Deceit

16 - Complicated

Harlem:

My work week was nearing its end when I considered tacking on a Saturday for the hell of it. I usually worked Monday through Friday from 2 PM until 10PM depending on what I was in the mood to do or what appointments I had. We were busy for a Thursday which usually indicated the beginning of an incredible weekend. With Biyanca and Ghost out of the shop for her doctor's appointment and Rich off for the day, all managerial duties fell into my hands.

Today's artists were myself, Julio, and Erin. Gia, our receptionist, also doubled as a backup piercer whenever Biyanca was off. Well, that was before the pregnancy reveal. Ghost wanted her to have nothing to do with the shop while pregnant. For now, I had Erin working the counter while Gia was on break. The two women hadn't been at Hemlock for more than six months each, but they were already great assets to the team.

Gia kept Ghost abreast with the shop's numbers and appointments every day while we were on vacation. Asking her to work nearly two weeks straight was almost too much to ask for. However, she took pride in working for the shop and wanted to earn her keep as the newest employee. She was also the only one uninterested in tattooing. She had several large pieces sporadically placed on her legs and arms, but didn't want to be an artist.

Erin also did an amazing job of being the lead tattooist with two guests while we were away-Travis and JB. I hadn't realized their guest slots were actually auditions so to speak until Ghost informed me when scouting locations in Bluemill. They were both established artists in the greater Washington area with large followings. Ghost thought that would come in handy after our departure. Since Hemlock only had four tattoo rooms and one piercing station, they were going to rotate sharing Julio's room until everything else was finalized.

I'd just finished the line work to my second flash piece of the day when I heard a knock on my door frame. To my surprise, Krysta was standing there with a polite smile and a Starbucks cup in her hand.

"Hey, Gabe. I thought I could hang out for a bit like old times." Before our latest blow out, it wasn't uncommon for Krysta to hang out in the shop and do school work or just keep guests company while they waited.

She was the unpaid equivalent to Gia before Ghost knew he really needed her. Many women enjoyed being pierced by other women and if Biyanca had a busy day while Krysta was here, she naturally assumed the receptionist position so neither Julio or myself missed opportunities by working the counter.

"Like old times, huh?" I chuckled before wiping the last bit of ink from my client's forearm. I specialized in traditional tattoos and was working on an anchor. So far it looked amazing with the shading completed and I wouldn't be able to keep up the same energy with Krysta bothering me.

"Yes, like old times. I'll be up front with Erin until you're done." She quickly turned on her heels and walked towards the lobby. I was relieved to have regained my peace and the ability to finish. I liked to be efficient so all of my clients could get along with their days.

"Are you ready for the second step?" I grabbed my second machine to begin working on the color portions and got straight to work once I had the OK. This particular anchor was small compared to my usual works and wouldn't take anymore than 30 minutes to finish. I was going to add some red to the flukes, while the stock, shank, and crown would be blue. A little yellow in the rope would complete the design and I could take a lunch of my own.