Nantucket Weddings - Pamela M. Kelley Page 0,40

on her final menu. And there were no bad choices. Everything at The Whitley was exquisite. Mia thought about what Ken had mentioned, the rumor about a possible change in management. When she called Sophie with the details for the tasting, she’d ask her about that.

When Mia got back to the inn, she opened up her laptop, pulled up her notes on Bethany’s choices and called them in to Sophie, her sales contact at The Whitley. Mia was about to hang up when she remembered to ask Sophie if there were any big management changes recently at The Whitley. “I heard a rumor and was just curious.”

There was a long hesitation. “I really can’t say anything about that, other than that The Whitley remains owned and managed by the Chapman family.”

“Oh. Okay, thanks.”

“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your weekend, Mia!” Mia smiled as she hung up the phone. Sophie’s tone had changed so quickly from guarded to perky. She would have to let Ken know that there probably was something to the rumor, but they weren’t saying anything just yet.

“Okay, Penny, let’s go outside!” Mia took her for a walk on the beach, then came home and jumped in the shower. She was meeting Izzy downtown at the gallery where Kristen was having her art show. Izzy mentioned that Rick was going, too, which surprised Mia. It didn’t seem like his kind of event. He’d mentioned once while she was staying there that he hated going to ‘artsy-fartsy’ events where people had to get all dressed up and everything was overpriced.

Izzy and Rick were just outside the gallery when Mia arrived and they walked in together. Andrew, the gallery owner, greeted them at the door. He was also the brother of Kristen’s boyfriend, Tyler. Izzy’s shop was just a few doors down from the gallery.

“Hi, Izzy. Good to see you again, Mia. And Rick?” Rick nodded, and Mia thought she caught a hint of a smile. “Kristen is in the back room, and there are glasses of Prosecco that were just poured. Help yourselves.”

They made their way through the gallery and into the big main room. Kristen was there with Tyler, and she was chatting with several people who were eager to meet the artist. Izzy handed Mia and Rick glasses of Prosecco and they slowly made their way around the room, looking at the various paintings. One wall was all Kristen’s work.

They were gorgeous watercolors. This collection was mostly the ocean, cottages, flower gardens and rose bushes and brightly colored boats in the harbor. The colors were stunning and light seemed to glow from within the painting.

Mia saw one that she could picture over the cream-colored sofa in her living room. The blues and pinks of the flowers spilling over a white picket fence were so vivid and pretty. She stepped closer to check the price and was glad to see that it was in the range she’d anticipated. Expensive, but not outrageously so. She could afford to buy this one painting as an investment in her condo.

“Are you going to get that one?” Izzy asked.

Mia nodded. “I love it.”

“It’s beautiful. You may want to let Andrew know ASAP, though. I saw another couple eyeing it too.”

“Good idea.” Mia saw Andrew walking their way and quietly told him she wanted to buy the painting.

“Excellent. Did you want to take it home tonight or come by tomorrow?”

“I’ll come by tomorrow morning.” Mia handed him her credit card, and he returned a moment later with a slip for her to sign. “Here you go and thank you. It’s a beautiful piece.”

Rick raised his eyebrows when Mia walked back over to them. “Did you actually buy one of these paintings? Such a waste of money.”

“Rick!” Izzy glared at him.

“What? It’s the truth. But, hey, it’s her money, right?”

“Let’s change the subject, please. How would you guys feel about walking over to Oath Pizza and getting a slice when we leave here?” Oath Pizza was a fast food gourmet pizza shop where they made slices to order.

“Can we go now?” Rick asked.

“No. We just got here. That would be rude.”

“I agree that would be rude. The pizza does sound good, though.” Will walked over in time to hear Rick’s comments.

“Hey, Will.” Mia was glad to see him.

“Hi, Mia, Izzy.” He nodded hello to Rick, too. They chatted with Will while Rick sipped his Prosecco and looked bored. He perked up a little when Kristen came over to say hello.

“Mia just bought the blue flowers