Kat let her head fall into her free hand. Nick made a nice offer, but the customers in his shop wouldn’t be the same. Showing there wouldn’t be a springboard to other high-end galleries around the country.
“Thanks, I’ll think about it, but my goal isn’t just to sell a few paintings. I’m looking to gain recognition, to build a reputation. I doubt I could charge the same prices in your shop as I would the gallery. And if I reduce the prices, it might not be worth the shipping cost.” And marking down her art would devalue her name as well as the pieces.
“Well, we’re not in a big hurry. You could put them on a cheap, slow truck. When they get here, they get here. Up to you, of course, but I’d love to have them.”
“For now, I guess I just need to get them out of Loft and over to my studio space.” She sagged against the counter. “And I think I’ll call in a personal day tomorrow. I need a mental health day.”
“That’s a good idea, and you deserve it. Can you go to a spa? Go skating? Do something fun?”
“Maybe,” she barely whispered. “I’ll have to let people know. I’ll have to call Nana. And…my parents.” Her voice broke. “Can you imagine my mom’s reaction?”
“Oh, babe.”
She raked a hand through her hair. She’d probably kept him too long already. “I better let you get back to work. Someone could be stealing from you as we speak.”
Terrible choice of words, as they brought the horror of her predicament rushing back. She’d been robbed. But there was no police report to file. No investigation. No recovering her losses.
* * *
Nick stood holding his phone long after Kat ended the call. What was the right move here?
Kat was a strong woman, but he knew what a big blow this was. Probably the worst thing that ever happened to her. The thought of her alone in her apartment drowning in disappointment was a tough visual. If he was her significant other, the first person she called with the news, shouldn’t he be there for her?
He swiped a hand over his jaw. How fast could he get to New York? Wouldn’t be ideal, but hecouldhave Trena cover the meeting on the tax district. He blew out a long breath, debating his options. Did this illustrate everything that was a problem with a long-distance relationship? He shoved the phone into his pocket. He had to do something.
Seven hours later, Nick closed the cab door, picked up his bag, and sprinted up the steps to Kat’s apartment. For the second time in a few short weeks, he made a surprise visit. He knew it was warranted—he just hoped it was welcome. There was always a chance she’d taken a sleeping aid and crashed to take her mind off the situation. He rang the bell and waited.
After another minute, he set down his bag and pulled out his phone. Closing in on midnight. He punched her number. With any luck, she’d hear a call.
“Lo?” Kat’s groggy voice came on the line.
“Hey, babe. Sorry to wake you up.”Sorry, not sorry. “I’m at your doorstep. Want to buzz me in?”
“Youwhat?” Her voice was awake now. High-pitched and breathy with surprise. “I’m coming.”
A moment later, the buzzer sounded. Nick hurried up the stairs to find her waiting at her open door, bleary-eyed in soft peach-colored pajamas.
Her mouth dropped open, then she flung herself into his arms. “Nick! Oh, my gosh, Nick.”
Her shoulders shook as she clung to his neck, her tears wet on his skin. And he had no doubt he’d made the right decision. He squeezed her to his chest and buried his face in her hair. “Got here as fast as I could.”
“Thank you for coming,” she whispered. Sniffling, she pulled back and raked a hand through her hair.
Nick moved inside with her and closed the door. “How you holding up?”
“I’m not.” She rested her forehead against him. “I’m seriously not. I’m so devastated. I feel cold and sick. I don’t even know what to do.” She lifted her face and met his eyes. “How do I do this? How can I face my friends and family? I…I told everyone.”
Her voice quivered, and Nick brushed tears from her cheeks. “True friends and family have your back. And we’re all going to be mad as hell about this.” He folded her into his arms again. “We’ll make a plan later. For now, just take it easy.” He slid an arm around her shoulders and steered her to the sofa. “Come on. Let me get you something.”
When she curled onto the sofa, Nick grabbed the throw blanket and tucked it around her. He pressed a quick kiss to her hair. “Wine? Tea? A warm bath?”
“Some hot tea would be great.”
Nick remembered his way around her kitchen and quickly brewed a cup of caffeine-free tea for her.
“Thanks,” she murmured when he handed her the mug.
He moved behind the sofa and began massaging her shoulders.
