Sure, he was going to the city this weekend, but the itinerary was drastically different from the original plan. He’d already booked a new hotel, and no, he didn’t need a rental car. He’d be taking a taxi for all his transportation needs. He wouldn’t have many. He wouldn’t be sightseeing, and the hotel was practically around the corner from the HBTV offices.
Nor would he see Katlyn Andrews or her family. Kat had told him the weekend was off, but she didn’t specify if that meant for him or for the others as well. Maybe her grandmother and dad would still go and they could enjoy some time together. Would Kat put on a good face for her grandma and try to make it a fun weekend or take the opportunity to mourn and be pampered?
He’d contacted Kat only once since their break-up. She didn’t respond, but he didn’t think she’d blocked his number. He could try again, but he still waffled between missing her and being frustrated with her. Anyway, without her on his agenda, he could focus on scripts and filming. He owed HBTV his best. And he didn’t want to blow an incredible opportunity. Everything else had to go to the back burner.
Nick shoved his phone into his pocket and began putting away his tools. He’d left them out several days in a row and let the place go—just as he’d skipped trimming his beard and cleaning the apartment. But when he’d caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror earlier in the day, a disheveled lumberjack stared back at him. Not his best look, and not one his mother would appreciate.
He tossed an empty beer can into the recycling bin then headed upstairs for a re-set. His parents were expecting him for dinner in an hour. He still hadn’t decided what to tell them about Kat, and he knew his mom would ask.
He stepped out of the shower still undecided on a course of action.
Later, standing in the kitchen with his parents, Nick felt his mother’s scrutiny, her eyes like laser beams homing in on their target. The woman could always read him.
He turned to his dad. “How are you feeling? No side effects from the meds?” Nick looked closer. “Youaretaking them, right?” His dad had had a mild health scare a few months earlier but had an aversion to pills.
His dad shot him a disgusted give-me-a-break look. “Yes, I’m taking them. I feel fine. And you don’t have to babysit me.”
“Oh, don’t start on Nick,” his mother scolded. “He’s simply concerned. Come on, let’s sit down.”
As soon as they began passing dishes, Nick sensed her eyes on him again. But she waited until he he’d filled his plate to satisfy her curiosity.
“You look tired, honey. Just busy?”
Nick’s neck warmed, but he took the basket of rolls she offered and shrugged. “Had some things to finish up this week. I’m heading back to New York on Friday. Time to start filming.”
She arched her brows and a light sparked in her eyes. “All business or will you have time to see Kat?”
Her question squeezed his chest like a vise. If his relationship with Kat was over, he could just say so. But if he wanted to leave the door open to potential reconciliation, he didn’t want to talk too much.
“We both have a lot going on, so that probably won’t happen,” he hedged.
“It’s so exciting. Make sure you take some pictures. I want to see how this works.” She turned to his dad. “Wouldn’t you love to see the set?”
“I figure we’ll see it when it airs.”
She waved a hand. “Well, yes, but that’ll be months.” She shot Nick her I-mean-it look. “Send pictures. And I hope you get some time with your girlfriend. Maybe after the filming?”
To buy some time, Nick pretended to chew. Was she going to force him to either spill the beans or lie? He swallowed hard and attempted a smile. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. Don’t have a plan. I’ll try to snap some pics, though.”
His answer seemed to satisfy her, and the subject changed to his sister. But Nick caught his mother’s speculative glance a couple of times during the meal. If they’d been alone, he wouldn’t mind getting her take on the situation, but he didn’t feel like bringing his dad up to speed.
After supper, Nick settled onto the sofa to hang out with his parents for a while and watch some basketball. But at half-time, his dad announced he was tired and going to bed.
Only took a few minutes for his mother to grab the remote and turn down the volume on the TV. When she looked back at him, a puzzled frown marred her face.
“You dashed up to New York to see Kat because her show was cancelled, and now you’re going back and haven’t made plans to see her?”
Nick sucked in a deep breath.Here we go.“We’re both really busy, and she’s going to have company all weekend.”
His mom leaned forward with raised brows. “Even though I’ve had quite a few trips around the sun, I still know what new love feels like. If everything was going well, there’s no way you’d be in New York and not find a way to see her. Love finds a way.” She picked up her magazine and sat back.
She’d given him an out. He could take it or spill his guts.Love finds a way. And there was the big question. Did he love Kat enough to pursue a relationship? Could they work it out? Or were they simply not compatible?
With a heavy sigh, he turned to his mom and told her the entire story. “I insulted her and hurt her feelings.”
“Oh, my. Have you talked about it since then?”
“Haven’t had the chance. Plus, I stand by what I said. She operates from a place of privilege.”
