“I do have some news. I’m showing at Loft Images in April. Solo show for the whole month. I hope you all can come. Opening night is Saturday, April fifth. I’m really excited about it.”
Amy nodded. “Congratulations. Great accomplishment.”
Applause broke out, and Amy joined in for a moment, then she glanced back at her daytimer.
Kat considered Amy’s response rather lackluster and noted she didn’t write the date on her calendar.
“All right. Now for the big news. I’ve got an announcement to make.” She gestured toward Cassie. “I’m delighted to announce that our very own Cassie Ellison has been named Milt Turner’s replacement. She’ll be moving over to Drawings and Prints as soon as the bamboo exhibit is completed. Congratulations, Cassie.”
Clapping began again along with cheering.
“Way to go, Cass,” Spencer shouted.
Kat twisted her hands. That was a fantastic step forward for Cassie. Unfortunately, the vibes Amy was putting off weren’t exactly warm fuzzies. How would this affect the rest of the team? Kat had a feeling Amy wasn’t going to be a champion for her. She’d be stopping by Cassie’s office after the meeting to give her private congratulations—and hopefully get some more intel.
Amy didn’t mention posting the opening or a timeframe for finding a replacement. Was she really going to make them ask? She pushed back her chair, and the meeting was over.
Kat glanced at Cassie but didn’t detect any private message in her expression, and the others were circling around with congratulations. With a genuine smile, Kat added hers. Even though she’d miss working with her, Cassie’s promotion was good for them all. It showed support and respect for their accomplishments. More information would have to wait.
* * *
Kat left the museum at six, still mulling the events of the day, which on the surface didn’t seem terrible, but she couldn’t shake a vague uneasiness. Cassie had no concrete information about the job opening, which meant Kat was probably facing a potentially awkward conversation with Amy.
At home, Kat was surveying the contents of her refrigerator when her phone rang, and Nana’s image filled the screen. She picked up immediately.
“Hi, Nana! How are you?”
“I’m doing well. Is your week off to a good start, sweetie?”
Kat let out a choked laugh and flopped into a chair at the table. “All I can say is it felt like a Monday.”
“Oh, dear. Busy day?”
“Yes. Crazy busy at work, and we had a staff meeting that interrupted the real work.”
Nana smiled. “Ah, yes. Meetings and committees.”
She wouldn’t bore Nana with the details even though she wouldn’t mind a good venting session. She’d have to give Mia a call for that.
“I want to ask you something,” Nana said. “Are you seeing someone?”
Kat’s heart pounded as her radar went on high alert. Where was this coming from? “I…um, yeah. Remember the guy I told you about who’s building some stuff for Mom and Dad?”
“Yes. The wood artist?”
“Right. Nick. He’s been to New York a couple of times on business, and we’ve gone out. Why?”
Nana let out a deep sigh.
Kat frowned.What the heck?
“I had brunch with your folks yesterday, and I accidentally overheard a conversation. I’m afraid your mother’s done something.”
A blast of cold swept through Kat. “What, Nana? Tell me.”
“You haven’t noticed a change or any odd questions from this young man in the past week, have you?”
Kat shot out of the chair and began pacing the room. Nothing came to mind. Nick hadn’t been any different after working on her mother’s project. “I don’t think so. What’s going on?”
