Kat had found one of the coolest gifts available in her price range from the museum—a sleek faux leather zippered bag that looked like brushed aluminum with gold accents. After Mia lifted the lid of the box, she stared at Kat with wide eyes. “Wowza, Kat. This is fabulous. Has to be from the MoMA.”
“It is,” Kat assured her, topping off wine glasses.
“I love it.”
Kat gave a little curtsy. “I’m glad.”
At seven-thirty, those not staying for dinner began gathering their things. Kat let Mia see them to the door while she headed for the kitchen. She stopped to remove Natalie’s place setting from the table. At least it would give them a little more elbow room—and she’d have leftovers.
She dressed the slaw and set buns and a steaming plate of pulled pork on the table. Then she added a trio of barbeque sauce, tomatoes, and avocado along with a heaping bowl of chips.
“Okay, everybody. Let’s refill drinks and dig in.”
“This smells amazing,” Brendan told her.
Jack plucked a piece of meat from the tray. “Tastes that way, too.”
Kat had taken maybe three bites when her doorbell buzzed. Surprised, she glanced around the table. A late arrival? She wasn’t expecting anyone else. Her guests returned her quizzical look. Putting down her wine glass, she went to the door and spoke into the intercom.
“Mia’s party place. Who is it?”
“Kat?” Nick’s deep, strong voice came over the speaker. “Hey, sweetheart, it’s Nick.”
Kat’s heart flip-flopped. Nick? What was he doing here? Unannounced—tonight?She glanced at the table to find the three people sitting there focused on her. Of course, they could hear every word.
“Nick!” Flustered, her voice came out breathless. “You’re here? Downstairs?”
“Just happened to be in the neighborhood,” he teased with a laugh. When she didn’t respond he added, “Hey, want to let a guy in? It’s a little chilly out here.”
“Oh, sorry. Of course. Come on up.”
“She turned to her friends with a wide smile. “Friend of mine. Be right back.” She hurried down the hall and met Nick as he came up the last flight of stairs.
He grinned, holding up a paper bag that obviously held a bottle of wine. “Hello, there. How are you, gorgeous?” He dropped a black duffel from his shoulder then spun her around and planted a quick kiss on her lips.
“Nick. Oh, my gosh– I–” Kat stammered nervously, still processing the fact that he was here in the flesh. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“I wanted to surprise you.” His brows pulled together. “What’s up? Am I interrupting something?”
She knew he’d feel awkward—or get the wrong idea—when he saw the “party” looked like two couples having a dinner date. “Not at all. We’re celebrating Mia’s birthday. Have you eaten? Come join us.”
She took his hand and pulled him down the hallway.
He stepped inside and stopped short. “Hey, I don’t want to interrupt. Why don’t I give you a call later, okay?”
He delivered the line casually, but Kat heard the disappointment in his voice. She put out a hand to stop him. “No way. Come on. I want you to meet my friends.”
Kat took the duffel and pushed it behind the sofa then went around the table making introductions. “Nick, this is Mia, Jack and Brendan. Everyone, this is Nick Summers, an amazing woodworking artist from Colorado.”
Mia offered a wide smile. “Great to meet you, Nick.”
“Nick, please, take off your coat,” Kat said. “Let me pull up another chair. Mia can you scootch over closer to Jack?”
Everyone adjusted their chairs as Kat placed another one between herself and Mia for Nick. Boy, girl. Boy, girl. Kat turned again to gather plates and utensils for Nick. She could feel the curious stares around her, but she ignored them. She placed a wine glass in front of Nick and filled it with Chardonnay, then she circled the table, topping off each of the glasses. “It’s Mia’s birthday,” she broke into the awkward silence. “We’re all that’s left of the party.”
She caught Mia’s curious look.
Was she talking too loudly? Did she sound nervous?Settle down and act natural, she scolded herself. When she took her seat again, Kat picked up her glass and held it in front of her. “Cheers,” she sang out. Each glass was raised, and the dinner began again.
