Kat shifted her gaze past Nana and let out a soft sigh. “I’ve had second thoughts since the last time I saw him. I’m…I’m just torn. I keep wondering what he would think about this new idea for my work. He texted me when he was done filming in New York and wanted to see me, but I said no. I just…wasn’t ready.”
“I see. So now the ball is in your court.”
Kat met Nana’s eyes. “Something like that.”
“You miss him.”
“Yeah.” She raised her eyes to Nana. “More than I thought I would, honestly.”
“What happened, honey?”
“He…” Kat’s lips trembled. “He thinks I’m a snob and have an attitude of privilege.”
Nana let out a heavy sigh. “That’s something people in our social position have to be mindful of all the time. It takes conscious effort to make sure we don’t present that way.”
“I honestly never want to be that way. I don’t want to be like Mom.”
“Of course not. You have a wonderful heart, Kat. Clearly, he saw glimpses of that, or he wouldn’t have been drawn to you in the first place. Maybe you can work it out? Perhaps invite him to kindly and gently help you recognize when a bit of privilege creeps in?”
Kat let out a choked laugh. Would Nick want to take her on as a social project? “I don’t know.”
“Relationships take effort, you know. Even when you’re in love.”
“Yes,” Kat whispered. Nick hadn’t professed to love her, but he’d given her some signs… At least they could clear the air, whether that meant walking away or starting over. A memorable line from Jane Austen came to mind—like Elizabeth Bennett, Kat couldn’t bear the thought of Nick being out in the world and thinking ill of her.
She moistened her lips. “Nana, would you mind if I…could I take your car this afternoon and go to Colorado Springs? I can be back in time for dinner.”
“Of course, you may.”
The drive back to Nana’s apartment was quiet—except for the butterflies fluttering inside Kat’s stomach. Those, she couldn’t seem to quell. She helped Nana inside with their packages.
“Have a good nap, Nana,” Kat’s said softly, jingling the car keys in her hand.
Nana drew Kat into a tight hug, and like a sponge, Kat soaked up the love and encouragement she felt in those arms.
“Be safe, sweetie. I hope it goes well.”
On the highway, Kat blasted the air conditioning and turned up the volume on her playlist. An hour and fifteen minutes later, she reached Nick’s shop in old Colorado City. She found it easily and parked just down the street. The co-op had a good location—situated between a women’s clothing store and a book shop.
Kat stepped inside the shop and immediately picked up a good vibe, the neat displays and well-placed lighting invited exploration. The scent of coffee mixed with wood and vanilla. Probably from handmade soaps and candles. Serving coffee was a nice touch. Told customers they were welcome to linger.
A woman talking with a couple looked her way and gave a cheery wave. “Welcome in,” she called. “Let me know if I can help you with anything.”
Kat smiled and moved farther into the shop, letting her eyes roam the shelves and walls. A set of glass cases held several collections of jewelry. Beautiful hand-woven scarves hung on a rack nearby, Kat ran her hand across some of them and noted the high quality. Color and texture greeted her at every turn. A whimsical ceramic vase with a shiny crackle finish practically begged to be a gift for Mia.
“Are you looking for anything in particular?” The woman working the shop appeared at Kat’s side.
“Actually, I was looking for Nick Summers. Will he be in today?”
“I’m sorry. You just missed him. Are you an artist?”
“I…um, yes.” Kat groaned inside. She came down here for nothing?
“Were you interested in a consignment application? I can get that for you.”
Kat’s thoughts turned. There was an idea. Maybe she’d fill out an application and send it to Nick, show him she respected his store. And she did. She had to admit, she was impressed with the work she’d seen so far—the talent showcased here. Her larger pieces would probably take up too much valuable wall space, but she could visualize some of her smaller works here. “Yes, thank you. I’d like one.”
“Be right back.”
