Page 63 of The Friendship Pact

“No, I’d like to come in. Maybe I can find something for Nick.”

“Who are you texting?”

“Your father. I told him where we were. He wants me to pick something up for your boyfriend. Wait a sec, he’s sending another message.”

They waited in the warm vehicle while Kordell texted. Kate kept the vehicle running because her dad, a one-finger texter, took forever to send messages.

“Okay, he says to buy a new rifle case,” Jill said. “Your father is visiting with Nick’s dad. Jim says the owner will know which one.”

Kate leaned over to read the message. Her mom sent back a heart and thumbs-up emoji, then they got out of the car and headed inside.

Maybe she needed to come clean before her mom bought an expensive case, Kate thought, but she couldn’t yet. She’d pay her mom and dad back. She picked up the shoelaces she’d been thinking about and paid Mark.

“Nice to see you again, Kate,” Mark said. “Who’s this young lady with you?”

“Mark, this is my mom, Jill Davis.”

“Nice to meet you, Jill.”

“You too.” Jill glanced around the small shop. “I love your place.”

“Thanks.” Mark handed them their purchases. “You ladies have a nice Christmas, and say hi to Nick for me.”

“I will.”

* * *

Dropping the bags on the living room floor, Jill plopped down on the couch. “Shopping is exhausting!”

“The way you shop is.” Kate chuckled.

“Since your dad isn’t home yet, I’m going to take a nap. Wake me in time to get ready.” She eased herself off the couch and headed for her bedroom.

Kate unpacked the few items she’d bought before she set her alarm and lay down on the couch for a quick nap. Her mom had the right idea.

When she woke to her alarm, she noticed her dad was in the kitchen. He had gone to the grocery store. She shook her head. It figured he couldn’t live without bread.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hi, honey. Did you have fun shopping?”

“We did. I need to wake Mom.”

“She’s already awake.” Her dad wiggled his brows.

Great. Her lovesick parents were getting it on in her new bed before she had.

“Okay . . . umm, I’m going to find something to wear for dinner.”

She so didn’t want to go into her bedroom. The thought of her parents having sex in her bed made her queasy. She peered into the bathroom, where her mom was refreshing her makeup.

“I’ll be out in a minute,” Jill singsonged.

“Take your time.”

“Honey, I’ll wash the bedding before we leave, we—”

Kate stuck her fingers in her ears. “La la la . . . stop talking; it’s fine.”