Page 3 of The Friendship Pact

“I get that. Okay, now I’m curious. What are the ten ways to keep a guy in the friend zone?”

Helen flipped back to the beginning of the article: “One, set boundaries. Make your intentions very clear.”

“You mean, if you only want to hang out?”

“Exactly. Friends only,” Helen said. “Two, act friendly, not flirty; three, don’t worry about how you look.”

“Really? What man doesn’t care how you look?” Kate winced as Jacques’s face flitted through her mind. She always changed into pajamas or yoga pants when she returned home from work, and whenever he’d stop by and see her that way, he’d make an offhand comment about her “lazy look.”

“Someone who is head over heels in love with you, that’s who.” Helen patted her hand and continued. “Number four, keep physical contact to a minimum; five, don’t take it personally; number six . . . oh,” said Helen. “It’s okay to not hang out all the time. That’s a good one.”

Yeah, thought Kate. That is good since I’m no longer willing, nor do I have the desire, to give all my time to a relationship.

For seven years she gave her all to Jacques, spent most of her free time with him, and instead of committing, he moved out of the country.

“Number seven, be interested in what they enjoy.”

“So, pretend to watch the Twins game even if you’re only in it for the Cracker Jack?” Kate asked.

Helen giggled. “Yes. Exactly. Your uncle and I weren’t interested in all the same things, but through listening and discovery, we figured out what we both liked and what we wanted to do on our own or with friends.” Nyla rubbed against Helen’s leg, seeking attention. “I think they’re hungry.”

Lucy jumped onto Kate’s lap. She stroked the petite seal point Siamese until it purred. “They can wait a few minutes. What’s number eight?”

Helen turned her attention back to the glossy magazine. “Number eight, reveal your flaws occasionally; nine, don’t be jealous; and ten—I like this one!—tell others you are just friends. Your uncle and I started as friends, became best friends before he proposed. We knew when we met that we’d spend the rest of our lives together. I would have liked more time, but I’ve never regretted a day.”

It was time for Kate to squeeze her aunt’s hand. Hoping to lighten the mood, Kate asked, “What I hear you saying is you can be friends with a man, but it may turn into something more?”

“Well, it did for your uncle and me, but I don’t think it has to. I think I’ll try it. There’s a gentleman at church who lost his wife a few years ago. Maybe I’ll ask him to coffee as friends. Set boundaries.” Helen winked.

“Good for you,” Kate said. “I’ll try it too, if I can find a man willing to stay in the friend zone.” Kate’s focus would be first and foremost on herself and her business—and on Lucy and Nyla, who needed breakfast before heading north to their new home.

CHAPTER TWO

Drawing in a long breath, Sheriff Nick Reid prayed for patience. He flicked his fingers in a hand it over gesture at his new deputy. “Give it to me.” His mom referred to Deputy Sawyer as “wet behind the ears.” He would use a totally different phrase.

Deputy Kevin Sawyer, the mayor’s nephew, was hired against Nick’s better judgment. Sawyer, although a nice guy, needed more training than Nick cared to devote time to right now. At least the city council had approved the hiring of two deputies. The deputy he preferred couldn’t start until after the first of the year, but he was willing to wait. She’d be an asset to the town instead of a thorn in his side.

Sawyer pulled the Taser from his belt to hand to his boss. “I know how to use it properly,” he grumbled.

Zap!

Nick shook his head in disbelief as his police officer fell to the floor, stunned, resembling Hermione Granger when petrified. Sawyer, although stiff, jerked, and the Taser fell from his grip.

Meg Peterson, the dispatcher, ran over and knelt next to Sawyer. “Oh, you poor thing!”

Nick bent down and confiscated the Taser, then stepped over the young deputy and strode toward his office, shaking his head.

“Sheriff, not so fast,” Meg said. “I just received a call from Ms. Johnston. She needs you to stop by. Something about making extra Christmas cookies for you.”

Nick grinned and checked the time. Only thirty minutes until the end of his twelve-hour shift. Perfect. He’d sign off after visiting with his former high school English teacher. She’d often call Meg to entice Nick to visit. He understood that being an officer in a small town meant more than keeping the townsfolk safe. He considered visiting his lonely teacher, whom he had always admired, both a duty and a perk of the job. Plus, she made the best soft gingerbread cookies with fluffy frosting.

“Do you want me to send Deputy Sawyer when he’s fully functional?”

Nick caught a flash of her smirk. “Nah. I got it, Meg. Send him to the city line.” He motioned with his chin toward Sawyer. “Have him watch for speeders.” He handed the Taser to Meg. “Store it in your desk until we go over proper equipment handling . . . again.”

She handled the weapon gingerly, placing it in the bottom drawer of her desk, and went back to help Sawyer to his feet.

“Save some cookies for me,” Meg called.