Page 47 of Every Beautiful Mile

“What are you waiting for?” Marin stands at the door as if she can read my mind. “Inspiration awaits, Mother.”

Despite the boulder lodged in my throat, a happy laugh bubbles out of me. I climb the stairs to meet the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had.

Nineteen

“I swear, I thought we were going to capsize, it was so rough.” Finn shakes his head with a laugh. “And that water was freaking cold, like give you hypothermia cold. I did not want to end up swimming.”

Around the fire, eating hotdogs and s'mores for dinner, I’ve never seen him so animated.

“That’s nothing compared to the fright I had helping Mom with her wardrobe,” Marin says as she squishes a marshmallow between two graham crackers.

“Funny.” I cut my eyes to her as I poke a stick at the fire.

Tomorrow will be our last full day on the Pacific, and the word bittersweet barely touches the surface of how I feel. Even though we have six more weeks on the road, leaving feels like it’s the beginning of going home. I’m not ready for it.

“I’m pooped.” Marin yawns with a stretch as she stands. “I’m going to read a book and call Harper to catch up.”

“Thanks again for today.”

She leans down to hug me before disappearing into the Avion, and I snuggle deeper into my chair.

“You mind if I go hang out at the guys’ site at their fire? They head out tomorrow,” Finn asks.

“Go. Sounds fun. I’m going to make some calls.”

I pull out my phone, smiling as I watch him leave.

It has to be a dream because everything feels easy.

So easy.

I sip a glass of wine as I dial my parents.

“I was worried you forgot about us, Penelope,” my mom sings as she answers.

“Mom, it’s been four weeks, and I’ve texted you almost every day. Will you relax?”

She tsks me then says, “You can’t blame a mother for wanting to hear her only daughter’s voice, sweetheart. Now, where are you? Here, I’ll put you on speaker so your dad can hear.”

“We are in Oregon, and it’s beautiful here.”

“How’s that camper holding up?”

I blow out an amused breath. “The Avion hasn’t died on us yet, but the AC did stop working, so it’s hot as hell when we drive. That’s been a fun character-building experience.”

“It’s a miracle you haven’t killed each other,” my dad chimes in with a chuckle from the background.

“Hi, Dad. How’s the bar? Did you get all those notes I sent you from that guy in Maine I’ve been talking to?”

“Nel, I was running the bar before you came in with all your fancy ideas. I can manage one summer, thank you very much.” He huffs playfully. “And I did get your notes. Sounds involved, like maybe too much work for me this late in the game. But I’m thinking about it. Maybe ask him for his advice on making small changes.” He pauses long enough for my heart to flip-flop. “Or maybe schedule a call with him.”

I choke on my wine at the suggestion. “A call? Dad, no. You call him!” My throat feels constricted. I can’t call him!

“Richard,” my mom interrupts. “She’s on vacation, remember? Penelope, you can call him when you get home, sweetheart. Ignore your dad.”

The tension in my shoulders loosens slightly.

“Listen, love you guys, I’m going to let you go. Thanks for helping me do this.”

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