My Forever June Read Online Free PDF Page B

lips. Suddenly, her fat cat jumped onto the counter and meowed loudly and this time there was no mistaking the ‘get out’ directed at me.
    I jumped in fear and fell backwards, pulling June to the floor with me. I gazed down at her in surprise, and we both lay frozen for a brief moment until we burst into laughter again.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Nine
    Tucker
     
     
    I didn’t understand why it was so hard for me to leave her, but as I drove to work later that morning, my mind was lost in daydreams of her. I remembered her expression when she spotted me on her front porch and the way she looked when she stepped out onto the porch in her pajamas. I didn’t know what it was that drew me to her in such a powerful way. Was it just her beauty, or her carefree spirit that intrigued me so much? Whatever it was, I couldn’t seem to think of anything else.
                  After work, I stopped by my parents’ house for dinner.
                  “Oh, honey!” my mom said and put her arms around my neck for a hug as I stepped into the kitchen. “It’s so good to see you. Thank you for coming. I made all your favorites; beef stew, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. It’s been over a week since I’ve seen you. What’s been keeping you busy?”
                  “Oh, Mom. It’s good to see you too.” I pressed a small kiss to her cheek. “Where is Dad?”
                  “He came home and went straight to the shower. He’ll be down in a minute. Take a seat at the table.” She took off her apron and began carrying the dishes, full of food, to the table.
                  I took them from her and she busied herself with the drinks.
                  As I placed the dishes on the table, I took a deep breath and blurted out, “I met a girl.”
                  I didn’t expect the reaction I got. My mom spun and clasped her hands together in glee. Wow, was she that ready to marry me off?
                  “Oh, Tucker. That’s wonderful. You haven’t had much luck with the girls lately, have you?”
                  “It’s not that. It’s just that I haven’t really met anyone I like.”              
                  Her smile grew. “And you really like this girl?”
                  “Oh yeah,” I said a little too quickly.
                  Her suspicious eyes grew wide. “Tell me more.”
                  “I’ll tell you during dinner so you won’t have to repeat it to Dad.”
                  “Of course, dear.”
                  Later, during our meal, my mom spoke up, “Jim, dear, did you know that Tucker met a girl?”
                  He glanced up from his plate and studied me. “So, that’s what has had you preoccupied these last few days? Tell us about her.”
                  “Yes,” my mom spoke up, “Is she a debutante? Who are her parents? Do they attend the country club?”
                  I sighed. Here we go . “No, Mom. This girl isn’t like that. Her parents live in Charlotte, and she lives on Oak Island in a little cottage she inherited from her aunt.” My mom’s eyes were already disapproving so I held my breath as I continued. “She’s an artist. She has paintings in Eden Blair’s Art Gallery.” 
                  My mom’s chewing slowed and she then took a big swig from her wine glass. Her tone was controlled as she spoke. “Now, Tucker, you know we desire for you to marry a girl with class, someone with a good family name.” Then she brightened. “No worries. You’ve only just met her. It’s not too late to walk away. You know, Mrs. Ledford was telling me that Regina Bowman is no longer engaged. Perhaps she…”
                  I shook my head. “No, Mom. I’m not interested in those