Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Over the next couple of days, Kate and her parents visited a local winery, bought a few items at the Woodridge’s Christmas Bazaar, and attended an evening performance of The Christmas Carol, put on by their local community group.
Kate wasn’t exactly ghosting Nick after the wedding, but had made excuses for why he couldn’t join them.
She had been bold and crossed the line of their friendship pact, but now she was second-guessing her decision because she felt guilty about the faux-dating lie and didn’t want to perpetuate the ruse any more than she had to.
She wiped down the counter after having made veggie omelets for breakfast, while her mom loaded the dishwasher. Her parents never skipped breakfast, and she’d expected her dad to complain about not having bread, but he hadn’t. He was happy with the pork sausage.
“I noticed several great shops in town I’d like to explore,” Jill said. “How about some last-minute shopping? You know how I enjoy supporting local businesses.”
“I can’t argue with that since I’ll be one soon too,” Kate said. “I have one condition: you don’t buy me anything. My gift is spending time with you and Dad this Christmas.”
“Christmas is in three days. I make no promises.”
Kate dried her hands on a towel and called out to her dad, who had both cats relaxing with him on the couch. “What are your plans today if Mom and I go shopping?”
“I thought I’d walk around town. Maybe do some shopping on my own.”
“What? Shop before Christmas Eve? Who are you and what have you done with my father?” she joked. He’d always waited until the last minute to buy his gifts. He was the king of procrastination when it came to gift giving.
“You’ll learn. The best deals are on Christmas Eve.”
“That may be so, but you have to deal with the anxious shoppers,” Jill chimed in.
He chuckled. “I doubt there will be a rush of consumer spending in Deer Creek Falls. If there is, I’ll let you know.”
“Remember, the Reids invited us to their anniversary party Christmas Eve, and we’re having Christmas dinner at the lodge. I’ll need gifts.” Jill reminded them.
Kordell sat forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I hope we aren’t intruding on their festivities.”
“Our daughter is dating their son. We can’t turn down his parents’ invitation.”
“We should get going,” Kate said. Should she come clean about her little white lie before it got out of hand?
* * *
“Oh, Kate. This town is so quaint with Christmas music playing and every shop window decorated. I can see why you wanted to live here.” Jill waved to several people.
“You’re really getting into the small-town life.” Kate nudged her mom’s shoulder. “Already waving and greeting strangers,” she teased.
“Everyone is so friendly.”
Kate couldn’t disagree. She also found everyone pleasant.
They approached Rosie’s Diner. The large window depicted a winter scene of miniature flocked Christmas trees.
“We’ll have to stop at Rosie’s or the Eagle’s Nest. They’re the only restaurants open for lunch.
Mario’s, our Italian restaurant, is open only for dinner during the winter months. ”
Her mom entwined arms with her and hugged her close. “Let’s have lunch at Rosie’s, and let’s meet Nick at the Eagle’s Nest for dinner.”
When Nick had texted Kate after the wedding, she’d used her parents as an excuse for not spending time with him. She couldn’t avoid him any longer.
“Text him and set up dinner,” Jill urged.
“I don’t like to disturb him at work.”
“One text won’t hurt.”
Just as she was about to protest further, Nick strolled out of Rosie’s Diner.
“Good morning, ladies.”
Like most women, Kate loved a man in uniform. She involuntarily swallowed and roamed his body with her eyes, finally landing on his smile. His sexy smirk told her he’d caught her ogling.
He kissed her on the cheek. She accepted the quick peck with a smile. He stepped back and greeted her mom. “Ma’am. Are you enjoying your time in our town?”
“I am. Thank you. And please, call me Jill. Or Mom is fine too.” She grinned.
“Jill. Kate. I hope to see you later.”
Jill smacked Kate on the arm.
“Nick, would you like to join us for dinner tonight at the Eagle’s Nest?” Kate asked.
“I’d like that. Text me a time and I’ll be there.”
Jill practically bounced up and down, more from the excitement than the cold, Kate guessed.
One corner of Nick’s mouth lifted in a small smile. “See you tonight.”
This sexy man knew how to play with Kate’s emotions. He played the part of a doting boyfriend well. Something she’d forced him to do. But she didn’t think he was pretending, and that scared her.
Fanning herself, Jill practically purred. “He’s so dreamy. He puts the sexy hero in my books to shame.”
“This isn’t one of your books.”
“Oh, but it could be.”
Kate couldn’t resist an eye roll. Her mom drove her crazy with romance-book talk. “You read fiction. Life isn’t all romance and happily ever after.”
“It will be with Nick. I have a sense about these things. You’re on your way to experiencing just that. Come on. I can’t wait to visit Turner Books. It was so nice to meet Paige at the wedding.”
“You mean the wedding you crashed?”
Pulling Kate along the sidewalk, Jill said, “I don’t think she minded. She’s such a sweet person.”
“Yes. She loved you. An adoring fan.”
* * *
“Hi Lily,” Kate greeted. Lily worked for both Paige and Rosie. Today she was behind the counter at Turner Books, no doubt because Paige and Ethan were off enjoying a few days of alone time before Christmas and before they left on their honeymoon.
Last-minute shoppers filled the store, perusing the bookshelves and gift items. Most of the customers spoke in hushed tones, like you’d expect in a library. Kate found this funny.
Lily came around the cash desk after handing a canvas tote filled with books to a customer. “How are you, Mrs. Davis? Are you enjoying your time in our town?”
“I’m well, thank you, and I am.” Jill glanced around the store. “Could you point me to the romance section, Lily? I need to find a book for my daughter.”
Lily’s smile widened. “Second row.”
“Thank you. I’ll leave you two to catch up.”
“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.”
Chloe waved to them as she helped a customer.
“This is by far my favorite place to shop,” Kate said. “I bought my outfit for the wedding here. Chloe redesigns dresses into her own style.”
“I wondered where you’d gotten that. I’ll have to find one for myself.” Jill took off toward the rows of dresses.