Perfect Fling (Serendipity's Finest 2)

But Nicole didn’t want to assume she was being mistaken for her twin. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” she said to the woman behind the counter.

“I’m Macy Donovan. Occasional hostess, waitress, you name it. My family owns the restaurant. Aren’t you—”

“Nicole Farnsworth,” she chimed in quickly.

“So you’re not Victoria? The psychopath who—”

Nicole shook her head. “No, but she’s my twin.”

Macy’s cheeks turned red in embarrassment. “Sorry, but she hurt a friend of mine and . . . Never mind.”

Nicole winced. “I expected to deal with the fallout if I moved here.”

“You moved here?” Macy raised her eyebrows.

“Yes, I did.” Nicole squared her shoulders, intending to communicate to Macy Donovan that not only was she sure of her decision, but she wasn’t about to be bullied because of her sister.

“Listen, I’m blunt but I’m not judging you. Erin Marsden’s my best friend and your sister stalked her for months.”

Nicole winced at the reminder.

“But Erin told me you helped them find where your sister was hiding out, and she said you came to town in the first place to warn her and Cole. So . . . truce?” Macy held out her hand.

Letting out a deep breath, Nicole accepted the other woman’s peace offering. “Thanks.”

Nicole’s cell phone chimed from where she’d set it down beside her. A quick look told her it was her ex-fiancé, Tyler Stanton. She blew out a breath and hit decline. She’d broken up with Tyler in person and there was no reason to rehash things over the phone.

Macy had picked up a towel and was wiping down the counter. When she realized Nicole wasn’t about to answer the call, she continued their conversation. “So what brings you to Serendipity?”

Easy answer. “A fresh start.”

Macy grinned. “Because you liked it so much your first time around?”

Nicole laughed. “That too. Seriously. Considering the reason I was here, the place and the people made an impact.”

“Anyone in particular?” Macy asked.

None that Nicole would admit to out loud. She shook her head.

“No worries. It just so happens that there’s a fund-raiser this weekend to raise money for women’s heart health.”

“In July?”

“I know, right? You’d think they would do it in February, but the first year, there was such a bad storm, they moved it to July. You should come to the dance.”

Nicole hesitated, the thought of walking into a big event all alone not something she was ready to do. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m new in town—”

“All the more reason to go so you can meet people! Dates aren’t required. I’m not going with anyone, so we can hang out. Come on, what do you say?”

Nicole figured Macy was right, as far as it being a good way to get to know people. Before Nicole could answer, her new friend chimed in once more.

“It’s for a good cause. The police department is co-sponsoring the event, and since this place is basically like a donut shop for Serendipity’s Finest, I agreed to pimp tickets for them. So please?” Macy was nothing if not persistent and her enthusiasm was infectious.

So was the fact that the police sponsorship guaranteed Sam Marsden would be at the event. And she’d like to see him again . . . “Okay.”

“Yay!” Macy’s smile dimmed. “But it’s expensive since it’s a fund-raiser.

“How much?”