Page 30 of Mister Artist

“In Memphis?”

I nodded. “Yeah, how do you know him?”

Licking his lips, Neko smiled. “It’s a small world.”

“I should’ve known you’d know him since he’s an artist. It’s definitely a small world.”

When he didn’t respond, I looked at him. He was taking his time eyeing every inch of my frame.

“I’m glad you know your body is a canvas,” he said, eyes resting on my hips. “You’re a work of art, sweet girl.” They rose to my chest. “A fucking masterpiece.”

When our eyes locked, mine watered. Before I could thank him, he walked away. As much as I wanted to go after him so we could talk more, I meant it when I said I wanted to enjoy myself tonight. So, I flagged the bartender down and ordered a double shot of top shelf tequila, knowing that was all I needed to get me on my level for the rest of the night.

The Next Morning

Since I wasn’t startingwork until Monday, I got up even though I didn’t feel like it to meet with Neko. I didn’t want him wracking his brain over what I was doing home. Even though I didn’t plan to tell him about operation get the guy just yet, I was going to be honest about everything else.

On my way toEspresso Express, I called Ma back since she’d called while I was getting ready. She answered cheerfully with gospel music blasting in her background.

“Hey, baby. How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

“And Pete?”

“Same. You know he had to be put on that special diet so he’s a little grumpy but good nonetheless.”

That made me chuckle. “Hey, I’ll take grumpy and healthy over chipper and on his way out of here.”

“Chile, you just spoke a word!” We shared a laugh before she continued. “How are you getting settled back home?”

“It’s been good. My apartment will be ready soon and I can’t wait to move in. With the last of my money from Daddy, I was able to use it for the down payment on an apartment on the beach. I’m in love with it already.”

“Ooh, I bet. I’m sure that’s going to be an amazing view to wake up to. I was thinking about moving back too. Memphis was perfect because it was between you in Nashville and Leek in The Hills. Now that you are back there, maybe I need to be too. Especially since my chubby little grandbabies are here.”

Lord knows I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but if she could come back home, that would be perfect!

“That would be awesome if we all could be in the same city again. Would you be able to handle moving back though? I know with all the memories it was hard and that’s why you left.”

She sighed. “I think now that I have Pete and won’t be living in the house Vincent and I raised you kids in that I’d be okay.”

“Well hopefully he’ll be cool with moving here because I’d love that.”

“He’s retired now so I’m sure he won’t mind, but I’ll talk to him and let the both of you know for sure.”

We continued to talk until I made it to the coffee shop, then we said our goodbyes. I didn’t feel hungover, but I could tell I was cross faded last night. My stomach was hurting just a little and I was tired, so a latte was calling my name.

When I stepped inside, I briefly scanned the room for Neko. He was already seated in the back looking just as good as he wanted to look in a gray suit, white shirt, and dark shades.Even with those shades covering his eyes, I felt them on me. My suspicions were confirmed when he nodded in my direction. Seeing there was an extra cup on the table, I headed over instead of going to the counter.

Neko surprised me by standing in my presence, but he didn’t extend his arms for a hug. He didn’t hug me back yesterday either. I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

“Good morning, good morning.” He greeted, and after hearing that for the first time in so many years, my eyes watered as I smiled.

“Good morning.”

“Thank you for agreeing to meet me.”

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