“For real? You’re amazing!”
“Half price too,” Heather reminds Jerri.
I fill Jerri in on the aftercare, and head into the kitchen to gather myself.
You’ve done it,I tell myself.You’ve done your first tattoo.
I grin like an idiot, wanting to send the photo to Mom.
But I don’t want Dad to see it.
I contemplate sending it to Kai, but the door jingles again, announcing another customer.
The day continues like that until a little after four when it dies down.
I’ve done my second tattoo, then designed another ready for an appointment next week.
“You’re so talented, kid.” Rafe opens a bottle of soda, examining the photos on my phone. “You need to set up a page on Instagram and shit, get your name out there. What’re you designing?”
Rafe peers over at the tiger I’m sketching, nodding.
“You’ll want to be careful with the stripes,” he says, tapping the page. “They’re the hardest.”
I drink up his advice, watching as Heather loops her arms around his waist.
“You’re such a good mentor, baby.”
Rafe disappears into the back to get ready for his last client of the day as the door jingles again.
I’m so invested in my artwork that I don’t look up, instead leaving Heather to greet the customer.
It’s only when I hear the breezy voice that I freeze.
“Hey! Yeah, so, I’m looking to get this tattoo?”
Sierra?!
I can’t help but turn around, gazing at her through my messy hair.
She’s leaning on the counter, showing Heather an image on her phone with excitement.
“Can Rafe do it today?” Sierra asks breathlessly.
“Uh, no, honey. Rafe has a waiting list, and it’s pretty long.”
Oh, shit.
I know what’s coming before Heather says it, but I still can’t deal with it.
“Crane can do it for you, and it’s half price too.” Heather cocks her head at me, and I groan inwardly.
Sierra turns in my direction, her mouth dropping.
It’s like a comedy sketch.
Kiki elbows Sierra with a grin.
“You get this done, and I’ll meet you at Potion.”
