Maggie glanced at the passenger seat. “Thanks for coming with me.”

Valerie turned and offered a loving smile. “Of course, sweetheart.” She patted Maggie’s leg. “I’m just so glad you asked for my help.”

Maggie had moved her father to a skilled nursing facility not far from his sober living house when he’d been released from the hospital two weeks ago. She tried to see him a few times during the week despite her hectic schedule at the lodge. The drive was getting harder every visit though.

For some insane reason, Maggie had broken down in front of Valerie earlier that morning when she’d received the call from the facility saying her father had had a difficult night. She’d been embarrassed and ashamed, so broken that she told Valerie everything. There hadn’t been any question that Valerie would accompany her today. At least, not from Valerie’s point of view. Maggie was so worn out, she didn’t have the energy to argue.

“You should have let me drive though,” Valerie said.

Maggie glanced at her friend.

Valerie held a steaming thermos of coffee to her lips.

“Why?” Maggie asked.

“John never let me drive.” She cocked her head as if in thought. “I always kind of resented that, you know?”

Maggie knew Valerie needed no answer. “Next time.” She smiled, sensing Valerie’s gaze.

“Next time.” Valerie repeated with a nod.

Maggie heard the smile in her voice and it pleased her to know she’d gifted her friend with a small piece of happiness.

“Sooo,” Valerie drew out the word, “are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and my eldest?”

Maggie swallowed a groan. As much as she didn’t want to talk about her father, she didn’t want to talk about Ben either. Especially with his mother.

“We told you already. It was pouring rain that night and we couldn’t make it back to the lodge so we stopped at the cabin and stayed until the rain let up.”

“Mmm hmmm,” Valerie hummed, a brow cocked in suspicion. “Why did you return with just a blanket around your shoulders?”

Crap! She thought they’d made a clean get away, sneaking into the back door of the lodge’s maintenance area. They’d tossed their clothes in the industrial sized dryers and had a serious make-out session while waiting for their clothes to dry.

“Our clothes were still soaked.” That wasn’t a lie.

“So, you took your clothes off. Together?”

Oh, no. Why had she said that?

“I had a blanket,” Maggie explained.

Valerie laughed, patting Maggie’s leg. “I’m just teasing you, sweetie. I actually think it’s good that my Ben is getting some action.”

“What?” Maggie shrieked, jerking the wheel.

“Easy,” Valerie said, bracing herself on the door.

Maggie gulped. This was going from bad to worse. This conversation could not happen. Could. Not. Happen.

“I’m sorry,” Valerie said, “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I know Ben has always had a small crush on you so I’m not surprised.”

Maggie remained silent. Ben had told her about his crush, but it still shocked her to think someone as smart and well-respected as Ben had ever liked her. She’d never in a million years guess he thought that way of her in high school. He always seemed to be ignoring her.

“So, what did the doctor say about your father?” Valerie asked, changing the subject.

Maggie blew out a breath in relief. This, she could talk about. Maybe.

“His heartbeat is irregular and erratic. They’re giving him meds to combat both but they’ll need a few days to assess the effectiveness. They’re also concerned about some swelling in his feet.”

“I’m so sorry.” Valerie squeezed her shoulder. The comforting touch meant more to Maggie than Valerie would ever know. “I wish you would have told me sooner that all this was going on.”

Maggie shrugged. She was used to taking care of her father on her own.

“I was really hoping he could return to the sober living facility,” Maggie said, “but I don’t think that will be an option.”

“Where will he go, after they stabilize his condition?”

“I’ve talked to a social worker about moving him to an assisted living facility.”

“There’s a wonderful one on the other side of the mountain,” Valerie said, hopefulness in her voice.

Maggie had never wanted her father close to the new life she’d created for herself when Valerie and John hired her five years ago. That’s why she’d found a drug and alcohol facility two towns away when he’d finally decided to quit drinking.

“It would save you on the drive,” Valerie continued.

Maggie didn’t have the heart to tell Valerie she’d already checked out the assisted living facility and determined it was out of her budget. Even taking into account her father’s disability and the extra money Maggie provided for his care, her father’s budget for housing was maxed.

“Well,” Valerie sagged back in the seat, “we’ll figure it all out soon enough.”

We’ll?

Maggie stole a glance at her friend. “Valerie, I don’t want to involve you in this mess.”

“Involve me.” Valerie laughed. “Maggie, you’re family to me. My involvement in your life isn’t an option.”

Maggie stared ahead at the road, letting the idea warm her from the inside.

“Maggie, let me help you.”

More silence. Maggie wanted to speak, but there were no words that wouldn’t bring tears with them.

“It’s good for me to think of something else besides my own grief,” Valerie said quietly.

She turned to stare at her friend. “Okay,” she said.

Valerie smiled and nodded. “Okay.” She sank back in her seat. “Now, about my son.” Her lips curled in an all too familiar smirk.

Heaven help her.