“And you do seem like such a slacker,” she teased. She hardly knew him, but there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he came with an impeccable work ethic. How else could he maintain a shop, show up for client meetings on time and finish beautiful custom projects plus volunteer for Habitat for Humanity?
Smiling eyes met hers over the mug.
“What’s the story on the quilt?” He nodded toward the wall.
“My grandmother made it for me when I was born. My mother didn’t like it, so she never used it. When I was in high school, I hung it in my room and painted my walls yellow and pumpkin orange to match it. You can imagine how much Mom loved that.” Her mother found the bright colors and asymmetrical design garish.
“So, you get your artistic talents from your grandmother. That doesn’t look like something a grandmother would make.”
Kat smiled. “Nana Kitty is amazing. I hate to think where I’d be without her. She’s the one who encouraged me to follow my interests and pursue art. Mom and Dad just didn’t get it. Everyone else in the family has gone into law or business and finance. I’m the black sheep.”
He shook his head. “You’re the one with the style and personality. Did they try to steer you in other directions?”
“Oh, yes. Poor Mom tried to get me to go to science camps and get into DECA and student council. When I was initiated into the National Art Honor Society, she got online and researched it. She couldn’t imagine it was legitimate.”
“When did she finally give in?”
Kat hooted. “Excuse me? Give in? You’ve met my mother, right?”
A lazy smile spread across Nick’s face enveloping Kat in its cozy warmth.
“I’m not seeing a diplomatic way to answer that.”
Standing, Kat slipped the mug from Nick’s grasp. “You’re a quick learner.”
“Sooo, your grandmother is Kitty, and you’re Kat?”
She heard the humor in his voice. A common reaction. She refilled his mug and returned to the sofa, smiling. “That’s right. I started going by Kat in high school. When I graduated, I officially changed my name from Katherine to Katlyn. It fits me better.”
“More unique,” he added softly.
“Have you made any plans for tomorrow after the interview? Sightseeing or anything?”
His eyes met hers. “Nothing definite, but thought I might take a tour of the Museum of Modern Art.”
Kat’s heart stuttered.Oh, yeah. They were on the same page. “That’s too bad,” she told him with an airy tone. “I was thinking of skipping out on the Museum of Modern Art tomorrow afternoon.”
Nick caught her hand. “I like the way you think. Will a last-minute schedule change work for you?”
She quickly went through her calendar in her head. If she could get a few things checked off her list in the morning, taking the afternoon off shouldn’t be a problem. She could go in Saturday if necessary.
“Almost positive. I’ll text you if there’s an issue.”
“Do you happen to have a camera other than your phone? We could get to work on that photo shoot.”
Kat glanced around the apartment. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d used it. “I do have a nice camera, somewhere. I’ll have to dig it up and charge the battery. Are you sure that’s how you want to spend your only free time in New York? I’d feel bad–”
He held up a hand to cut her off. “Kat, I’d love to. Probably wouldn’t take more than an hour, anyway.”
“Okay, why don’t you meet me at the museum whenever you’re done at the studio?”
“Sounds good. Be thinking about some locations.” He stood and sauntered to the kitchen. He rinsed the mug then held it up. “This go in the dishwasher?”
My, my, what a thoughtful guest. “It does. Thanks.”
“Guess I better get going. Big day tomorrow, you know.”
Reluctantly, she uncurled from the sofa. “I know. I think I’m more nervous than you are.”
