Margot slipped her hand off the center console and squeezed Olivia’s thigh. She kept her hand there, casual as could be, like it was perfectly normal to rest her hand atop Olivia’s leg while Olivia drove. Olivia still questioned her reality, that this was her life now, that Margot was in it and touching her. Maybe it was different for Margot, but Olivia had yet to build up a tolerance to Margot’s touch. She wasn’t certain she wanted to.
Olivia cleared her throat. “You had your appointment, right? With your cardiologist? How’d that go?”
“Everything’s fine. My cholesterol, my blood pressure, all of it.”
Fine. Her nose scrunched. “What does fine mean? And what about your triglycerides, those were still—”
Dad cut her off with a laugh. “Livvy, relax. The doctor says I’m healthy as a horse.”
She pursed her lips. “Are we talking Seabiscuit, or the Red Pony?”
Margot clapped her free hand over her mouth, muffling her laughter.
“Jesus, kid.” Dad huffed. “You are something. I’m fine. I would tell you if I weren’t.”
Olivia loosened her death grip on the steering wheel, working to swallow past the knot constricting her throat. “Promise?”
Margot’s grip tightened, squeezing her thigh.
“Promise,” Dad said, sounding sincere enough that Olivia was able to breathe again. “Look, I called to see how you were doing and also to let you know that a few of the guys from work and I are heading up to Nolan Creek in Forks to go fly-fishing. We’re driving up on Friday, won’t be back until Wednesday. I don’t know how my reception’s going to be, and I won’t have my phone on me when I’m out on the water. Just wanted to let you know so you don’t worry.”
“Be safe,” she said. “And have fun.”
Dad chuckled. “Thanks. Good luck with the wedding. I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Good talking to you, Margot. Make sure Livvy doesn’t work too hard.”
Margot grinned. “Will do, Mr. Grant. Have fun fishing!”
“Bye, Dad. I love you.”
“Love you, too, kid. Talk soon.”
Olivia ended the call with a press of her thumb against the wheel.
“It sounds like he’s doing good,” Margot said.
Olivia blew out her breath and nodded. “Mm-hmm.”
Margot’s thumb swept against the side seam of Olivia’s jeans, warmth from her palm seeping through the denim. “I don’t know, maybe it’s just me or maybe it’s the way you’re driving fifteen over the speed limit, but I’m getting a vibe that you’re not totally at ease.”
“Shit.” Olivia eased off the gas. “Sorry.”
Margot shrugged. “You want to talk about it?”
Olivia puffed out her cheeks. “I just feel bad that I didn’t check in. I normally do, but with everything going on, I spaced.”
“It sounds like he’s doing fine,” Margot said. “He definitely didn’t sound upset.”
“No, but—”
“No buts. Your dad wouldn’t want you to feel guilty for living your life, Liv.” Margot plucked Olivia’s phone out of the change holder. She shook it pointedly. “Pretty sure he specifically tasked me with making sure you have a good time. So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to have a great time this week, celebrating Annie and Brendon, and you are going to relax. Okay?”
Olivia breathed deep and smiled. “I can try.”
*
An hour later, Brendon met them in the lobby of the lodge with a warm smile. “You guys made it.”
“We hit traffic a few exits back,” Margot said. “Bumper-to-bumper.”
“I think there might have been an accident,” Olivia added, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag so it wouldn’t cut off circulation to her arm. “We saw flashing lights.”
“It’s all this extra snow,” Brendon said, gesturing for them to follow as he led the way through the lobby and down a long hall. “I’m glad Luke’s got snow chains, otherwise I don’t think they’d let us on Snoqualmie Pass.”
“Luke? Who’s Luke?” Margot frowned. “Do I even know a Luke?”
Brendon laughed. “My friend from college, Luke. I’ve mentioned him before.”
Margot’s nose wrinkled adorably, and she adjusted her grip on the case of beer she’d brought, her contribution for the weekend, courtesy of the brewery Oh My Stars was partnering with. “Hmm.”