Elizabeth stared at the phone in her hand, debating whether to answer the call. It was Rosemary, and she knew she would be calling about her lunch with the Grants. Elizabeth knew Rosemary would also know about her visit to the cafe with Nathan. If Minnie hadn't told her, Bill would have told Lee.

Luckily for Elizabeth, Rosemary had parent-teacher interviews the evening of her lunch with Nathan, so she didn't have time to call her. Elizabeth had spent the rest of that afternoon and evening texting with Nathan instead. She had been given a day's grace to work out what she would tell her friend. It was strange keeping things from Rosemary; she had never had cause to do that before.

On the afternoon of their lunch date, Nathan initiated contact by sending her a screenshot of a terrible Christmas sweater he had found in a store. The message had read, 'Do you think my Secret Santa would like this?'

Elizabeth laughed as she read the message. Looking around the store she was in, she spent a few minutes finding a gaudy Christmas hat and sent the image to him with the message, 'This is what I have bought mine!'

Their texts flew back and forth throughout the afternoon, with them trying to outdo each other with outrageous gift ideas. Despite wasting a great deal of time finding silly presents, Elizabeth was still able to find something for Nathan as part of the Secret Santa. After their conversation and discovering he enjoyed the outdoors, she went to her favourite hiking store. She bought him a lightweight slingback chair perfect for resting after a hike or sitting around a campfire, and within their Secret Santa budget constraints.

The texts hadn't stopped once they got home. Nathan sent a picture of his shopping haul, showing the bags without revealing their contents. Elizabeth returned his text with a similar photo but didn't include the bag containing his present, hoping she could keep the Secret Santa gift just that - a secret.

Elizabeth sent a photograph of her dinner, a light salad, all she felt like after eating such a big lunch. Nathan sent back a picture of a slice of his chocolate birthday cake. He had asked the restaurant to store it for him while they went to Minnies and then collected it after his shopping. Elizabeth's mouth watered at the sight of the cake, but she was glad she didn't have any of it, knowing she couldn't afford to eat two slices in one day and maintain her fitness for her job.

They had continued texting back and forth until it was time to go to bed. Overall, their texts were nothing serious, mostly pictures of food, cups of hot chocolate, nowhere near as good as Minnie's, and friendly comments about the television show they were watching. They were happy to find they were both watching the same murder mystery and went back and forth, trying to guess the show's outcome, becoming increasingly outrageous with their guesses.

Nathan had sent the first texts the following day, with a picture through the windshield of his car, parked at the local gym. Elizabeth gasped aloud at the image, quickly looking at her reflection in the mirror. She was already inside that gym, warming up on one of the treadmills before starting her workout. Her hair was pulled back in a short, messy ponytail, some strands falling around her face. She was slightly red in her face and wearing no make-up, but then she rarely wore much anyway. Her black leggings and Lycra top were practical and comfortable without being too revealing.

She used the mirror to watch Nathan enter the gym. He was dressed in loose navy shorts, which came to below mid-thigh and a light blue V-necked t-shirt. He had a sports bag slung over his shoulder and was heading to the lockers lined up against one wall. Elizabeth tried not to stare too hard at him while waiting for his reaction when he spotted her.

She wasn't disappointed. When he recognised her, he stopped in his tracks, and a smile lit up his face. He quickly stowed his bag away before hurrying toward her, gym towel in one hand and water bottle in the other.

"Fancy meeting you here?"

"I guess so, but then there aren't too many gyms around this area," Elizabeth replied, not breaking her stride. "When did you join?" Nathan didn't look like he was new to working out. Although he was tall and lean, the muscles in his arm and chest were clearly defined.

"I transferred my membership before I left Boston." The gym was a franchise, and there were facilities nationwide.

Elizabeth watched as Nathan started the treadmill, setting the pace and incline and began jogging, as he warmed up beside her. They didn't talk much as they worked out, both following their own exercise plan as they worked through their daily routine. Elizabeth was pleased she had exercising as an excuse for her increased heart rate. She was sure her apple watch had registered a change in her hearts rhythm the moment she had seen Nathan.

After her workout and shower, Elizabeth left the change room to find Nathan waiting for her in the foyer. She was dressed in casual clothes and still hadn't applied any make-up or done anything with her hair. Like her, he was freshly showered and dressed in regular clothes.

"Would you have time for breakfast, and if you do, would you like to join me?"

"I do, and I would love to, but if our plan is going to work, we will have to go somewhere we aren't likely to be seen."

"There is a coffee shop close to my place. I haven't tried it yet, but it usually attracts a reasonable crowd."

"If it's the one on the corner of Delaney and Jones, I have been there. It's not Minnie's, but the breakfast bowl is good, and I have never run into anyone I know there."

"Sounds perfect."

Elizabeth followed Nathan home so he could drop off his car. He could drive with her to the coffee shop, and then she could drop him home or walk, depending on the weather. At the cafe, they enjoyed a light breakfast and coffee, agreeing one day they would go to Minnie's together, but first, they had to follow through on their plan.

After finishing breakfast, Nathan decided to walk home after Elizabeth mentioned needing to sleep before her shift the following morning. She was rostered on for the next 24 hours after agreeing to cover for someone who had fallen ill. Nathan was pleased she was still free for dinner at Rosemary and Lee's.

Nathan let Elizabeth send the first text later that day, not wanting to interrupt her rest. He lost count of the times he checked his phone, hoping to see a text. When his cell phone finally vibrated in his pocket, he grabbed it, almost dropping it in his haste to read Elizabeth's text.

The text wasn't from Elizabeth; it was from Colleen, asking if he was free to talk. Nathan braced himself to participate in the plan he and Elizabeth had agreed to. Nathan hit the icon for his sister's contact, dialling her number and waited for her to answer.

"How was your appointment?" Nathan asked.

"Appointment?" Colleen asked, momentarily confused. "Oh, it was fine, just a check-up. An eye check-up," she stammered.

"Glad it all worked out for you," Nathan replied drily, her response confirming his suspicions about the fake appointment.

"And for you? Did lunch work out for you?"

"I guess it depends on what you consider 'working out'," Nathan said, deliberately making his voice harsh. "Was it awkward after you left? Very. Did we find anything in common to talk about? A little, but it was hard work. Am I going to have to avoid her at the hospital when I see her? Absolutely."

"Nathan, I can't believe it. Rosemary and I were so sure the two of you would hit it off. You two should have had lots in common."

"What we have in common is not wanting to be in a relationship. There might have been a chance we could be friends at least, but there is no chance of that now."

"But Rosemary said you two went to Minnie's?" Colleen said, confused. "If it was going so badly, why didn't you end it after lunch?"

"As you know, I had already paid the bill, but after you left, the waiter suggested coffee. Elizabeth mentioned something about the best being at a place called Minnie's. Somehow, we ended up there; I'm not even sure how."

"I'm sorry, Nathan. Rosemary came to see me at school after meeting you; she thought you would be a good match for Elizabeth. I helped her plan to set the two of you up." Colleen admitted. "I noticed how pretty she was when I met her, and she and her partner were so kind to Allie and me. The two of you should be perfect together."

"Well, I can tell you we weren't, and can we just leave it, please? No more pushing Elizabeth and I together. No more setting me up with anyone else either."

"But Nathan..."

"But nothing, Colleen. I appreciate you thinking I need a partner to be happy, but I don't, especially not one with whom I have no chemistry." Nathan paused to let his words sink in. "Promise me."

"I promise, Nathan, and I'm sorry."

"Me too. Now let's change the subject and tell me what's left to do for Allie and Christmas."

Biting her lip, Elizabeth touched her screen and accepted Rosemary's call just before it went to voice mail.

"Oh, Elizabeth! I thought for a minute you weren't going to answer." Rosemary cried. "I am not sure I could have waited another day to hear about your lunch with the dashing Dr Grant."

"Sorry, Rosemary. I was wrapping presents, and somehow, my phone ended up under the wrapping paper and in a pile of presents," Elizabeth lied trying to justify the delay in answering. Elizabeth was wrapping gifts that afternoon and being constantly distracted by Nathan Grant. When this call had come in she had reached for her phone, hoping it was him. That should worry her, given her reluctance to start another relationship, but somehow it didn't. There was something about Nathan Grant that made her want to change her mind and put herself back out there.

After spending that first day together, and then having breakfast, and their texts back and forth, she felt she had learned a lot about him. He was passionate about family and spending time with Allie. He was funny, charming, and considerate. He was also enthusiastic about his work but was not consumed by it. He would make the time to be with those he cared about. He wouldn't put succeeding in his field above anyone and anything else.

"I'm forever losing the sticky tape the same way," Rosemary said with a laugh. "So, was it wonderful?"

"It was far from wonderful, Rosemary. It was a disaster."

"What!" Rosemary exclaimed. "But Colleen..."

"You talked about this with his sister?" Elizabeth burst out. "It's funny you haven't mentioned her to me before."

"Really. I'm sure I have," Rosemary rushed on, her tone dismissive, as she avoided replying. "Either way, she seemed to think you were getting along famously at lunch."

"Did she?"

"Yes, and Bill mentioned he had seen the two of you at Minnie's. Why would you take him there if you weren't enjoying his company?"

"I was stuck, Rosemary; we have to work together. I had to do something when he asked about good coffee shops in the area. He was going to find out about Minnie's the moment he asked anyone else." Elizabeth paused, closing her eyes before continuing. "It was very awkward for both of us."

"So, are you going to see him again?"

"Of course. I have to see him at the hospital every time we are on the same shift." Elizabeth sighed loudly. "I wish the lunch hadn't happened; then it wouldn't be so awkward for us both." Elizabeth heard Rosemary inhale sharply and knew her friend was disappointed and hopefully feeling some regret. "I am sure Nathan feels the same way."

"Really. I am stunned. I thought you would hit it off; you have so much in common. And let's be honest, Elizabeth, he is gorgeous."

"Looks aren't everything, Rosemary," Elizabeth replied. Nathan was gorgeous, and while she had been fascinated with him before spending time with him, she thought him even more attractive now.

"I know, but those eyes, Elizabeth, and that face."

"Can Lee hear you?" Elizabeth teased.

'Of course, he can," Rosemary huffed. "He knows he has no competition, but I can still appreciate someone who looks like Nathan Grant."

"As can I, but just because he is handsome doesn't mean there are sparks between us," Elizabeth said, compressing her lips, barely believing she could tell such blatant lies to her best friend. "What did he say about the day? I'm sure Colleen asked him whether he enjoyed himself after she left."

"I don't know, but I am going to find out, we only texted about lunch," Rosemary assured her. "I am going to call her now. Maybe he doesn't feel the same as you, and if he doesn't, he might grow on you, Elizabeth."

"I doubt it. If there is no chemistry, there is no chemistry."

After ending her call with Rosemary, Elizabeth sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by rolls of Christmas wrapping paper and presents. She stared into the fire crackling in the fireplace and put her palms on her hot cheeks. She felt terrible about lying to Rosemary, even if it was in return for her attempts at matchmaking. Her cheeks were red because of that last lie. No chemistry between her and Nathan. She shook her head, could there be any more chemistry between her and Nathan? She got butterflies every time she thought of his smile, and her heart raced whenever he was close by. Could they really hide it from people?

"Colleen, I just spoke to Elizabeth. Have you talked to Nathan?"

"We messed up, Rosemary," Colleen groaned as she filled Rosemary in on her conversation with her brother. "How did we get it so wrong?"

"I don't know. I know Elizabeth has avoided dating, but I thought your brother might have been able to change her mind." Rosemary frowned as she finished telling Colleen what she had heard from Elizabeth. "He should have been able to change her mind."

"Well, his mind is made up. He even said he would have to avoid her at work now if possible."

"Well, he can't avoid her at dinner on Friday night. I am not letting him out of it; he agreed to come, as did Elizabeth." Rosemary said goodbye to Colleen, promising to get back to her after Friday night. She sat back thinking about Elizabeth and Nathan. She couldn't wait to see them together to judge precisely what went wrong with her and Colleen's plan. It should have been fool-proof.