“So...do you ever get tired of always having to be in control? Keeping all the balls in the air?” he asked.
“Sometimes,” she said. “But honestly? I like lining things up in my life, making a plan, ticking things off my to-do list. And at my age, I don’t want to let go of that. I think it’s a good thing to have some control over your life. If not by now, then when?”
“A solid point,” he agreed.
“And I’m tired of that being considered a character flaw. Our home ran well because I ran it. And those kids did well as students because I was on top of their projects and homework. My husband could bring clients home for dinner because I could order the best catering at the drop of a hat. Everyone loves the woman who has things under control until it comes to romance, apparently.”
Logan chuckled. “Evidently, you choose the wrong guys.”
“Agreed.”
Melanie’s tone was humorless, and he had to wonder if she was including him. Apparently, he wasn’t easy to be with, either.
“So what do you want, then?” Logan asked.
“What do you mean?” She glanced over at him, then returned her attention to the road.
“I mean in life, in the future going forward. What do you want?” he asked.
“I was talking to Angelina just before Tilly called, and she was telling me that she loves running her lodge. She’s passionate about it. It’s exciting, and it brings out the best in her.”
“Huh.” Logan looked over at Melanie. “I feel that way about my company.”
“I want that.” She met Logan’s gaze with a flash of a smile.
“A business?” he asked.
“Exactly. Something where all my hard work pays off. I’m tired of pouring all my energy into relationships. I want to build something concrete. I’m looking into a design diploma to get myself up-to-date, and then I want to start my own company.”
Just not in Denver.
“Then do it.”
She nodded, but didn’t answer.
“So what’s the plan with Tilly?” he asked.
“We’re taking her back to my place, and her father is picking her up tomorrow night.” She winced, and looked over at him. “I forgot about the funeral, Logan. You’re going to be exhausted. I’m so sorry.”
He had, too. His father was being laid to rest the next day at noon.
“It’s fine,” he said. “We’ll be tired together...if you still want to come along.”
“Hey, you’re here for me,” she said. “I can be at the funeral for you.”
“Is this your work ethic?” he asked. Or did she want to be there?
“This is me as a friend,” she said, and her smile softened. “My work ethic is just one of the perks you get.”
Logan laughed, and he leaned his head back. They had almost two hours of driving ahead of them.
BRIGHAM WAS A small town surrounding a wood mill up in the Colorado Rockies. Logan had driven up here once when he was paid to deliver a car part to the Brigham auto shop. There wasn’t much more in this town than the mill, but the mill offered a solid union job with benefits, so it kept the town on the map.
When they arrived at two in the morning, the town was completely silent. A police cruiser pulled up beside them at a stop sign and the officer silently stared at them for a moment, then turned. Melanie’s phone gave the directions to the little hotel just on the edge of town. The neon sign in the window that announced Vacancy flickered, and Melanie pulled into a spot next to a vintage green Mercedes.
“Is that Simon’s car?” Logan asked.
“That’s it. They’re still here.” Melanie looked down at her phone and typed into it. “I’ll text Tilly.”
Logan opened the door and got out. He could hear the buzz of insects and the far-off bark of a dog, answered by the howl of a wolf that made his skin crawl. Nature was pretty close in a town this far from the rest of civilization. The hotel’s office was lit up, and the windows of the hotel all had drawn curtains and darkness inside. Except for one, where a light glowed behind the curtains. He was willing to bet that was the right room.
The door opened and Tilly appeared backlit in the doorway. She was wearing a white summer dress, and her hair hung limp around her shoulders. Her makeup was smudged around her eyes. She looked like a lost kid.
“There she is...” He could hear the relief in Melanie’s voice as she got out of the SUV. “Tilly, are you okay?”
Tilly shrugged, and her gaze moved over to Logan. “Why did you bring him?”
“Because it’s the middle of the night and I was a woman traveling alone,” Melanie replied.
“Oh...right. I hadn’t thought of the safety thing,” Tilly said. “I’m sorry I made you drive all the way out here. Simon and I made up...”
“When he found out I was on my way, no doubt,” Melanie said. “Come on. I’ve driven all the way out here. Is the hotel restaurant open this time of night?”
“Yeah, they cater to truckers,” Tilly said.
“Let’s go talk and get something to eat,” Melanie said.
That was a smart move—make no demands. He’d bet that Tilly would side with Simon in a heartbeat, especially if she’d already made up with him.
“I don’t know,” Tilly said, glancing over her shoulder. For permission? Simon was in the room, apparently.
“Tell you what,” Logan said, stepping forward. “You ladies go talk, and I’ll have a chat with Simon.”
“I don’t think he’d like that—” Tilly began.
“I’m a nice guy,” Logan said. “It’ll be fine. But we have driven an awfully long way. A conversation isn’t too much to ask, is it?”
“I could eat a burger,” Melanie said. “What about you?”
Tilly smiled faintly. “That sounds good.”
Simon appeared behind her in the doorway. He glared at them, but Tilly walked toward the restaurant with Melanie and Logan breathed a sigh of relief. If Melanie was going to talk any sense into that girl,
