“Maybe. Can I keep this?”
Kat grinned. “Of course. I’ve got more.” Maybe she’d leave several on the tables. She could always make another trip to the copy shop.
Back at her office, she discovered an envelope on her chair that hadn’t been there when she came in. She opened it and found a thank you from Amy, a gift card to the museum cafe, and a notice that the entire team would be treated to lunch in the breakroom today in honor of the opening of the bamboo exhibit.Not bad for a Monday.
She sank into her chair and opened email, hardly even remembering what tasks had been on her plate before they’d switched gears. With the new boss not on board yet, she expected to be in limbo for a few days. As exhibit coordinator, she’d spend most of her time this week making sure all parts and pieces were working in the exhibit and in their proper place.
A little before noon, she texted Nick.
—Hey, the flyers have been a big hit.—
—No surprise there. :-)—
—I’m heading off to celebratory team lunch.—
—Have fun.—
Kat texted back a smiley face and heart shape then locked her phone in the desk drawer and headed for the breakroom. Noise and laughter reached her before she got to the entrance. Inside, she was shocked to find the room transformed. Balloons floated from each table. One table was covered with food, and a fancy coffee bar was set up along one wall. Already most of the team was assembled, including some of the display builders.
Cassie waved and hurried toward Kat. “Hi, come join the fun.”
“Wow. This is unexpected.”
“But totally deserved. Go get yourself one of those flavored mocha-latte-things you like.”
Didn’t really seem like a lunch beverage, but Kat wasn’t passing up the opportunity. She got a vanilla-caramel latte then moved through the food line, a salad, pasta, and dessert bar obviously catered by the restaurant. With the camaraderie around her, it was hard for Kat to feel annoyed about the lost promotion opportunity. Not everyone was lucky enough to work in such an awesome environment with great people.
She stopped counting the number of people who complimented her on the flyer she’d pinned to the bulletin board.
“Who took that pic?” Cassie asked. “It’s gorgeous.”
Kat was nearly bursting inside. “Same guy who sent the fabulous flowers for Valentine’s Day.”
Cassie’s eyes went round. “Very nice. My, my, I’d say that boy’s a keeper.”
Kat grinned. “Come to my opening reception and you can meet him.”
“It’s on my calendar.”
Kat was still smiling when she returned to her cubicle an hour later with a fresh latte in hand. She set down the drink and retrieved her cell phone. After all, she’d earned a light workday. One glance at messages and she sat up straight. A missed call from Matt at Loft. Hopefully to let her know the promo had gone out. It was all falling into place. She listened to the message.
—Kat, it’s Matt at Loft. Sorry I missed you. Call when you get a chance.—
“Absolutely.” Practically bouncing in her chair, she pressed call-back.
“Hey, Matt!”
“Hi, Kat. Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Sure. Hey, I sent out some info about the show over the weekend. Already getting some positive responses.” She gave a little laugh. “This is so much fun. It’s going to be hard to get through the next couple of weeks. My head’s in the clouds.”
“Kat, listen…about that…”
Kat’s body went ice cold. There was something in Matt’s voice. She gripped the phone tighter. “What’s up?” She could hardly breathe as she waited for him to continue.
“I’m not sure how to put this. I’m afraid I got the dirty job of giving you some bad news.”
ChapterNineteen
