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“Yeah. We probably need to kill a little time before Lawson can go on his break, then we can grab somethin’ to eat.”
“I want somethin’ to eat,” announced Evie, tugging on her mother’s hand.
“Let’s go find Aunt Jay first, yeah?”
“Okay. But how will we find her? I can’t see anything.”
Nora considered her vantage point. The place was packed, and Evie couldn’t see much higher than anything over Nora’s waist.
“Uncle Steele will help us. Just hold onto me.”
It took nearly ten minutes, but they eventually found Jay’s booth. She was in the process of wrapping someone’s calf, where she’d gotten a simple, black and gray piece done.
“I see her,” Evie gasped as they drew closer. “Can I go say hi?”
Thinking it was okay to set her daughter loose, as Jaywasn’tcurrently holding a tattoo gun, Nora urged her forward and said, “Sure. Go ahead.”
“Auntie Jay!” she cried as she headed straight for the woman. “We came to see you.”
“Hey, kiddo,” beamed Jay. “Give me just a second, okay?”
Evie nodded, sticking close to Jay’s side as she finished reciting the care instructions to her client. After they said their goodbyes, Jay discarded her gloves and reached for Evie, pulling her onto her lap.
“Are you next?” she teased, giving her a squeeze.
Evie laughed. “Mommy says I can’t get a tattoo for fifteen years.”
Grinning at Nora, Jay replied, “Guess we better listen to her. You’ve still got a bit of growin’ to do.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“How’s it goin’? This place is a madhouse,” asked Mitzi.
“Today is the biggest turnout, for sure. I’ve had a couple clients this morning. Hour, half-hour sessions. I’m tryin’ to keep it light. I’ve got two five-hour appointments this afternoon, and then I’m gonna crash so hard.”
“Do you still have time for me? It’s okay if you don’t. I know I can get an appointment with you anytime.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been lookin’ forward to your tat all week. In fact, I already have the stencil ready.”
Mitzi’s eyes widened. “You do?”
“I do. So you can’t chicken out on me now.”
“Can I see it?”
Jay patted the side of Evie’s leg. “Hop down for me, Evie-B.” She obeyed, and Jay turned to grab the folder which housed the aforementioned stencil. “Hyper realistic, black and gray spool of thread with a single needle tucked in the front.”
Mitzi took the sketch, stared at it, then bit her bottom lip. She glanced from Jay to Nora then from Nora to Steele. “I’m really doin’ this.”
“My fearless girl,” said Steele with a wink.
“You do realize, you’re never gonna live this down—Mitzi goin’ under my needle before you? My own brother.”
Speaking through an unperturbed smile, Steele replied, “Just because I won’t let you draw on me doesn’t mean I don’t consider you an incredible artist.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jay teased with a wave of her hand. “Al’right, what do you say? We doin’ this?”
“Oh, now?” Mitzi asked, startled.
