Page 61 of The Friendship Pact

“So . . . how is Nick?” Lily asked.

Kate noticed her mom slowing to hear her response. She’d never been subtle in her eavesdropping. “Handsome as ever,” Kate said, louder than necessary. Several people turned her way. “Lily, do you have any new mystery paperbacks I might be interested in?” Kate asked.

Lily, reading her loud and clear, answered, “Yes. Follow me.” She led her to the back room, calling out, “Mrs. Davis, we’ll be right back.”

Jill peered over the cover of the book she’d picked up. “Take your time.”

When Kate and Lily were by the back door, Lily said, “Spill. I only have a few minutes.”

Satisfied no one would hear, Kate whispered, “Last time I talked with my parents, I lied and said I met someone, to get my mom off my back about my dating life. When they showed up unexpectedly at the wedding, I panicked. They think we’re dating.”

“Technically, you met Nick the first day you arrived. So you weren’t completely dishonest.”

“True.”

“You like him.”

Kate bit down on her lip so she wouldn’t spew all the feelings that were building for the sexy sheriff. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

“He likes you too,” Lily said.

“Lily, what am I going to do? I hate lying to my parents.”

“And . . . lying to yourself is better?”

“Gah!” Kate threw her hands up.

She needed to reel in her emotions for Nick. They had a friendship pact, and she needed to abide by it to keep her life on track. She had a goal and couldn’t deviate. It was bad enough Chloe and Lily found out they had kissed. She needed to stick with we’re just friends. Besides, Lily would think she had lost her mind if she told her she was following rules on relationships printed in a teen magazine.

“My mom always says the truth will set you free,” Lily said, interrupting her thoughts.

“Your mom is wise. Nick’s having dinner with my parents and me at the Eagle’s Nest tonight.”

“Hmm, maybe wait to tell them after dinner. Let them get to know Nick better. At least you can see how he gets along with your parents instead of—Lily supplied air quotes— ‘the awkward meet the parents.’ Go to dinner. Have a good time, and then come clean. Tell them you’re just friends. Which none of us believe anyway. The sexual tension is clear as day to me and everyone else.”

Done talking, Kate turned Lily around. “Come on, before my mom comes looking for us.”

* * *

After leaving Turner Books, Kate and her mom headed toward Rural Chic Boutique.

“Don’t you love my new T-shirt?” Jill had purchased a T-shirt reading Eat. Sleep. Romance. “I’m planning on wearing it to my book club.”

“You mean your wine club?” Kate chuckled. “Yes. It’s cute and right up your alley. I’m glad you didn’t buy one for me.”

“I know your past relationship with he-whom-I-shall-not-name soured you on romance, but don’t discount what you have with Nick. I’m waiting for the day you’ll realize you’re in love with your soul mate.”

“Okay, Mom. No talk about Nick. This is his sister’s shop we’re going to.”

“Who said anything about Nick?” Jill winked. “I love the window display,” she commented as she pulled open the door.

“Chloe has great taste. I finished decorating the window for her the day her dad had a heart attack.”

Her mom side-hugged her. “My sweet girl. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now get inside. It’s cold out here.”

“This is lovely,” Jill said and unwrapped her scarf, looking at the racks of clothing and gift items. “I think I’ll be here awhile.”