“She’s very talented.”
“Have you spoken with her lately?”
Was she fishing for information? Surely, she could get the intel from Kat. “No, I…we–”
“She’s a little disoriented right now. Trying to get her feet back under her, you know.”
What was she saying? That Kat needed more time? Was she referring to losing the show—or losing him?
“Maybe I’ll have a chance to talk to her soon. Could you excuse me?” He could not stand around and make small talk with Kat’s grandmother. “Enjoy the evening.”
Heart pounding, he strode toward an exit but stopped when the lights flickered off then on again. He turned to see two people step onto the stage. They could be ready to introduce the bachelors, so he remained in the ballroom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, while you continue to enjoy cocktail hour and silent bidding, we’re going to get things started by offering a couple of our live auction items. But first, I want to introduce our bachelors who’ve graciously agreed to treat six of you to a lovely night on the town. Ladies, get your pocketbooks ready. You’ll want a date with any of these handsome, accomplished supporters of the Denver Art Museum. Let’s have a round of applause for these outstanding gentlemen.”
A loud swell of clapping and cheering erupted as Nick made his way toward the stage where the others were lining up. One by one, the emcee announced the names and gave a brief bio of the contestant. He assumed they were all in it for the publicity as well. His name was called fourth, and a spotlight followed him onto the stage.
He smiled at the audience without making eye contact with anyone—the stage lights were too bright to make out individual faces anyway. But he knew Kitty was there and that Kat’s parents were most likely with her. He remembered Kat’s words about her mother’s opinion of him and wondered if that was about to change. He almost wished he could see her.
“Ladies, here we have Nick Summers. Nick owns an artist cooperative in Colorado Springs. He’s on several art councils, and he’s a wood artist.” She paused and grinned. “I think that means he’s good with his hands.” The audience tittered as intended, and Nick played along with a quick wave. “Also, Mr. Summers is about to become a television celebrity. He’s signed a deal with HomeBuilders TV where he’ll be featured in several programs. Congratulations, Nick. We’ll look forward to those. Get those bids ready, ladies.”
After the last bachelor was introduced, the woman moved on to auction items.
“We’ll do two while we begin dinner service.”
Nick went ahead and took his seat at table seven, relieved to find the others were there as well. Two had brought dates, so it was a perfect fit for the eight-seat round table.
While the auctioning took place, Nick surveyed the crowd again. A glance two rows to his left had him doing a double take. Taking their seats were Kat’s parents and Kitty. He groaned inside. Of course, they’d be right in his line of sight. He turned to his own table and struck a conversation with the Rockies publicist.
As the evening wore on, he noticed Kitty getting up several times. She must be bidding on a few items. He remembered she was a big supporter of the museum and had cash to spare. Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t remember whether Kat had mentioned the source of the wealth. From a deceased spouse? Old family money? Maybe both. He returned his attention to his plate. The crusted chicken in the main course was surprisingly good.
But as soon as the auctioneer announced Kat’s painting, Nick stilled.
“This is a special item,” the man began. “The artist is one of our own. Katlyn Andrews grew up in Denver and became a patron at an early age. Katlyn is a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute and now works in exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art. And tonight, I have the pleasure of announcing that Katlyn’s art will be featured on our fall banners at the museum. Not this piece, but another work. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original work by this up-and-coming artist.”
Nick stared at the stage, dumbfounded. When did the banner thing happen?Howdid it happen? Kat hadn’t said a word. He slid a glance toward her family’s table. Kitty was clapping and beaming while Rebecca appeared confused. Nick shook his head. She was clueless.
“The bidding will begin at five hundred dollars,” the man on stage announced.
Nick held his breath. In less than a minute the bidding was into the thousands. Sounded as if three or four people were particularly determined to have the painting. Behind him, he heard a couple speaking. “Keep going,” the woman urged. “This is theonething I want tonight.”
After a final call for bids, the man announced the painting would sell for five thousand dollars. To Nick, it was a great price. He wondered if Kat would agree. Should he tell her? Send her a text? He turned to look at Kitty again. Her grin stretched ear to ear. He’d bet she already had that covered.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to take a short break before dessert is served. Please, get up and stretch, refill your drinks, but don’t go away. There’s more to come.”
The lights brightened, and Nick stood. Maybe he’d go for a cocktail. The other bachelors were imbibing. He’d taken only a few steps toward the bar when Kitty stepped in front of him.
“Mr. Summers, wasn’t that exciting?”
“Nick,” he corrected her. He couldn’t help a smile. He’d developed a soft spot for Kitty simply based on her support of Kat. “Yes, it was. Too bad Kat wasn’t here to bask in the spotlight.”
“I think she was feeling a little shy about it. As you know, her confidence has taken a hit recently. Hopefully this will help.”
Nick swallowed hard as guilt punched him in the gut. “Hope so.”
Kat’s parents filed in beside Kitty. Rebecca’s puzzled gaze turned from Kitty to Nick.
“Kitty, Mr. Summers is one of the bachelors tonight, but he’s also the person who created our new mantel and bookcases in the front room.”
