Only His (Fool's Gold #6)(53)

The day was sunny but cool. Children played by the lake, feeding the ducks. Parents watched from the benches. To the south, several young boys played soccer. To the north, by the trees, couples cuddled on blankets.

“The first known residents of the area were the women of the Máa-zib tribe,” Nevada said.

Cat nodded. “I’ve read about them. A very powerful and artistic group of women. They were known for their intricate work with gold.”

“I didn’t know that,” Nevada said.

“I’ve seen several pieces in different museums.” She linked arms with Nevada. “The Gold Museum, otherwise known as El Museo del Oro in Bogotá, Colombia, has a large exhibit. I could spend hours there. You should come with me to see it.”

“I’m busy with work now, but thanks for asking.”

Cat smiled. “Always so shy. I remember that, too. From what I can tell, life has been kind to you. So why do you resist new experiences?”

Nevada pulled free and stepped back. “That’s not true. I like new things.”

Cat raised her perfect eyebrows. “Do you? Give me an example?”

“I have a new job.”

“In the town where you’ve always lived, working for someone you’ve known for years. You are like a little bird, afraid to leave the nest.”

“You don’t know me well enough to make that kind of judgment.”

“Am I wrong?”

Nevada raised her chin. “Yes. You are.”

She spoke defiantly, but with a worrisome suspicion that Cat might be right. She’d never been especially adventurous. Not that everyone had to be. Maybe she should change that.

“I like my life,” she added. “I like having my family around me and keeping the same friends. You’re always on the go. Are you running to something or from something? What are you afraid you’ll find if you settle in one place?”

Cat leaned back her head and laughed, then linked arms with Nevada again.

“This is what I’ve missed. You stand up to me. No one does that.”

“Because you’re so transcendent?” Nevada asked, only a little sarcastically.

“That and fear.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“I can be when it suits me. What about you? Are you honest?”

“Mostly.”

“Are you with Tucker?”

Of all the questions for Cat to ask, she thought, doing her best to keep her worry from showing. If she said yes, she would not only be overstating what was going on but she might be challenging Cat. Nevada didn’t think that was a competition she could win. If she said no, Cat might decide to go after Tucker again. Either way, Nevada lost.

But if he was so easily persuaded to return to a disastrous relationship, then he wasn’t anyone she wanted to be with.

Cat stopped and faced her. “It wasn’t supposed to be a difficult question.”

“I know. It’s complicated.”

“The best things in life are simple.” Cat stared into her eyes. “Like your love of this town and the lifestyle it gives you. You’re right, I am running all the time. Running to find inspiration. Running because if I stop I don’t know what I’ll find. Running because the going, the back and forth, keeps me from admitting that I’m alone.”

For the first time since meeting Cat ten years ago, Nevada knew the other woman was speaking from the heart.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Cat squeezed her arm. “I’m a world-famous artist who is extremely wealthy. I’ll be fine.”

Nevada smiled, because that was expected. Inside she wondered if Cat had ever been fine or if all the bravado was an act.

“Now,” her friend said, “show me the rest. There must be a town square and I insist on seeing it. Then we’ll go to Starbucks and order a drink that comes with whipped cream.”

Nevada nodded. “That sounds perfect.”

TUCKER HAD ENDURED the incessant whistling for the entire morning. But when Will came back after lunch, still making the noise, Tucker turned on him.

“Enough. You’re happy. We get it.”

Will grinned. “Someone’s not getting any. Too bad. Life is a whole lot nicer when there’s a woman around.”

“Jo?”

Will shrugged. “I’m not the type to kiss and tell.”

“Sure you are. It has to be Jo. Things must be going well.” Not that he begrudged his friend some happiness. If Jo was his type, then good for him. “Just give me a break on the whistling.”

“I’ll do my best.” Will leaned back in his chair and propped his feet on his desk. “I’m starting to really like this town. It’s a nice place to settle down.”

“What would you know about that?”

“More than you. I grew up in one place, at least for the first fifteen years of my life. There were good things about it. Friends.”

Tucker knew enough about Will’s past to guess that the bad had come very close to outweighing anything positive.

“You sure you want to be talking like that after a single weekend with Jo?”

“I’m not making any decisions right now. I’m considering my possibilities.”

“What are the possibilities of you doing work?”