Chapter 10 #2
“Hey, tell me about your new project at MoMA.” His voice dropped. “See, you’ve been on my mind, too.”
With a soft laugh, she launched into the details of the new exhibit. “It’s going to be very cool. It’s all about bamboo.”
Nick’s eyebrows arched. “Bamboo?”
“Yep. People are using it for all kinds of things these days. We try to be cutting edge around here, you know.”
“Sure. That’s why you’re good at your job.”
He couldn’t possibly know whether she was good at her job, but it was a nice compliment.
“Well, thanks. I think this one’s going to be fun.
We get to take over an entire room and have live bamboo growing.
It’s incredibly versatile, and it’s a sustainable crop.
The floors will be made of bamboo, and all the frames and other exhibits, too. ”
Nick chuckled. “I guess it’s safe to say you’re excited about it.”
“I am. I’ve started doing research and have found out all kinds of things. Bamboo is a lot more than Panda food.”
“Right. You know the saying… ‘do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life?’ Sounds like you’re there.”
Kat let out a long sigh. “I guess so. It’s good for now, but I’m not really in on the decision-making. I might get to choose a couple of photos or write a few descriptions for the displays, but that’s about it.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll happen.”
“Being a wood-master yourself, you might want to come see it,” she told him. As she spoke, she realized it sounded like a challenge. A Freudian slip? A challenge to conquer his dislike of the city? Or a challenge to gauge his interest in her? She hadn’t meant it that way, but…
The words hung in the air.
But then a slow smile spread across his face. “I’d very much like to see it. When does it open?”
“March fifteenth.” Still a long time to wait for a visit.
“I think we can make that happen. Speaking of shows, did you see I sent back your brochure copy? Just had one tiny suggestion.”
“Yep. Already gave it to the gallery since I had to go over there and pay for the framing.”
“Did you give them a photo?”
“Yes. The black and white where I’m not looking directly at the camera and my hair’s catching the wind.”
“My fave. It says arty all over it.”
“Haha. Straight from the photographer’s mouth. I totally agree.”
“Good. What’s next?”
“Pete wants me to attend the February show opening, which is coming right up. He wants to introduce me as an upcoming feature.”
“Sounds like he does a decent job of promoting.”
“Yeah, I hope so.” She’d already picked out a fabulous black dress for the event, and Mia had agreed to be her “date.” Too bad Nick couldn’t be around for that. She’d much prefer to be draped on his arm. Although, she had to admit Mia’s life-of-the-party vibe always seemed to attract a crowd.
They talked for a few more minutes until Kat glanced at the time on her computer and realized they’d gone way past her normal bedtime. “Hey, Prince Charming, I’m going to be surrounded by mice and pumpkins any minute, so I’d better get going.”
Nick chuckled. “We wouldn’t want that. I’ll touch base with you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”
Kat told him goodnight and ended the call with his parting comment echoing in her brain. He’d touch base tomorrow. Slow heat spread through her veins. Would this become an every-night thing?
Before she closed the laptop, Kat checked her email one last time and found a message from Nana Kitty. True to her word, she’d gotten set up with a new computer and email account. Kat opened the message.
Hello, Sweetie,
I had lunch with your father today, and he let me know the tickets for our trip to New York are booked. I’m so excited. I only wish we didn’t have to wait so long. Have a wonderful week, and we’ll talk soon. Much love, Nana
Kat put a hand to her lips as her breath caught in her throat. Plane tickets made it real.
* * *
Every time the phone buzzed, Nick jumped.
Now that Friday had finally arrived, he was more nervous than he’d been at the interview.
Jittery and on edge. Not the best condition for working with sharp saws and blades.
He’d kept a close eye on both his email account and cell phone, but a call was what he wanted.
If they chose him, they’d pick up the phone.
Not quite trusting himself to tackle the precision cuts for Rebecca’s mantel, Nick spent the day working the panels that would become her bookcases instead.
Simple, straight cuts that he could probably perform in his sleep.
When the rattle of his phone against the table startled him, Nick checked the time—two-forty-five.
That meant four-forty-five in New York. The end of the workweek.
Sucking in a deep breath, he picked up the call.
“Nick Summers.”
“Hey, Nick. It’s Charles McAllister with HomeBuilders. How’s Friday treating you?”
“So far, so good,” Nick said. The real answer would depend on this call, he added silently.
“Well, I’ve got some news for you.”
“Great.”
“Here’s the deal. We want to offer you a three-segment guest series, one spot each on kitchen cabinets, fireplace mantels, and miscellaneous custom wood pieces like bookcases, benches, and railings.
Live filming to start this spring. If that sounds good to you, I’ll send the written proposal and terms so you can look over the details.
Then, we’ll see about getting you back in here to sign the contract and get acquainted with the crew and procedures. You good with that?”
“Of course. Sounds great.” Grinning, he gave a private fist pump. “I really appreciate the opportunity.”
“Good deal. I’m sending the email right now, so you should have it any minute.”
“Perfect. I’ll take a look right away.”
“Call with any questions, and welcome to the team.”
Nick couldn’t help a catch in his throat. “I– Yeah. Thanks, again.”
“You bet. We’ll be in touch.”
Nick waited until Charles had signed off before he ended the call and let out a loud whoop. Then he jogged upstairs to look at his computer. He’d go over the terms, but there wasn’t a doubt in his mind the answer was yes.
He nudged the mouse, and the computer came to life. The photos of Kat that he’d had open smiled on the screen as if she were congratulating him. His pulse hummed. Like it or not, New York City was calling to him.
* * *
“Seriously?” Kat muttered under her breath. That had to be the third text or call to her phone in the last five minutes. She just needed to get this order placed before she could deal with whatever else was coming at her.
The “deep dive” Cassie had warned about had launched with a vengeance.
The entire team had arrived early and stayed late all week.
Seemed Kat barely got home before she had to turn around and catch the subway again.
TGIF . She switched off her desk light then pulled her phone from the drawer and flipped through the activity.
A missed call from Mia and several texts.
It’d been a couple of days since they’d talked and— Oh, shoot.
Kat put a hand to her temple. Next week was Mia’s birthday, and Kat had forgotten they needed to make plans.
Weeks ago—before project bamboo and Nick Summers—she’d offered to host a get-together.
Was there any way she still could? If they got a lot done this weekend, maybe she could pull off something.
Oh, my gosh! Kat’s eyes focused on another text. From Nick.
— “Hey, I got some good news today. Give me a call when you can.”—
Good news! He must’ve got the HomeBuilders spot.
Wowza . She wouldn’t take the time to call right now, but she had to at least read the full text.
She barely managed to contain her squeal.
He got it. He’d landed a spot on HomeBuilders.
Unexpected pride rushed through Kat. She hurried toward the elevator and was about to put the phone away when it chimed, and Mia’s face appeared on the screen.
Kat slowed and took the call. “Hey.”
“Good fudge nuggets, lady. Where’ve you been?”
Kat smiled. “Fudge nuggets” was Mia’s favorite term to replace outright foul language. It had started as a joke, but over time had stuck. “Sorry, I’m buried. Just leaving work now.”
“So, let’s meet up.”
“Sure, where to?”
“How about the Taco Bar?”
“That works. See you in twenty minutes.”
Kat was already in line at the Taco Bar when Mia sidled up beside her.
“What is going on?”
“Big project at work. They had a glitch with another exhibit so someone from on high decided this one would be easy to bump up and fill in.”
“Ugh. What about next weekend?”
Kat placed her order then turned to Mia with feigned wide-eyed innocence. “Why? What’s next weekend?”
Mia screwed up her face and nudged Kat’s arm. “As far as I can tell, nothing.”
Kat laughed. “Aw, poor baby. Don’t worry, we’ll celebrate your big day. I know I don’t have to work late Friday night because my boss has other plans. What do you want to do?”
“Let’s get a few peeps together and hang out,” Mia suggested.
A small group of mutual friends from Chicago had landed in New York, but Mia also had lots of work friends, plus the studio partners. A few might not be possible.
“Sure,” Kat said as they made their way to a table. “We can do something low key at my place. I haven’t seen anyone in ages. Get me a guest list. Try for ten or twelve. You know the size of my apartment.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Their order arrived, and Kat turned her attention to the food, inhaling the spices. “Oh, my gosh, this smell so good.” She hadn’t had a decent meal all week.
“I guess you’re still on with Colorado Man?” Mia asked between bites.
“I am. In fact, he texted me today that he got the HomeBuilders spot. How cool is that?”
“Very,” Mia agreed. “So, when will he be back in town?”
“No idea.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that sure sounds like the makings of a romantic relationship.” Her words dripped with sarcasm.
Kat nudged back under the table. “Who says I need a romance right now, anyway? Can we please get back to the topic at hand?” But Kat, herself, had trouble switching gears.
Yes, Nick Summers made her heart go pitter-patter.
But her brain usually intervened—and reminded her that a romance wasn’t feasible.
Still, she was anxious to talk to him, to hear the pride or excitement in that deep, rich voice of his.
Her cell phone pulled at her like an invisible current.
She couldn’t wait to call Nick. He said he didn’t have a lot of details, but that didn’t keep her from wondering about them.
Where would they film? Would he come back to New York?
She nearly choked at her next thought. How lucky for her mother.
Kat had been thinking of how good the HomeBuilders opportunity would be for Nick, and that was true.
But it’d be a coup for her mom as well. She could claim the carpenter on TV had done work in her house.
The thought made Kat want to throw up, especially after her mother’s dismissive treatment of Nick.
She almost wished the new gig would give Nick an excuse to back out of her mother’s job.
He’d never do that. Besides, she loved the idea of seeing Nick’s craftsmanship in her parents’ home.
She got a few more specifics from Mia for the party, then pushed back her chair.
“Not sure I’ll have any studio time this weekend, but I’ll get the invitations out for next Friday night,” Kat told Mia as they left the restaurant.
Thankfully, Kat would only be responsible for the behind-the-scenes set-up. Mia would provide the party vibe.
* * *
After a celebratory dinner at his parents’ house, Nick headed back to his place.
He pulled a can of sparkling water from the fridge and settled onto the couch with his tax folder.
Another task to get started on. Without knowing timing details of the HomeBuilders commitment, the schedule for everything else took on a sense of urgency.
Tomorrow, he planned to spend the entire day on Rebecca’s pieces.
He picked up the remote and switched the TV to the HomeBuilders channel. He’d just begun to separate receipts into various categories when his phone chimed. In one quick motion, he answered.
“Hi!”
That one word had Nick’s pulse jumping all over the place. There was no mistaking the smile in Kat’s voice.
“Hey, there. Sounds–”
“Oh, my gosh, Nick. This is so amazing. Tell me everything they said.”
Blood pounded in Nick’s ears. This is what he’d been waiting for.
Sure, his parents were excited. They’d beamed with pride—his mother practically giddy at the news.
But, somehow, Kat’s enthusiasm was the prize.
Feeling as if he’d just scored the winning run in the World Series, Nick launched into the details of the call from Charles.
“That’s so exciting. You’re going to rock this, and I bet you’ll get more episodes. Who knows, you could end up with your own show.”
Nick chuckled, flattered by her enthusiasm and praise. “Well, thanks for that, but I’m not counting those chickens just yet.”
“When will you know dates for filming?”
“Hoping to get more info this week. At least I know I have to move everything else into high gear so I can be available.”
“I guess that’s true. Seems like such a tease, though.”
“Maybe they’re testing my patience.”
Kat laughed. “They’re testing mine. I’ll be super-busy again this week, but I want to know as soon as you find out more. Send me a news flash.”
“Will do. I hope you can come up for air when I get back up there.” He held his breath in the beat of silence.
“Me, too.”
“Might be last-minute.”
“We’ll figure it out. Once we get all the decisions made and orders placed for the bamboo project, there’ll be a little lull before set-up. The timing might work out great. We’ll make it work.”
Her words sent electricity straight to his veins.