“I hope so or I estimate it’s going to take us at least a year and a half to complete this road trip. Not that I’m in a hurry. Or that I don’t love driving in traffic! It’s great practice.” Martha snatched a breath. “I’m not saying I need practice. I don’t want you to be nervous. Are you nervous?”

Someone in this car was nervous, Kathleen thought. And it wasn’t her.

“Why would I be nervous? You’re an excellent driver.” She had no idea if Martha was indifferent or excellent, but after that encounter with Liza in the car on the way to the airport she’d learned that a little encouragement went a long way.

“You think so?” Martha’s hands were locked around the wheel so tightly that if it had been a living thing it would have been long dead. “If you need me to slow down, tell me.”

If they drove any slower they’d be stationary. “Drive at any pace you wish. I hope you’re finding this car enjoyable to drive?”

“Oh it’s—” Martha licked her lips. “It feels as if it would like to go fast.”

As if the car had a mind and life of its own. “You’re the one in charge.”

Martha sat up a little straighter. “Yes, I am.”

Finally they left Lake Michigan and the buzz and bustle of Chicago behind them and headed southwest out of the city. Martha’s hands gradually relaxed on the wheel. Her mouth still moved occasionally, and Kathleen managed to work out by a determined effort at lip reading that she was saying, Drive on the right.

Kathleen was reassured. A reminder was vastly preferable to a head-on collision.

They drove through the towns of Joliet, Elwood and Wilmington before crossing over the Kankakee River and continuing the journey south toward St. Louis. Each town was studded with nostalgia and quirky attractions. They passed neon signs advertising hot dogs and hamburgers, vintage diners, historic buildings and restored gas stations where they stopped to take photos in front of the shiny red gas pumps.

“I compiled a playlist,” Martha said. “But I’m thinking maybe I’ll get used to the car before adding music. Unless you’d like music. Some people hate silence.”

“Silence is underrated.” Particularly after three cocktails. “But it was thoughtful of you to put together appropriate music.”

“I’ve picked tracks for each place we’re visiting.” Martha’s focus on the road would have made a meerkat proud. Nothing escaped her attention. “Maybe later.”