Rebecca pulled up to the curb and forced a smile. Nothing quite like driving for an hour and a half so that someone could save twenty dollars on their plane ticket. She’d gone round with her parents more times than she cared to count since moving to the D.C. area about how BWI wasn’t actually a local airport. But there was no persuading them. Not when there was money to be saved.

Her dad lifted a hand in greeting and began walking toward the trunk. She pulled the release, threw the car into park, and stepped out. “Let me help you with that, Dad.”

“I’ve got it, Beck. Thanks.” He hoisted the suitcase into the car and wiggled it over to one side before pulling her into a bone-crushing hug. “It’s good to see you. Thanks for picking us up.”

“No problem. Where’s Mom?” Rebecca scanned the crowded sidewalk outside the arrivals area of BWI. “I’m not going to be able to wait here very long.”

“She had to run into the restroom. She should be just a second. Let me go get our other bags.”

Rebecca kept an eye on her dad and another on the police car inching its way down the loading area, scooting people along who weren’t actively involved in picking someone up. Worst case scenario, she could circle and leave Dad here to wait for Mom. Her stomach clenched. Circling gave her a headache. She inevitably missed a turn and ended up making the route longer than needed.

“Here we go, bag number two.”

“Do you want to put the carry-ons on top, or in the backseat?” Rebecca moved so her dad could wrestle with her mother’s larger suitcase.

“In here is fine. I was hoping we could grab some dinner on the way to the hotel?”

She chuckled. “Of course. Have somewhere in mind?”

He swung an arm over her shoulders. “You know I do. Ah, there’s my bride.”

Rebecca watched her mom scan the crowd, catching the exact moment her eyes landed on them. Too bad it didn’t warm her heart to have her dad’s arm over her shoulder. But at least she’d moved past his public displays of affection triggering hives.

“Hey, Mom.” Rebecca hugged her mother and nodded toward the car. “We’d best get going before I end up with a ticket. They’re pretty strict.”

They piled in the car, her dad squeezing into the back while her mom scooted the passenger seat as far forward as it could go. Why hadn’t Dad just sat in the front? Probably figured it was chivalrous. Whatever. She’d rather sit by Mom anyway. “Where are we headed?”

With a belly full of Thai food, Rebecca drove into the parking garage under her parent’s hotel. The conversation at dinner had, amazingly, not been awkward. Her dad had been subdued, and interested in her work. Two things she hadn’t experienced with him in more years than she cared to count. Maybe this week wouldn’t be as horrible as she was expecting.

“Let me help with the bags, Dad. You go up and check in. Mom and I will meet you in the lobby.”

Rebecca’s father studied her for a moment before nodding. “If you’re sure?”

“Of course, dear. You go. We’ll be right behind you.” Rebecca’s mom made a shooing motion with her fingers.

Rebecca turned off the car and watched her dad cross the garage to the elevators, his brisk stride covering the distance rapidly. “It’s good to see you, Mom.”

“You too, Becca. And we’re both so grateful you were able to get the week off. You sure you don’t want to stay with us at the hotel? We’d love to have you close, and save you that horrible commute every day.”

It was tempting, but only slightly. The drive wasn’t going to be fun. But it wasn’t as if she didn’t sit in traffic on a normal day anyway. She was just going a bit farther. On the other hand, being back in her own space, alone with her own things every night couldn’t be discounted. It’d be a much needed decompression time after a day with her parents. “Nah. I’ll be fine. Besides, this way if meetings pop up, or run long, I can just head home.”

“And leave me on my own at the hotel? Gee. Thanks.” Her mom smiled, shaking her head. “All right. Can’t say I blame you. I’d probably say the same thing. Come on, let’s get that luggage and meet your dad. He’s probably wondering what’s keeping us.”

Rebecca lugged the two suitcases out of the trunk while her mother collected the carry-on bags. At least the big bags had wheels. Rebecca pulled them behind her to the elevator. “Have you thought about what you want to do tomorrow?”

“Any of the touristy things. What’s most interesting to you? I haven’t been to D.C. in years, so I’m willing to see whatever. Your father won’t be free tomorrow—he’s in meetings all day, from breakfast on. I do have to join him for dinner. You’re welcome, of course, though I imagine you’d rather not?”

Rebecca grimaced. “Do you mind?”

“We understand.”

“Which isn’t the same thing as not minding.” Rebecca sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Like I said, we understand.” Her mother held the elevator doors open as Rebecca pulled the suitcases into the elegant lobby.

Her father waited by a large potted palm. “There you are. We’re all set. You won’t change your mind and stay, Becky?”

“No. But thanks, Dad.” She fought a yawn. “I’m going to head home, if that’s all right? What time do you want to get started in the morning, Mom?”

“Why don’t you pick me up at ten? That way you can sleep in a little, maybe miss some of the traffic. How does that sound?”

“Like heaven.”

“I’m a little jealous of the two of you, have to admit.” Her dad grinned and pulled Rebecca into a tight hug. “I’d much rather sightsee than sit in meetings, but, such is life.”

“You thrive on it, Dad, and you know it.” Rebecca wriggled out of his embrace, hugged her mom, and eased back. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

Back in the garage, Rebecca locked the doors and lowered her head to the steering wheel. Over all, it had been better than expected, but Dad was still Dad. Had she really expected that to change? Still, maybe her mom was right. It did seem like he was trying, though why couldn’t he call her Rebecca—or at least Becca, like Mom—instead of Becky? She’d gotten tired of correcting him. Maybe Mom could take a stab at it. She’d ask tomorrow.

She yawned again, turned on the engine, and started working her way back home.