“They are,” Kat agreed. “Sounded like Pete issued you an invitation to propose a show or maybe get some of your pieces in the gallery. Think you’ll do it?”
Mia shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt, right?”
Kat glanced around but saw only wall space, no shelves or glass cases. “I suppose he has locked display cases he uses when he shows Three-D art. Your stuff could easily be stolen otherwise.”
“Yeah. I don’t know. Gallery showings are nice, but I’m focusing more on retail shops right now. Seems like it makes more sense to get into shops where people are specifically looking for jewelry. We’ll see. It’s all about the audience, right?”
When Pete suddenly appeared at her side, Kat nearly spilled her drink.
“Come with me, sweetheart. Time to make your grand appearance.”
He slid a hand under her elbow and guided her toward the front of the room where tonight’s artist stood greeting guests. She tried not to flinch at the feel of his fingers pressing into her bare skin.
“Dalton,” he interrupted. “Let me introduce you to one of our future feature artists, Katlyn Andrews.”
They shook hands, and Pete began tapping a spoon against his glass. “Attention. Attention, everyone.”
As soon as the crowd quieted, Pete thanked everyone for attending then introduced Dalton, giving a short bio and his own recommendation and artistic evaluation of Dalton’s work.
Goosebumps erupted on Kat’s arms while she listened and jumped ahead to April in her mind—to being under this same spotlight with friends and family cheering her on. How would Pete describe her work?
When the applause died down, Dalton raised a hand and began speaking.
“I’d like to thank Pete and everyone at Loft Images…”
Kat snapped to and listened to the artist. She hadn’t yet decided what to say at her own opening. Something sincere, but short. She wanted the spotlight to be on her work, not her.
A moment later, Pete pulled her forward. “And one last thing.” He addressed the crowd again. “Please welcome Miss Katlyn Andrews. Be sure to come back in April when we’ll feature this lovely lady and her fabulous watercolor and pastel works. You won’t want to miss it.” He lifted his glass in the air. “A salute to artists. And many thanks to all of you who support them. Cheers.”
Kat needn’t have worried about keeping warm. She wasn’t sure whether it was the alcohol, bright lights or being put on stage that had her perspiring. Maybe all of the above. She pushed back her hair from her face and continued to smile as people clapped and conversation began again.
“Nice shout-out,” Mia told her. “You look great, by the way. I swear, I don’t know how you always manage to look so perfectly put together and sociable. Especially when you aren’t exactly Miss Congeniality.”
Kat laughed and clinked her glass to Mia’s. It was true. She found big events and lots of people overwhelming. “Must be part of that prim and proper upbringing of mine.”
Mia sniffed. “Mmm. Must be. How annoying. So, is that a wrap or are you required to stay until the bitter end?”
Glancing around, Kat spied Pete in deep conversation with a small group. Maybe he wouldn’t notice if they ducked out. “Not sure. I should probably hang around a few more minutes. Don’t feel like you have to stay.” Though it was tempting, Kat didn’t see how she could leave without at least saying goodbye to Pete.
She and Mia mingled through the crowd, and several people stopped and politely asked Kat about her work. She knew Mia had to be bored when she wandered away. But a few minutes later, Kat found her talking with a couple of women they both knew.
Kat made her way over. “Hi, ladies. Nice of you to get out on a nasty night.”
“Oh, my gosh, Kat. Are you crazy excited?” Olivia asked. “It’s almost your turn.”
“I know. I can’t believe it.” She cocked her head. “Want to meet the owner?” Olivia created large contemporary pieces that reminded Kat of futuristic space scenes. She needed exposure as much as the rest of them.
They made their way toward Pete, and Kat made introductions. Pete nodded and greeted them appropriately but didn’t show any particular interest.
“Thanks, again, Pete,” Kat called out as he turned to move on. Seemed like a good time to wrap things up.
Turning back, Pete grabbed her arm. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Startled, Kat glanced at the others before meeting Pete’s eyes. Was he kidding? It sounded almost like…like anorder.
He pulled her away from the group, and his hand moved to her back. “Stick around.”
Dread churned in Kat’s stomach. She forced a tight smile as she pulled the scarf tighter over her shoulders. “For what?”
