“Sure. We use Ace framing over on fifty-fourth Street.” He pulled out a notebook and some frame samples.
Together they looked at her pieces and the frame selections and decided that half of the paintings would get a modern, black wooden frame, and the other half would get maple. Both styles complemented her artwork perfectly. Kat couldn’t be more pleased.
“I’ll need a down payment,” Matt told her. “Half now and the rest on delivery.”
She nodded and pulled her wallet out of her purse. Framing all twelve would run more than three thousand dollars. That would make the next few months a little tight, but the cost was worth it. With a gulp, she handed her credit card to Matt. “Okay, let me know when they’re ready, and I’ll come down and pay the rest.
“Sounds good.”
Kat gathered up her purse and the leftover pieces and headed for the door. Adrenaline rushed through her veins, but she forced herself to play it cool and walk calmly out of the gallery though she was giddy inside.Whew.She never imagined having so many projects at the same time. All these moving pieces, plus a possible love life?
Let the juggling begin.
ChapterTen
Nick cruised around the block to kill some time before pulling up at the Andrews home. He knew this particular client appreciated a perfectly-on-time appearance. He’d be glad to get the appointment off his list—and to have a specific reason to call Kat tonight. It’d taken all kinds of self-control to hold off for two days. He hoped that hadn’t been a critical error on his part.
Kat’s mother appeared at the door moments after Nick rang the bell.
“Mr. Summers. Please come in.”
Nick smiled and stepped inside then followed Mrs. Andrews to the living room. The furniture had been pushed to one side and the large area rug removed.
“Looks like you’re getting ready for the wrecking crew.”
She turned and motioned toward a chair. “Yes. Construction is scheduled to start this afternoon.”
“Sounds good.” He drew the contract from his briefcase and handed it to her. “These are the design features and costs we’ve discussed. Just need your autograph and partial payment for materials.”
Rebecca took the document and slipped on a pair of tortoiseshell reading glasses. Most people gave the contract a cursory once-over, but she seemed to be settling in. Nick figured it was the attorney in her and not any indication that she had concerns.
“While you take a look at that, I’ll go over these measurements.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Haven’t you already done that?”
“Yep. But I always do a re-check. Measure twice, cut once, the saying goes.”
“Of course,” she murmured, turning her attention back to the contract.
Nick grabbed his measuring tape and tablet and began reviewing his earlier notes. Looked good. He went over the details, visualizing the finished pieces installed. The whole wall was going to look amazing.
“Have you chosen the tile yet?” he asked.
Rebecca glanced up. “Oh, yes. The white with blue detail Susie showed us.”
“Great.” Nick watched as Rebecca lifted the pen and began writing her name on the agreement. He turned back to the fireplace to hide his fist pump. The tile would look great and maybe a warm gray wall. The neutral color would be the perfect backdrop for a piece of colorful art. “One of Kat’s landscapes would look great up there. The bright colors would–”
“Excuse me?”
Swiveling at the hard sound of Rebecca’s voice, Nick found narrowed eyes on him. Wait. Did he say that out loud?
“What do you mean?”
“I, uh, was wondering what kind of piece you plan to put above the mantel.”
Rebecca stood and removed her glasses.
Her piercing stare bore into Nick’s skin like a sharp dagger.
