Page 13 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
“Thank you, dear.I assume Levi brought them as an apology for breaking my other vase when he made you throw it at him.”
Levi’s deep laugh followed her as she scooted past him at the doorway and accepted the flowers from Mrs.Hart.
“I’m sorry, did you say I made her throw that vase at my head?”
Mrs.Hart put her now free hands on her hips and grinned at her grandson.“Yes, dear, what do you expect a woman to do to an unexpected intruder?I know you’ve been spending some time with the type of strange women who probably roll out the red carpet for your pretty smiles, but normal Southern ladies, with an ounce of self-worth, will not behave that way.”
Levi looked from his grandmother to Missy, who was barely holding back the laughter that Mrs.Hart always seemed to inspire.The woman was warm, sassy, opinionated, and did not suffer bullshit.
“Go ahead, have your laugh, Little Miss Mysterious, but remember those who laugh last laugh loudest.”
With that taunt, Missy couldn’t have held back her laughter even if she wanted to, but she turned her back to him before she let out a loud guffaw and walked away to carry the flowers into the kitchen.Mrs.Hart followed behind her.
“Now, Missy, the bunko club has already seen your tables over at May’s and they’re all trying to figure out how to get you to paint one for them.”
“That was sort of a mistake that turned into an unexpected project.I don’t think I want to move into furniture murals just yet.”
Mrs.Hart laughed and smacked her leg.“That’s right, you’re building up your portfolio, keep them wanting more.”
“Huh, of course you do have to sell some projects in order to make a living,” Levi said as he leaned up against the doorway.
Missy kept busy arranging the flowers in a large milk jug turned vase in the center of the butcher block island.
“Funny you should mention that, grandson, because Missy here has an online gallery where she’s already sold six figures’ worth of her art.But I keep telling her she needs to get more organized.She’s constantly working to replenish the online gallery and unable to accept all the requests for commissioned pieces.And she needs to meet with an accountant to figure out what the taxes will be on this business.Does she need an LLC, maybe a proper business manager?”
“Six figures in an online gallery?”Levi said, clearly surprised.
“Yes, what did you think, she was peddling some art out of the trunk of her car, or maybe along the pier?Missy is a real-life modern artist.She’s having her moment, or at least the first of her moments.”
“Mrs.Hart, I really appreciate your confidence in my work, but I don’t think I need an LLC just yet.But I did meet with my cousin earlier today, and he needs my help with the twins tonight.Do you think, after our walk, it would be alright if I stay with Declan tonight?Your grandson will be here to help you if you need anything.”
“You don’t need to leave because of me,” Levi said.
“I’m not.”She was quick to correct him.“My cousin is a widower and has twin five-year-old boys, so when he needs a night off, I usually help out.”
“Levi, really dear.The world does not revolve around you, much as you wish it did, Mr.Bad Boy.”
Levi groaned.“Alright, Gran.I’m going to cook for you tonight so you better be nice to me,” he said as he moved to stand next to Missy at the counter and started pulling fresh garlic, onions, and vegetables out of the bag she hadn’t noticed.Just being in the same room as him was so distracting.
“Now this sounds much better.My goodness, I swear I thought you’d lost all your manners,” Mrs.Hart said.“Missy, I’ll be fine tonight, so don’t you worry.But don’t even think of staying gone more than a night, because I happen to know your room here is much more comfortable and quieter than at the Shaw house.Three boys are about as quiet as a herd of elephants, and smell about as good as them too.”
Missy smiled big but then caught Levi grinning at her so she did an about-face toward the art studio.“I’m just going to take a few things with me and see if I can get the boys to cooperate long enough for me to get their handprints on a canvas for Declan.”
“Isn’t that sweet?”Levi said, with a tone of fake admiration.But then she heard Mrs.Hart swat at him with a towel and his yelp.
At least he couldn’t ask her any more probing questions.She’d actually thought he got her the yellow paints and canvas to be nice, but then he’d started to grill her about her past.He was still treating her like she was someone not to be trusted with his grandmother.But she didn’t care what he thought because Wesley and Dalton practically begged her to move in and watch out for Mrs.Hart, so it didn’t seem like Levi really got a say from what she could tell.
Once she had her paint supplies together, she set them by the front door and took the stairs two at a time to her room to grab an overnight bag.She was almost done when she heard heavy footsteps in the hallway.
“Listen, I don’t know how long I’ll be in town, but I do know my grandmother will kick my butt if you stay gone on account of me.”
“And yet, I get the feeling you don’t like me staying here with your grandmother.”
“I don’t get it.”
“That isn’t really my problem.I’ll stay with Declan for a few nights but I’ll still be around Hart House during the day.I’ve committed to your brothers that I would look out for your grandmother and I enjoy her company.We help each other.”
“What did you need help with when you arrived here, Missy?”
