Page 20 of The Friendship Pact

“Sure.”

“Could you make some suggestive cupcakes?”

Kate set her coffee down, playing with the handle of the mug as she listened. She could see where this was headed and smiled. “Are you talking anatomically correct body parts, boxer shorts, and maybe kissy lips?”

Maggie burst out laughing. “Exactly! So, you’ve done them before?”

“Oh yeah. I’ve gotten pretty good at making provocative cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.”

“Brilliant! I know you have a lot going on, so if this is too much right now, please say no. I can easily pick up a cake at the grocery store if you don’t have time. Otherwise, let me know how much I owe you.”

“Don’t you dare! This is fun for me. How many and what flavor?”

They nailed down the details and promised to meet up soon. Kate finished her coffee, placed the mug in the sink, and headed to the bedroom to get dressed. It was a comfort that Maggie had mentioned payment. The extra money would help.

Kate pulled on a pair of jeans and decided on a red sweater. She chose a pair of short black boots and laced them up. She didn’t bother with makeup most days, but she elected to add foundation and lip gloss in hopes it would make her look more alert than she felt. Her sleep had been restless.

Nyla was sound asleep on her bed, and Lucy was in the living room window. The sun had just peeked over the horizon.

Kate gathered her purse, keys, and phone, filled the cat dishes with hard food, and grabbed her coat from the hook by the door. Last night’s impromptu dinner with Nick had been fun, and she looked forward to the day he had planned today. She sent him a text: Meet me in the church, you can use the side entrance, it’s unlocked. So far, she enjoyed spending time with the sheriff. Maybe this friend-zone thing could really work.

Not waiting for a response, she locked the kitchen door and unlocked the door to the future home of Sacred Grounds. She loved that she could enter her home and the back entrance to her bistro from the large mudroom, never having to step outside.

When she walked into the church, Pete and Alexis greeted her with a wave.

Kate shoved her hands into her pockets. Between Pete’s need to discuss something with her and now Alexis being here as well, she worried. This couldn’t be good. Don’t jump to conclusions, Kate.

Pete and Alexis approached her. “Good morning. Thanks for meeting with us. How are you liking your new living space?” Alexis inquired.

“I absolutely love it. It’s beautiful. Maggie did a great job picking out the furniture.”

“Good. I’m pleased about how it turned out,” Alexis said. “Sorry to call you here, but we have good news and bad news.”

Kate grew more nervous. Her budget couldn’t afford any setbacks. She had to be open for business in time for fishing opener in May, or her savings would run dry. She hunched her shoulders as if to ward off the cold. “I’ll take the bad news first.”

Pete glanced at Alexis and then said, “When we removed the bolts from some of the pews, they pulled free too easily. We investigated further, and there’s significant rot.”

Alexis took over. “Unfortunately, a portion of the subfloor needs replacing, and so do several stringers.”

Kate knew little about construction, so she continued to listen, waiting to hear the hit her budget would take.

“We’ll need to fix the drainage problem in the spring because of how the water is pooling under the foundation.”

“Wait. Can we save the original floors?” Kate asked.

Alexis nodded. “Yes, but with the cost of lumber and tearing out a good portion of the floors, we’re talking an additional twenty thousand dollars. I’m sorry, Kate, I wish I had better news.”

Kate’s hand rested on her stomach. It was good she hadn’t eaten yet. She swallowed and asked, “What’s the good news?”

“It won’t set us back on timing; you’ll still be able to open as planned.”

Kate tried to find the positive, but this hurt. “I have to be honest, that’s a huge hit, and I’m working on a tight budget. I have a little contingency money, but not nearly that much.”

“There are things we can do to offset the cost. We don’t have to match the hardwood, and we can discuss different flooring options,” Alexis said.

With a sigh of frustration, Kate massaged her forehead. “I really want the floors to match. They’re part of the charm.” She looked at Pete and Alexis, open to any suggestions. She knew it was hard for them to give her this news, but she didn’t have any ideas. “Wait. My booths are on back order. They’re costing a small fortune. Maybe I can cancel the order and only use tables.”

Pete snapped his fingers. “I have an idea. Yes, cancel the order for the booths. We set the pews off to the side because I needed to ask what you wanted to do with them. How about repurposing them into booths?”