The Professor

Friends and Flirts

Adriana

After my last class I get on the bus again and head further into Portland to my job at Dream Art Tattoo Parlor And Piercings.

I got the job to pay the bills, but also because I've always loved art as a side hobby.

I get there just on time, and my boss, a twenty-five-year-old man with bright green hair, laughs and slaps my butt as I rush in.

As well as my boss, Tommy is my best friend here.

He's bi and also really great in bed if you get him drunk, but that's neither here nor there.

I throw my bag behind the counter and pull on an apron.

I tie the straps behind my waist and pile my hair on top of my head in a bun.

As well as three tattoos I have five piercings in each ear, and, little known fact, a tongue piercing.

I stick my tongue out at Tommy and sign myself in, swiveling around in the office chair.

"You're looking beautiful as ever today. What's new A?" Tommy asks, leaning against the counter. He's always called me 'A' as a nickname.

I sigh. "Not much. Except oh, my Advanced Lit professor is one hot motherfucker." I say, winking at him.

Tommy smirks. "You gonna hit that?"

"I wish," I sigh again. "But we both know that I will get my fucked-up ass kicked out."

"I guess. I'm sorry Baby, you'll find someone." Tommy says, standing up straight and sashaying to the front for a customer.

I snort. "Yeah, right."

"I heard that!" Tommy yells.

I smile at him sweetly and go to my station, sitting down and putting my face in my hands.

"Babe, it's for you." Tommy yells again.

I get up and go to the front of the shop, seeing one of my regulars waiting for me.

He's this huge, muscly, ex soldier who's always asking me out.

"Hey, Joe." I smile, leading him to the back and instructing him to sit down.

I wash my hands and pull on some gloves, setting up my needle and ink.

"So, you're here to continue the back one right?" I ask, adjusting my chair a bit higher.

"That's right beautiful." Joe smiles. He pulls off his shirt and flexes impressively for me, then lays on his stomach in the chair.

I fiddle with the levers on his chair to bring it up farther at an easier angle for me.

"Okay, Joe, I'm starting, so try not to move too much." I warn him.

Then I turn on my needle and lead it across his skin as it buzzes.

I'm bringing in color to this beautiful piece he designed himself, and after an hour I'm done with the finishing touches.

"Okay, you're all set. You will experience some slight discomfort and possibly some minor bleeding. Don't put it in direct contact with sunlight or water for at least-" Joe cuts me off.

"I know sweetheart. When does your shift end?" He asks, pulling his shirt on and standing up with me.

"Late. Come on, I'll ring you up." I toss my gloves in the trash and lead Joe to the front, and ignoring the fact that he towers over me.

After paying me he kisses me on the cheek, and Tommy glares at me as the door closes.

"Jesus, A, how have you not hit that yet? He asks you out every time, and you turn him down. If he were gay I would have my wicked way with him!" He says indignantly.

I shrug. "I don't get involved with customers."

Tommy only rolls his eyes.

Three hours later my shift is over, and I get on the empty bus and watch the midnight sky on my ride.

It's well after 1:00 AM when I get home, and I strip out of my clothes and fall into bed, sleeping instantly.