He takes a step back. “You know better than to touch my hair.”
“Got you to stop messing with mine.”
Finally getting past the entrance, I examine the empty shop. As I walk around, I spot some new business cards on the small reception desk.
“Ethan Jang-Kahlo, you have your own card. When did that happen?”
He comes out of the backroom. “They finally allowed each artist to put them on display for customers to take. I designedthem a while ago and it’s gotten me a lot of new followers and clients.”
“That’s great.” I tuck one into my pocket, proud of how far my cousin has come. “Do you need any help setting things up?”
Ethan shakes his head. “Only employees are allowed to touch the equipment, so sit your ass down and let’s catch up.”
Finding the most comfortable couch, I sit and clear my throat, shifting roles from cousin to business partner. “First, I wanted to touch base on how everything’s going here. We already covered social media, but are your customers still steady? Have you spoken to any potential future tattoo artists that you can take under your wing?”
Taking a hair tie, he fixes himself while prepping some new materials. “You worry too much. Everything is handled here, you just focus on getting that degree.”
“Humor me.”
He drops the materials he’s holding then switches roles as well. “Customers are steady, I’m booked solid for the next three months, and as far as connections go, I’m still looking into established tattoo artists. Before they commit, they’ll want to see a full business plan.”
Nodding, I urge him to continue.
“I found this twenty-two-year-old kid who just graduated with a degree in fine arts, and his portfolio is mind-blowing. Of course, it’s different drawing on paper than inking it onto someone’s skin. Either way, I think I can get him ready in a year once we start working together.” He smiles at me in disbelief. “I don’t know how I did it, Cam, but if business continues as is or gets better, our shop is going to be a huge success.”
Smiling, I nod approvingly. “I’m proud of you, dude. It all sounds great.” Standing, I pace the room, trying to think of any more questions I might have.
“You still have all the money that your grandmother gave you, right?” Ethan’s maternal grandmother passed away when he was seventeen and left Ethan, her only grandson, almost all ofher savings. It turned out to be a lot more than anyone expected. He’s not rich by any means, still the money is more than enough for us to start our own business in Brooklyn instead of Long Island. The only condition was that he couldn’t access it until he was twenty-three. He’s twenty-six now and as far as I know he’s barely touched it.
He groans. “For the millionth time, yes. I’ve put more into that account, too. We’ll have plenty of money for our first shop and once you get that degree, you can figure out how we can open more around the city.”
All good news. “We’ll be fine. I have a plan.” My pacing stops when I look out the window to see the ice cream shop directly across the street. Mia’s Creamery.
“Is there something else on your mind? You never visit to talk to me about the business, you can do that over the phone. Are you seeing Smith too?”
I keep my eyes on the sign across the road. “No, he’s out of town.” Ethan grunts his response. He’s never been a huge fan of Smith. “I just needed a breather.”
“So, what, or should I saywhois on your mind?”
My head snaps to him. He can’t possibly know. “Why do you assume it’s awho?”
He smirks. “Just a wild guess.”
“It’s nothing important.”
“Yeah, I don’t believe that for a second.”
Clicks resonate through the studio, meaning Ethan has moved to the reception desk. After he finishes typing, I look back, his eyes meet mine, and there’s no humor behind them.
“Tell me what’s on your mind, little bro.”
Pacing again, I give in. I need to talk to someone about something. “Remember the day I got my first tattoo?”
He scoffs. “How can I forget? You guys were so pushy, young, annoying, and stupid. I could’ve gotten into some serious trouble with that shit.” We both smile. “Why were you thinking about that just now?”
I cast my eyes down. “We ate at Mia’s Creamery that night before heading to your old place.”
The studio goes quiet. “Did you run into Kami at Driscoll by any chance?” I glance back, watching Ethan.
