𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃

3: 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

𝗞𝗗

Downstairs at Dreamville, I came face to face with Lelia. When I first walked inside, she was scrolling on her phone. Eventually, her eyes followed as I passed by to head upstairs. Her want or desire to say something was there, but pride held her tongue. So, we both gave a simple "hey" before I took the stairs by the twos.

Now as I return with my paperwork, she's speaking with a potential customer. So it seems. A young girl, with her phone now in Lelia's face. Leelee's eyes squinted as she analyzed the photo on the device. I couldn't tell from the distance what the image was in detail. But for sure, it was a massive piece.

My stop by the shop was brief. Only to pick up two of my permits. Every year the business permits have to be renewed. Something that I made sure was taken care of each year. Everything has to stay updated at all times. I purchased the venue almost five years ago and it became a prize possession. This venture is what grew my wealth accumulation. From here there were private pension assets such as real estate investments that also helped to shape the finances I have today.

Nonetheless, my permits were necessary. Rather it was for noise levels, event management, or alcohol — I made sure we were squared away for each quarter's show.

"Risa, this is our owner -" Lelia started as I was walking by. However, it seemed the customer needed no introduction. Proceeding to interrupt the welcoming.

"I know of KD. It's nice to meet you. I'm Risa. I have been trying to get in your chair for a minute now."

Mm...

"What's up, Risa? What kinda piece you wantin'?"

I didn't have much time today for a diagnostics. It was going on 11:30 and I needed to be at the venue within another thirty minutes to get the vendors stationed. Today's event wasn't starting until three o'clock, but I needed everyone posted and ready. Not to mention I had two of my cars being displayed which means I had groundwork to complete.

"The pleasure is mine," She batted her eyes at me and I knew that look. I dodged it at first glance, but I could see that meant nothing to her. "A thigh piece or on my side rather. Something big, colorful."

The potential client eyed me before biting her bottom lip. If I didn't know anything else — I could tell she was brave. Taking the phone from Lelia, Risa made a beeline over to where I stood. Showing me the inspiration.

Like most women that come through the doors of Dreamville, her influence was a photo of Cardi B's very impressive and famous tattoos. On one side was a massive peacock that covered her thigh, butt cheek, and part of her waist. On the other was a flower drawing that stretched across the back of her thigh up to the top of her spine.

While the tattoos weren't necessarily difficult to recreate — both were massive and precise pieces. Which meant time and patience. More importantly — pain for the customer to endure. Not to mention the financial cost that should be expected. With that inspiration, Risa was looking at anything from a thousand to fifteen hundred.

"You ever had a tat before?" She shook her head at my question and I grinned, of course not. She just saw something and wanted it.

"I won't be in the shop until Tuesday. You need to come back so we can get some info down. And I need a copy of your drawing so I can come up with something. But you should make sure that's what you want. The size of that piece is coming with time and money."

"How long is this going to take?" Risa questioned.

"Honestly? Bout seven or eight hours. It's a lot of details and some shading," Risa seemed shocked but quickly recovered with a head nod. "Look, I gotta head out. Let Lelia put ya' info down and try to come around 3 or 3:30 on Tuesday. We will talk more then."