Page 32 of The Friendship Pact

“Follow me. Tell me what you think.”

She followed Pete into the main area, and he crouched down and uncovered the portion of the floor where they’d replaced the old hardwood with new planks. “We’re keeping it covered to preserve them.”

“They’re beautiful. What kind of wood is this?” She knelt and ran her hand over the smooth board. “I can’t even tell which is the old and which is new. It’s perfectly imperfect.”

He nodded. “They’re white oak. Our floor guy is top-notch.”

She stood and he re-covered the floor. “I ran into Cole,” Pete said, “and he mentioned he’d started on the booths. Have you had a chance to see them?”

“Not yet. I’m meeting with him this week at his shop.” She glanced around the space that she hoped would become a bustling coffee shop and was confident she was making the right decision with the money she had to work with. “I’ve given up on the patio and the extra landscaping to keep from extending my budget.”

“I think that’s smart. The first year, you’ll do fine with picnic tables on the lawn.” He glanced around the room. This place will mature into a thriving business in no time.”

“Thanks, Pete. That’s what I’m praying for.”

“Are you getting excited?”

“I am now. Will you be installing the booths once they’re done?”

He nodded. “After the holidays.”

“I can’t wait.” Kate said and rubbed her hands together in anticipation.

She took a few pictures and sent one to her parents. While doing so, she received a text from Maggie: I should have everything you need. Let’s talk about interior plans and I’ll show you around my barn. Let me know when you have time.

Great. Thanks, Kate texted back.

Successful with tightening her budget, she found herself with nothing to do. Ruth was taking care of the desserts this week. Kate suspected she needed a break from Jim and wanted to get back into the kitchen. Kate took that as a good sign Jim was feeling better.

She still needed a dress for Paige and Ethan’s wedding, so she bundled up in her winter gear and walked the few blocks to Rural Chic Boutique.

* * *

The sheriff’s SUV was parked in front of Chloe’s shop. A smile formed on Kate’s face as she pulled open the door. Christmas music played softly in the background.

“I’ll be right there!” Chloe yelled from the dressing room area off to the side.

“Chloe, it’s only me, Kate,” she called as she made her way toward Chloe’s voice.

Nick stood in front of the trifold mirrors as Chloe pinned his tux pants. “Oww. Watch it, sis.”

Chloe caught Kate’s eye in the mirror and winked. “You’re such a baby,” she said to her brother. “Okay. Now turn.”

Nick held his arms out straight. “Hi, Kate.”

“Hey. This doesn’t look like police work.”

“Lunch break. I’m the last of the groomsmen to be fitted.”

Chloe mumbled something, then removed the pins from between her lips. “My workaholic brother needed to make the time. What can I help you with, Kate?”

“I’m looking for a dress for the wedding.”

“Great.” Chloe pointed at two racks full of dresses. “Have a look through those ones. I can alter any of them. If you find any you want to try on, hang them on that rack.” She lifted her chin toward an empty frame. “Let me finish up with Nick.”

“Thanks. Take your time.”

Chloe had several dresses in red for the holiday. Kate’s favorite color. She pulled a floor-length gown off the stand and held it up against her body. She hung it on the empty rack. Skipping the pink-and-brown dress, she found a knee-length green A-line and held it up.