Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
N ick adjusted the cummerbund and checked his look in the mirror. In his opinion, the tux was overkill, but he’d agreed to the gig and was playing along.
The Friends organization had kindly booked him a room at the hotel so he didn’t have to drive from the Springs in his tux or drive home tonight, which meant he could have a couple of drinks. He stepped up to the tables outside the ballroom to check in.
“Oh, Mr. Summers,” the attendant squealed. “Just a moment.” She disappeared under the table then popped up holding a red rose boutonniere. “This is for you. We so appreciate you being part of our event tonight.”
So much for blending in with the crowd.
She leaned over the table and pinned the flower to his lapel. “You’re at table seven. Have fun, and please let us know if you need anything.”
“Will do. Thanks.” He picked up a program and headed inside wondering whether the other guys in the auction were also at table seven or if they’d been sprinkled around the room.
Even though he was selling himself as a date, it was awkward to be here without one.
He plucked a glass of wine from a server’s tray and surveyed the twinkling room.
A low din of conversation hummed throughout the room full of penguin suits and glitzy sequined dresses.
Multiple lines at the two bars were easily a dozen deep.
Candles flickered on the tables alongside colorful floral arrangements that cast dancing shadows across the white tablecloths.
A large floral arch for photos stood in one corner, and a small dance floor and DJ set-up took up a chunk of space toward the back.
The rest of the perimeter was full of tables stacked with auction items. Nick searched the crowd for a familiar face—and found none.
Instead, he found table seven and took a minute to open the program. The bachelors were to be part of the silent auction. Six of them, including a banker, a public relations manager for the Rockies baseball team, and a real estate broker. He read the names and thought he recognized one.
In the booklet, he flipped to the live auction items. Those were usually the big-ticket items. He scanned the page and nearly choked.
Mountain Meadow by Katlyn Andrews. The words leapt off the page.
He jerked his head toward the stage. On either side were tables and easels displaying the live auction items.
His pulse quickened as he moved forward.
He spotted the painting immediately and recognized her signature style and vibrancy.
He also recognized it from the video she’d shown him—it was one of the pieces that was supposed to be in the gallery show.
He blew out a long breath. She wouldn’t get any money for it, but this was a crowd of people who bought original art.
Maybe there would be a payoff later. The information card attached caught his eye.
The bidding would start at five hundred dollars—a respectable price.
She should be here to see it. She should be here on his arm.
“Good evening, Mr. Summers.”
Nick swiveled to find Kat’s grandmother standing beside him. With her hair swept into a jeweled comb and wearing a strand of pearls and a sparkling champagne-colored dress, she looked the part of fairy godmother. “Nana! Er, Kitty. Hello. How are you?”
“Doing well, thank you. I see you’ve found Kat’s painting. Isn’t it marvelous?”
In theory he heard her question, but all he could think about was what she knew about him and Kat.
She looked at him expectantly.
“I…yes. This is one of my fave–” He stopped short. Is that why it was here, the one she chose to donate—to get rid of? A hollow feeling stole over him. He couldn’t believe it was a coincidence. So she was erasing him from her life.
“Everything all right?” Kitty’s brows rose.
“Fine. Love the painting. I hope it brings a nice amount.”
“Me, too. Especially since I’m the one who encouraged her to auction it. I can’t help myself. Want to share her work with everyone.”
“She’s lucky to have you,” Nick said. “I know you’ve been a big supporter.”
“Yes. I’m hardly an objective fan, but I adore her paintings.”
“She’s very talented.”
“Have you spoken with her lately?”
Was she fishing for information? Surely, she could get the intel from Kat. “No, I…we–”
“She’s a little disoriented right now. Trying to get her feet back under her, you know.”
What was she saying? That Kat needed more time? Was she referring to losing the show—or losing him?
“Maybe I’ll have a chance to talk to her soon. Could you excuse me?” He could not stand around and make small talk with Kat’s grandmother. “Enjoy the evening.”
Heart pounding, he strode toward an exit but stopped when the lights flickered off then on again. He turned to see two people step onto the stage. They could be ready to introduce the bachelors, so he remained in the ballroom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, while you continue to enjoy cocktail hour and silent bidding, we’re going to get things started by offering a couple of our live auction items. But first, I want to introduce our bachelors who’ve graciously agreed to treat six of you to a lovely night on the town.
Ladies, get your pocketbooks ready. You’ll want a date with any of these handsome, accomplished supporters of the Denver Art Museum.
Let’s have a round of applause for these outstanding gentlemen. ”
A loud swell of clapping and cheering erupted as Nick made his way toward the stage where the others were lining up.
One by one, the emcee announced the names and gave a brief bio of the contestant.
He assumed they were all in it for the publicity as well.
His name was called fourth, and a spotlight followed him onto the stage.
He smiled at the audience without making eye contact with anyone—the stage lights were too bright to make out individual faces anyway.
But he knew Kitty was there and that Kat’s parents were most likely with her.
He remembered Kat’s words about her mother’s opinion of him and wondered if that was about to change. He almost wished he could see her.
“Ladies, here we have Nick Summers. Nick owns an artist cooperative in Colorado Springs. He’s on several art councils, and he’s a wood artist.” She paused and grinned.
“I think that means he’s good with his hands.
” The audience tittered as intended, and Nick played along with a quick wave.
“Also, Mr. Summers is about to become a television celebrity. He’s signed a deal with HomeBuilders TV where he’ll be featured in several programs. Congratulations, Nick.
We’ll look forward to those. Get those bids ready, ladies. ”
After the last bachelor was introduced, the woman moved on to auction items.
“We’ll do two while we begin dinner service.”
Nick went ahead and took his seat at table seven, relieved to find the others were there as well. Two had brought dates, so it was a perfect fit for the eight-seat round table.
While the auctioning took place, Nick surveyed the crowd again.
A glance two rows to his left had him doing a double take.
Taking their seats were Kat’s parents and Kitty.
He groaned inside. Of course, they’d be right in his line of sight.
He turned to his own table and struck a conversation with the Rockies publicist.
As the evening wore on, he noticed Kitty getting up several times.
She must be bidding on a few items. He remembered she was a big supporter of the museum and had cash to spare.
Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t remember whether Kat had mentioned the source of the wealth.
From a deceased spouse? Old family money?
Maybe both. He returned his attention to his plate.
The crusted chicken in the main course was surprisingly good.
But as soon as the auctioneer announced Kat’s painting, Nick stilled.
“This is a special item,” the man began.
“The artist is one of our own. Katlyn Andrews grew up in Denver and became a patron at an early age. Katlyn is a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute and now works in exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art. And tonight, I have the pleasure of announcing that Katlyn’s art will be featured on our fall banners at the museum.
Not this piece, but another work. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original work by this up-and-coming artist.”
Nick stared at the stage, dumbfounded. When did the banner thing happen? How did it happen? Kat hadn’t said a word. He slid a glance toward her family’s table. Kitty was clapping and beaming while Rebecca appeared confused. Nick shook his head. She was clueless.
“The bidding will begin at five hundred dollars,” the man on stage announced.
Nick held his breath. In less than a minute the bidding was into the thousands. Sounded as if three or four people were particularly determined to have the painting. Behind him, he heard a couple speaking. “Keep going,” the woman urged. “This is the one thing I want tonight.”
After a final call for bids, the man announced the painting would sell for five thousand dollars.
To Nick, it was a great price. He wondered if Kat would agree.
Should he tell her? Send her a text? He turned to look at Kitty again.
Her grin stretched ear to ear. He’d bet she already had that covered.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to take a short break before dessert is served. Please, get up and stretch, refill your drinks, but don’t go away. There’s more to come.”
The lights brightened, and Nick stood. Maybe he’d go for a cocktail. The other bachelors were imbibing. He’d taken only a few steps toward the bar when Kitty stepped in front of him.
“Mr. Summers, wasn’t that exciting?”
“Nick,” he corrected her. He couldn’t help a smile. He’d developed a soft spot for Kitty simply based on her support of Kat. “Yes, it was. Too bad Kat wasn’t here to bask in the spotlight.”