Page 76 of Derek
“Well…” She taps a finger to her chin and… what is she talking about? “I’ll probably just have something low-key around here, and then whatever you have planned.” She wrinkles her nose up at me, and I am at a complete loss. What am I not getting? I give her a smirk, praying that she can’t see the panic in my eyes.
“It’s a surprise. Now hush up before you ruin it.” I tease, and oh my god, she gave me that giggle. Me. Fucking hell, I don’t know what I don’t know, but I damn well will be figuring it out. I smack my table and look at her. “Come on, Darlin’, let’s tuck your shirt and get the stencil on.” Indy frowns as she walks over.
“Tuck my shirt?” She asks, and Atlas speaks up as he walks behind me to grab some ink, prepping his own station.
“Tuck the bottom up into your bra so it doesn’t get in the area.”
Indy’s frown deepens as she looks at me. “I didn’t wear a bra.” My face falls as I look at her t-shirt.
“W-why not?” I sputter out, looking around as if a bra would magically appear. I don’t need her shirtless with just a pad hiding her chest from whoever may come in here.
“I rarely wear one,” she shrugs. “They are restricting, plus I have tiny tits.”
Ash spits out his drink all over Atlas’ station. “Ughhhh…” Atlas cries. “I just cleaned it!”
“Don’t talk about your tits, Indy!” Ash warns, shaking his head. “You are my baby sister. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t have any.”
“That’s what I’m saying!” Indy snaps. “Itty bitty titties! I don’t need a bra! Actually, if you want to know the truth, no woman needs a bra. They were designed by pig-headed men that felt women’s tits needed to be at their chins to be sexually appealing.”
Atlas nods. “That’s that whole ‘sleeping penis’ thing, right?” We all turn to stare at him in confusion. Indy curls her lip and shakes her head.
“Unconscious misogyny…” she sighs, shaking her head. I glance at Atlas to see his smirk, he’s trying to get a rise out of her, and again, I have to tap down the jealousy. I don’t know how to do a public relationship. Dates, flirting, and teasing in front of people—-it’s not anything I’ve really ever done. Even with my ex-wife, that was one of her “things” about me. I didn’t show I cared in public.
While deep in thought, Fox must’ve pulled one of Janie’s sports bras from the back office. I didn’t think about Janie having clothes here, but she often goes to Sunday’s pole classes in the middle of the day. Indy walks into the bathroom to change, and I let out a breath.
“I am not kidding,” I grit through my teeth. “I will never forgive you fuckers if you rat me out.” I go to ask, but Ash’s chuckle stops me.
“Her birthday is this Saturday.” Oh my god. Her birthday. It’s her birthday, and I had no idea. How did I not know?
“Fuck. Shit, I told her I have a surprise.” Atlas cackles at my panic.
“Good luck with that! Indy is worse than Red when it comes to needing attention.”
“Hey,” Fox barks, but then stops and thinks. “Yeah, actually, that’s valid.”
Indy walks out, arms over her chest. “Janie is very gifted in the boobs, but at least I’m covered.” Fox chuckles, and I roll my eyes before having her stand straight so I can center the stencil. I try a couple of times, but I can’t seem to get it exactly right.
“Hey Ash,” I call out, since he’s the only one without a client. “What am I missing here?” Ash wheels his chair over to us and looks at the stencil.
“Can you put your arm out, Indy?” He asks, and Indy quietly obeys. “It’s definitely even, but it’s taking away from her feminine curve, which is probably what’s throwing it off.” I nod in agreement.
“Feathers?” I ask, and he nods his approval.
“A couple of feathers would help with depth and flow.” I nod and look up at Indy.
“You okay with that?” She gives me a small nod and smile, and I see it. I’ve seen that look hundreds of times over my career. I help her sit on the table, and I pat her hand. “I know you’re nervous. I won’t lie, you picked a tough spot, but you are in control. You need a break or to stop, you tell me, okay?”
“I don’t want to start hurting and shaking and mess you up.” I chuckle lightly.
“Darlin’, I know how to tattoo through body shakes. Yeah, if you thrash around, that can be a problem. Just lay your head on the pillow, and whatever you do, don’t hold your breath. Breathe through it.” Indy lies on my table, and Ash returns with Atlas as I ink my machine.
“You’re going to do awesome, Indy.” Ash smiles, and Atlas nods.
“You are tough as fuck getting this badass tattoo for your first one.”
“Alright,” I sigh as I turn to her, wishing like hell I had said any of that to her myself. “I’m going to do a small line, so you know what to expect, alright?” Indy bites her bottom lip nervously.
“Okay,” she worries her bottom lips, and before I realize it, my hand reaches out and cups her cheek, and my thumb pulls her bottom lip free.
