Page 11 of Derek
I watch as Stevie walks her client up to the front, and I can see she’s paler today than usual. I go to ask if she’s alright but stop myself because why would I ask that? Why would I care? Though if she’s sick, I don’t want to catch whatever the fuck she has. Maybe I should ask.
“Stevvvviiiiiieeeeee!” Atlas sings out in his annoying way. Stevie stops her retreat back to her area and raises a brow.
“I already told you, Atlas, I’m not piercing you.”
“Am I not enough for you?” Atlas feigns hurt as his bottom lip quivers. “No, I was wondering if you’ve talked to Indy? She’s supposed to be modeling my shirts today for the website, and she isn’t responding to my texts, and trust me, I’ve sent a few.” I pretend not to listen to the conversation as I straighten my already straight ink bottles.
“Well, gee At, did you ever stop to think, maybe she’s just not that into you?” I glance up and notice Atlas’ flat expression.
“No,” He states simply. “I am a fucking delight. Everyone says so.”
Fox snorts as he continues to work on his client. “No one says that.”
“Well, they should!” Atlas huffs indignantly. “I am a fucking treasure!”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. “No one gives a shit about your morning words of affirmation,” I grumble, wanting Stevie to talk more about Indy, not Atlas stroking his already overly healthy ego.
“You sir,” Atlas whimpers, “Cut so deep.” He harrumphs before spinning on his heel and walking away. Perfect, now there is zero chance of finding out about how Indy is.
“Oh… my god.” Fox nearly drops his machine as Janie walks through the front of the shop wearing some old-fashioned green dress and a… very tight corset. Fox instantly turns to me, and I’m smart enough to be staring intently at the side panel of my glove box, finding the information to be the most fascinating thing in this universe. Definitely far more interesting than her massive chest spilling out of the top of her dress.
“Where is Indy?” she pants out.
“Baby doll, she’s not here, and what in the fuck are you wearing?” Fox blatantly asks her tits, which only seems to further Janie’s annoyance.
“Really Fox, you’re going to objectify me like this in front of Derek and a customer?” she scolds. The apparently dumb client chuckles.
“Sweetheart, this is the best view I’ve had since I’ve been here.” I snort as I feel the rage rolling off Fox. Fox is a very possessive man. Most of the men here are. Atlas and Ash are a lot calmer about it, though. They are fine with their girls dancing and being social, and as long as nothing happens, they stay calm. On the other hand, Fox is one of those “look at her and die types.” And this poor bastard just signed his death certificate.
Fox chuckles. “Probably best not to stare at the wife of the guy tattooing you, my friend.” His tone is a low warning, and I can’t help but snort as Janie swats Fox’s arms.
“Stop being a caveman. Now, where is Indy? I was supposed to help her at the children’s hospital today, but the dress she left me is obviously hers, and I am sure the parents wouldn’t appreciate this.”
The dumbass man snorts. “I can tell you I would.”
“That’s it.” Fox drops his machine on the tray and stands up. “You got three seconds to apologize and get the fuck out of my shop, or I’m going to beat you and throw you out of my shop.”
“You can’t leave me with a half-done tattoo!” The man huffs as Fox removes his gloves.
“Can and did. Now, which option?”
“Hey Derek,” Janie walks up to me, hopping up on my table.
“I just cleaned my table, Janie,” I mutter, even though I know she doesn’t care.
“Where’s Indy?”
I give her a half-shrug, “Haven’t seen her.” I turn to look away from her, pulling out my sketch pad.
“What do you think of this design for the shirt?” Janie’s trembling hands take my pad as she looks over my piece.
“Oh Hecate!” She beams, “Awesome choice; I love the design, but I think it would be cool to add–” She grunts as she struggles to inhale. “Fuck, this corset is uncomfortable. Hecate has three heads, so what if your sketch is the main, bold foreground? Then you add the other two heads in the background, and we can lower the transparency on them.”
I scratch my head, “I don’t know much about digital art, but I can definitely add that. Maybe the triple moon too?”
“Oh! That would be good! Look at you!” She playfully smacks my arm, and I groan. Janie makes it hard to stay out of her circle. She has a compelling way about her. She wants everyone at Hel’s to be this big, happy family, regardless of some people’s feelings on the matter.
“So you really haven’t seen Indy?” She asks before having the red-faced and pissed off Fox come over and help her loosen the corset.
