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“Very.” Martha leaned closer. “I’ve been studying the route. I can’t wait to see the Grand Canyon.”
“Me too.” Kathleen urged Martha to sit down. “I will take care of all expenses of course. You won’t have to pay for a thing.”
What if the girl had extravagant tastes and wanted to order a massive steak in every restaurant or diner?
“Mum—”
“Are you able to be flexible? Because although we will book a few places along the way, I’d like to give ourselves time to be spontaneous. Stay longer if we feel like it. Move on if we don’t.”
“Sounds good. Let’s go where no one can find us.” Martha blushed. “I mean, it sounds exciting, that’s all. And I can sleep anywhere.”
Liza frowned. Why would she want to go where no one could find her?
“I’m planning on taking two weeks to do the trip, perhaps more, and then spending a few weeks in California. I’ll be away for a month at least.” Kathleen folded the map. “What date do you have to be home?”
“I don’t have to be home at all. I can stay forever if that’s what works for you.”
Forever? What sort of person could stay away forever?
Did she have nothing going on in her life at all?
Liza’s frustration turned to suspicion. Something about this didn’t feel right.
And what about the practicalities? Visas? Immigration?
“Do you have family, Martha?”
“Yes.” Martha took a mug of tea from Sean with a smile of thanks. “I live with my parents and my sister because I’m in between jobs right now.”
“What was your last job?” Liza ignored her mother’s exaggerated sigh.
“I worked in an animal shelter. I’ve been looking at millions of things, but there aren’t any jobs right now.”
“If we could have the details of your last employer, that would be good. We need references.”
Kathleen put the map away. “References won’t be necessary.” She stood up. “Tell me what you love most about driving, Martha.”
“The best part is when I reach my destination and I’m still alive. That’s always a cause for celebration. Not an alcoholic celebration though, obviously.” Martha gave a burst of laughter, and Sean and Kathleen joined in.
Liza breathed deeply. “What about accidents?”
Martha took a sip of tea. “Just the one. No casualties, although I took a chunk out of my dad’s affection for me.”
“I had three accidents in my first year of driving,” Kathleen said. “Accidents teach one to drive more carefully.”
Unless they killed you.
Liza forced a smile. “I expect you want to ask about qualifications?”
“Ah yes. Qualifications.” Kathleen looked Martha in the eye. “Can you make a good cup of tea? I’m partial to Earl Grey.”
“I make the best tea,” Martha said. “Before the animal shelter, I worked in a café.”
“Then you’re perfectly qualified for the job,” Kathleen said. “I can tell we’re going to get along famously. The job is yours, if you’re happy to spend your summer with a badly behaved octogenarian who has an annoying tendency never to do as she’s told.” Kathleen glanced at Liza with a twinkle in her eye and Martha smiled.
“I never do as I’m told either. My mother says I’ll be the death of her.”
Perfect, Liza thought. Two irresponsible people together. What could possibly go wrong?
