She wipes down the tattoo one last time, then holds up a mirror so I can see.
The raven is incredible. Wings spread wide, caught mid-flight, every feather rendered in perfect detail. It looks alive, like it might take off from my chest at any moment.
“Bonnie.” My voice comes out rough. “This is?—”
“If you say it’s fine, I’ll stab you with this needle.”
“It’s perfect. You did an incredible job.”
Her whole face lights up. Glows. Like my words are the only review that matters, the only validation she needed.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Best ink I’ve ever gotten.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“I don’t just say things.” I meet her eyes. “You’re talented. Really talented. Snake taught you well, but this—” I gesture to the raven. “This is all you.”
She ducks her head, but I can see the smile she’s trying to hide. “Thanks.”
“I’m serious. You’re going to be huge in this scene once people see what you can do.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so.”
She starts cleaning up and wrapping the area.
“Hold still,” she says, smoothing down the bandage. “You need to keep this covered for at least four hours. Then wash it gently with antibacterial soap. No soaking it. Pat dry. Apply the ointment I’m going to give you three times a day. No sun exposure. No picking at the scabs.”
“I know the drill.”
“I’m telling you anyway.” She finishes wrapping and steps back. “Because if you fuck up my work by not taking care of it properly, I’ll be pissed.”
“Understood.”
She strips off her gloves and starts breaking down her station.
I stand and pull my shirt back on carefully, feeling the tender skin pull slightly under the bandage.
“What do I owe you?” I ask.
She looks up, confused. “What?”
“For the tattoo. What’s your rate?”
“Ghost, you don’t have to?—”
“You did professional work. You should be paid professionally.” I reach for my wallet.
“You’re not paying me.” She tosses a used ink cap in the trash. “You’re family.”
“Family or not, your work is worth money.”
“Then consider it a gift.” She moves closer, checking the bandage one more time. “Besides, you let me work on you for hours. That’s payment enough.”
I catch her wrist gently when she reaches to adjust the tape. She freezes, looking up at me. I’m a lot taller than she is. She has to tilt her head back to meet my eyes.
