AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I always dreamed of being a mother. What I didn't realize is that I made your father give up his dream. I won't do that again. I won't let you sacrifice yours the way he did for... me.” She reached for her daughter's hand once more. “If music is what you want, I won't hold you back.”
“I just can't believe any of this,” Bailey said.
“I know.”
Bailey released her mother's grip and stood to her feet. “I need to go.” Her mother didn't stop her as she walked out of the salon.
Chapter 11
The snow slightly gave underneath Bailey's feet as she walked to her father's gravesite. She blew inside her gloved hands to add more warmth. No help. Her breath fogged the air.
She passed many carved headstones. Some made from marble, while others of granite with white hues. Bailey inhaled the crisp air of winter as she came to her father's polished smooth headstone.
She knelt to the ground, ignoring the growing numbness in her fingers and toes. A quiet hush passed over as she stared at Robert Cummings' name. The man she called daddy.
Bailey's bottom lip trembled. “Daddy...” Her shoulders shook, and her head dropped into her hands. Her lungs constricted, making it hard to breathe. It was no use. No matter how shocked and angry she was, he was her father. He was there for her. He encouraged her. He chased the monsters out of her closet and hugged her tight when she was afraid. Bailey sniffled.
“I don't know what to say.” What could she say? She loved him. That would never change.
Bailey ran her hand acr
oss his name etched in the stone. She gave a weak smile. He'd tell her to dream big. He'd tell her to sing and pursue her passion. He’d also tell her to... forgive her mother. He always brought peace between them whenever they butted heads.
Bailey then recalled how her father comforted her when she returned home after her failed attempt at the talent show. The kids had laughed at her as she ran out of the auditorium. All except... Noelle and another kid. How could she forget?
He even came after her to check on her. By the time Noelle showed, he had left. Bailey's lips parted as a lightbulb went off in her head. Whiskey eyes and a soft smile.
Jackson. He was the boy. He had to be. He said they had lived in Bridge Point when he was younger. He'd been so sweet that day. What were the chances of them meeting years later and online of all places?
Bailey sat on her heels. Her fingers touched her parted lips. Jackson. Was it too late?
****
Soft duffels and backpacks dropped to the floor. Canceled. What were the chances of a blizzard? Jackson stared at the TV mounted on the wall inside the airport. The storm grew worse within the last hour. The pilot turned the plane around. They wouldn’t make it to New York—not now.
Large flakes of snow caused white-out conditions. The wind howled like a wolf. Perhaps this was an early Christmas present. Christmas? It was next week. Jackson's hand ran down his face. His heart felt as if it was shrinking.
“His assistant said we can call after Christmas to reschedule. Mr. Parker is out for the holiday,” Tommy said as he stuffed his phone inside his coat pocket.
Jackson lowered his head. What if they missed their shot for a deal with Lee Records? They couldn't control the weather, but these major producers didn't like their time wasted.
Would Mr. Parker understand the circumstances, or pass them over for a band that was available? Tommy sat next to Jackson in the lounge area. He hoped that they didn't have to spend the night in the airport, but the heavy snow obscured the roads.
Alex joined them. “I don't think we’re going anywhere for a while.”
“Too bad,” Jackson said.
“Why don't we make the most of it?” Alex asked.
Tommy and Jackson looked over at him.
Tommy's nose wrinkled. “How would we do that?”
Alex pointed to their luggage. “You got your guitar. I can make a beat on anything. Jackson can sing.” Alex's eyes roamed and watched the people lounging in chairs and talking on their phones.
Jackson scratched at his beard. He'd been wondering if he loved music or was this a tribute to Tony. It didn't dawn on him until the pilot turned the plane around. He couldn't imagine his life without music. Tony inspired him, but his own love for it grew.
Euphoria would wash over him as he would sing and play. The smiles on the crowd’s faces were priceless. Music did wonders for the soul. He loved listening to The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Mint Condition, and TLC. There were too many artists to recall in his mind, since they all inspired him every time he sat to the keyboard.
