Page 9 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
“I’ll carry it for you,” Wesley said and was already lifting up the wooden circular table and heading out the back door before Levi could think to react.Instead he was left just shaking his head as Missy followed Wesley as fast as she could.It was as if she couldn’t get away from Levi fast enough.
“I guess it’s my lucky day.I better play the lottery.First my favorite baseball player comes home and now I’m getting bespoke artwork from the next Monet.”
“Why is everyone so obsessed with this woman?”Levi grumbled.
May nudged him.“Are you kidding?She’s like one of those beautiful sunsets that sneak up on someone and suddenly the sky is bursting with so many colors you can’t believe you never noticed it before.”
“You are so odd.”
“She’s a diamond in the rough, a hidden talent.Thank God she dropped out of law school and decided to focus on her art.She did the world a favor.”
“Dropped out?”Levi said, but May was greeting more guests and Wesley was back grabbing their coffees off the counter.
“Come on, I have to get back to the office, but I want to hear why you’re really here,” Wesley said.
Levi was dreading this conversation, because his brother had told him not to let his manager make him out to be such a bad guy.He’d warned him it would all backfire.And after nine years of playing this ridiculous persona, he’d proved Wesley was right.He hated that almost as much as he hated being dubbed the Bad Boy of Baseball.But if he was really going to shed that skin, he’d have to come clean and he may as well start with his family.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Missy
Burn it Down
How could twohulking Hart brothers be so gentle and kind and then their third brother be the exact opposite?Missy wondered.She’d just finished painting two of May’s table tops while she stewed over how abrupt Levi had been with her each time they met.Which had only been that morning.It was like they were oil and water.Her entire body was on edge every time he was close, and he didn’t even try to be polite.He didn’t like her.
“Wow, these are gorgeous,” May exclaimed before her hands covered her mouth and she stared from one to the next.
“Are you sure it’s not too vibrant?I thought the floral theme would go with your garden,” Missy said, standing back as May looked from one table top painted to look like a blooming yellow hydrangea, and a bunch of blush-pink gerbera daisies depicted on the other table top.
“Missy, you are an exceptional talent.I would have you paint every surface in this entire shop, my home, the ceilings, and my car if you were bored enough to do it.But I suspect your art is being gobbled up off your site and you need to spend your time working to fill orders?”
“There is a surprising amount of activity and I’m just trying to remember that five months ago I hadn’t sold a single piece of art.”
“I think that’s a great approach.You’re about one call away from being whisked off to some fancy gallery in Paris, or Florence, to hang out with more artists.”
May pulled her in for a hug before Missy could react, and although her body inadvertently stiffened, she forced herself to relax knowing May was just an overly affectionate person.
“Just name your price, and I’ll throw in free matcha tea foamies for life.”
“I’m sorry I ruined your table with my clumsy spilled paint, but I’m happy you let me fix it.You don’t owe me a dime.I’m honored that you like my work enough to display it.”
“Like it, Missy, I’m obsessed.Sweetie, if you could see your art through my eyes you would stop doubting your God-given talent.”
“All I know is that when I have a paintbrush in my hand, everything seems right with the world.”
“Then you need to paint, as much as possible, and hold on to that feeling.And I think each piece you complete is another chance to share that feeling with the world.”May gave her another squeeze as she admired the tables.“Just gorgeous.I’m tempted not to let anyone sit at these.”
Missy laughed.“I’m just going to run to the hardware store and grab a sealant.These should be fine here for a few hours to dry.Then I’ll help you carry them inside before you close.”
“Oh you don’t have time to sit around here and watch paint dry—you have more masterpieces to make.Besides, my sister said she’s coming by as soon as her shift ends so she can see them.I told her you were working on something special for me.She can help me carry them in.”
An hour later Missy had finished sealing the tables and decided to go chat with her cousin.Maybe he needed help with the boys for the week and she could stay with them while Levi was visiting his family.She had the impression Levi didn’t come home often and didn’t stay long when he did.
Walking up the wooden steps she passed the redShaw Lawsign and guilt washed over her as usual.Taking a deep breath, she clasped her bag and let herself in through the glass door that led into the front foyer that doubled as a waiting room of her cousin’s law office.A soft bell chimed to let him know someone had arrived.
“Missy, is that you?”Declan called out from his office.
“Yep, I’m sorry to drop in unannounced.I was just over at May’s and thought I’d say hi.”She walked back to his office.
