Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
“C ome on .” Muttering to herself, Kat yanked a small portion of the packing materials from a four-by-three painting. She’d decided to send one of the mountain scenes with colorful wildflowers to the Denver Art Museum. As Nick had told her, the mountains would appeal to Colorado customers.
After confirming it was the right piece, Kat tugged the wrapping back into place and covered it with tape. She’d just finished when a knock sounded at the door. A man from the shipping service greeted her.
“Looking for Katlyn Andrews. That you?”
“Yes, here’s the shipping label.” She propped open the studio door then ushered him to the painting. “It gets another box or crate, right?” She didn’t want it to arrive in Denver damaged.
“Yes, ma’am.”
From the corner of her eye, Kat saw Mia slip inside the room. As her friend scooted behind the delivery man, Kat sucked in her breath and wondered how many others would show today. This was her first time back in the studio since the gallery disaster. Since Nick walked out. Since her life imploded.
Kat watched the man carefully load the painting then shut the door as a lump formed in her throat. It felt as if she’d let one of her babies down. She could only hope it brought a good sum for the museum and found a nice home.
As soon as the doors clicked shut, Mia sidled up beside Kat and drew her into a hug. “Hey, girlfriend. How are you?”
“Fine.”
Mia’s brows rose. “You mean that or just faking it ’til you make it?”
Kat gave a tired shrug. “I’m getting there.”
“And is that certain someone still not to be mentioned?”
“Absolutely.” She didn’t want to talk about Nick.
Talking about him was like picking at a scab.
The wound would never heal if she couldn’t leave it alone.
And the truth was, his absence had left a gaping hole in her heart.
She could hardly say his name without blubbering in a twisted mix of anger and disappointment.
That he’d delivered a gut punch when she was already so down? She still couldn’t believe it.
Mia squeezed her arm. “Ready to do some painting?”
“I might sketch out some new ideas today.” Kat couldn’t help a glance toward her surplus. Until they sold, what was the point of doing more of the same?
The door opened again, and two co-renters burst into the room, chatting and laughing. When they spotted Kat, they squealed and rushed to her side. “Hey, sweetie. So good to see you.”
Kat forced a smile. “Thanks, guys. Good to be here.” She held up a sharp, new graphite pencil. “Hope my muse shows up today.” She hoped muscle memory would set in as well because both her enthusiasm and confidence had taken big hits.
Instead of working at her easel, Kat settled into one of the large stuffed chairs.
It was one of a few pieces of mismatched furniture, mostly abandoned by former roommates, that had made its way to the studio.
She glanced around the room, inhaling the scent of coffee mixed with paints and thinner.
And Nick’s words haunted her again. Okay, so she was fortunate to have this space, but it wasn’t decked out in gleaming lights, new workstations, or fancy furniture.
It was cold and drafty, made of bricks and concrete.
Some of the work surfaces were made of leftover plywood or old doors on sawhorses.
And everyone who joined the group worked hard.
With that in mind, she leafed through an envelope of photos she kept for inspiration.
Determined to be productive, she pulled her sketchbook onto her lap.
She’d filled several pages and lost track of the time when Mia stopped by and peeked over her shoulder.
“Aaah…sunflowers. Very nice. Moving from Colorado to Kansas, I see.”
“Something fresh and new.” Then an idea popped into her head. “Maybe I’ll do a series of state flowers.”
“Sounds good to me. This one is cool.” Leaning over, Mia ran a hand along a bouncing row of sunflowers on the paper.
“Has a more graphic look. Actually, that would make an awesome scarf.” She nudged Kat’s arm.
“Want to paint one for me? Here’s an idea…
start your own line of hand painted scarves. I love that poppy one you wear.”
“Let’s see how this turns out before you–”
“Just think, you could be the next Lilly Pulitzer, designer of fabulous, upscale fashion accessories.”
“Ha-ha, yeah, if I had that name recognition.”
“What? I thought you came from royal Denver bloodlines.”
Kat saw the grin on her friend’s face and knew she was teasing, but the words sent a chill through Kat’s veins.
Mia had mentioned Kat’s “prim and proper” upbringing on more than one occasion.
Her background of “privilege” obviously showed more than Kat ever dreamed.
An awful thought hit her brain and queasiness churned her stomach.
Could she possibly be like her mother? Is that what people saw?
Kat could hardly breathe. She set aside the sketchbook and began gathering her things. She had to get out of there.
“Kat? What are you doing? Hey, what’s wrong?”
Her throat tight, Kat shook her head. “I…I’m getting a headache. I think I’d better go.”
Mia’s face pulled into a puzzled frown as she grabbed Kat’s arm. “Well…okay…let me put away–”
“No. You can stay.” She scooped up her purse and sketchpad then headed for the door. “See you all later,” she called. Kat pushed open the door and started to lean against it, but Mia burst through.
“Kat, what is going on?”
She held up a hand. “I can’t…”
“Talk to me.”
She could only shake her head.
Mia swung around in front of Kat. “What’s this about? I’m following you until you tell me.”
Kat closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “Do you think I’m like my mom?”
Mia’s brow creased into a deep frown. “What are you talking about?”
“Do you?” Kat demanded.
“Good fudge nuggets. Are you serious? You are nothing like your mom. I’ve only met the woman a few times, but I’ve seen her put on airs and talk down to people.
I’ve seen her face twist into a pinch just looking at someone.
In all the years I’ve known you, I have never seen you act one tiny smidge like your mother. ”
Kat sucked in a deep breath. “But you think I act prim and proper and–”
“Kat, come on, that’s a joke.”
“But there’s something people see that–”
“Stop.” Mia held up a hand. “Where is this coming from? You support all the other artists. You volunteer with kids. You’re polite to everyone.
You–” A look of horror crossed her face, and she put a hand to her chest. “Oh, no. Did someone say that to you? Did…did Nick say you were like your mom? Is that what happened between you two?”
Kat met Mia’s eyes and slowly nodded.
“Oh, Kat. That’s the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard. I mean–” She stared at Kat. “He really said that?”
Kat bit her lip.
“But why would–?” Mia put her hands on her hips and her gaze went past Kat. “Well, damn. And I really liked him. I thought…”
“Yeah, me too.” In her heart, Kat knew he was wrong about her…but how could her heart be so wrong about him?
* * *
Nick sputtered a harsh, humorless laugh and closed out of his email account. “Yeah, thanks.” It was the second reminder notice the airline had sent about his upcoming trip to New York City. As if he could forget .
Sure, he was going to the city this weekend, but the itinerary was drastically different from the original plan.
He’d already booked a new hotel, and no, he didn’t need a rental car.
He’d be taking a taxi for all his transportation needs.
He wouldn’t have many. He wouldn’t be sightseeing, and the hotel was practically around the corner from the HBTV offices.
Nor would he see Katlyn Andrews or her family.
Kat had told him the weekend was off, but she didn’t specify if that meant for him or for the others as well.
Maybe her grandmother and dad would still go and they could enjoy some time together.
Would Kat put on a good face for her grandma and try to make it a fun weekend or take the opportunity to mourn and be pampered?
He’d contacted Kat only once since their break-up.
She didn’t respond, but he didn’t think she’d blocked his number.
He could try again, but he still waffled between missing her and being frustrated with her.
Anyway, without her on his agenda, he could focus on scripts and filming.
He owed HBTV his best. And he didn’t want to blow an incredible opportunity.
Everything else had to go to the back burner.
Nick shoved his phone into his pocket and began putting away his tools.
He’d left them out several days in a row and let the place go—just as he’d skipped trimming his beard and cleaning the apartment.
But when he’d caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror earlier in the day, a disheveled lumberjack stared back at him.
Not his best look, and not one his mother would appreciate.
He tossed an empty beer can into the recycling bin then headed upstairs for a re-set. His parents were expecting him for dinner in an hour. He still hadn’t decided what to tell them about Kat, and he knew his mom would ask.
He stepped out of the shower still undecided on a course of action.
Later, standing in the kitchen with his parents, Nick felt his mother’s scrutiny, her eyes like laser beams homing in on their target. The woman could always read him.
He turned to his dad. “How are you feeling? No side effects from the meds?” Nick looked closer. “You are taking them, right?” His dad had had a mild health scare a few months earlier but had an aversion to pills.
His dad shot him a disgusted give-me-a-break look. “Yes, I’m taking them. I feel fine. And you don’t have to babysit me.”
“Oh, don’t start on Nick,” his mother scolded. “He’s simply concerned. Come on, let’s sit down.”
As soon as they began passing dishes, Nick sensed her eyes on him again. But she waited until he he’d filled his plate to satisfy her curiosity.
“You look tired, honey. Just busy?”
Nick’s neck warmed, but he took the basket of rolls she offered and shrugged. “Had some things to finish up this week. I’m heading back to New York on Friday. Time to start filming.”
She arched her brows and a light sparked in her eyes. “All business or will you have time to see Kat?”
Her question squeezed his chest like a vise. If his relationship with Kat was over, he could just say so. But if he wanted to leave the door open to potential reconciliation, he didn’t want to talk too much.
“We both have a lot going on, so that probably won’t happen,” he hedged.
“It’s so exciting. Make sure you take some pictures. I want to see how this works.” She turned to his dad. “Wouldn’t you love to see the set?”
“I figure we’ll see it when it airs.”
She waved a hand. “Well, yes, but that’ll be months.” She shot Nick her I-mean-it look. “Send pictures. And I hope you get some time with your girlfriend. Maybe after the filming?”
To buy some time, Nick pretended to chew. Was she going to force him to either spill the beans or lie? He swallowed hard and attempted a smile. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. Don’t have a plan. I’ll try to snap some pics, though.”
His answer seemed to satisfy her, and the subject changed to his sister. But Nick caught his mother’s speculative glance a couple of times during the meal. If they’d been alone, he wouldn’t mind getting her take on the situation, but he didn’t feel like bringing his dad up to speed.
After supper, Nick settled onto the sofa to hang out with his parents for a while and watch some basketball. But at half-time, his dad announced he was tired and going to bed.
Only took a few minutes for his mother to grab the remote and turn down the volume on the TV. When she looked back at him, a puzzled frown marred her face.
“You dashed up to New York to see Kat because her show was cancelled, and now you’re going back and haven’t made plans to see her?”
Nick sucked in a deep breath. Here we go. “We’re both really busy, and she’s going to have company all weekend.”
His mom leaned forward with raised brows. “Even though I’ve had quite a few trips around the sun, I still know what new love feels like. If everything was going well, there’s no way you’d be in New York and not find a way to see her. Love finds a way.” She picked up her magazine and sat back.
She’d given him an out. He could take it or spill his guts. Love finds a way . And there was the big question. Did he love Kat enough to pursue a relationship? Could they work it out? Or were they simply not compatible?
With a heavy sigh, he turned to his mom and told her the entire story. “I insulted her and hurt her feelings.”
“Oh, my. Have you talked about it since then?”
“Haven’t had the chance. Plus, I stand by what I said. She operates from a place of privilege.”
“Well, honey, you can’t blame her for the way she was raised. That’s what she knows.”
“Sure, but we all have to make adjustments as we grow up and get out in the real world.” He stood and began pacing the living room. Was she capable of changing? He couldn’t change her. He couldn’t try to “fix” her. If he wanted a relationship with Kat, he’d have to accept her the way she was.
“You know what I hear? A story of a young woman who’s always been pushed, who feels like she has to be the best, has to perform in order to gain affection from her family.
Someone who will feel like a failure if she doesn’t get into the best schools, the best places to work, the top galleries. I feel sorry for her.”
Nick stopped walking and stared at his mother. He let her words tumble around his brain. Only through an achievement did Kat get her mother’s attention.
“Good point, but she’s twenty-eight years old. Seems like she should be able to get past it.”
His mother let out a sigh. “The need for a parent’s approval can go pretty deep. I’ve seen a lot of kids act out over the years just to get their parents’ attention. I doubt she would even realize it still matters to her.”
Nick dropped to the arm of the sofa and raked a hand through his hair. He wasn’t a psychologist or family counselor. He only knew what Kat had told him—and what he saw.
His mother moved beside him.
“I’m not trying to sway you one way or the other.
I want you to be happy. I want you to love with all your heart and be loved that way in return.
Don’t you dare settle for anything less.
” She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed the top of his head the way she had when he was a kid.
“Follow your heart. You’ll figure it out. ”