As a wistful smile spread across Nana Kitty’s face, Kat’s heart swelled.
“Oh, sweetie, I’d love to, but I do need to get back for some meds.”
“Can I go get them for you?” Now that she’d tossed up the idea, Kat wanted to make it happen.
“I suppose you could. They’re in plain sight on the bathroom counter. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Nana, you know I don’t mind at all.”
With Nana curled up for a nap, Kat grabbed her list and headed out the door. She took a minute to let her dad know what they were doing, then made a quick jaunt to her grandmother’s apartment and another trip to the grocery store. On impulse, she picked up some flowers and a bottle of wine as well. She wasn’t sure Nana could have any alcohol with her meds, but she used to drink a little wine with dinner.
If this was to be Nana’s last night in her home, Kat wanted to make it special.
After a simple dinner of salad with baked chicken, Kat refilled their wine glasses then started the classic holiday movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” They could watch the familiar story or let it provide a holiday vibe while they talked. She’d leave that to Nana.
“Merry Christmas, Nana.” She tapped her glass to Nana’s.
Nana moved close and linked arms with Kat. “Merry Christmas, sweetie. Thank you for a lovely day.”
“You’re welcome. This is the perfect Christmas Eve.”
“I agree. We needed a quiet evening to rest up for a big day tomorrow.”
The Andrews festivities would happen on Christmas Day. It promised to be a long day for Kat. At least Nana would be there, so she wouldn’t feel like a complete outcast. And the food would be good—her mother always put on a lavish spread for dinner. Plus, every flat surface would be laden with cookies, fudge, pies, and snacks. They’d have coffee and mimosas in the morning, and cocktails in the afternoon.
The little kids would be the main attraction, of course. Watching them rip into their packages would be fun. She’d seen tons of adorable photos, but hadn’t yet met her newest niece, Ella, her sister’s eighteen-month-old. If her sister was true to form, touching Ella would require face mask, training video, and a gallon of hand sanitizer. Despite those obstacles, Kat looked forward to meeting the munchkin and seeing her brother’s kids as well.
“And this is the perfect way to spend my bonus night here at the house.” Nana gave a soft smile. “We had some wonderful Christmases here.”
“We did, Nana. I miss them.”
A sense of nostalgia stole over Kat. The mantelpiece evoked memories of earlier Christmases when Nana’s house was the center of activity—when noise was tolerated, as were cookie crumbs and feet on the couch. For several years, her mother and Nana took turns hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. During those years, Kat and her siblings had stockings at both houses—a double dip that was thoroughly enjoyed. It must’ve been when Kat was in high school that her mother assumed the role of hostess for all celebrations. Events became more formal and staged. A lot had been lost in that transition.
As soon as the notes to “Auld Lang Syne” faded, Nana pushed off from the sofa. “That’s it for me, love. Goodnight. Oh, and be sure to look around and see if there’s anything you’d like to take. We’ll probably get the house on the market this summer.”
“Okay. Night, Nana.” With an ache in her heart, Kat glanced around the room as she picked up their glasses and headed for the kitchen. So many mementos from her childhood. She spotted a few books, maybe the vase on the mantel. She wondered what had happened to her stocking. If her mother hadn’t thrown it out, maybe she’d take it back to New York with her. Better yet, next year she’d make new ones—one for her best friend, Mia, and one for herself. She could paint a faux fireplace and hang them on the canvas. Her mother would have a new fireplace mantel next year, too. Was it possible the talented Nick Summers could inject some style and originality into her mom’s decorating?
She smiled, imagining him in his workshop this time of year carving and hammering out Christmas gifts. She finished the cleanup then reached into her purse for her cell phone. Time to do a little research and see what the internet could reveal about the intriguing Nick Summers.
Only took a few seconds to discover he had a social media presence but didn’t post much. Still, what was there presented a nice glimpse. In one photo, he was hoisting lumber on his shoulder and wearing a Habitat for Humanity shirt. As she scrolled down, another photo stopped her. Looked like Nick and his family—mom, dad and maybe a sister on a hike. Another of them picnicking beside a creek.Normal family activities. Nick’s wide smile indicated enjoyment if not joy. Envy whispered through her. She couldn’t remember a family picnic or hike. The age difference made it hard for them all to enjoy the same activity.
Moving on to other search results, Kat discovered Nick’s name in numerous news articles. Apparently, he had several certifications and a degree from a community college in Fine Woodworking. She had no idea what the different letters behind his name meant. But it was obvious the man worked hard and participated in the arts community. By all accounts, Nick Summers appeared to be a local hero.Very impressive. She took a sip of tea and revisited some photos. As everyone knew, looks could be deceiving, especially online.
ChapterFour
When the chaos of the gift exchange wound down late Christmas morning, Kat refilled her glass, increasing the champagne-to-orange-juice ratio, then flopped onto the couch next to Nana. She started to set her drink on the table in front of her then scooped it back up when her niece began toddling her direction, grabbing knees and magazines as she made her way around.
“Whoa, she’s fast,” Kat said.
“That’s for sure.” Elizabeth grimaced, but with a smile in her voice. “Now that she’s completely mobile, I can hardly keep up.”
“I bet.”
“It’s so much fun, though,” her sister added. “You’ve got to have one of your own one of these days.”
“Oh, I’m sure–”
“You dating anyone?”
