Misty by Allison Hobbs

tightly into a plain, low bun. Her clothing was dreary and shapeless and she wore black, orthopedic-looking nurse’s shoes. Audrey was the epitome of old-fashioned, and with those thick glasses, she reminded Misty of an ugly schoolteacher she’d oncehad named Ms. Peabody. Laughing to herself, Misty began calling Audrey “Ms. Peabody” in her mind.
    Misty fiddled with her iPad while Audrey knitted something uninteresting and chuckled through a rerun of Two and a Half Men. The doorbell chimed, startling both of them.
    Audrey eyed the door suspiciously. “Are you expecting company?”
    â€œLooking like this?” Misty pointed to her bandaged face and scowled beneath the gauze.
    The doorbell sounded over and over, as if someone was persistently jabbing the button.
    â€œSomeone sure is impatient,” Audrey remarked. “It’s probably one of those cable companies trying to get you to switch.” She grudgingly hefted herself out of the chair and moved swiftly toward the door, intent on getting rid of the annoying salesperson.
    â€œHello. I’m here to see Ms. Delagardo,” said the familiar soft-spoken voice that Misty had only heard over the phone. Gavin had taken it upon himself to come to her apartment, unannounced and uninvited. His money allowed him to take liberties, she supposed.
    â€œAnd who should I say is here to see her?” the nurse inquired.
    â€œTell Ms. Delagardo that her secret admirer is here,” Gavin said in a joking tone, apparently unwilling to divulge his identity.
    â€œHe’s a friend of mine; let him in,” Misty said in a voice as loud as she could manage with bandages nearly covering her mouth.
    Gavin glided toward her with the entitled air of those who’ve inherited wealth, and Misty was instantly struck by his golden handsomeness. Well over six feet tall, his frosted blond hair hung past his chin and was coifed in a style that looked carefully tousled. His pale gold slacks matched the highlights in his hair and his china blue silk shirt, which complemented his eyes, billowed behind him, giving him the appearance of a nobleman from a previous century—a count, a duke, or perhaps a marquis.
    Misty glanced at the gold watch on his wrist and imagined it must have cost as much as a luxury car. He reeked of money and unlike some rich folks who downplayed their wealth, slopping around in faded jeans and T-shirts, Gavin had a great sense of style and was very well put together in rich fabrics and expensive, sparkling jewelry.
    â€œWell, well. Aren’t you a striking figure,” Misty quipped. “You look so aristocratic, I feel like I should be addressing you as Sir Gavin.”
    Pleased by the compliment, Gavin pursed his lips, suppressing a proud smile.
    â€œHave a seat.” Misty pointed to the lone chair that had been occupied by the nurse.
    â€œWould you two like some coffee or tea?” Audrey asked, needing to occupy herself now that the unexpected visitor had made himself comfortable in the only chair in the living room.
    â€œNothing for me, but I’d like to speak to Ms. Delagardo in private, if you don’t mind,” Gavin said, his sultry mouth turned down apologetically.
    â€œOh, all right; I’ll watch TV in the bedroom,” Audrey said and gathered the big canvas bag that contained her yarn and needles.
    In an authoritative tone, Gavin said to Audrey, “Why don’t you take a thirty-minute break? Go outside and get some fresh air,” he suggested.
    â€œSure, if that’s okay with you, Misty?”
    â€œI don’t mind. Why don’t you make it a forty-five-minute break? Gavin and I have a lot to talk about,” Misty replied.
    Gavin’s blue eyes swept around the apartment, making sure Audrey had vacated the premises before he spoke. “I hate to barge in on you like this…especially while you’re convalescing,” he began, “but I’m dying to