Page 105 of Painted Dreams
Turning, her mother stared, brows arched.
And Kat knew this was as close to a concession, as she’d ever get. Her gaze moved to the blank space, and she went through the pieces in her head. She had a couple of good options. “Um, sure. I can send you some photos and you can choose the one you like best.”
“What a fabulous idea, Rebecca.” Nana clapped her hands. “One of Kat’s paintings would look marvelous in here.” Nana turned a soft smile on Kat—an unspoken but obvious appeal to Kat to accept this peace offering. Or whatever it was.
Kat sucked in a deep breath, reached for Nana’s hand, and let any lingering animosity roll off her shoulders. Her mother would always play a part in Kat’s story, but she was a secondary character, part of the backstory. She didn’t need to know that Kat was considering a career change or thinking about contacting Nick Summers. Her mother now occupied a different lane in her life.
* * *
After a late night of researching manufacturing options, Kat curled up Saturday morning with a cup of tea on Nana’s sofa. She inhaled the mango aroma and closed her eyes, taking in the tropical scent of summer.
“Did you sleep well, love?” Nana came from the kitchen and eyed Kat over the top of her cup.
Kat gave a little laugh. It’d been a restless night. So much percolating in her mind. “Good enough.”
“I hope you don’t mind I made dinner reservations downtown for this evening. I feel like dressing up and having a nice meal out.”
“Sure, that’s fine.”
“Did you bring anything a little bit fancy? Or should we go shopping and find you a cute summer dress?”
That sounded like a great idea. She could use something fun and cheery—maybe a confidence booster to work up the nerve to visit Nick’s shop. A surprise visit was risky but seemed like her best option. No opportunity for him to say no.
“Are you sure you’re up to shopping?” Kat asked.
“Certainly. It won’t take long. I know the perfect shops.”
Kat couldn’t help smiling at the light in Nana’s eyes. “Let’s do it.”
“All right, but first, how would you feel about lunch in the cafe here? Not the dining room but the small cafe. It’s got a lovely patio.” Nana raised her brows. “Let an old lady show off her amazing granddaughter?”
“I’d be happy to. Should we shop first, make sure I’m presentable?” Kat teased.
Nana swatted Kat’s knee playfully. “Nonsense. You can wear your pajamas for all I care.”
By one o’clock Kat’s cheek muscles ached. She was sure she’d met every resident in Nana’s complex plus their pets. And Kat was the one yearning for a nap, not the eighty-five-year-old.
“Ready to go?” Nana asked.
“Yes.” Kat held up a to-go cup of iced tea. “Got my caffeine fix.”
Nana was right. The second place they entered was filled with bright, summery dresses, tops, and accessories. A flowy marigold-colored dress with small white polka dots caught Kat’s eye.
Even though she tried on a dozen dresses, the marigold one was the clear winner.
She gave her grandmother a quick hug. “I love it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You look lovely. What about shoes?”
“I’ve got sandals that will work.”
When they stopped for a break in a small ice cream and coffee shop, Kat drew in a deep breath and broached the subject top of mind the whole time she’d been in Colorado. “Nana, I want your honest opinion about something.”
“I’m at your service, love.”
“Okay, you’ve met Nick a couple of times. You saw him in action at the fundraiser. What’s your impression of him?”
“Ah, well…” She leaned forward and folded her hands on the table. “I like him. He seems like a solid, intelligent young man. He’s cordial and well-spoken. When he stood up to your mother that night, he was direct but not ugly.” A teasing smile lit her face. “And he’s quite handsome. Are you having second thoughts?”
