Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2)

by Lauren Runow

  I stand up straight, showing the man I am. “Hello, Mr. Samson. Is Justine here by chance?”

  He narrows his eyes at me, and I wonder if he knows we had an argument. Or rather, that I was a stubborn asshole and dropped her off last night before taking off.

  “Who is it, dear?” I hear her mom ask as she comes around the corner. “Oh, Tucker. Please come in.” She motions for me to do so.

  I remove my ball cap and step inside. “I was hoping Justine was here.”

  “Sure. Let me get her.”

  Her mom walks away as her dad stays silent, shutting the door and heading back to his chair. It’s awkward at best.

  Justine comes around the corner, and my chest tightens just at the sight of her.

  “Hi,” I say.

  “Hi,” she replies as she stays across the room.

  “Do you want to go for a walk?” I ask, motioning toward the door.

  She pauses, and I can see her thought process churning in the way she bites her lip and plays with her fingernails.

  “Sure, let me grab my shoes.”

  I stand in silence as her dad flips through the newspaper. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Samson.”

  He hums his response. I had given him my word that I’d be good to her, and here I am, standing at his door, groveling for her forgiveness this early in our relationship.

  Justine walks by, and we step outside together. She stays silent as we head toward the front of the house and down the sidewalk. I know she’s waiting for me to speak first, so I take a deep breath and go for it.

  “I owe you an apology.”

  She lets out a small laugh. “Yeah, you do,” she says, making me feel even worse about pushing her away.

  I stop and turn to face her. “I was scared. I still am. And I took it out on you. That was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

  I reach for her hand, and she allows me to hold her.

  “I know I’ve been having problems, but I didn’t want to believe they were anything serious. Hearing you say they might be just made me instantly put up my defenses.”

  “How do you feel now?”

  I search around, wondering if I even know the answer to that. As I see her neighbor washing his car, I can only imagine if I’ll get to a point where I won’t be able to do that. The thought frightens me to the core.

  I take a deep breath and go with the truth. “I’m scared shitless.”

  She covers her other hand over mine. “But there are treatments. It only gets bad if it goes untreated. And you don’t even know if that’s even it. It could be something even simpler than that.”

  I nod and rub my lips together. “I know. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t still be scared. It’s a lot for me to admit that there’s something wrong. If I go to the doctor, I’ll have to admit it to myself and tell my son as well.”

  Her expression tears at my heart—the way her eyes are turned down and her normally cheery face is filled with trepidation. She’s sad for me, which is exactly what I don’t want from people.

  I don’t want anyone’s pity. I didn’t want it when everything ended with my ex-wife, and I definitely don’t want it if I truly do have something wrong with me. I bite my tongue though. I’m still trying to apologize for my behavior yesterday. If I show my stubborn side now, I might not get another chance with her.

  She wraps her arms around me, and I let the feelings of strength, courage, and love that she gives me wash over me and help stomp down the anger that was starting to build up.

  “You’re not alone, Tucker. I’ll go to the doctor with you. And I’m sure Linda will come help too.”

  I pull her back and tilt my head to her. “Yeah, about that.”

  She bows her head, and I can tell she’s a little ashamed, which does make me feel slightly better about the situation.

  “Are you mad that I told Adam?”

  “I was at first, but Linda smacked some sense into me. Just please, don’t make a habit of running to my family if we have a problem.”

  Her shoulders sag even more. “I won’t, I promise. I already had that scheduled phone call with Adam. I couldn’t talk to him and not say something. I only did it because I was worried about you.”

  “I know. I see that now. And I should be thankful. It’s been a while since I had someone watching out for me. She made sure to point out how stubborn I can be too.”

  The sides of her lips tilt up slightly.

  “What? You think I’m stubborn too?” I playfully nudge her.

  “Maybe a little?” She holds up her fingers, showing me so.

  I try to bite her hand, and she laughs.

  “Come home with me tonight?” I pull her in closer to me.

  She leans back and eyes me as she ponders my invitation. “Are you going to go to the doctor?”

  “Are you going to let me kiss you right now?”

  She smiles, and it brightens my entire life.

  “Yes, I’ll go to the doctor.”

  “Then, yes, you can kiss me.”

  I do as she says, taking full advantage as I hold her tightly. With every emotion of the unknown running through me in the last twenty-four hours, there’s only one thing I do know right now—this girl has weaved her way into my heart, no matter how much I tried to fight it.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Justine

  I’m glad Tucker agreed to go to the doctor because it’s been quite the process. After living in New York for so long, I forgot what living in a small town really meant when it came to medical care.

  Mason Creek has one doctor, and he’s everything from the OB/GYN to caring for the elderly. A man’s specialties can only go so far, so after ruling out some possibilities, such as lupus and Lyme disease, Tucker was referred to a specialist in Billings.

  There, the doctor did some more tests, and Tucker had an MRI of his brain that we are waiting for the results.

  I’ve gone over a ton of research on multiple sclerosis with him, and the doctor really did help ease his mind on the potential diagnosis, making it clear that it’s not a death sentence. If the tests show it is MS, then there is treatment, especially since we caught it early enough.

  So, now, we wait.

  And the waiting is killing me.

  My phone rings with my boss calling, so I answer, glad to have the distraction.

  “Hello, Susan.”

  “Hello, Justine. We’re in the middle of planning our annual give-back event, and Connie, our head event planner, was just put on bed rest due to complications with her pregnancy. Corporate wanted me to give you a call to see if you could step in. You did such an amazing job with the last one, and we all think you’re the perfect person to take over.”

  My heart instantly sinks.

  When I moved here, I had no intentions of staying, but lately, I haven’t even thought about moving back. Knowing the guys were caught, there’s really no reason for me to still be here in Mason Creek.

  Except for Tucker …

  Susan was very understanding about my situation and allowed me to work remotely, and I don’t know why I never thought this might come to an end.

  I’m not sure how to respond as I sit with my mouth open, absolutely drawing a blank.

  “Are you there?” she asks, snapping me out of my shock.

  “Yes. Sorry. I just—”

  “Don’t worry, Justine. I’m not saying you have to come back full-time. It was merely a question to see how you were and what your plans are. You have been doing well, working from there, so please don’t stress. I know you’ve been through a lot.”

  I close my eyes and let out a sigh of relief and then another one of guilt. Yes, what I went through to bring me back to Mason Creek was traumatic, but that’s not why I’m staying now.

  I think about my goals, the path I’m on, and how Susan is grooming me to take over her spot. If I stay here, there’s no way that will continue. Yes, they might allow me to work remotely, but I’ll never be able to climb the ladder, like I plann
ed.

  I’m still not sure how to respond, so I blow right over it. “I appreciate you giving me this opportunity. I can definitely do my best to help out, even from here.”

  “Yes, some of the stuff you can do from there,” she says, but I can hear the apprehension in her voice, “but we should set a schedule to have you come back at least for a day or two, if we keep you working remotely. I think it’s good for camaraderie within the staff and keeps you part of the team.”

  An easy smile graces my face. “I can do that.” And I mean it. For the first time, going back doesn’t make me sick to the stomach. I smile, feeling more comfortable with our conversation. “So, tell me more about this event.”

  “It’s a dinner with live entertainment that we’ll broadcast on various social media channels with a telethon feel, so people can call in and donate. It will be the first time we’ve done anything like this, but we’re hoping we can get big money donations to the dinner here in New York and then get more donations from all over the world through social media.”

  “What a great way to get more people involved to really bring awareness to the cause.”

  “Yes! So, obviously, we’ll need you here at least the week before the event, if not more. We’ll cut back on your writing duties, so you can focus more on this. Since this is a bigger event, they’ll have a professional event crew helping you, but you’ll be the official point person from the magazine,” she says.

  “I’m super excited. Please tell them thank you for having faith in me.”

  “I will. I think it’s well deserved. The only issue is the entertainment. They had Jack Longwood signed up, but rumor today is, he just checked himself into rehab for self-care, so confirm with Connie, but I’d say he’s going to cancel. We’ll have to get someone else lined up quickly.”

  Instantly, Adam pops into my head. It’d be a good fit for him and Sarah to show off the lighter stuff they’re doing together as well, open up to a broader audience.

  “Okay, I’ll get working on it right away,” I say.

  “Perfect. Connie will be available to answer any questions you might have. A lot of the other details should be set. It’s just the last-minute stuff that she’ll need help with. The recipient this year is the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, so do all the research you can to tie the event to the cause as much as possible.”

  I sit back in my seat in surprise, though I know I shouldn’t be. I’m a huge believer that there are signs everywhere that you’re doing exactly what you should be doing at any given moment; you just have to pay attention to notice them. If this isn’t a sign that I should be with Tucker, then I don’t know what is.

  “I love the idea. Coincidentally, I’ve already been doing a lot of research about multiple sclerosis, as I have a friend who is showing symptoms of the disease. We’re waiting for the results of the tests now.”

  “Wow. What are the odds?” she says in disbelief, and I couldn’t agree more. “Then, it’s settled. Start by reaching out to Connie, and then we’ll talk more soon.”

  “I will. Thank you, Susan.”

  “Have a great day, Justine.”

  We hang up, and my mind starts to race at the thought of putting on an event and for such a good cause.

  I pull out my phone and call Tucker, who answers on the second ring.

  “Hey there, sweetheart.”

  “Hi,” I say, melting at the sound of his voice. “Guess what.”

  “What?” he asks, matching my excitement.

  “I just got off the phone with my boss, and corporate has asked me to head up their annual give-back event.”

  “Wow, that’s cool. What’s it for?”

  “You’re never going to believe this … multiple sclerosis.”

  He doesn’t say anything, and I wonder if the line’s gone dead. I pull my phone out to check and then press it back to my ear.

  “Did you hear me? The event is for multiple sclerosis. Every year, they pick a different cause to give to. Isn’t that crazy?”

  “Um, yeah.” His voice is quick and comes out monotone, like he’s suddenly focusing on something else and he couldn’t care less about our conversation. All happiness he spilled only seconds ago is completely gone.

  “I think it’s going to be really neat. They want to raise funds and bring awareness to the disease.”

  He’s quiet, and I pause to see if maybe I missed something.

  How did his mood go from one hundred to zero real quick?

  “That’s great, babe. I’m glad you’re happy. But sorry, I have to get going. I’ll see you when I get off?”

  I furrow my brow. “Okay, yeah. I’ll see you later.”

  He hangs up without saying another word, leaving me confused on what the hell just happened.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Tucker

  As I leave the doctor’s office, I turn down a side road and drive away from the town. Of course they prepared me for what they thought was going on with me, but no one can honestly be prepared to hear they have multiple sclerosis.

  When I made the appointment, I didn’t tell Justine because I didn’t want her to hear if it was true until I had time to process. Now that I’m alone, I wish she were with me.

  I don’t want to call her because this is not a conversation you have over the phone, but now, I question how to tell her.

  I kick myself for being so stubborn in the first place as I make another turn away from the city and drive out to nowhere to clear my head.

  Every mile I drive, I worry more. I worry about Matthew and not being able to provide for his needs. What if I get worse and can’t work? What if I can’t play guitar anymore? Who’s going to pay for his college if he doesn’t get a scholarship? I know he has so much potential to be somebody, and it terrifies me, the thought of not being around to help him get there.

  What kind of father am I, or what kind of man can I be to Justine if I’m too weak to be the person I am now? I don’t want them or anyone else ever having to take care of me. I’m supposed to be their provider, their protector, not the other way around. That would only make me feel like less of a man.

  An hour later, I’m still as lost as I was when I left the doctor’s office, and all I can think is that I want Justine by my side.

  I find myself at Java Jitters. When I notice her mom’s car parked I text her that I’m outside. I don’t want anyone seeing me react in any certain way, and right now, I’m clueless on how all of this is going to come out.

  Within a minute, she’s outside, carrying her bag and heading toward my truck. It’s only one in the afternoon, so I know she’s suspicious as to why I’m here.

  She hops in the truck, and I grab her by the back of her neck, dying to taste her lips. I need that release right now that I know only she can offer. The emotions running through me almost boil over, but I tuck them back in and drive away.

  Her hand reaches over to rub my leg, but she stays silent as we head out to the old bridge. I don’t know why I’m going there, but for some reason, the history of it feels comforting right now.

  After I park, it’s not until I push my seat all the way back, widen my legs, and hit my head back on the headrest, letting out a deep moan, that she asks, “What’s going on?” She grabs my hand and holds it tightly.

  “I had a doctor’s appointment this morning,” I say, keeping my eyes glued on the steering wheel.

  “You did? Why didn’t you tell me? I would have come with you.”

  I glance her way, fighting all the fear of the unknown that’s running through me. I know I don’t have to say anything, and the expression I’m trying to hide says it all. With the way her eyes soften, I know she knows without me having to say a word.

  She scoots over on the bench seat of my truck and straddles my waist. She runs her fingers through mine, and we sit in silence for a few minutes.

  I inhale and slowly let it out, and she turns her head to face me better.

  “So, what’s the game
plan? Did they tell you what the next step is?”

  “He wants to start me on some treatments, both oral and some injections that he says will keep the flare-ups down.”

  She places her finger under my chin and makes me look her in the eye. “It’s going to be okay. I’m here with you. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve done a ton of research on this. There are medications and therapies you can do. Even some herbal options. We can look into it all. You’re going to be okay.”

  I nod, saying, “I know,” but I’m not sure how much I believe my own words.

  “Don’t get inside your head with this. There are tons of people living everyday lives with the disease, and you’d never know.”

  I drop my head back against the rest. “It just sucks, you know?”

  “I know. Life sucks sometimes. But that doesn’t mean you throw in the towel. Believe me, I wanted to just a month ago, but life brought you to me. And I guarantee you, that was for a reason. Let me help you.”

  “How am I going to tell my son? What if I can’t be there for him in the years to come?”

  “You’ll be there for him. People live long lives with MS. As long as you’re getting treatment, everything should be fine.”

  I keep my head straight but turn my eyes to meet hers. The expression covering her face means so much to me right now. I haven’t seen a woman look at me like this in a long time. It’s caring but loving, too, with a hint of determination to get through my stubborn skull.

  I force a grin, but it falls flat as I close my eyes, trying to fight all the negative thoughts coming to my mind and focusing on her positive ones.

  She might have been brought to me for a reason, but right now, that reason sucks more than anything in my life ever has.

  How can that be a good thing?

  I feel her soft hand on my face, and I open my eyes to see her only a few inches away.

  “You’re going to be okay. I’m here for you. You know that, right?”

  I nod, and she leans in to kiss me softly. Her kiss causes so much pain with the way I feel her shaky breath as she inhales. She’s trying to give me strength, but I feel her falling apart, just like I am. I don’t want to tell her that. I want her to think I’m the strong man she deserves. The one who will protect her when the last man in her life failed her.