“Ah, nice! Hana struck me as a great person.”
“She’s taken. She’s got a soon-to-be husband and a kid with him.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Eli protests. “I’m notalwaystrying to get laid, you know.”
Kill and I exchange a knowing look. It’s not that he’s obsessed with finding a lasting bed partner, but we think he’s got peculiar needs in the sack, and he can’t find the right match for it.
“Anyhow, I should probably head back there and make sure everything’s in order. Wouldn’t want to disappoint the mother of Eli’s potential godchild,” I joke.
He smugly peers at Kill. “I got the job, bitch.”
“Call me a bitch again, and I’ll make you mine.”
Yeah, this sounds like a good moment to leave before they start making out on the couch. As they launch themselves into another pissing contest, I gather the shit from our lunch and go throw it in the bin behind the bar. I give Wendy a wink and walk out into the gray day. Summer’s not quite here yet, despite it being the first of July. It doesn’t look like it’s going to rain, though.
I arrive at The Parlour and enter via the main entrance. A few visitors are in The Gallery, admiring the detailed work of a street artist we’re currently hosting. Tina, whose turn it is to handle The Gallery, is among them, chatting about the art with potential clients. She notices me when I step in, and we exchange a quick wave before I make my way up the stairs on the left. They lead to the waiting area of the tattoo and piercing parlor, with deep green lounge furniture, gold touches scattered in the space, and rich, vibrant tropical wallpaper. Three people are on the couches, skimming magazines we put there or our artists’ portfolios and options for flash tattoos. No one’s at the front desk, though, but a detector on top of the stairs makes a bell chime, and someone quickly comes out of the employees’ private room.
“Hey, Zack,” I greet him, coming up to the desk. “I have two people coming later today—Gen and Hana. Can you let me know as soon as they get here?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll buzz you. Do you want me to offer them a drink while they wait for you?”
“They won’t have to wait, but thanks, mate.” I’m about to leave when I remember something else. “Oh, and I went through those sketches you sent. I really like the pointillism thing you’ve been working on. Think you could expand on that one?”
“Yeah, sure! I’ve been trying to develop a technique for it, actually.”
“That’s great. It looks unique, and I know you’ve been trying to find your own style, which isn’t easy when there are so many tattoo artists out there. But you’re close, mate. I can feel it.”
“Thanks, boss. That means a lot.”
Before I settle in my office to work until my woman and her friend arrive, I peek inside the different booths to make sure everything’s in order. Saturdays are our busiest day, so nearly everyone’s in, working on some project with their clients.
Thinking I could do the same and be productive might have been naive of me. My mind is absorbed by the prospect of presenting my life’s work to Gen.
Eli returns from The Devil’s Court and stops by to taunt me some more. “We’re really happy for you, bro,” he ends up saying with a genuine smile and a pat on my shoulder. “Kill is still a bit on the fence, but he’ll come around.”
“Nat really did a number on him, didn’t she?”
“Eh, he’ll find someone with a touch soft enough to domesticate him, I’m sure of it.”
“Can you imagine, though? Kill grinning like a lovesick fool,” I point out, amused.
“Well, I couldn’t imagine you doing those things, but here we are.” I smile at his teasing, aware that I’ve probably been going around looking like an enamored twat. In a more serious manner, he adds, “I know I was joking and being a dick earlier, but I’m genuinely happy that I got to be a part of it, Jake. If you and Gen turn out to be the real thing, I’ll have accomplished something great in my life, even if it’s out of chance.”
It’s my turn to rest a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve done so much already, Eli. This whole place was possible thanks to you. The bar too. We give you shit, but we love you, mate.”
A glimmer of mischief sparkles in his eyes. “Like you love Gen?
“Shithead,” I say with a chuckle. “Don’t you have work to do? Earn your keep, will you? I’m tired of housing your lazy arse.”
We might be back to insulting each other, but even then, the truths I uttered linger in the air while he makes his way out. We owe him everything we have, and I’ll give him a roof over his head until the day I die.
Even just for introducing me to Gen. The fucker really had an epiphany with this one, and if I’m lucky, I’ll thank him with my firstborn as a godchild.
As it turns out, I don’t evenneed Zack to ring me because Gen sends me a text when their cab pulls up in front of The Parlour. I’m quick to save my work and head downstairs. I find them with Tina, who’s just welcoming them.
Their backs are to me, and Gen’s wearing a white dress that hugs her silhouette to perfection, and Hana has on jeans and a teal silk top.
“Ah, here’s Jake,” Tina says enthusiastically as I approach.
