“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 you had for a month. Last time we talked you were willing to give up fifty thousand dollars for her. Now you don’t even call her after the show ends?”
Tuck squirmed in his seat. “I would have. I fully intended to. I was supposed to pick her up today at noon after I went to the courthouse to file for divorce. When I found out I didn’t even need a divorce, I intended to go straight to her in the middle of the night. I was so desperate to have her in my arms for real for the first time it was like I was on drugs.”
“And then you found out your mom had died.”
“Yes.”
“Have you even told her that much?”
“No.” This was sounding stupider by the moment now that Tuck was saying it out loud. He groaned. “I didn’t want the first day of our actual relationship to be all about me. I’m a wreck. My mom just died. All I can think about is my childhood and how she didn’t deserve this and how unfair it is. I can’t switch that off and be the perfect boyfriend Jodi deserves this week.”
Nick stared at him for several moments before he cleared his throat. “You’re an idiot.”
Tuck flinched. “Thanks.”
“No. Really. Listen to yourself. From what you’ve told me about Jodi, she’s not going to care that you’re sad and dealing with a death at the beginning of your relationship. It shows you’re human and that you loved your mom and that you’re a good guy. She is, however, going to dump your ass in a heartbeat when she finds out your mom died and you didn’t even tell her.”
Tuck cringed. He stared at his beer and thought about Nick’s words. “Fuck. You’re right.”
“I know I am. That’s why you called me. You needed a voice of reason. Now, stop drinking that stupid beer and go to Jodi’s place. Now. Before she’s so pissed she can’t see straight.”
Tuck lifted his face and held his friend’s gaze for a long time. Finally, he spoke again. “I love her so much.”
“Well, go tell her that. Not me.” Nick shooed him with a hand.
Tuck smiled and jumped to his feet. He paused just long enough to say, “Thank you.” And then he rushed from McP’s.
Chapter 27
Jodi
