“That’s good.” He smiled at her. “Give me a price as soon as you can. You want a deposit or something? Whatever, it’s cool. Just let me know.”
Something made her bold. “I will need a deposit. Especially because I’ll have to get paints and a canvas and all of that. But I’ll get you a number. Do you want watercolor? Or acrylic or oil? Pastels? What were you thinking?”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re the art expert. What do you think would best capture my dad? What do you feel most comfortable working with?”
She thought a moment, but she already knew the answer. “Your dad was a Renaissance man. He deserves oil.” Oil had been her first love, but the cost had made it prohibitive. “But that’s also the most expensive medium. I don’t know what you want to spend.”
“I don’t have a budget. I can afford whatever it costs.” He laughed. “Hopefully, that doesn’t mean you’re about to charge me a million dollars, but I feel like you’re good people, man. Your sister is, so you must be, too. And I just get that vibe from you, you know?”
She smiled. “Thank you. It won’t be a million dollars. I promise you that much. But maybe several thousand.”
“Sounds like a bargain. Or did you just mean the deposit?”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “I’ll get that price to you soon.”
“Cool. You know where to find me, man.” He slipped past her and went out the way he’d come in, crossing the breezeway back to the guest house.
She stood in the hall, watching him through the glass door, her heart racing slightly. Doing a commission for Jack Marshmight lead to bigger things. She had to do an amazing job. And she had to price the work correctly. Not too little, not too much.
But maybe just enough to pay off the rest of her divorce attorney’s fees. Now wouldn’t that be something?
Chapter Ten
Harper hadn’t stopped smiling since they’d been at the rescue. Bunny was crazy and adorable, and Archie was thrilled to have a new friend. At Mitch’s request, Harper had run back to her place when they’d gotten home and brought him over.
Mitch really wanted to see how Bunny would react to another dog. They’d run into one at the pet store, where they’d taken Bunny to get all the necessary dog accessories after adopting her, but that had been a brief, nose-to-nose sniff session before that dog’s owner had pulled the dog away.
So far, Bunny and Archie were getting on like the best of friends, tearing through the living room, then around the kitchen island, occasionally stopping mid-run to look at the humans for approval, then starting back up again.
Harper, Kyle, and Mitch had been laughing since the two dogs had begun their antics. Ruthie, who was on her daddy’s lap, had squealed several times.
“Bunny is a great dog, Dad,” Kyle said. “I love her. She’s perfect. I think Ruthie approves, too.” He kissed Ruthie’s cheek. “Don’t you, baby girl?”
Kyle helped Ruthie clap her hands.
Mitch grinned. “She’s very entertaining, that’s for sure.”
“What we need to do,” Harper said, “is get Bunny, Scout, and Archie all together at the dog park. That would be something.”
Mitch nodded. “I’m sure Lucas would be up for that. I’ll text him.” Mitch got out his phone.
Harper had to smile. Already Bunny was giving Mitch more reasons to be social. It was great. Just what Harper had hoped for.
Archie and Bunny seemed to finally be settling down. Archie came over to sit beside Harper, panting. “Had enough romping around and silliness?” She scratched his neck before looking over at Mitch. “I should go home, let you guys have some alone time with your new family member. Archie and Bunny can play again tomorrow, if you want.”
Mitch nodded. “That would be great. Why don’t you bring him with you tomorrow when you come to talk about the book?”
“Which we did not do today. I guess we’ll catch up tomorrow?” She stood, hooking Archie’s leash back onto his collar.
“That works.” He smiled at her and got to his feet as well. “Thanks for going with me today.”
“I enjoyed it. I’m so glad you ended up with her. She’s great.”
Mitch winked at her. “So are you.”
She smiled back at him. “The feeling is mutual. I can let myself out. You guys have a great night.”
Kyle made Ruthie wave. “You, too.”
