Page 74 of Music City Diaries

Walking in behind him, I took in the view of the shop. I hadn’t been to this one, having met Lennox at the Nashville shop. Though, that store no longer existed since it had been blown up. Slade had remodeled this shop, renamed it Tattooed Hearts, and given Lennox her own suite. I was sad to be here without her, but I was happy she was living her dream.

“Wow, this place is incredible. Slade went all out,” I said, taking in the chairs and lights. Bubba grunted, heading to a station in the middle. I followed, taking in the pieces of art around the place. He started to pull out some things, ignoring me, so I opened a black binder and flipped through it.

“These yours?” I asked, looking up at him.

He stopped what he was doing and looked at what I held. His jaw ticked, but he nodded, returning quickly to his setup.

“They’re amazing, Bubba. You’ve got a lot of talent,” I said honestly.

He snorted but didn’t say anything else, continuing to ignore me. Rolling my eyes, I walked to the front and stopped at the front desk. The computer turned on when I moved the mouse. I glanced at the calendar, finding it similar to the program we used at the bar.

Thoughts of The Wild Horse Saloon filled me, hating how I hadn’t been able to give them any notice. By this point, I’d be a no-call no-show, and my job and reputation would be in smithereens.

I’d worked hard there to be the manager and enjoyed dancing. I hated that it was all gone now.

Part of me knew I wasn’t meant to work at a bar, but it had been my home for several years, and it was hard to let it go.

Clicking on a few of the tabs, I located all the appointments for the day, who they were with, and whether they’d confirmed. I hit print so I could look at it better and make some notes since this was a new environment.

While the details printed, I found an inventory list and opened it. I hit print just as Bubba charged around the corner, a scowl on his face, his fists clenched. I’d never seen the happy-go-lucky ginger so angry before. It was such a change that it took me by surprise. Before I could think about it, my back tensed, my arms raised, and I cowered as I waited for the blow.

My body shook as I waited for the pain. When nothing happened after a few seconds, I lowered my arms. Bubba stood before me, his face stricken as he stared at me. Our eyes met, grief and anger swirling in their midst.

He turned on his heels, my arms lowering the rest of the way now that the threat of danger was gone. A door slammed in theback, causing me to jump, and I held my arms across myself as I tried to calm down.

Focusing on the things I’d printed, I looked at the first appointments and found their stations. Glancing at Bubba’s, I copied the setup, pulling out the tools and utensils the artist would need. By the third station, my heart rate was back to normal, my breathing even, but there was still no sign of Bubba.

Once I had the stations completed, I took the inventory list and counted the ink bottles. It was tedious, but I found it soothing as I zoned out, singing to the song in my head as I counted. The door opened a few hours later, and I blinked, realizing how dazed I’d been.

A guy with a blue mohawk, a septum piercing, and several tattoos on display stopped in his tracks when he spotted me.

“Who are you?” he asked. He raised an eyebrow, and I realized it had a piercing in it as well.

“Darcie. Who are you?” I asked, piling on my accent.

He opened his mouth, but Bubba stepped out of the office, his eyes fixed on the man. “You’re late, Dan. You’ll need to set up your own station.”

“No, he won’t,” I said, drawing the attention of both of them.

Bubba’s face was hard like he was eating something difficult to chew, his jaw flexing.

“Yes, he will. I didn’t show you.”

“No, you didn’t. But I set it up, nonetheless. Plus, the other two. I’m also done with the first page of the inventory. I’ll finish the back once I call and confirm the few people who haven’t yet.”

Bubba blinked, his face relaxing. I smiled, twirling around and heading toward the front. I stopped, looking over my shoulder.

“I managed one of the busiest bars in Nashville, Suga. I might be blonde, but I’m a quick study.” I turned to Dan, finding his eyes on me. “If you need something done differently, just let meknow, and I’ll make a note. I’ll be here a few days a week helping out while Lennox is gone.”

I smiled sweetly, then turned, walking the rest of the way to the front desk.

If anyone asked, I most definitely did not sway my hips or shake my butt. Nope. It wasn’t something I’d ever do.

Diary #7

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

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