “Wow.”

  “See what happens when you take a chance?” Noelle winked.

  Bailey’s lips parted. “Swipe left for no and right for yes?”

  “Exactly.”

  Bailey examined the profiles. The first man looked decent. Nice face. Pleasant smile. Was that enough? Her phone chimed again with a message. Already?

  “Well?” Noelle asked.

  “I don’t know if I should answer.”

  “You don’t have to marry the guy. If you’re not comfortable, you can delete the match later.”

  Bailey swallowed. Typing a response to the first man who sent her a message. The man wrote back in no time.

  Wanna meet up this weekend?

  “That’s soon, don’t you think? I thought we could at least talk.”

  Noelle leaned over and looked at the man’s profile. “Yeah, I wouldn’t. At least talk first.”

  Bailey replied. Not yet. Would like to talk.

  The man responded. I see why you’re still single.

  “Seriously?” Bailey rolled her eyes.

  Noelle grabbed her phone. “Well, he’s blocked.”

  Bailey slouched on her couch.

  “It’s only one guy. There’s more out there.”

  “I don’t know why I even agreed to this. I know I vent now and then, but I’m fine.”

  Noelle handed her back her phone. “If you want to delete it, it's fine, but I’m proud of you for getting out there. Give it time.”

  Bailey rubbed the back of her head. “Sure.”

  Chapter 2

  Bailey’s glass hissed as the waitress filled her cup. She gave a small smile as the music thumped through the speakers. It was open mic night at Mac’s Nightclub and Lounge.

  As the music died down, she stared as a singer took the microphone in her hands on the stage. She captivated the crowd with her soprano voice. The harmony between her and the guitar player was incredible.

  As the lights dimmed, she drew in the tranquil melody. If only she had the courage to sing in public, but her voice wasn’t ideal—so she thought. Some called it raspy. If only she had a higher range as other vocalists.

  Bailey hummed along to the music anyway, recalling the familiar tune she listened to in the 90s. She further rocked in her chair as she sang along. Was that her voice she heard? She swallowed and looked around the room. A few people noticed and smiled, but she instead gripped her drink.

  Once the song ended, she applauded with the rest of the crowd. Some cheered while others whistled. Bailey blew out her cheeks, grabbed her cell, and stared at the notifications from the dating app. She had over fifty matches.

  It should have excited her, but her heart deflated like a beach ball. The first guy—a jerk, but that didn’t discount the rest. She promised Noelle she’d be open.

  That was progress compared to her attitude towards love the year prior. News traveled in the small town of Bridge Point, Texas. Her ex marrying a break out actress spread like wildfire. Questions of why didn’t th
ey work out died down, but seeing the power couple on the red carpet on television only reminded Bailey of their failed relationship.

  She moved on with her life. Besides, other matters filled her thoughts. Did she want to continue working in her mother's hair and nail salon? She made a decent living as a nail technician. Decent living. Was that enough? There was music, but she couldn’t do it. Yet, why did it speak to her soul?

  Melodious sounds filled her ears as the band played. She smiled to herself recalling her childhood learning the piano from her father. Play in public? Sing in front of an audience? Her stomach burned at the notion. Yet, she lip-synced along with the next song in the band’s set.

  Closing her eyes, she envisioned herself on stage. The music would flow through her like the sea whose waves were set in motion by the winds. The audience would cheer for her, begging for an encore. No way.

  Besides, her number one fan was… gone. No one understood her love for music, except her father. He had even showed her his photos when he played in a band in college. Then he met her mother, and he put his dream on the shelf.

  Dreams didn’t pay the bills, and those who made it had courage and persevered. Bailey didn’t love music that much. Did she? Her father didn't since he gave it up. Once reality set in, he must have taken responsibility for his family.

  Reality too set in for Bailey. Her first and last performance was in middle school. She panicked and choked. The laughs of the kids had rang in her ears like blasts of trumpets blown in wars.

  It was for the best since her mother didn’t approve. Strange how her mother didn’t care much for music. Why did the music only play louder in her mind? So, Bailey settled for the open mic nights and her personal playlist.

  “Can I get you anything else?” the waitress asked.

  Bailey shook her head. “No, thanks.”

  The waitress nodded and walked away. Bailey checked her watch. She had an early client at the salon in the morning and needed to leave. She sipped the last of her drink and left a cash tip on the table. Turning her back on the music meant so much more than leaving the table. So much more.

  ****

  Jackson Mills’ foot tapped underneath the table. Spices and hot peppers filled the air of the Italian restaurant. He hummed to the music that played in the background, believing it would relieve the tightness in his chest. At first he thought online dating was a good idea, but sitting across from a woman whose mouth wrinkled at the mention of his profession as a musician… a bad idea. He wasn’t rolling in the millions with a record contract, but restaurants even booked his keyboard skills during the holidays for live music.

  “So... you actually don’t have a real job?” she asked.

  His pulse quickened. He scratched at his beard. “I said I’m a musician.”

  “You have a record deal?”

  “Not yet.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t see how you can make a living without a record deal. You’re not expecting me to pay for dinner, are you?” The woman flipped her blonde hair.

  He forced a smile. “I’m a gentleman.”

  The woman inspected her long fingernails. “So, anyway. I have one more semester before I get my graduate degree. Dating is hard nowadays. Besides, I don’t think a woman with goals and dreams should intimidate a real man.”

  “No, but I think—”

  She waved away his response. “Seriously, it’s not the 1950s. Women have come up in the world and a real man should respect that.”

  Hair stiffened on the base of Jackson’s neck. He didn’t mind an independent woman. A woman pursuing her dreams attracted him. Why wasn’t this date going well? He huffed a breath. His date wasn’t listening to him. It had been about an hour. He tried his best to listen, but couldn’t she let him talk?

  Jackson poked his tongue into his cheek and inhaled a long breath. “I think maybe—”

  “I’m not done.” The woman’s expression looked pinched. “If a man’s willing to do that, we can talk.” She sipped from her water glass. “So, what’s next after dinner?”

  Jackson grabbed his wallet from his pocket and took out cash for the meal. This wouldn’t work. No sense in forcing it. “I hope you find what you’re looking for. Nice meeting you.”

  “That’s it?” the woman asked. “You’re leaving? What about dessert?”

  “I wish you the best. Goodnight.” As he exited the restaurant, he saw the neon signs of nearby stores. He breathed in the crisp air as he walked to his royal blue Chevrolet Camaro. The remote of his car beeped, and he slid into the driver’s seat.

  Turning on the radio, Christmas music played through his speakers. He bobbed his head as he pulled out the parking lot. Where would he go?

  He made a U-turn and drove to one of his favorite places. He needed to play, and Mac didn’t mind him playing on open mic nights. Jackson tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.

  Fifteen more days. Once his month was up, he would delete the app. Why did he let his sister persuade him to give online dating a try? He hadn’t been in a serious relationship in a year. Robin, his ex-girlfriend, didn’t support his life as a musician. She didn’t listen and refused to understand him. So, he broke up with her.

  Pulling into the parking lot of Mac’s Nightclub and Lounge, Jackson parked and cut the engine of his car. He checked the time on his phone, only to lift his eyes and see a woman in a dark coat walking outside the club. She wrapped her scarf around her neck.

  The lights from the building and parking lot radiated off her face. She was like a vision of the morning air. Then she tucked her curls underneath her hat. Jackson’s lips parted as his eyes followed her to her car. Shaking his head, he exited his car and walked inside the lounge. He needed to clear his head for the night. He needed music, not a woman.

  ****

  The weekend showed without Bailey’s knowing. The amplified voice of her cousin, Kenya, came over the sound system as she spoke to her parents for their anniversary party. Thirty-four years of marriage and Bailey’s chest swelled. Dressed up friends and family gathered at the round tables decorated with floor length cloth and vases of tulip flowers.

  She looked over to her mother, whose eyes watered. Bailey’s heart ached. Was her mother thinking about her father? Bailey missed him too. It had been two years since his fatal heart attack.

  Bailey could still hear the heart monitor beeping. She had stood behind her mother and held her father’s hand. His skin lost its vibrancy, but his eyes shined still with love for her and her mother. Then her father had placed a hand to his chest and tapped it three times. It meant “I love you.”

  Bailey blinked back tears, seeing her mother’s hand on her chest still. She looked back over to her cousin, who passed the mic to her sister, Mia. The waiter showed next to Bailey and poured more water in her glass. She nodded her thanks and sipped the chilled liquid. She then grabbed her mother’s free hand resting on the table.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  Her mother dabbed her eyes. “I’m okay, sweetie.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She tilted her head towards her. “I’m sure. This was a beautiful ceremony.”

  Bailey fiddled with her earring “I'm happy for them.”

  Her mother patted her hand. “I know they’re glad you could make it.”

  After the speeches, Bailey would say goodnight to her aunt and uncle. Though she loved her family, she didn’t want to be cornered as usual and have to defend her singleness. Even Mia was a newlywed, and Kenya married three years earlier.

  Bailey then applauded with the rest of the crowd as Mia returned her mic to the stand. That was her cue. She leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek.

  “You’re not leaving now, are you?” Her mother’s forehead wrinkled.

  “I think I’ve made enough of an appearance. I’ll see you tomorrow at the salon,” Bailey said. She then walked to the head table. Her Aunt Celia stood, her smile glowing.

  “I’m so glad you’re he
re,” her aunt said.

  “Happy anniversary.” Her uncle then gave her a bear hug. “You two have a good night.”

  “You’ll be with us for Christmas dinner, right? Your mother is already planning the menu,” her aunt said.

  Bailey nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  Her aunt hugged her one last time, and then Bailey headed for the door.

  “You’re not leaving are you?” Kenya asked.

  Bailey turned to face her cousin. “I have an early client tomorrow at the salon.”

  Kenya folded her arms. “I see you didn't bring a date tonight.”

  “Kenya—”

  “I think Roger will be perfect for you.”

  Bailey bit the inside of her cheek. “Not everyone needs a relationship.”

  Kenya’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Goodnight, cousin,” she said.

  Kenya touched a hand to her chest. “I'm only trying—”

  “To help I know.” Bailey hugged her.

  Mia joined them in the hallway. “Leaving so soon.”

  “Yes, goodnight.”

  “I don’t understand why you can’t stay,” Mia said.

  “I don't either,” Kenya chimed in.

  “I love you both, but I need to go,” Bailey said. She then hugged Mia. Though cousins, the trio acted like sisters. She treasured their bond more than anything.

  “You told her about Roger?” Mia asked.

  Kenya shrugged. “She doesn't want to meet him.”

  Mia eyeballed Bailey. “Is it because he's a podiatrist?”

  Bailey rolled her eyes. “No.”

  “Then what?” Kenya said.

  “Nothing. I'll see you later.” Bailey hurried out the door.

  ****

  “It's good, right?” Kenya asked.

  Bailey bit into a fresh sugar-topped doughnut from the bakery as she stood on the sidelines. Bridge Point's Christmas Parade never failed to please the townspeople. The tree lighting would follow afterwards. Glittery floats passed while signs and banners decorated other vehicles. She even heard the clip-clop of hooves as people rode on horseback.