They shook hands. Nathan couldn’t ignore the excitement inside. All his dreams, things he wanted to do, and this artist just reminded him of them. But his dad had different plans for his life based solely on a birth order and nobody ever asked him what he wanted.
After meeting Travers, he felt driven again. Now he just had to tell his father that managing their family’s cattle ranch would never be a part of his future. He glanced over at Carli. She made a huge change in her life, so why couldn’t he? Follow your art, Travers had said. Follow your heart, Nathan thought. Grabbing Carli's hand, he led her towards the stairs. They still had another floor to explore and the outside exhibits. Time to focus on the here and now, and for one day stop worrying about the Rafter O. He’d have to leave his future in more capable hands instead of driving himself crazy with worry.
Show me what I’m supposed to do, Lord.
Chapter Thirteen
Carli followed Nathan towards the courtyard at the Art Museum of the Texas Plains. He insisted on looking over the sculptures that stood outside. She willingly tagged along behind him all day, enjoying his excitement to show her everything there was to see. She liked that he wanted to share this place with her. They were laughing about something as he reached past her to hold the door open. They stepped outside and he immediately turned to grip her upper arm. “I’m not here,” he whispered through gritted teeth.
Before she could ask him what he meant, the exit door slammed. Carli stood alone facing a beautifully trimmed outdoor stone-paved patio with vendor booths and colored flags. She turned to face a closed door. Nathan had disappeared inside. She tugged the door open and stepped inside. “Nate?”
He was nowhere to be found. Vanished. The last thing he muttered was, "I’m not here." What had come over him? Probably some ex-girlfriend he spotted. But then how would Carli know any of his past love interests? The boy must have a string of them just like Lank. Another reason she didn’t need the complication right now. Things get messy when you go beyond friendship.
Confused, she turned away from her search. Nathan could find her later, whatever was going on with him. She didn’t want to spend time wandering through the art museum looking for him. Instead, she’d rather explore the arts and crafts booths. Carli stepped back outside and suddenly came face-to-face with the cause for his strange behavior.
“Carli. I thought that was you.” Nathan’s sister called across the courtyard and made a beeline towards her.
“Angie. Hello.” Carli gave her a tentative smile, confusion and caution still rumbling in her mind.
“I just love arts and crafts, so I drug my momma and a few friends up here with me today. Are you by yourself?”
Carli let out a gush of air. Angie must not have seen her brother and obviously, Nathan did not want his sister to know he was on a date. Why would he be so ashamed of being seen with her? Anger and hurt burned inside for a split second, yet she hesitated to rat him out.
“Any unusual booths I should check out?” Carli decided to ignore Angie’s question.
“Definitely look at the woodcarver’s booth at the far end. He does some amazing work. And one of my favorite local jewelry makers is here. Just bought this.” Angie held out her arm to show off several delicate silver wire bracelets with chunks of turquoise.
“Those are nice. I’m going to that booth first.” They both giggled. “It was so great seeing you.”
“When I find everybody, we’re heading out for a late lunch. You should come with us.” Angie stepped closer and gave her a hug.
“I just got here so I appreciate the invite, but I have arts and crafts to explore.” Carli smiled but stood stiff and rigid. Everybody hugged in Texas and it was still awkward for her.
“We should get together sometime.”
“Sounds like fun. We should.” Carli had to admit she really liked Angie and hated to be in the middle of whatever was going on with Nathan and his family. Angie waved a goodbye and disappeared into the crowd.
Carli lost track of time as she wandered among the many artisans, stopping to admire their work. She bought a bracelet just like Angie’s. As she stood thinking about the price on a carved horse head in mesquite wood, Nathan suddenly appeared at her side.
“Sorry.” Was all he offered in explanation.
“Don’t worry. Your sister left.” Carli continued wandering through the booths and ignored him.
Nathan didn’t say anything else, just followed close to her heels. He reached for her hand, but she snatched it away. After a while longer, he uttered. “You must be angry. I can explain.”
Angry seemed such a small, insignificant word to define her feelings at this moment. The longer she’d been thinking about it, the more her blood boiled. She hated losing his friendship, but how could she be friends with someone who obviously was ashamed to be seen out in public with her? And if this was an actual date, she had seriously considered taking their relationship to the next level. But not anymore. His behavior made no sense. She’d been over to his house several times and met all of his family. And to think she was even considering kissing him again. What a great way to start a relationship.
Nathan took her by the elbow. “Let’s get out of here. I can explain.”
She decided against the wood carving and instead allowed Nathan to take her hand and guide her around the building to the parking
