I’m good at reading people and I’m paying close attention to everything she does. I can’t help it, I want her to be comfortable and secure around me. Her safety and happiness is my main concern now.
“Want some music on?” I ask.
“It’s okay. I think I need the window down, though. I can get a little car sick.” I push the button to roll down her window and the cool, mountain air floods into the car.
“Do you want to stop for a minute?” I glance over. Her golden hair flutters in the breeze and I want to smooth it down, just for an excuse to touch her.
“No, it’s fine. Tell me about the Lodge?”
“It’s a little decrepit, but it could be a brilliant investment. Magnus Huckle and his partner Lucas Slate are improving the roads over the mountains, and that’s due to finish next year. The Lodge was a big tourist draw maybe thirty years ago, but the roads got too messed up for regular cars to drive there in the winter, only the big logging trucks and off-roaders like Cherry here.” I pat the wheel.
She smiles. “Cherry?”
“My sister calls her that because of the original paint job. Bright red. I’ve toned it down a little.”
“Does your sister live in Snowflake Falls too?”
“She does. You’ve met her. Sienna’s my sister.” I glance over.
Her mouth pops open in surprise. “Sienna from the office?”
I smile. “That’s right. I thought she’d mentioned it.”
“She’s been a little preoccupied when I’ve spoken to her, with the sawmill and her boss, so no wonder. Does your whole family live here?” She takes a deep breath as we loop around the winding road near the crest of the mountain.
“Yes, most of us are here.”
“Most of you? Are there a lot of Marchettis?” Her tone is teasing.
“I have two sisters and three brothers, plus a whole lot of cousins. Including that reprobate Zeus Marchetti.” I slow down as the road gets bumpier.
Her cheeks flush. “I looked him up after our conversation. Seems like he’s turned his life around and settled down with his family in a small town.”
“Yes, I’m happy for him. He had a hard upbringing and he made the best of his…difficult situation. Our branch of the family is much more conventional. My Dad’s an architect, which is how I got interested in property.” I should ask her about her family, even though I’ve already deep dived into her background.
“It must be fun to have so many brothers and sisters.” She looks wistful.
“It’s a full house when we’re back together. I like my own space now, though. How about you?” I’m lying by omission here, but I want to hear what she has to say. Her background is what my Mom would call “complicated”.
“Um, no brothers or sisters. My Mom died when I was ten. My Aunt Thalia raised me, but she passed away a couple of years ago. So it’s just me.” Her voice cracks.
“I’m sorry. That must be hard.” I want to reach over and take her hand.
“It’s okay. I’m very resilient. I don’t feel sorry for myself, my life is full with my work and the podcast.” She squares her shoulders a little. I love how strong she is, despite everything she's faced.
“What are your plans for the podcast?” The wind hits the side of the car and a couple of branches skitter across the road in front of us, so I slow down.
Margot runs her hand through her silky hair. “I’m halfway through writing a book on animal astrology and behavior. I’d like to offer clients a bespoke assessment for their pets eventually, or run a subscription service. I need to get my life in order first.”
“It’s not orderly now?” I’m surprised. I thought her being in Snowflake with a steady job would make her feel more settled.
“Not as much as I’d like. I’m getting there.” She looks over at me and then stares out of the window again. The wind is beginning to howl through the trees.
She sits up straighter. “Oh, we’re here!”
The sign for the lodge is faded but still visible, decorated with an enormous moose’s head. I take the turn down through dense woodland. Once the lodge would have been visible from the road, but years of neglect means the trees have taken over.
We drive into a clearing and Margot gasps.
