Kat let out a sigh of relief. Nana seemed perfectly fine, bubbly even. She took a sip of tea. “What’s up?”
Nana laughed. “Did you forget about the museum gala last night?”
Oh, yeah.Her stomach dropped. “Wasn’t thinking. How’d it go?”Nothing embarrassing, please.
“It was so much fun. Honey, you were the star of the night.”
Kat sputtered her tea. “What?”
“People kept stopping by our table to sing your praises. I wish you could’ve been here.”
“I’ll be there in a week and a half.”
“Yes, and I can’t wait to see you, but you missed a good time. Everyone loved your painting. Loved that you donated it. And, oh my, you’re going to have the fall banners. You didn’t tell me that.”
“Really? I guess I forgot.” She gave a nervous chuckle. “I didn’t know they were going to make an announcement.” Two questions burned inside Kat’s brain. Was Nana going to make her ask? “The banners turned out really nice. My old boss at the museum sent me one. Hang on. I’ll show you.” She turned the phone to the back of the sofa where she’d temporarily draped the banner.
“Oh, my goodness. That’s gorgeous. Outside in the sunshine, those will glow. Absolutely stunning, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Nana.” Always her cheerleader. But was it a cover for disappointing news? Kat sucked in a deep breath. “Did you stay for the auction of my painting?”
“Of course. Highlight of the evening. Are you sitting? I have wonderful news.”
“I am.” She held her breath.
“So many people wanted your painting. It sold for five thousand dollars.”
The air whooshed out of Kat’s lungs. “Are you serious?”
“I am. Are you pleased?”
“Yes. That’s awesome. Do you know who bought it?”
“Daughter and son-in-law of the Gormans. She was thrilled.”
“I’m glad.”
“Also, I caught Nick Summers staring at your painting before the auction. Did you know he was one of the bachelors being auctioned for a date?”
“I knew. How much did that raise?”
“I’m not sure. That was a silent bidding process. I think they didn’t want to risk hurting anyone’s feelings.”
“Ah. Makes sense.”
“He had a few words with your mother.”
Kat slammed the mug onto the table. “Hewhat?”
“I probably shouldn’t tattle, but he forced her to say she was proud of you. And then told her he hoped she would tell you that.” Grinning, Nana shook her head. “It was priceless.”
Finally picking up on Kat’s less-than-enthusiastic response, Nana’s smile faded. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t a scene.”
Blood pounded in Kat’s ears. Why would he bother confronting her mother? And inpublic?
“Seems to me that young man still cares for you,” Nana added quietly. “Have you spoken to him since we saw him at the museum?”
“No.” How had it been two months already? And why did she still think of him every day?
