Page 13 of Fools in Love

Kate glanced over at her mother, but she was facing away from her, and Kate couldn’t tell if her mother was meddling or not.

Still, it was nice to find out that Tom was single. At least her mother believed so. And that the flowers were for a coworker. Kate knew Alice. The woman had worked as the police dispatcher for years and was a grandmother.

That didn’t stop her from wondering if Tom was seeing someone. As they made their way down the main street, Kate noticed a bunch of changes in the small town.

All in Bloom, the town’s flower shop, sat off the main street next to the old beauty shop. Kate had worked at the floral shop whenever she’d been in town for more than a few days. She loved working with flowers almost as much as she loved dancing. Suzie Jordan, the owner, was a good friend and now married to Aiden Brogan, one of Kate’s old boyfriends. Actually, Aiden had been Kate’s first major crush back when she’d been in school. They had been official boyfriend and girlfriend, until Aiden had broken off things by writing her a note. He’d been in fifth grade, but still, she’d fallen hard and fast for the guy.

There was a sign for Sunset Weddings, the wedding venue owned and run by two sisters. It was just down the road from the flower shop and sat in a huge, remodeled barn.

Her mother stopped the car in front of Classy and Sassy, a boutique owned and run by her friends Riley and Lilly. Her mother parked the car directly in front of the shop. Instantly, Kate’s eyes zoned in on the cute white shirt-and-shorts combo in the window.

Even though it was raining now, she knew summer would be here soon.

“That’s cute,” she told her mother as she got out of the car.

Her mother glanced over and smiled. “I’m so thankful for those girls opening up their shop. I used to have to drive into Edgeview to get stylish clothes. Now it’s just a short walk from the house. Oh, they put some new things up.” Her mother walked over to the window.

Kate followed her and noticed Riley Jordan hanging up a soft yellow sundress beside the shorts and shirt.

Riley noticed them and waved, then rushed out the front door.

“Gosh, you’re home.” Riley hugged Kate.

Riley was a few years older than Kate. They’d been in gym class together and had even been in a school play together once.

“How are you feeling?” Riley asked, pulling back.

“Good, much better,” she answered. Then she remembered that Riley had recently gotten married. “How is married life treating you?” She took Riley’s hand in hers. The short blonde was built a lot like Kate was. Both of them were roughly five foot four or five foot five.

“Great,” Riley squealed, holding up her ring finger. “Carter Miller. I’m Mrs. Carter Miller.” She squealed again. “And Lilly is still enjoying being married too.” She motioned to the window. Kate saw Riley’s cousin Lilly glance up from the register and wave at them.

Lilly was a year or two older than Riley. Kate waved back to her.

The Jordan clan were all well known and liked in Pride.

Not only did they own most of the successful business in Pride, but Lilly’s mother, Lacey, was the town’s mayor and her father was the town’s doctor. Kate had an appointment scheduled with him in a few days to check her progress.

Riley’s father owned the Golden Oar, the best restaurant in town. Her mother was a famous painter. The list of the Jordan’s many accomplishments went on and on.

Just thinking of them, Kate felt her shoulders slump a little.

“We’re heading over to your husband’s place now for some lunch,” Kate’s mother chimed in.

“Oh, I won’t keep you then.” Riley smiled and then hugged Kate again. “Stop by when you can and check out our new summer items.”

“I like that.” Kate motioned to the window. “The shirt and shorts.”

Riley’s smile grew. “I’ll set them aside for you. What are you? Size…” Her eyes narrowed. “One?”

Kate nodded. “Thanks.”

Riley chuckled. “Anytime. I’m sure glad you’re home,” she added before turning around and disappearing back into her shop.

Somehow, after that little meeting, the weight of her own future felt even heavier. She was a complete failure and had no future to speak of. Nothing to look forward to each day. Nothing to get her out of bed.

By the time they walked through the front doors of the pizzeria, Kate was second-guessing leaving the house that day.

Chapter Five