Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2) by Lauren Runow (christmas read aloud .txt) 📕

“Hey there, grease monkey,” I say as he leans across the counter to give me a kiss.

“I’m just cleaning up. I forgot to mention, I have band practice tonight. You up for coming, or should I drop you off at your parents’ for a little while?”

I take a breath in, trying to calm the nerves racing through me as I think about discussing my research, but I really don’t want to wait any longer. I nod, knowing I don’t want to have this conversation right here, but we’ll have to chat in his truck before practice.

“Great. Let me just lock up, and we’ll head out. You can hop in the truck if you want to put your stuff down.” He throws me his keys and then heads to the back.

I walk toward his truck, wondering how he’s going to react to what I have to say as I slide in the seat.

With my head resting back against the seat, I sit in silence, going over and over in my head how I’m going to tell him. I’m so focused that I don’t even notice when he hops in beside me.

“Hey, everything okay?” He places his hand on my thigh, taking me out of my trance.

I turn to him. “I did some research today, and I’m afraid you’re not going to like what I found.”

He tilts his head to see me more clearly as he brings his hand up to my cheek. “What’s going on? What did you research?” he asks in the most caring voice.

I lean my head into his hand, hoping he feels how much he means to me through this simple touch. “I’ve been worried about you all week since you told me about the problems you’ve been having with your hands.”

His fingers fall slowly until they’re completely gone from my face. I let what I said sink in and wait to see if he’ll say anything, but he doesn’t, so I continue, “I’ve noticed other things that I think are connected.”

He sits up straight and stares forward at the trees that line where we’re parked.

“First, I looked up pins and needles in hands and feet and found a ton of different causes. I thought it could be carpal tunnel, but that wouldn’t explain your feet. Then, I thought about the other things you’d mentioned, and I found something that matches all of—”

“Stop,” he says quietly, keeping his eyes glued to whatever he’s looking at.

I reach my hand out to his and hold it. He doesn’t pull away, but he definitely doesn’t turn his to hold mine.

“All of your symptoms line up with—”

“I said, stop.” He turns to me, his eyebrows pinched together, like he means business. “Don’t say another word.”

“But, Tucker, you can’t ignore it. I think you should go to the doctor and get checked out. That’s all I’m trying to say.”

He takes a deep inhale. “I’ve taken care of myself since my divorce. I don’t need to go to the doctor, and I don’t need someone coming in and being my mother.”

I blink, wide-eyed, shocked he would say something like that.

“I’m not trying to be your mother. I care about you and just want to make sure you’re okay.”

He starts the truck, gripping and twisting the steering wheel like he’s trying to rip it open. “I’m just fine. These aren’t symptoms of some condition you found on some website. It’s just something I deal with on occasion. Not everything means I have an illness or anything.”

He backs out of the space, and I place my hand on his arm.

“Tucker, I’m just trying to help. I care about you, and I think you need to see a doctor.”

I watch as his jaw clenches, and he lets out a frustrated huff. “I appreciate your concern, but don’t worry about me.” He turns toward my parents’ place instead of where they practice.

“Are you mad at me?” I ask.

He’s silent for a few breaths as he makes the final turn onto our street. “I’m not mad at you. I just need some space, okay? Maybe you should just stay here tonight. I’ll go to practice and call you later.”

When he stops in front of my parents’ house, I place my hand on his leg. “I really don’t see why you’re acting like this. I’m just trying to help.”

He gives me a smile that’s nowhere near his genuine one, which I’ve gotten since day one. “It’s fine. I should probably focus on practice.”

I don’t bother leaning over to give him a kiss. If he’s going to act this way, then he can go off on his own.

Chapter Twenty-One

Tucker

I pull up to practice, more frustrated than I’ve ever been. I don’t need someone thinking they’re a doctor and that something is wrong with me just because they read some medical websites. The internet is full of wrong information, and I’m not up for being someone’s guinea pig while they test out their theories on me.

“Hey, Tucker,” John says as he walks by my window, which is still down.

I roll it up and cut the engine, grabbing my guitar from the back.

Not in the mood for any chitchat, I stay silent as I enter the room and head straight to where I always set my guitar.

“Everything okay?” John asks as he places his hand on my shoulder.

I turn to get him off of me. “It’s nothing. Is everyone else coming?”

I’ve known John my whole life and he moved to Mason Creek shortly after I did. He’s only seen me like this a few times, and those times, he knew not to push me, so I’m hoping he does the same now.

He mumbles something under his breath as he walks away from me to set up himself.

As Timmy and Donny arrive, John is quick to motion that I’m not in the mood. He’s right. I’m not in the mood, and whoever gets in my way might regret it.

“You guys ready?” I ask once everyone is set up.

“Yep, let’s do this.” John smacks