Page 4 of Conflicted
Ruby indulged her with a twitch to her mouth. Jewel loved to style hair — always had and always would. "Okay, if you promise to finish your meal, you can tell me all about the new trends."
Jewel's face brightened, and she took a bite of the croissant on her plate. After she chewed and swallowed, she took a sip of her coffee. "You know, there's also one that is perfect for someone with longer hair like Sandra."
Ruby tilted her head forward. "I’ll call her," she promised. And we'll escort you to the bank after and maybe I can feed you again. "If I come as your final appointment, we could have dinner together."
"I'd love that." Jewel's face brightened, and she took another bite. Ruby wasn’t sure if it was to please her daughter or because she was actually hungry.
Chapter Two
When Ruby arrived at Skins and Needles Body Designs, her co-owner Rebecca, was stocking supplies.
“Good afternoon, Rebecca. You’re early today.”
“Hi, Ruby. Yes, I wanted to make a head start since we ordered more than usual this time.” Rebecca peered over the rim of her reading glasses. She looked more like a librarian than a tattoo artist, but physical appearances could be deceiving. At sixty-three, she was more fit and energetic than most forty-somethings, but her eyes needed help with reading and tattooing.
“Can I help?” Ruby tossed her keys to the counter and dropped her bag to the floor.
“If you could put away the disposables?” Rebecca pointed to three boxes against the wall.
“Sure.”
Rebecca wasn’t a morning person, and she didn’t notice how preoccupied Ruby’s head was, which suited Ruby just fine. The women worked side by side as they put away the delivery in a comfortable silence until the first client of the day showed.
“Hi.” A young woman gave a small wave and blushed.
Ruby nudged Rebecca with her shoulder. “Let me finish this, and you talk with the girl. She seems like a first-timer to me.”
Rebecca nodded, walked over to the young woman, and greeted the girl kindly, “Welcome to Skins and Needles Body Designs.” Rebecca cocked her head and gave the young woman her complete attention. “What can we help you with?”
“Um, well, it’s like this –”
Ruby routinely emptied the first box while she half-listened as the girl launched into an explanation about her sister’s suicide.
By the time Ruby was halfway through the second box, the girl finished with a, “So, that’s why I want a tattoo in her memory.”
Ruby wiped the dust from her hands and admired Rebecca’s people skills. Clients always opened up right away with her partner, and with her grandmotherly appearance, she did especially well with the younger ones. Silently, Ruby held out a tissue box, which Rebecca took without taking her eyes off the girl.
