“How’s your house remodeling going?”
Kathleen sighed. “My timeline is in shreds. It was supposed to be finished six months ago, but I’m still no closer to living there. If it weren’t for Lynda and Isabel, I would have given up weeks ago.”
“You can’t give up,” Susan said, her voice growing steadier. “Even without any of the changes you want to make, your home is beautiful. If it takes a little longer, it doesn’t matter.”
Kathleen knew Susan was right, but the time it was taking wasn’t the only thing that worried her. She had a tight budget, and the unexpected structural issues they’d found had eaten into her savings.
A truck stopped opposite the café, and Kathleen smiled at the man climbing out of the cab.
Susan saw her expression change and looked through the window. “That’s Patrick, isn’t it? Is he still a foreman on the tiny homes project?”
Kathleen nodded. “He’s still there, but he’s also managing the remodeling of the building behind the fence.”
“I remember him from the last time I was here,” Susan said. “Are you still friends or have you taken the plunge and told him how you feel about him?”
Kathleen took a sip of coffee, stalling for time. Admitting that Patrick felt like more than a friend would open all kinds of issues she wasn’t ready to face.
Susan leaned forward and touched Kathleen’s arm. “It’s okay to be attracted to him.”
“It’s not that simple.” Kathleen set down her cup, watching Patrick organize his crew. They’d been friends since he’d moved to Sapphire Bay. He’d helped her when her car broke down, when she was sick and couldn’t work, and when she needed someone to talk her through fixing a leaky faucet. “What if I tell him how I feel, and everything changes? I’d lose my best friend.” Kathleen gestured helplessly. “I can’t risk messing up our friendship because I have feelings for him.”
Susan sighed. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is too short for regrets. Don’t let what you think might happen affect your future happiness.”
“That’s what Isabel and Lynda keep telling me, but that’s easier said than done.” Pushing all thoughts of Patrick out of her mind, Kathleen focused on why Susan was here. “Are you looking forward to finding the perfect wedding dress for Isabel?”
Susan’s smile was more genuine this time. “I can’t wait. From what Isabel said, the store in Bozeman is amazing.”
Chloe came over and left a plate holding a small quiche and a sandwich on the table. “This is for you, Susan. I thought you might want something to eat after your flight.”
“That’s really thoughtful of you, Chloe. Thank you.”
Chloe nodded. “You’re welcome, but it’s not the only reason I’m here.” With a regretful glance at Kathleen, Chloe continued. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mrs. Jones wants to order lunch for her gardening club. Would you be able to help her?”
“Of course, I can,” Kathleen replied instantly. Reaching into her pocket, she handed Susan a key. “This is for the front door of my house. Make yourself at home.”
Susan smiled. “I will. I’ve missed you.”
Kathleen hugged her friend. “I’ve missed you, too. I’ll see you later this afternoon.”
After discussing sandwich, pastry, and beverage options with Mrs. Jones, Kathleen focused on refilling coffee cups and taking orders. Susan had left the café while she was finalizing the gardening club’s lunch options. Hopefully, whatever was bothering her friend would solve itself while she was staying in Sapphire Bay.
As Kathleen worked, she noticed Patrick’s truck was still parked across the street. Despite her worries about their friendship, she hoped he’d stop by for a cup of coffee. She enjoyed spending time with him, even if it was only for a few minutes.
With a deep sigh, she wondered if Patrick felt the same way about her.
Chapter 2
Patrick slid a list of paint colors into his jacket pocket as he crossed the street outside The Lakeview Café. The sun sat like a golden orb over Flathead Lake, reminding him of why he’d traded the concrete canyons of Manhattan for the wide-open spaces of Sapphire Bay.
This morning had been more productive than he’d imagined. The conversation with Penny about the arts center’s interior color scheme was easier than expected.
She’d approved his suggestions for the gallery walls without a single revision and even liked the flooring sample he’d shown her. If the rest of the project went as well as the first half had, they’d be opening the arts and crafts center ahead of time and on budget.
The familiar chime of the front door welcomed him as he stepped inside the café. Taking a deep breath, he smelled the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet baking in the kitchen.
Kathleen stood behind the counter, her silver hair catching the sunlight. When she looked up and smiled, Patrick sighed. If he could have put his feelings into words, he’d say he was smitten. But Kathleen was his friend, and there wasn’t any room for romantic notions in their special relationship.
“Right on schedule,” Kathleen said, reaching for his usual mug before he’d even made it to the counter. “How did things go with Penny?”
