“Of course. I mean…if that’s okay with you.”
She couldn’t contain a smile. Apparently, he expected to still be in touch with her. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated. I mean–”
“Kat, I’d hate to miss it.”
“Okay.” Her voice went a little breathy. There was an awkward pause in the conversation, and Kat wished she could step into his arms.
“Hey, tell me about your new project at MoMA.” His voice dropped. “See, you’ve been on my mind, too.”
With a soft laugh, she launched into the details of the new exhibit. “It’s going to be very cool. It’s all about bamboo.”
Nick’s eyebrows arched. “Bamboo?”
“Yep. People are using it for all kinds of things these days. We try to be cutting edge around here, you know.”
“Sure. That’s why you’re good at your job.”
He couldn’t possibly know whether she was good at her job, but it was a nice compliment. “Well, thanks. I think this one’s going to be fun. We get to take over an entire room and have live bamboo growing. It’s incredibly versatile, and it’s a sustainable crop. The floors will be made of bamboo, and all the frames and other exhibits, too.”
Nick chuckled. “I guess it’s safe to say you’re excited about it.”
“I am. I’ve started doing research and have found out all kinds of things. Bamboo is a lot more than Panda food.”
“Right. You know the saying… ‘do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life?’ Sounds like you’re there.”
Kat let out a long sigh. “I guess so. It’s good for now, but I’m not really in on the decision-making. I might get to choose a couple of photos or write a few descriptions for the displays, but that’s about it.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll happen.”
“Being a wood-master yourself, you might want to come see it,” she told him. As she spoke, she realized it sounded like a challenge. A Freudian slip? A challenge to conquer his dislike of the city? Or a challenge to gauge his interest in her? She hadn’t meant it that way, but…
The words hung in the air.
But then a slow smile spread across his face. “I’d very much like to see it. When does it open?”
“March fifteenth.” Still a long time to wait for a visit.
“I think we can make that happen. Speaking of shows, did you see I sent back your brochure copy? Just had one tiny suggestion.”
“Yep. Already gave it to the gallery since I had to go over there and pay for the framing.”
“Did you give them a photo?”
“Yes. The black and white where I’m not looking directly at the camera and my hair’s catching the wind.”
“My fave. It says arty all over it.”
“Haha. Straight from the photographer’s mouth. I totally agree.”
“Good. What’s next?”
“Pete wants me to attend the February show opening, which is coming right up. He wants to introduce me as an upcoming feature.”
“Sounds like he does a decent job of promoting.”
“Yeah, I hope so.” She’d already picked out a fabulous black dress for the event, and Mia had agreed to be her “date.” Too bad Nick couldn’t be around for that. She’d much prefer to be draped on his arm. Although, she had to admit Mia’s life-of-the-party vibe always seemed to attract a crowd.
They talked for a few more minutes until Kat glanced at the time on her computer and realized they’d gone way past her normal bedtime. “Hey, Prince Charming, I’m going to be surrounded by mice and pumpkins any minute, so I’d better get going.”
