Perfectly Reasonable by Linda O'Connor Page A

he would write a reference, and I’ve had a few courses with him so he can comment on my marks. I wasn’t sure about the third one.”
    “Have you done any medical research? Worked on stats for anyone?”
    “Yes. I did some number crunching for a prof in immunology. Calculated the minimum population size needed and then analyzed the data after. Just basic chi-square and regression analysis. She was going to include my name on the paper, but I don’t know if it was ever published,” he said with a shrug.
    “Either way, it would be perfect. Could you ask her?”
    “I think so. She was pretty grateful for the help.”
    “Excellent. Make sure you give them lots of time. It’s done electronically, but . . .”
    “Yeah. I think it’s just a matter of giving them a link and then following up to make sure it was done.”
    “And some guidance from you as to why you’ve chosen them. Don’t forget to thank them after.”
    “Yes, Mom,” Trace said with a laugh.
    Margo rolled her eyes. “Sounds like you’ve got it all under control. I really hope it works out for you.”
    “Yeah, me too. Thanks for all your help.”
    “You’re welcome.” Margo looked around the room a little desperately. “Well, it looks like we’re done here. I promised Hattie I’d lock up and then drop the key off at her place on my way home. Do you need a ride?”
    “No. I’m fine. I’m going to head out for a brew. It’s a business brew. A couple of buddies have an idea for a start-up and asked if I could look over the numbers for them.”
    “Wouldn’t they need an accountant for that?” she asked.
    “Depends how many beers they’ve had.”
    Margo laughed, and Trace watched her with a smile.
    They put on their coats and headed outside.
    “Did you see the message about Friday?” Trace asked. “Jess is driving, and we can pick you up at three. That work for you?”
    Margo’s stomach churned with second thoughts. “Are you sure I won’t be in the way? It sounded like a full house, and I wondered if you still wanted me to go?”
    “Yes, I definitely do.” Trace stepped closer. She could feel his warm breath in the cold air. “I’d like you to come. It’ll be fun. And I’ll get a chance to thank you for helping me with the application.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
    He tasted sweet, and her heart swirled in her chest.
    “Three o’clock. Friday. Okay?”
    She nodded and sighed. Friday. Fun.
    Then heartache.
    She’d pencil that in.

Chapter 17
    Margo shook her head at the shiny gray jeep stopped beside her at the light. The shiny gray jeep with no doors. She’d seen it in the summer, but with temperatures a few degrees above freezing, she’d want doors. He didn’t seem to mind. With a tuque pulled down over his ears, a multicolored scarf blowing in the wind, rosy cheeks, and his thumbs tapping on the steering wheel to the hard rock bass blaring from his speakers, the driver looked pretty content. He glanced over and smiled, and Margo couldn’t help smiling back. You had to love those free-spirited drivers of no-door, shiny gray Jeeps.
    He accelerated when the light turned green, and Margo pulled away more sedately. She was meeting Chloe at a residential address and was a bit early.
    She pulled into the driveway of the massive two-story house and waved to Chloe who was arriving on foot. Chloe had her bleached-blond hair pulled back in her usual ponytail. She looked warm in a lime green jacket with a yellow scarf wrapped around her ears and neck. Chloe waved back and hurried over as Margo stepped out of her car.
    Margo held out the tea she had picked up at the drive-thru. “Tea for you.”
    “Oh, thank you. I love the walk to work, but the cold is starting to seep into my bones. This tea will hit the spot.” As they walked to the front door, Chloe cracked the tab and took a sip. “Mmmm . . . perfect. Thanks.” She pulled a key out of the oversized handbag she carried. “The owners have gone away for the