Serendipity by Carly Phillips Read Free Book Online

courage to come down here alone. Obviously she was early because she’d beaten Kate here, so she grabbed an empty bar stool and ordered a glass of Chardonnay.
    Then, realizing her drink would have been Carter’s choice, she changed it to a light beer, something she hadn’t had since college, but she’d always loved the malt taste. She grinned, imagining both her parents’ and Carter’s reaction to her drinking from the bottle.
    â€œI thought you weren’t into Karaoke Night?” Kate slipped into the empty chair beside her.
    â€œI changed my mind.”
    â€œI’m glad. The rest of the gang will be here soon.”
    Faith’s stomach churned and she realized she’d misjudged herself. She wasn’t ready to deal with Kate’s friends, but she was already here and had no choice.
    â€œHey, I thought you weren’t going to be here for another half hour?” Faith asked her friend.
    Kate shrugged. “I heard you made an appearance.” She tilted her head toward Joe, the owner of the bar since he’d taken over from his father.
    â€œHe called you?”
    Kate nodded. “He considers watching out for his customers part of his job.”
    â€œSo, who else is joining us?” Faith asked, preparing herself for the answer.
    â€œWell, Lissa, for one.” Kate shot Faith an apologetic glance. “And Tanya Santos and Stacey Garner. Remember them?” Kate asked.
    â€œStacey still lives in town?” Faith hadn’t run into her since her return. She’d been a part of Faith and Kate’s clique back in high school.
    Kate nodded. “Like you, she went off to school. She became a dentist and came back home. She works with old Mr. Hansen.”
    â€œGood for her,” Faith said. She glanced around, wondering which of the women would arrive first.
    â€œLooking for anyone special ?” Kate asked with a grin.
    â€œLike who?” Faith deadpanned. She really hoped her friend would take the hint and not say his name.
    â€œOh, a certain bad boy named Ethan Barron.”
    She said it, Faith thought wryly.
    She didn’t want to talk about Ethan, not when she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Yes, there was the fact that he was so handsome he took her breath away. And he wanted her to work for him, which had scared her on so many levels she hadn’t been able to get away fast enough. Stupid on her part because she desperately needed clients, and despite the emotional minefield of decorating her old home, the opportunity could showcase her talent and potentially open many more doors.
    But what she couldn’t get out of her mind was how badly Ethan’s brother had treated him. And how Ethan had just accepted it as his due. Despite his lack of expression and reaction, she’d sensed how badly Dare’s rejection had hurt.
    â€œHere you are!”
    Faith’s thoughts were interrupted and she turned to see the three women Kate had mentioned earlier had joined them.
    â€œYou never sit in the corner. I almost couldn’t find you. What gives?” Lissa asked, barely sparing a glance at Faith as she spoke directly to Kate.
    â€œFaith and I just wanted a private spot to talk until you guys got here.” Kate met Lissa’s gaze, practically daring her to be rude.
    Faith pasted a smile on her face and treated the other women to a friendly wave.
    â€œFaith Harrington, as I live and breathe!” A perky blonde nudged Lissa out of the way and made her way to Kate, giving her a huge hug.
    Her second of the day and one she was happy to reciprocate. “Stacey Garner! It’s so good to see you!”
    They squealed like only old girlfriends could.
    From over Stacey’s shoulder, Faith caught Lissa’s wary gaze.
    Too bad, Faith thought. She had another ally and she wasn’t going anywhere. Serendipity was her home too, and Lissa was just going to have to deal with her.
    Faith discreetly studied her