Fated Read Free Page B

mall.” Tess grinned, already on to the next subject.
    Thank God.
    “Okay I’ll tell Faith we’re coming out.” Kate texted Faith back, then gathered her book bag and jacket, ready to brave both the November chill and the mall.
    A few minutes later, both Kate and Tess were seated in Faith’s warm, brand-new Cadillac Escalade truck, courtesy of her husband. Ethan, once the town bad boy on a motorcycle, had returned, determined to make good. He’d also gotten his girl. If Kate didn’t know how much Faith had suffered in the past, she’d almost be jealous of her best friend and the love she’d found.
    “Sorry we’re late,” Kate said, settling into the seat.
    Faith glanced heavenward. “Save it. You’re always late.” She softened the words with an understanding laugh. “Buckle up.” She glanced at Tess via the rearview mirror.
    Kate did the same, and Faith pulled out of the school parking lot.
    “Listen, I have to make a quick stop on the way to the mall,” Faith said apologetically.
    From the back seat, Tess groaned.
    “Hey, I waited for you. It’ll just take a minute. I have to drop something off for a client.” Faith adjusted her sunglasses as she drove.
    “For who? And why can’t it wait till tomorrow?” Tess was nothing if not persistent.
    “Customers come first. The only way a start-up business works is if you keep your word,” Faith patiently explained.
    Tess muttered something under her breath.
    “Give Faith a break,” Kate said to the still-grumbling teen. “Text your friends or something until we get there.”
    “Thanks,” Faith said to her.
    “No problem. So who is this person? A new customer?” Kate swiveled to face the driver’s seat.
    “You could say that.”
    Kate shrugged, not too concerned with her friend’s customer base.
    They settled into silence and Kate looked out the window, watching the town of Serendipity as they passed through. To her surprise, they drove almost to the edge of town, arriving at Serendipity Lake, where some of residents had summer cabins. Kate’s parents among them until they decided they’d rather have a second home down south, and sold the cabin where they’d spent many summers while Kate was growing up. She hadn’t thought of the place in years but she’d always loved the freedom of her time there.
    But suddenly Kate realized just who they were going to see. “We’re going to Nick’s?” she asked, her stomach flipping uncomfortably.
    Faith didn’t answer, merely drove past the well-spaced houses and pulled into the driveway of a completely remodeled cabin set off from the others.
    The driveway was fully paved, not gravel like the older homes had. Though the structure itself retained a rustic feel, the outside possessed a completely modern, newer look, and sat on more land than the other houses were allotted. The house was obviously new, charming, and very Nick.
    “Faith?” Kate asked again.
    “One sec.” Faith turned around and reached for a small shopping bag behind her seat. “Do me a favor and leave this on the porch? I need to call Ethan before we get lost in the mall for hours.”
    Kate narrowed her gaze. “I really don’t want to run into Nick.”
    Faith waved away her concern. “He’s not home. That’s why you can just leave it on the porch.” She dangled the bag. “Please?”
    Kate let out a sigh. “Fine. As long as he’s not here,” she muttered.
    “Thanks.” Faith reached for her phone. Tess remained quiet in the back seat. A quick glance showed she’d put her iPod and headphones on, so she’d be satisfied until they arrived at the mall.
    Kate opened the car door and hopped out, the cold wind hitting her in the face. “You owe me,” she called out to her friend.
    Faith met her gaze and shot her a smile before Kate slammed the door shut. No sooner had she reached the front porch when she heard the roar of the engine and turned to see Faith’s truck backing out of the driveway.
    “What the—” Kate waved