Page 25 of Ink & Desire

“You’re so boring,” she mutters.

“Boring is good. It keeps my life calm. The way I like it.”

“Fine,” she says. “But you’re missing out. Tell me more about Avery.”

“She just graduated from college. Majored in art and business, I think. Something like that. But her portfolio is good. She’s a talented artist. And she wants to learn.”

“Okay,” Henley says, drawing out the word. “But why did you decide to take her on?”

I decide to skirt around the question, since I’m still not totally sure why I decided to give Avery a chance. Part of it had to do with keeping her out of Matt Young’sclutches. But I could have just warned her about him if that’s all I wanted to do. I didn’t need to hire her.

“You said yourself, I work too hard,” I finally say. “And Jessie has been bitching at me about getting some help around here. Besides, I hate the office stuff.”

“So, hire an office manager,” she says. “You don’t need to sign on to be someone’s teacher for that.”

She’s right, I know. I could have hired an office manager months ago. Hell, I might still need to once Avery’s apprenticeship is over. But that’s a problem for the future. I’ve been running the shop fine so far without a manager. I can do it for a while longer.

“I know,” I say. “But she’s good. And if I can teach her, I think it’ll be good for the future of the industry.”

“Look at you, molding young minds,” Henley teases.

“Shut up,” I say, laughing. “I just know that there are lots of places out there that don’t take the time to teach properly. I don’t want talent to go to waste by turning her into a mediocre artist.”

“Makes sense, I guess,” she says. “I’m just surprised my grumpy big brother is taking the time to be someone’s mentor. Inspiring the future generation of tattoo artists, one apprentice at a time.”

“I don’t know why I’m even talking to you,” I mutter.

“Because you love me,” she says in a sunny tone.

“Can’t imagine why.”

She laughs. “Is next Sunday okay for my session?” she asks, switching gears again.

I think about the coming week as I look through my schedule. “That should be fine. 1pm okay?”

“Perfect,” she says. “And I’ll bring tons of yummy baked goods.”

“Don’t tell anyone I can be bribed by brownies,” I say.

“They wouldn’t believe me if I did. You’re too mean to everyone else.”

“I’m not mean,” I say. “I’m just selective about who I associate with.”

Henley laughs again. “Selective about who you’re not an asshole to, you mean?”

“Keep it up and I’m going to add an actual asshole to your back next week.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” she says. “You’ve got too much pride in your work for that.”

“Who says it wouldn’t be quality work?” I taunt. “It’ll be the most realistic-looking asshole you’ve ever seen.”

“Fine,” she says through her laughter. “I’ll be nice.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I’ll see you next Sunday,” she says. “And thanks, Corbin. For what it’s worth, you really are an amazing brother.”

“Stop kissing my ass,” I say. Then, in a more serious tone, I add, “Love you, Hen.”

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