Page 159 of Remy

“What are you doing here?” My stomach fills with ridiculous butterflies.

“I’ve got business with Carlo.” He walks past me, his shoulder lightly brushing mine in the slightest tease of contact.

I rush to close the door and follow him into the living room.

“Hey, old-timer.” He levels a sly grin on my father. “How are you feeling?”

Dad rolls his eyes with a hollow chuckle. “Don’t start that old-timer crap with me.”

“Then answer my question.”

My heart clenches as they interact like seasoned friends.

“How much energy do you have today?” Remy slumps onto the sofa, kicking his legs out in front of him.

“Enough to take on the world,” Dad drawls.

“Good because that’s what we’re about to do. I’m taking you somewhere.”

My pulse kicks up speed.

“Are you talking about Taco Bell, son, or…?”

“I had somewhere more like Berkeley Springs in mind.” Remy sits forward, dragging his legs in and resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve got us a house for the night. You and Ollie can relax by the pool with Lucy. If you’re up for it, I even have dinner reservations on standby.”

Dad’s face lights up. “Are you serious?”

“One hundred percent.” Remy’s grin is subtle. Humbly proud. My stomach flutters at the handsomeness of the godforsaken expression, but my chest smothers the giddy sensation with foreboding. “My bag’s packed and in the back of the car. I also prearranged this with Lucy, so she’s already returning from getting some clothes.”

I stride farther into the room. “He doesn’t have the energy to travel.”

“Sure I do.” Dad repositions himself to sit more upright in his chair, trying to fake-smile his way through the discomfort movement must cause. “It’s a great idea.”

There’s a jingle of keys from the outside stairs, then the front door opens to reveal Lucy holding a box of donuts in one hand and an overnight bag in the other.

She glances between us with hesitation. “Did I take too long? I wasn’t sure what to pack.”

“No. You’re just in time.” Remy pushes to his feet. “I’m going to take little Pelosi home to get her things and make sure she doesn’t dawdle. You can help Carlo pack what he needs.”

“Of course.” She dumps her bag on the floor and hustles her way to my father, who stands with more energy and enthusiasm than I’ve seen in weeks.

But still… “I’m not sure I agree with this.”

I can’t ditch my apprehension.

Dad’s explosion of excitement will result in a crash later—one that could be detrimental to his health. And then there’s the whole laying-low-for-the-sake-of-our-lives stitch. Not to mention the lunacy of the four of us being tightly compacted into a tiny sports car for a drive likely to take more than ninety-minutes.

“It’ll do Carlo a world of good.” Lucy places the donut box on the coffee table and offers her arm to my father. “I’ll make sure he’s properly taken care of.”

“I can handle it, Liv,” Dad reiterates. “It’s going to be great.”

Nervousness eats at me, the anxiety warring with my quickly building excitement.

“Get moving, Ollie.” Remy jerks his chin toward the door as he starts for the entry. “You’re eating away at your dad’s relaxation time.”

The war continues, my insides being pulled in different directions.

I follow after Remy, catching up when he opens the door.

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