Page 2 of The Friendship Pact

“Well, he’ll need to find me because I’m not looking. Even if I was, I’m not ready for another relationship. I’m focusing on me and what I want.”

“And you should. You’ve got to create the new you and focus on starting your business.”

Kate always loved chatting with her aunt. She was a strong, independent woman who enjoyed life to the fullest, even after her husband, Kate’s Uncle Morris, passed.

“I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to visit Deer Creek Falls. It sounds absolutely wonderful.”

Kate studied her empty wineglass and sighed.

“I know that look. What’s worrying you?” Aunt Helen asked.

“What doesn’t. Fear of failure. Losing my life’s savings. Going into debt and never being able to recover if the coffee shop closes after the first year.” Kate fiddled with the soft blanket. “I’m well aware twenty percent of new businesses fail within the first twelve months.”

“Honey, there are no guarantees in life, but I know you. Once you commit to something, you’re all in, and that determination makes you successful in everything you set your mind to.”

“Except relationships. I haven’t had much luck in that department,” Kate pity-mumbled.

Helen tipped her head questioningly. “Or maybe you were too determined to make a broken relationship work? Don’t compare the two.”

Taking another sip of her wine, her aunt continued. “If I remember right, wasn’t it your goal to create wedding cakes for A-list clientele after finishing culinary school? That was ambitious, seeing as you had just graduated and hadn’t yet found a job. But you did it. You have always had a healthy intrinsic motivation. I have every bridal magazine featuring your wedding cakes.”

Kate nodded. “You’re right.” She set her empty glass on the table. “Do you think I’m wrong to give all that up and start a coffee shop in a small northern Minnesota town where the tourist season is only six months long?”

Helen grasped her hand. “I think the breakup sent you into a tailspin. But you also don’t make irrational decisions.”

“But . . .” Kate wanted to tell her aunt that buying the church was a spur-of-the-moment decision, except her aunt was on a roll, so she let her continue.

“Don’t you think the town of Deer Creek Falls could use a pastry chef and a coffee shop? The last time we talked, you said they didn’t have either.”

“True. They don’t, and they don’t have anywhere that offers healthy-alternative desserts. I plan to remedy that.”

Helen squeezed her hand. “There you go! You’ll be successful, I know it.”

Helen stood. “Come on, you need your rest. You have another big day ahead.”

Success or failure, only time would tell.

* * *

The next morning, Kate made her way to the kitchen in search of coffee. She hadn’t slept well, tossing and turning over her decision to become a business owner. She found Helen sitting at the small kitchen table, the morning light reflecting onto the glossy wood floors. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Helen said as she moved to stand.

“Sit. I know where the coffee cups are.” Kate added a little hazelnut creamer before filling her mug and topped off Helen’s before sitting down. “What are you reading? Is that a teen magazine?” Kate said in a teasing tone.

Helen chuckled. “Yes. The neighbor girl left it here the other day.”

“Learning a lot about the economy?” Kate hid her smile behind her cup.

“Hardly. It’s ridiculous how many cosmetics and lotions are available for young girls.”

Kate laughed, reflecting on the fact her aunt still used Prell shampoo. “Anything interesting?”

“Actually, yes. I’m reading an article called ‘Ten Ways to Keep a Guy in the Friend Zone.’”

“Have you met someone? I’m the worst niece ever! Here I went on and on about my relationship struggles and the worries I have about starting a business, and I never asked about your personal life.”

Helen waved a hand in dismissal. “Your life is much more interesting than mine and no, I’m not dating. Your uncle was the love of my life. But I wouldn’t mind some male companionship—the friendly kind—someone I could go to the movies with, play cards with, dine out.”