“May I use your telephone?” Kenzie used every bit of training she had to keep her shit together.
She’d ruined everything she and Tucker were starting, and her cell was back at the ranch. Too comfortable. She’d gotten too comfortable and let this happen. She’d opened herself up, then the shutters had slammed down and Tucker’s feelings had turned frigid—chilling even the fillings in her teeth.
Lori had started to speak a few times, paused, and started again. It was all right though, Kenzie didn’t need her sympathy. Kenzie had made this mess. It was hers to wallow in. Lori handed over the phone.
Kenzie punched in Leah’s number and waited. “Hi, you’ve reached Leah. Leave a message.”
“Leah, it’s Kenzie. I need a pickup.” Kenzie paused. Closed her eyes. Took a deep breath. “Please.”
Tucking tail and running like she was a thirteen-year-old who had messed up made her head ache.
Leah might not respond for hours. There was only one other person to call. Kenzie dialed, her pulse pounding.
“Hello?” Her mother’s voice came through the line.
“Mom?” Kenzie asked. She kept her voice calm. “I’m in Collbran, with Tucker’s family. Can you send a car?”
She’d never made a call like this before. Kenzie had never allowed herself to be put in a situation where she’d need to do it.
“Of course,” her mother replied, as though they did this all the time. “Are you at Tucker’s or…?”
“At his parents’ house.” Kenzie had no idea where she really was beyond that.
Lori motioned for the phone. Numb, Kenzie handed it to her.
“Hello, this is Tucker’s mother… Yes…” She relayed the address. “She’s all right. They had a disagreement… Yes… No… She can stay here until someone comes… I don’t mind… Yes…you can reach her at this number.”
Lori turned off her phone and set it on the arm of the sofa. Her expression was tense.
Kenzie hated, absolutely hated, that she was responsible for that.
“I know we don’t know each other well yet,” Lori said quietly.
“I’m so sorry I ruined your Christmas,” Kenzie replied. An apology wasn’t enough, but she had nothing else to give.
Lori shook her head. “Nothing’s broken that can’t be fixed.”
Kenzie sighed. “Tucker probably disagrees.”
“Tucker needs some time to figure out how he feels. But for those of us who know him best, we already see he’s so far gone for you he’ll never come back.” Lori set her elbows against her knees, her booted ankle angled to the side. “I think you feel the same way. The looks you two have been giving each other. Those aren’t the looks of a Hollywood-brand relationship. They’re the real kind.”
“I appreciate everything you’re saying. I do. Tucker’s right, though. I did hope he’d come around and do the song. It was all about me.” She was a spoiled brat, just like her mother always said.
“Well, of course this was all about you. You don’t know what it’s like to work as part of a team. Not in the family sense.”
Kenzie squinted toward her. “I’m not sure I understand—”
“I just spoke with your mother—she’s unique—and earlier today I saw how you went from skittish with all the crew to relaxed. After talking with your mama, I can see why. You’ve never had this before. The craziness of a family that has your back. That’s as obvious as the sun rising in the east.” Lori took a long breath. “You’ve always had to look out for yourself. Tucker’s always had us. He doesn’t know any different. I didn’t always have a family like this. So, I built one. I think you’ll do the same. And if Tucker gets his head screwed on right again, he’ll see that he wants it to be with him.”
Lori’s phone buzzed on the armrest. She didn’t even glance at it before she handed it to Kenzie. “Everyone I know is here.”
Kenzie glanced at the Caller ID.
Leah.
“Hello?” Kenzie asked.
“I’ve got a car headed your way. Already coordinated with your mother. Tucker’s manager connected, too. That’s who I was talking with when you called.”
