mean? Nothing made sense. She thought she might actually pass out from nerves.
“Well, what did he say?” her dad asked.
“He’s not coming,” she whispered.
“What?” Her dad got to his feet and came to her side. He took the phone gently from her hand and read the message himself. Afterward, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight, kissing the top of her head. “Honey, I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but like I said, give the man some space. He didn’t say he wasn’t coming ever. He said he needed a rain check.”
“He’s gonna ghost me,” she murmured, fighting back a sob.
“What the hell does that mean?” Her dad pulled her back a few inches to meet her gaze.
She rolled her eyes and almost laughed through her tears. “Dad…”
“What? I seriously don’t know what you mean. He’s going to ghost you? Is that supposed to mean you think he’s going to haunt you in your sleep or something?”
She swatted at his chest, giggling now. “No. Good grief. It’s when someone stops responding to you. It’s a copout. Doesn’t really apply here because he did text, but he didn’t say anything that made sense, so if he never texts me again, I’ve been ghosted.”
Her dad looked at her with the most serious, concerned eyes. “Hon, he wouldn’t do that. Stop feeling so sorry for yourself. He’s a good man. Give him space. He said he has shit to do, he has shit to do. When he’s done, he’ll call.”
Chapter 26
“I came as soon as I could.” Nick was still rushing toward Tuck’s booth at McP’s as he spoke. He slid into the opposite bench and narrowed his eyes in concern. “I’m so sorry. When did she pass?”
Tuck swallowed. “Last night while I was on the set of that stupid reality show.”
Nick groaned. “Man, that seriously sucks. I feel bad for getting you into that. The timing was awful.”
“And I’ve told you already, it’s not your fault. You didn’t force me to do it, and you sure didn’t make me sign on for the extended three months.”
“I know, but I should have found someone whose mother wasn’t in such critical condition. You probably didn’t get to see her as much in the last few months.”
“I saw her the same amount as always. I went twice a week, and the only person who might have remotely benefitted from those visits was me. She never knew I was there in the end.”
“Did you realize she was this close?”
“I should have. She hadn’t woken up in a few days. She had a blood clot. It’s common.” Tuck reached for the pitcher of beer he’d already ordered and begun to consume before Nick arrived. He poured a second glass for Nick and slid it over to him before refilling his own.
“I watched the show last night,” Nick murmured before taking a sip. “It was…interesting.”
Tuck chuckled for the first time all day. “That’s an understatement.”
“Did you know she was married?”
“Never had a clue. I don’t think she knew she was married, or at least she hadn’t been willing to face the fact that her stint in Vegas would be legally binding.”
“Just so you know, if your mom hadn’t died a few hours ago, I would be laughing my ass off right now.” Nick shot him a slight grin, his eyes dancing.
“Yeah, I deserve that.”
“It was like a Jerry Springer show.”
“If I had a dollar for as many times as I’ve already heard that. It was the buzz around the set before the show ended.”
“I bet. So, it’s over? You’re completely done with that woman?” Nick shuddered. He knew Katia well enough that he could relate.
“Yes.” Tuck lifted his gaze. “Would you believe Joanne practically begged me to star on the next season’s show. She was so desperate; I think she would have given me the moon to do it. When I told her I had a woman waiting for me, she even suggested adding Jodi to the show. I nearly died. Imagine that. Jodi on a reality show. Not fucking likely.”
“Speaking of Jodi, where is she?”
Tuck exhaled slowly. “I haven’t called her yet.”
Nick flinched. “Why the hell not?”
Tuck shrugged. “I’m a mess. I need to deal with my mom and get that stupid show behind me and clear my head before I face her. She deserves more than I can offer this week.”
“Please tell me you’re kidding. That’s the lamest thing I’ve ever heard. You’ve been with this woman every chance