“No.” In fact, she lived in a city with millions of people, but her social circle had shrunk in the last couple of years. Mister Right hadn’t shown up at the museum, and that’s where she spent most of her time. Kat took a deep breath. This was probably the best opening she’d get. “I have some other news.” She glanced toward her parents. Conversation suspended. Excitement crept into her voice, and she announced, “I got a show.”
Blank eyes stared at her.
“A show?” her mother echoed.
Nana turned wide eyes on Kat. “You mean you haven’t told them already?”
There hadn’t been a good opportunity, and Kat didn’t want to blurt it out like a little kid looking for praise and attention.
“A gallery in New York City is showing her paintings.” Nana spoke for her.
Her dad gave a wide smile. “That’s outstanding. Congratulations.”
“We have to go to the opening party,” Nana said.
“Of course,” her dad agreed.
“When is it?” Her mother shot a look toward Kat’s father.
“April,” Kat said.
“April what?”
“The show runs the whole month of April. I’m not sure which night the opening event will be.”
“Oh, dear,” her mother said. “Let us know the date as soon as you can. We’ll be getting ready for the Symphony tour around that time.”
“Sure.” Kat swallowed hard. That simple comment told her everything she needed to know about her mom’s priorities. In her mind, Kat popped herself upside the head. What had she expected? She’d known her mother’s priorities for twenty-eight years.
“That’s great,” Kat’s sister-in-law, Laura, chimed in.
“Yeah. Cool,” her brother added.
“We should all go.” Nana looked pointedly toward Kat’s siblings and their families. “Who couldn’t use a little getaway to New York City?”
When her siblings and in-laws began shifting and murmuring, their children suddenly in need of attention, Kat’s face burned. “Oh, Nana, it’s not that–”
“Maybe.” Christopher glanced at his wife then back to Kat and shrugged. “Get us the details, and we’ll see.”
“Well,” Kat’s sister drawled. “I doubt it’s going to work for us.” She paused and looked around the room, a smile spreading across her face. “I guess this is a good time to tellournews.” She paused a moment for dramatic effect then clapped her hands together and announced, “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Laura screeched, her eyes bulging. “Oh, my gosh. So am I!”
The entire living room erupted in squeals and laughter and celebration. Kat sat rigid on the couch while her mother shot past her and drew Elizabeth into a hug. Nana placed a hand on Kat’s back, making soothing circular motions. Kat couldn’t look her direction. Instead, she made eye contact with her sister.
“That’s awesome, Elizabeth. Congrats.” She refused to be surly or jealous. “How are you feeling?”
When their mother turned her loose, Elizabeth picked up her mug of cider, a wry smile on her face. “So far, it’s been good, except for the caffeine withdrawal.”
“Oh,” their mother exclaimed. “I should put on a pot of decaf. Would you drink some?”
“Sure, Mom,” Elizabeth said. “That’d be great.”
After quick hugs for Laura and Christopher, her mother scurried to the kitchen.
“Congratulations, girls,” Nana said, continuing to rub Kat’s back. “No matter how many children you have, each one is such a joy.”
Kat gave Nana a sideways glance, pretty sure she meant that last comment as a reminder for her parents.
