AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Bailey?” Jackson set his jaw, as if expecting her answer.
Was this a shot? She always dreamt of having another chance with music. Was this it? “What are the songs?” What? She should have said no. The alarms in her head shouted no!
“We have original songs, but it’s 90s R&B tonight. We may throw in some Christmas carols,” he said.
Her belly knotted. Why did leaving seem worse than facing her fear? She could drown out the noise. Her dad believed in her. She could try for him. Couldn’t she? Bailey stood on shaky limbs and made her way to the stage. She should have dashed out the door to her car, but the music called out to her.
As she grabbed the microphone, Mac's voice came through the speakers. Bailey froze as he announced Jackson's band. She couldn't concentrate at first as the spotlight centered on her. Her palms sweated, and her insides shook.
She couldn’t do this. Then a familiar tune played in the background. The melody of “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” filled her ears. She knew the words.
Bailey shut her eyes and opened her mouth. She heard only her voice along with the music. Was that really her? There was no shakiness. No sign of fear detected in her voice. Bailey then opened her eyes as she moved along to the chorus.
Then a tenor voice sung along with her. Jackson smiled at her as he played the keys and sung into his mic. Bailey smiled back as she swayed to the music. The words flowed out of her mouth.
Who was this woman? Bailey didn't do this. Yet her pulse calmed as she sang the bridge along with Jackson. He even winked at her, causing a flutter inside her chest.
She tapped her foot on the floor, staying in sync with the drummer. Each song flowed into the next, and Bailey smiled as she sang to the tunes she grew up listening to as a child. At the close of the last R&B song, they changed the genre.
Bailey froze in place at first, but then the band played “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Jackson nodded at her. She released a deep breath and sung through the classic song.
She expected another one, but Jackson only smiled at her and stood from the keyboard. Applause filled Bailey's ears as she focused her eyes on the crowd. Her lips parted. What just happened?
Bailey's thoughts swirled so quickly it was hard to follow them. What had come over her? She sang in public, with a band. She watched as some crowd members stood on their feet. How long did they perform? How many songs did she sing?
Either way, she dabbed her damp forehead and stepped away from the microphone. This was the chance of a lifetime and she took it. If she never sang again, she gave it her all tonight. She touched a hand to her chest, feeling stronger for her bravery.
“That was amazing,” Jackson said.
Bailey turned to face him. “And scary.”
“You did it.”
She smiled. “Is this your idea for a first date?”
“I can be spontaneous.” He winked at her.
“Oh?” She folded her arms.
“When I want to be. Admit it. You had fun.”
“I did.”
“Does this mean you'll go out with me again?”
“I’ll think about it.”
He stepped closer. “Any way I can convince you?”
Her eyes met his. “I'd like to see you try.”
“That was incredible!”
Bailey focused her eyes on the stocky gentleman who clapped his hands. He extended his hand to Jackson.
“Thanks Mac,” Jackson said. “Have you met Bailey?”
Mac extended his hand to her. “You were amazing!”
