Read Online Written in the Stars by Luann McLane - Free Book Online Page B

downtown. Jessica was supposed to only help get the diner back on its feet but ended up taking over, so now it’s a blend of old-­fashioned favorites and Jessica’s specialties. Jess married Ty McKenna, a major league baseball player who now coaches the Cricket Creek Cougars.”
    Grace shook the bag and located the biggest pork rind. “While she was in London, Mattie told me about some of the movers and shakers who moved to Cricket Creek over the past few years. Including, of course, my mother’s ex-­husband, Rick Ruleman.”
    â€œWe sure were blown away when he moved here.” Mason stopped what he was doing and looked at her as if suddenly remembering her connection to the famous rock-­star legend.
    â€œI know.” Grace nodded. “If you had told me a few years ago that Rick would have ended up starting his own record label catering to country and bluegrass music, I would have laughed in your face.”
    â€œI can understand why you would feel that way,” Mason said, but Grace sensed him pulling away from their earlier easy bantering. “I can’t imagine...,” he began, but then stopped and nibbled on his bottom lip.
    â€œImagine what?” Grace quit crunching and looked at him, even though she was pretty sure what was coming.
    â€œNothing.”
    â€œIn my experience,
nothing
always means a great big
something
,” Grace said lightly, trying to bring back some humor, but Mason didn’t even crack a smile. “So what is your
something
?”
    After another slight hesitation, he said, “I’m just a country boy, Grace. I guess it just hit me that you grew up around really famous people. And...” He trailed off again, but Grace knew that he wanted to say something about being wealthy.
    â€œSo?” She tapped her foot, waiting, and then felt silly and stopped tapping. “Go on, then.”
    â€œI don’t know.” Mason shoved his fingers through his hair. “Why are you getting mad at me? You forced it out of me.”
    â€œI’m sorry. It’s just that people tend to get the wrong impression about my lifestyle. I get kind of touchy about it. Not your fault.”
    â€œI didn’t mean anything by it. I really like Garret and Sophia too. But I understand what you’re saying. When I knew who Garret was, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when he started seeing my sister. I don’t have to tell you about Garret’s player reputation, which was splashed all over the tabloids. I didn’t want my sister to get hurt by the rich son of a rock star out to have a good time.”
    â€œThings aren’t always as they seem,” Grace said with an edge of defense in her tone.
    â€œI get that now.” Mason sat down on the edge of the desk and crossed his ankles. “I’m not a judgmental person, and I was completely wrong about your brother. And Rick doesn’t look anything like he did back in his leather-­and-­long-­hair rocker days, so I don’t think of him from back then. I guess for a moment I just forgot about all of that, not that it matters. So will you give me a break?”
    â€œYour arm or leg?”
    â€œMy nose,” Mason said, and gave her a small grin.
    â€œI’d probably swing and miss.”
    â€œOkay, then.” Mason stood up and took a step closer. He tapped the bridge of his nose with his finger. “Go ahead.”
    â€œNo, thanks, you don’t deserve it.” Grace lifted one shoulder and then looked down at the pork rinds, which were holding less appeal. She seriously needed to get rid of that chip on her shoulder.
    â€œGood, because I think you’d pack quite a punch if you connected.”
    â€œWell, you know, I get it. And Garret didn’t help matters by all of his shenanigans caught by the paparazzi. He egged it on just to get his father’s attention, and of course worried my mother to death. But we didn’t live the