Page 50 of Painted Dreams
“That’s too bad.”
“This is our stop.” Kat turned to Nick after they exited the car. “Nick, please don’t mention this to my mom or try to convince her that what I’m doing is good or important or whatever. That ship has sailed. Nana and I gave up a long time ago.”
Nick remained silent, but he couldn’t help wondering if she’d really given up. The fact that she continued to mention her mother’s opposition and attitude told a different story. He could tell it hurt that she didn’t have her mother’s approval or at least respect. Some things went deep. And no matter how deep they were buried, the subconscious wouldn’t let go.
“Here we are,” Kat said. “We’ve got the whole basement area.”
Nick opened the door then followed Kat down the stairs to a large open room with low ceilings and small windows at the top of three sides. Looked like black chalkboard paint on two long walls.
Mia peeked around a cabinet when they walked in. “Hey, guys!”
“Hi,” Nick and Kat both responded.
Nick listened while the women discussed their plans for the session then gave Kat a soft nudge. “What can I do to help?”
“If you could set up a few tables, that’d be great.” She pointed toward a cluster of folding tables in the front corner.
The kids began arriving a few minutes later, and before he knew it, the room was practically vibrating with chatter and bodies bouncing around.
For an hour and a half, Nick pitched in, handing kids scissors and chalk—and observing Kat while he was at it. He watched the way she interacted with the kids. She was patient and enthusiastic. Got her hands dirty. He could see chalk on her clothes as well as hands. But she didn’t seem to mind at all. She kept a smile on her face the whole time. Answered the same question dozens of times.
When she glanced his way and their eyes met, Nick gave her a thumbs up while acknowledging the spike in his heart rate. Pride rushed through him. As a girlfriend, companion, significant other, whatever, Katlyn Andrews was someone he could be proud of. He’d never made a checklist of that sort of thing, but he knew now that it was important to him. It struck him how compatible and in sync he and Kat were. From ice-skating to volunteering, they could enjoy doing things together. He shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced out the window.When they were together.He couldn’t help wondering if they’d someday reach a stalemate.
Nick worked his way around the tables, assisting the kids and admiring their handiwork. A couple of times he felt Mia’s eyes on him. While he watched Kat, Mia was watching him. She didn’t have the soft, pretty vibe that Kat did, but Mia was striking in her own way. Perhaps some Asian ancestry. And a fun personality. Though she seemed perfectly comfortable with him, he couldn’t help wondering if Mia considered him an outsider who was spoiling their little friend group. Either way, he knew he’d be the hot topic of conversation tomorrow. He expected his ears to catch fire as soon as he boarded his plane.
* * *
“What do you think about staying in and watching a movie tonight?” Kat perched on the arm of the sofa in her apartment next to Nick late Saturday afternoon.
He swiveled and rested a hand on her back. “That’s fine with me. No skating?”
“I’m kind of a fair-weather skater. It’s awfully cold tonight.”
“Okay. Carry-out for dinner? What’s close?”
“Oh, there are tons of places, but we could cook here, too. Pasta? Chili? Baked chicken?”
“Pasta sounds great, and it’s easy.”
Kat pulled all the necessary ingredients and pots from the cupboards, then they worked together in the kitchen.
“Thanks for your help today,” Kat said.
“It was a good time. And fun to see you in action. You’re good with the kids.”
“As were you.”
He shrugged. “I’ve picked up a thing or two from my mom over the years.”
Kat stopped stirring the sauce and smiled at him. “Sounds like she’s a great mom.”
“She was also a great teacher. Recently retired from a thirty-year teaching career. Grade school.”
Kat’s face flamed as she remembered their earlier conversation—and her words about teaching. “Oh, Nick, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean–”
He held up a hand. “It’s okay. I understand what you meant. I know it’s a fallback career for some people. But you should know it’s not that way for everyone.”
Ugh, she really put her foot in that one. “I feel like I should go stand in the corner. Or write an essay?”
