Free Written in the Stars by Luann McLane

kind of pampered, reality-­show-­worthy lifestyle that people imagine.” While she knew that her upbringing was anything but normal, her mother had made sure that she and Sophia worked their tails off, not only to become successful, but also to be just good, caring people. In truth, after her divorce from Rick Ruleman, her mother modeled for only a couple of years, to earn enough money to start her own business. Becca never expected one swimsuit poster to make her into a household name, and to this day she still hated when it was mentioned. Grace’s father hated when it was mentioned even more. At least Mason was too young to have had the poster hung up on his bedroom wall. “Let’s just drop the subject, shall we?”
    Mason raised his hands in surrender. “Like a hot potato.”
    â€œOh, there you go mentioning food again!”
    Mason laughed and the mood lightened. “Well, I have to say that it’s really cool to have a recording studio in Cricket Creek. We’re getting all kinds of talent in from Nashville, thanks to Garret. And even though we don’t get the
Sing for Me
competition here on a local television station, we were able to view it on the Web and had watch parties on the big screen at Sully’s Tavern.”
    â€œReally? That’s so wonderful. Does Garret know?”
    â€œOf course.” Mason seemed to find what he was looking for on the cluttered desk. “We’re really proud of him.”
    â€œMe too.” Mason’s straightforward admission put a lump in Grace’s throat. Even though her mother never spoke poorly of Rick Ruleman, Grace grew up resenting him because of his lack of interest in Garret’s childhood. Grace’s own father had been missing in action in her own life, so she understood some of Garret’s void, but she never had to endure having her father’s crazy exploits splashed all over the tabloids—­most of them with starlets half his age. Desperate for his father’s attention, Garret had tried his best to outdo his father in the public eye. Classic but sad. “It’s good to see Garret getting recognition for his talent rather than his antics.”
    Mason looked up from the note he was reading. “Danny is on the wild side too. Always doing some fool thing that drove my parents crazy. Still does, now and then.”
    â€œI guess there has to be one in every family.” The fact that Garret and Rick had mended their fences and Garret was a talent scout for My Way Records was nothing short of a miracle. But for Grace, the best part, other than Garret’s marriage to Mattie, was that Garret had made it as a judge on
Sing for Me
on his own merit, not on the coattails of his father.
    â€œOkay...” Mason started looking through some keys dangling from hooks on a big board behind a desk. “Mattie also told me that Sophia is an amazing hairstylist sought after by celebrities. So what is she doing cooking and waiting tables at the bistro?”
    â€œTo help out, but she also needed a break from the stress of being in a high-­end salon in New York City. She specialized in brides...Can you imagine?” Grace shuddered.
    â€œAnd your mother designs clothing that Mattie says isn’t fancy but for the everyday person, and she’s coming out with a cute line for babies.”
    â€œMattie has told you quite a lot.”
    â€œShe’s confined to bed rest. When you visit, she holds you captive.”
    â€œI would be the same way.”
    Mason gave her a look that said he believed her. “But seriously, you come from a talented family, Grace.”
    â€œThank you.”
    He unhooked a key from the grid. “So what’s your talent?”
    â€œTalking.”
    â€œOh, come on.” Mason glanced over his shoulder and laughed, but Grace wasn’t really joking all that much. Sure, her Girl Code line of edgy cosmetics was pretty damned cool, but it was