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Jackson extended his hand. “Jackson Mills.”
A slow smile built on the woman's lips. “Kenya Williams, I'm Bailey's cousin. I hope I wasn't interrupting.”
“I was just leaving.” Bailey straightened her scarf.
“Not by the way you two were hugging.” Kenya grinned. “I see why you didn't want to—”
“Don't you have to get home and wrap those presents?” Bailey's nostrils flared.
Jackson cleared his throat. “Bailey and I sing together in a band.”
Bailey coughed.
“Seriously, Bailey? You wouldn't even sing at my parents' anniversary party.” Kenya raised an eyebrow. She didn't look convinced.
Bailey looped her arm through Jackson's. “I'm turning over a new leaf, in more ways than one.”
“I'll believe it when I see it,” Kenya said.
“We'll be performing this weekend. Bailey's amazing.” Jackson felt her tighten her grip around his arm but he continued.
“I have to see this performance for myself.” Kenya looked over at Bailey and hugged her. “I'm calling you later for more info.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “See you soon, cousin.” With that, she walked away.
Bailey released Jackson's arm. She pressed her gloved hands to her cheeks. “Why did I do that?”
“To shut her up?” Jackson asked.
Bailey dropped her hands from her face. “Not like that. We're close, but I haven't told my family about the band... or you.”
“Because?”
“I don't know. I wanted to think things through first.”
He did too. “I understand.”
“Are you close to your family?”
He nodded. “I talk to my sister when I can. Parents retired in Costa Rica.”
“Lawyers?”
“Doctors. So imagine their surprise when their son became a musician.”
“They don't support you?” Bailey asked.
Jackson stuffed his hands inside his pockets. “They do, but...”
“But what?” she asked.
Jackson swallowed. “My brother wanted to be a musician too.”
Her eyebrows squished together. “I thought you said you had a sister.”
He nodded. “I had an older brother.”
“Had?” Her eyes widened. “I'm so sorry, Jackson.”
A quiet hush passed between them. Jackson then tugged at his ear. “We were on our way home. He picked me up from band practice. Some idiot was speeding and ran through a red light and hit us on the driver's side.”
