Is it too late to work with Marshall and my dad? Suddenly, working in the heat doesn't sound like a terrible option.
Two
Wren
Back home isthe last place I ever thought I'd be. I left my Dallas suburb for bigger and better things in San Antonio, but that didn't happen. Now, here I am, picking up the pieces after feeling like a complete failure.
"It's been forever since I've seen you." She rushes around and gives me a hug. We were never close. To be honest, the only reason we ever saw each other is because our little brothers are best friends.
"I know. I've heard there's been a lot of changes. Congrats on the house."
"Thanks. It's been a wild ride these past couple of years. She lets go of me and takes a step back. "I was happy when Adrian said he ran into you at a con. Especially when he said you were looking to move here."
"I'm just happy y'all may have room for me. I was close to finishing my apprenticeship, but didn't like the vibe where I was." Or the fact the shop was primarily run by men and they took advantage of that every chance they got. The whole environment was toxic.
"Their loss, our gain." She grins. "Adrian is rarely here since he started doing work at conventions, so we definitely need another artist. Corey is looking at retirement, and that leaves me and Charleigh."
I breathe a sigh of relief knowing the work environment will be completely different here. Movement at the back of the shop catches my eye. But nothing is there. It must have been a shadow. "I'm glad to hear there's a strong feminine presence. Working with nothing but guys can be draining."
She leans closer and whispers, "Don't tell Corey, but we run this place."
"I hope she's not telling you lies." I jump at the deep voice now filling the room. An older man strides to the desk in the center of the room. "I only let themthinkthey're the bosses."
Bianca rolls her eyes. "Ignore him." She smacks the man on the chest. "Wren, this is Corey. He owns the shop and sometimes does actual work."
He holds his hand out, and I take it for a brief shake. "It's nice to meet you, Wren. She's right, I'm hardly here either. The wife keeps reminding me I'm at retirement age and keeps booking unexpected trips." He glances around the shop, looking for someone. "At this rate, we'll have all new employees in a few weeks."
"Did y'all hire another artist?" I could have sworn it was only the four of them. With the popularity Life in Ink is getting, I assumed they'd have an entire team of tattoo artists.
"You're the first new artist in a while. I was looking for Christian. He's helping with the cleaning and booking appointments while Sophia is assisting Adrian wherever he goes."
"You act like they aren't treating these events like premature mini honeymoons," Bianca snorts.
They continue talking, but I hear nothing they are saying. Christian works here? It can't be Bianca's brother. I had a small crush on him when we were in school. He's younger than me, but he was always more mature than anyone my age. I haven't seen him since I left for San Antonio, and my stupid brother doesn't keep me updated on anything. I don't know if I even have any of those feelings toward him anymore, but it could only serve as a distraction.
A door at the back of the shop opens, and someone walks out. I pay little attention until I notice the curly, dark hair. It's longer now than it was back then. Almost to his shoulders. He's putting things away in a closet, and he seems a lot bigger than he was as a sophomore in high school.
Before he makes his way to us, I turn toward Bianca. "Where will I finish my apprenticeship? And can you show me the rooms we'll be working in?"
"Sure," she beams, not realizing I'm using her to avoid her brother. "It's nice when artists are excited about their space. Some people have their rooms so boring." She glances toward a room with the door closed. "Adrian's work room has no life in it."
"Thanks." I follow her to a room on the left. Even though she always gave off a broody side, there are pops of color everywhere. The one thing on display that's consistent with how I've seen her outside of her work are the sugar skulls decorating the shelves.
"So, real talk," she closes the door behind us. "Why did you leave the shop in San Antonio? Adrian gave me some hints, but I figured I'd ask you in person."
"Mostly, it was working with a bunch of douchebags. I always knew this was a male dominated industry, and I'm glad it's changing, but...the guys there treated me like a maid instead of a colleague."
"Pendejos," she mutters. "I assumed as much. I've heard things about that shop, and I don't think they even have a large female clientele. Now I know why."
She lifts herself up on top of the counter. "You don't have to worry about that here. Corey is fair in everything he does. And I wasn't kidding about me and Charleigh running things."
"That's good to know," I smile. "Is this where I'll finish apprenticing?"
"Have you started tattooing people?"
Nodding, I look around the spacious area. I'm happy to know they have privacy for those shy folks getting tattoos in intimate areas. "I have been for a few months."
"Good," she hops down, "that means you won't be in here long before you move to your own room."
