Page 21 of The Friendship Pact

“Do you know someone who could do that?”

“My brother could,” said a familiar voice behind Kate.

She jumped, and her hand flew to her chest. She was so focused on the conversation she hadn’t noticed a presence behind her until it was too late. “You scared me.”

Nick smiled and shook hands with Pete and Alexis. “Cole is a talented furniture maker and wood-carver.”

Alexis agreed. “This is why I hired Pete. He has great ideas and has saved me in the past. If you and Cole could work something out, that would make up for part of the cost. The other option would be to hold off on the patio and start with indoor seating, maybe set up a few picnic tables on the lawn.”

Pete continued, “You won’t need all the pews, but maybe you two could make a deal.”

Kate addressed Nick. “Doesn’t Cole work full-time at the lodge? Will he have time?”

Nick shrugged. “Talk to him. Woodworking is his escape.”

Maybe woodworking for Cole was like baking for her. Feeling better about the newest blow to her budget and not sold yet on the idea of putting off the outdoor space, she agreed. “Okay. I’ll talk to Cole.” She’d figure out something and rework her budget to accommodate the recent development.

“Ready to go?” Nick asked.

Pete glanced back and forth between Kate and Nick. Alexis smiled. Kate appreciated them not making a big deal about her and Nick leaving together, though by the way Alexis and Pete grinned, she could tell they wanted to pry.

“I’m ready.” Kate zipped up her coat. “Text me if you have any other issues,” she said to Pete.

“Will do. Enjoy your date—I mean, day,” Pete said, and Alexis smacked him on the arm.

As they walked away, Nick grumbled, “This is going to be harder than I thought.”

“Agreed. Let’s get breakfast.”

When they arrived at Rosie’s Diner, Nick held the door open for Kate, then followed her in. Patrons stopped and stared, some with their forks halfway to their mouths. It was almost comical. Almost. So, this was what it was like to live in a small town. Kate supposed having breakfast with the sheriff warranted a few extra stares. Nick pointed to an open booth near the back.

The server, a young woman with long black hair, came forward to greet them. “Good morning, Sheriff. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your date?”

Nick audibly groaned. “This is Kate Davis. Kate, this is Lily Chen.” Lily’s ponytail bounced as she practically vibrated in place with excitement.

“Nice to meet you, Lily. I’m renovating the church into a coffee shop. Nick has been generous enough to show me around town. We’re just friends. This isn’t a date,” Kate was quick to add.

Lily snatched two menus from the kiosk. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Kate. Thank you for bringing a coffee shop and bistro to town. I miss my London Fogs and having a cool place to meet with friends.” She added in a stage whisper, “Not that this place isn’t cool.”

Lily showed them to a booth and set the menus down. “What can I get you two to drink?”

“I’ll take a large water with lemon,” Kate said.

“Coffee for me, Lily,” Nick added.

“I’ll give you a few minutes to look over the menu.”

Kate peeked over her menu at Nick. “What do you recommend?”

“I usually get two eggs over easy with bacon, hash browns, and toast. Chloe always orders the blueberry pancakes.”

“Pancakes sound good, but I like to start my day with protein and vegetables.”

Lily returned a couple minutes later and set their drinks down. “Have you decided?”

“My usual,” Nick said and handed the menu to Lily.

“I’ll try the veggie omelet with a side of bacon. No toast.”