Page 22 of The Friendship Pact

“Good choice,” Lily said, and scampered away.

“Tell me, Kate. If you weren’t here, what would you be doing today?”

“I’d be testing new recipes, which sounds incredibly boring, I know.”

“Not boring. Baking is your livelihood, but what about hobbies or other interests?”

She had to think hard for an answer. Kate was just as much a workaholic as the man sitting across from her. Maybe this friendship pact was good for both of them. After all, they both needed to get out of their self-imposed ruts and take time to play a little. “That’s a good question.”

“No bucket list?”

She leaned back. “No, but I’m thinking I need one.”

“Let’s make one now, then.”

“Listen to you. I thought you were all work and no play,” Kate said.

“Said the pot to the kettle.” Nick laughed.

“Well, you already know I want to visit all fifty states. But I also haven’t been out of the country.”

Nick nodded. “Which countries would you like to see?”

“Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Germany, England,” Kate said.

“So, you’ve given this some thought.” Nick smiled his oh-so-sexy, women-turning-heads-and-causing-traffic-accidents type of smile. “What about here and now?”

“I’ve never been snowshoeing or white water rafting.”

“I can help you with those.”

“Oh yeah? All of them?”

“Let’s start with getting you on the trails.”

“Here you two are.” Lily set their breakfasts in front of them and refilled Nick’s coffee. Kate had been doing most of the talking and had hardly touched her water.

“Looks delicious. Thanks, Lily,” Kate said.

“Enjoy.” Lily scampered off to her next table.

Kate was so absorbed in their conversation she hadn’t noticed how full the diner had become.

They’d gotten halfway through their meal when Rosie, Elsie, and Emma came over to introduce themselves. When they left, Kate met the charming old Sampson brothers and Maggie and Ethan’s mom, Linnie.

Nick finished his coffee. “I apologize for what seemed like the entire town stopping by to chat.”

“It’s fine. I enjoyed meeting everyone.”

Lily came by and gathered their plates. “Breakfast is on Rosie. She felt bad for starting the town introductions.”

“Please thank her. My compliments to the chef.” Kate placed a hand on her stomach and took a deep breath. “That was the best veggie omelet I’ve tasted. I’ve never had one stuffed with so many vegetables.”

Nick leaned forward when Lily left. “When I returned home to Deer Creek Falls, the same thing happened. People were always interrupting meals to shoot the breeze. It’ll fade with time. You’ll like it here; this is a great community.”

“I didn’t mind.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Nick placed a twenty on the table and stood. He waved to Rosie as he led Kate out of the diner and to his truck.