Suzanne Beecher

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Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@firstlookbookclub.com

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(continued from Thursday)

CHAPTER FOUR

Katherine answered her phone after the first ring. "Hey, girlfriend, what's up?"

With her heart racing, Hailey didn't hesitate. "Is the offer for me to stay at the cabin still open?"

"You mean you're actually considering heading to Podunk?" Katherine asked, not bothering to disguise her enthusiasm.

"Yep," Hailey said. "My mother invited Zach for Christmas."

"No way. You've got to be kidding me."

"I wish. Mom would do anything to see the two of us back together." Hailey no longer cared if her parents were disappointed if she went off by herself. Her mother had no qualms about going behind her back and basically ruining Hailey's Christmas. She wasn't about to let that happen.

"Wow, that's low," Katherine sympathized. "I'll call my grandmother and get back to you. I know it won't be a problem, though. Grams is concerned because it's been a few months since my uncle was there. She hates to see the cabin sit empty for too long."

"Perfect."

"After I talk to Grams, I'll collect the key from my mom and drop it off at your place. Does that work?"

"Perfect." Now that the decision had been made, Hailey was eager to get on the road. She'd call her mother and explain that she wouldn't be joining them for the holidays after all. No doubt Zach would fill in nicely for her.

"When do you plan to leave?" Katherine asked.

Without hesitation, Hailey said, "I'm out the door as soon as you hand over the key."

Katherine laughed. "When you make up your mind, you don't give yourself time for second thoughts. Good." Her friend was right. The idea of getting away for two glorious weeks sounded like heaven. The sense of freedom was irresistible. Hailey needed this time, needed to think, and if for no other reason, she needed to get the music rumbling around in her head down on paper. She was inspired, excited, and delighted with the idea of spending Christmas alone. For the first time in a long while, she felt ready to pick up her guitar and let her fingers find their way.

Not even an hour later, Katherine dropped off the key to the cabin and Hailey wrapped her fingers around it like it was solid gold. Katherine took a few minutes to explain the best route. The drive would take up to five hours, depending on the weather. There was likely to be snow, so Hailey would need to pack her warmest winter gear.

"And, listen, you'll arrive after dark, so you might want to bring some basic supplies with you. The store in town will be open if you need anything, but it's best to arrive prepared. Grams called ahead and made sure the electricity was turned on, but bring a flashlight just in case there's a delay. And remember, there's no cell service but there is in town if you need it."

As far as Hailey was concerned, the lack of cell service was a bonus. She didn't want her family to even guess where she might be. This was her time, and she planned to make use of every minute.

"That's perfect."

"Have fun," Katherine said, giving Hailey a hug.

Before she left, Hailey thanked her friend again. She appreciated this glorious opportunity.

Hailey waited until her car was packed before connecting with her mother while heading out of town. When she reached I-5, she called home.

From the quick answer, Hailey suspected her mother had been walking around the house with her cell in her hand.

"Mom," Hailey said, drawing in a deep breath, steeling herself for their conversation. "Mom, I won't be coming home for Christmas."

A shocked silence followed.

Before her mother had the chance to say anything, Hailey continued. "I've been given the most wonderful opportunity. It came out of the blue and I'm going to take it."

"But . . . but," her mother sputtered. "I invited Zach.'

"You did, without telling me. I know Zach would like

to get back together, but it's not happening." Clearly her mother had no idea how deeply Zach's rejection had wounded her. "Being forced to spend the holiday with him would be a nightmare for me. You put me in an awkward situation."

"But . . . but . . . where will you go? What will you do?"

Hoping to smooth her mother's disappointment, she avoided the questions and said, "It means the world to me how incredibly supportive you and Dad have been about my music career."

"Of course, you're our daughter and incredibly talented, although we haven't heard much about your songs for a while now."

"That's true," Hailey agreed. "It's been difficult working full-time and taking classes in the summers, plus everything else."

"What does that have to do with you not coming for Christmas?"

It was hard to keep the excitement out of her voice. "A wonderful friend offered me her family's cabin. I'm going to submerge myself in my music and compose songs again."

An awkward silence followed. "But what am I going to tell Zach when you don't show up for Christmas?" her mother lamented.

"Tell him the truth. I've moved on and so should he.'

"Oh, Hailey, are you sure?"

"I've rarely been surer of anything."

The line went silent before her mother released a tearful sigh. "You mean you won't be in Portland? I thought if

you didn't want to come to us that your father, Zach, and I could join you."

"Sorry, Mom. I'm already on the road."

Her mother made a last-ditch effort. "But what about all the cookies I baked, and Grandma's bonbons? We were going to bake together the way we did when you were younger."

"Daisy is the one who likes to cook, Mom. Not me.'

"But all these baked goods . . ."

"Zach will enjoy them," she assured her mother. "Why don't you ask Daisy for Christmas?"

Her younger sister loved to bake, although she never followed a recipe and many of her efforts ended up being disasters. Daisy enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, not Hailey, a fact her mother had conveniently forgotten.

"Daisy won't be here for Christmas," her mother whined, and sounded close to tears.

"I didn't think she would be," Hailey added. "But Zach will be, at your invitation."

Again, the line went silent. "I'll call him and explain," her mother blurted out. "I'll apologize and suggest he visit another time."

"It's too late. I've already made my decision and I'm on the road."

"Oh Hailey, this is going to break your father's heart."

Guilt had worked in the past with Hailey, but not this time.

Not that long ago, Hailey might have fallen for this tactic, but not anymore.

Her mother sniffled loudly and paused to blow her nose. "At least tell me where you're going."

"Sorry, Mom, I'd rather keep the location a secret." Her mother's desperate reply faded in and out with the cell coverage. Hailey made one last comment. "I'll connect with you after Christmas. Love you. Bye for now." With that, she disconnected the call.

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