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

He nods with a grin and shuts the door, heading back inside the garage before I back out of the driveway.

Chapter Three

Justine

Going out last night was a big step for me. It was the first time I’d left my parents’ house since I’d come back here. Being around people makes me nervous, but I was okay last night even though it was a considerably quieter night. Now it’s Friday, and Pony Up will definitely be packed.

I look in the mirror and appraise myself. My long brown hair is in desperate need of a trim. Maybe I should make an appointment with Anna to get my hair done. My mom has been going to her for a while, and I’d love to see Faith, an old friend of mine, who my mom said recently moved back and bought the salon.

Of course, as soon as I mentioned the idea of going back to Pony Up tonight Laken wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’d had a lot of fun last night, and I know I’ll see even more people since it’s Friday. So, I figure I’ll go, and if it gets overwhelming, I can always fake a stomachache.

I grab a dress out of my closet, and that’s when I see the cowboy boots I left behind from when I was in high school. When I moved to New York, I knew they weren’t for that scene, and I honestly forgot all about them.

Kudos to my mom for not throwing them away.

I take my time in getting ready, which really gives me a sense of peace I haven’t felt in a while. I haven’t bothered getting dressed up since the incident. Not because I haven’t wanted to, but because I’ve had no reason to.

Having a reason to feels good.

Instead of smoky eye makeup, like I would do for going out in New York, I stick to the light pinks and keep my face more fresh, realizing it fits better here—the more natural look.

When Laken shows up to pick me up, she whistles as I twirl my dress. “Damn, Just. Now, you’re looking homegrown, not like the big city. Are those the same boots from high school?”

“Sure are. I found them in my closet.”

“You’re looking mighty fine. Almost like you dressed up for someone special?” she questions, but I blow her off.

When I mentioned going out again tonight, I didn’t say anything about running into Tucker today. I’m not really trying to meet anyone, but he was fun to hang out with last night, so if he’s there again, even better.

We head out of the house, saying good-bye to my parents before we go and hop in her car to head downtown.

As we enter Pony Up, I feel more at ease when I notice some friends I haven’t seen in years.

“Is Miss Big-City Magazine Writer really here in the flesh?” Sienna, who sat next to me in English my senior year, asks as her voice rises in surprise. “I heard you were back in town!”

“Oh my gosh! It’s been years!” I say as I wrap my arms around her. We always thought she was a twin to Mila Kunis, but dang, as she’s gotten older, it’s amazing just how much they look alike. “You’re still here?”

“Yep, I work over at Mason Creek Dental.”

My face covers in red as I place my hands over my eyes. “So, you work with Tim?” I ask, laughing.

Of course, she remembers our little incident. Everyone does. He was the high school quarterback at the time, so everyone knew every minute of his life.

She laughs out loud. “I totally forgot about that. Yes, I actually do.”

“Is that Just I see?” Olivia—a beautiful blonde with thick, flowing curls, who graduated before me—says.

“Olivia! How did you not leave this town?”

She was always the girl who was traveling the world due to her parents being so wealthy that they constantly took vacations.

“Girl, I’ve already been everywhere. So, I brought that little bit of life here to Mason Creek and opened a lingerie shop in town,” she says with a smirk.

“Lingerie? Here? In Mason Creek?” I ask in disbelief.

When I look to the other people sitting at the table, they all laugh and nod their heads. There are two guys I remember from high school, who clink their beer bottles together, as if to say, Amen to that!

“Did you bet on the game?” one of the guys asks as he pulls out his phone, like he’s checking scores.

The mention of gambling makes me instantly uneasy.

Laken must sense my trepidation. “You okay?” she asks.

I try to smile but fail miserably.

“Okay, you guys, my girl here needs a drink before this little reunion continues,” she jokes with them before she drags me to the bar.

They all laugh as I hold up my hand. “I’ll be right back.”

We walk through the crowded room to the bar, where Emma, the owner’s daughter, is pouring drinks.

“Hey, Emma,” I say, leaning on the counter.

“Justine?” she says in surprise.

I smile big as Laken celebrates me being here with a hoot and holler.

“In the flesh.” I hold my hands out to my sides, palms up. “I haven’t seen your dad in here. Are you taking over the bar?”

“No. He’s around. I’m just here, helping out—all the time,” she says with a sarcastic eye roll. “It’s so good to see you. What can I get you?”

“Can I get two Coors Lights?” It’s funny how in New York, I’d feel like I had to order a craft beer served in a fancy glass, but being here, in this laid-back bar, there’s nothing better than a cold beer in a bottle.

She winks as she hands me the beers. “Let’s pony it up tonight. I’ll join you if I can.”

I hand her my money. “Sounds good.”

“Don’t you clean up nicely?” I hear Tucker’s husky voice say as he walks up next to me, his woodsy scent engulfing me again as Emma places our beers on the counter.

I smile his way, and my