Page 10 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
Declan stood, wearing his formal business attire, and studied her.
“You’re always welcome to drop in here, even more if that’s one of May’s cheese scones in that bag.”
“Two, and a coffee,” Missy said, holding it up.
“See, I always said you were my favorite sister-cousin.”
At ten years younger than Declan, she would have thought she’d find it hard to relate to her cousin, but because his mother helped raise her, they shared a special connection.He’d always been looking out for her like an older brother when she was younger and her mom would drop her off to stay with them.Then when she was older, he’d give her unsolicited advice but never lecture her.Of course if he’d known what happened in Atlanta he might not have been able to help it.
“I see you’ve been working today too?”He nodded toward her paint-stained fingers.
“More than I’d expected,” she said, looking around the plush leather chairs sitting in the reception area of the front room.She didn’t want to mess anything up.
“This is perfect timing.Wanna sit out on the deck?”Declan asked.
She nodded and watched as he locked the door to the front of the law office and opened a side door that took them into the main living area of the Bungalow style home, which he shared with his two kids.Then he opened up the door off the kitchen that led to his backyard where he had a proper old Southern porch, complete with two rocking chairs.One for him, and one for his late wife.
“So what did you paint today?I didn’t see any new pieces when I checked your site this morning, although I did see a lot ofSoldsigns.”He smiled at her with pride, and she tried not to squirm.
“I started my morning with a piece that was just for me.I’m not sure if I’ll post it or not.Then I accidentally spilled some yellow paint at May’s, and she asked me to turn it into a mural of sorts on her tables.”
“Smart.May is always one step ahead as an entrepreneur.A Shaw original.”
Missy laughed.“That’s basically what she said.”She pulled out her phone and showed him the finished pieces.
“Spectacular—let me guess, she’d like you to complete the other tables in her garden?”
“Well we don’t want a half-finished garden, do we?And I do get free matcha for the rest of my life.”
“Sounds fair, considering I know how much you love that green goop.”
He took a few bites of his scone and sipped his coffee, as they both just rocked, looking out at the last traces of late-blooming roses on the vines that ran along the back fence of the narrow yard.
Once the first scone disappeared Declan spoke.“Everything is still going okay over at Mrs.Hart’s house?”
“Yes, of course.I mean I still can’t believe she’s letting me stay for free and turn her sunroom into an artist’s studio.”
“But that house is too big for her to clean and manage alone.And I bet she loves having your company.I know Dalton and Wesley are relieved to have you there to keep an eye on her, make sure she gets her walks, her meds, and keep her company.”
“Ya, it’s funny how that worked out,” Missy said, sliding him a sideways glance.
Declan coughed on his sip of coffee but had the sense to look like he was surprised she would imply the situation was almost too perfect.
“Well fate works in mysterious ways, but if you’re feeling like maybe you need a change of scenery or need your own place, I don’t think anyone would begrudge you that.It’s only a matter of a time for someone to offer you one of those artist-in-residence programs at some fancy gallery in New York.”
“Not you too.I mean, I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm and belief in my work.I really do, but I think I’m probably a far cry and years away from any opportunity like that, if ever.Art is such a subjective luxury purchase for most people.”
Declan set his scone down and dusted off his hands as he leaned forward and looked at Missy until she met his eyes.
“Bullshit, now I don’t know why you’ve been hiding that talent from the world, but this rabbit won’t go back in the hat.You keep producing more masterpieces and you’ll be a household name in and beyond the art world.Just like Mama always said.”
Missy blinked back the tears that stung behind her eyes.
“We’ll see, but as for now I’m content to hole up in my art studio at Hart House.”
“Good, because I like having you close by and plan to take full advantage of your lifetime supply of May’s coffee.”
“Nice, finally a way for me to repay you.”
