Stay-At-Home Brat

Brat Business

Sophia's POV

The Frenchies greet me in a lively fashion at the door, barking and jumping as if we hadn't seen each other for years. I yank off my coat and boots and toss my hat up onto the rack, and bustle to the living room, where Sebastian watches TV. Despite sitting here alone, he's made the room cosy by switching on fairy lights and lighting the candles. We don't have a fireplace, but we have the sort of candles that crackle when they burn, and you know, I love that sound.

A wide smile grows on my face when I see that he's changed the fairy lights surrounding the round swing—from the summer-themed ones to the autumn-themed ones. He looks back with a soft smile and pats the sofa for me to come and sit with him. I scramble over the backrest and flop down beside him, grabbing a blanket to wrap myself in before resting on his shoulder.

''...Guess what I've done today?'' I giggle excitedly.

He turns his face to me and displays an expression mixed with curiosity and slight concern, and he studies me for a moment before responding. ''I hope you haven't been up to any brat business.''

''No, but brat business was brilliant,'' I remark, mentally noting it for future use. ''I started a business with Bella today, so you may call me businesswoman now.''

''Business with Bella?'' he queries, and I reckon her name aggravates the concern in his expression.

''Yes.'' I allow myself to slip down against him until my head lands on his lap. Rolling onto my back, so I can look at him, I proudly continue, ''She has started an online shop for her knitting and sewing, and I'm doing some of the administrative stuff.''

''That's exciting.'' He brushes aside a loose strand of hair on my forehead, caressing my face with the back of his hand. ''Is that what you've been up to all day?''

''Yeah, and you can look up our Instagram business account. But back to brat business now,'' I articulate. ''That was a cracking name. I'm gonna start my own business, called Brat Business, and sell adult products. Bella could be helping me with it if I sell kitten stuff!'' I gush. ''Honestly, I think that's a brilliant idea. I'm meant to be a businesswoman!'' I'm serious about this. I really think I've found my calling. I don't remember the last time I was this keen on something. Certain aspects of it daunt me, but I think it's achievable with some support and guidance. ''...Oh, oh, oh, and!'' I squeak, pushing myself upright. ''Lingerie! I will sell that, too!'' I drop to his lap again, giggling perkily.

''I love your enthusiasm,'' he flashes a dashing smile. ''But,'' he stresses, his manner becoming a bit serious. ''That's a lot of work, which you said you didn't want, and you need money to start a proper business.''

''It doesn't feel like dreadful work because it's my hobby,'' I say, my tone still just as positive. ''I hung out with those joyous church people today, and suddenly, I feel enthusiastic about the future and know what to do with my life! That's some kind of miracle.'' I grin up at him before turning to my side to watch the TV.

''This news made me very glad, and I'm happy for you, little Soph,'' he says fondly, sliding a hand over my waist to clasp my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine. ''Do you have an idea of how you will get the products? Will you make them or work with someone?''

''Er...'' I drone, twiddling with his hand. I have so many ideas for my business, including items handcrafted by me only, as well as collaborations with other people and companies. To collaborate with Alexander, who does leather crafts and such, is a reasonable early business goal, I think. I have dreams from tiny to massive. Thinking about it makes me feel like I'm about to burst with excitement—much like Bella—like my body is full of tingles and butterflies. ''Both, I guess. Either way, I need money to start...''

Next: https://reamstories.com/page/lqj9i1w2uf/story/lw9ffjds1r/chapter/3d007e9f-5bb2-4f4c-8bd5-0d76bfb838bc