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

things like this, as you never know what the writer’s full intentions are or how they’re going to twist what is said. It was refreshing, not having to worry about that,” Adam says.

“I promise I would never do anything like that. I’m honored to cover you guys. I think it’s an amazing story, and I want the world to know.”

“We appreciate it,” Sarah says.

We say our good-byes, and I hang up, hoping I didn’t just lose Tucker completely. I guess only time will tell.

I pick up my phone, deciding to text him.

I’d love to talk if you’re ready.

He doesn’t text or call back.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tucker

I left my phone in my truck today. I didn’t know what was worse—being pissed off at Justine or wanting to call her. It felt like a never-ending cycle of being mad at myself and then at her and then at myself. And of course, my damn legs had been in so much pain that I tossed and turned all night.

What if she’s right?

What if I do have something wrong with me?

I shake off the notion and get back to work, focusing on gripping the wrench and putting mind over matter.

After work, I head out to my truck, and even though I keep telling myself I don’t care, the first thing I do is pick up my phone and see what I missed for the day. I scroll through the notifications from the guys in the band, checking in on me, and my sister calling until I see that Justine texted me again.

Seeing her name does ease the pain I’ve had all day, but I’m not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I shouldn’t want her meddling in my life. I don’t need a woman to take care of me.

I laugh to myself as I see the notifications from Linda both calling and texting all day long. I guess I’ve always had a woman looking after me with my older sister since our parents passed away.

Not having really made up my mind about Justine, I pick up the phone and call Linda, putting it on speakerphone as I start the engine.

She answers right away. “There you are!”

I laugh. “Yes, sis, I’m here. I’m not in trouble, am I? I promise I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

“Ha-ha,” she deadpans. “I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”

“I’ve been at work. I promise I wasn’t avoiding your calls. My phone was in the car.”

She takes in a breath, and I know her too well. She’s about to scold me about something.

“Give it to me. What’s wrong?”

“Adam called me today about something. I’m worried about you, Tucker. Tell me what’s going on.”

“What’s going—” I stop mid-sentence.

Justine has Adam’s number. Did she call him? I think long and hard on how I feel about this. I can’t believe she would say something to him.

“I know what you’re thinking, and you can’t be mad at her.”

“Oh, I can’t?” Because I am.

“No, you can’t. She only told Adam because she cares. And Adam said he noticed it last year, but you blew it off, saying it was carpel tunnel.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me,” I state firmly.

“Of course you think that because you’re stubborn to all high hell. But tell me, are you having trouble gripping things or problems with your eyes?”

I close my eyes and finally admit out loud, “Yes.”

“Then, why won’t you go to the doctor? Multiple sclerosis is treatable.”

Multiple sclerosis …

The thought hits me like a wrecking ball but I try to keep my strong façade in place.

I try to think of what to say. I know because I don’t want to won’t fly with her.

Do I have a better reason?

“Tucker,” she sighs. “It’s just going to the doctor to be sure. What’s the harm in that?”

“Because.” What if Justine’s right and I do have it?

Yes, I’ve felt this stuff before, but it’s always gone away. I just figure I have pinched nerves or it’s just part of getting old. I was raised that you don’t go to the doctor unless you’re bleeding out or you broke a bone. Explaining I have these symptoms that don’t really stop me in my day-to-day life just makes me feel like a whiner.

And I’m no whiner.

“If she’s right, then you should be thanking her for pointing it out. I’ve been researching it all day long. It’s not a death sentence. There are treatments, and you’ll still be able to do all the things you already do. If you don’t start getting treatment though, then it could turn into something. That’s why it’s important to get it checked out.”

I nod even though I know she can’t see me.

“I think I’m going to book a flight out to see you.”

I scoff, “That’s not necessary.”

“I don’t mind. I don’t think you should do this alone. I know you have Matthew, but this is a heavy topic to drop on him. You should wait until you have more details before you get him involved. I looked into flights. I can come out—”

“Really, Linda, you don’t have to. I have …” I trail off. Yes, I was about to say Justine, and I didn’t even think twice about it.

“Yes, you have Justine. She obviously cares about you if she told us what was going on. And let me guess … you’re pushing her away now, aren’t you?”

“I’ve been busy.”

“Bullshit. Give her a call. If you don’t work things out with her, then I will be on the next flight out there to take you to the doctor myself.”

I laugh because I know she will really do it. “Okay, Linda. Don’t worry. I’ll make an appointment. Just for you.”

“No, Tucker. For you.”

“I love you, sis.”

“Love you too, bro. Even when you are a stubborn ass.”

We both say our good-byes as I rest my head against the back of my seat. I’ve never been good at groveling, but I guess I’m about to try.

After putting the truck in drive, I head straight to Justine’s parents’