“Let’s see how this turns out before you–”
“Just think, you could be the next Lilly Pulitzer, designer of fabulous, upscale fashion accessories.”
“Ha-ha, yeah, if I had that name recognition.”
“What? I thought you came from royal Denver bloodlines.”
Kat saw the grin on her friend’s face and knew she was teasing, but the words sent a chill through Kat’s veins. Mia had mentioned Kat’s “prim and proper” upbringing on more than one occasion. Her background of “privilege” obviously showed more than Kat ever dreamed. An awful thought hit her brain and queasiness churned her stomach. Could she possibly be like her mother? Is that what people saw?
Kat could hardly breathe. She set aside the sketchbook and began gathering her things. She had to get out of there.
“Kat? What are you doing? Hey, what’s wrong?”
Her throat tight, Kat shook her head. “I…I’m getting a headache. I think I’d better go.”
Mia’s face pulled into a puzzled frown as she grabbed Kat’s arm. “Well…okay…let me put away–”
“No. You can stay.” She scooped up her purse and sketchpad then headed for the door. “See you all later,” she called. Kat pushed open the door and started to lean against it, but Mia burst through.
“Kat,whatis going on?”
She held up a hand. “I can’t…”
“Talk to me.”
She could only shake her head.
Mia swung around in front of Kat. “What’s this about? I’m following you until you tell me.”
Kat closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “Do you think I’m like my mom?”
Mia’s brow creased into a deep frown. “What are you talking about?”
“Do you?” Kat demanded.
“Good fudge nuggets. Are you serious? You arenothinglike your mom. I’ve only met the woman a few times, but I’ve seen her put on airs and talk down to people. I’ve seen her face twist into a pinch just looking at someone. In all the years I’ve known you, I have never seen you act one tiny smidge like your mother.”
Kat sucked in a deep breath. “But you think I act prim and proper and–”
“Kat, come on, that’s a joke.”
“But there’s something people see that–”
“Stop.” Mia held up a hand. “Where is this coming from? You support all the other artists. You volunteer with kids. You’re polite to everyone. You–” A look of horror crossed her face, and she put a hand to her chest. “Oh, no. Did someone say that to you? Did…did Nick say you were like your mom? Is that what happened between you two?”
Kat met Mia’s eyes and slowly nodded.
“Oh, Kat. That’s the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard. I mean–” She stared at Kat. “He really said that?”
Kat bit her lip.
“But why would–?” Mia put her hands on her hips and her gaze went past Kat. “Well, damn. And I really liked him. I thought…”
“Yeah, me too.” In her heart, Kat knew he was wrong about her…but how could her heart be so wrong about him?
* * *
Nick sputtered a harsh, humorless laugh and closed out of his email account. “Yeah, thanks.” It was the second reminder notice the airline had sent about his upcoming trip to New York City.As if he could forget.
