Page 21 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“Lenn, you need to change?”

She looked down, taking in her strawberry dress. “Nah. I’m good. Let’s roll.”

Together, we made it down to the ballroom where tables were set up and separated by profession and last name. Simon headed off to the stylish side of the room, and I followed Slade and Lennox. I’d already gotten the message from Slade to go with Lenn, so she wasn’t standing in line alone.

“Name and shop?” a bored worker asked, not even looking up.

“James and Tattooed Hearts.” That had the person looking up, and I wondered what for.

“You’re Lennox James?” she asked, and I felt the hair on my neck raise at the question.

“Yeah,” Lennox said, peering at me, her face as confused as mine. “Why?”

At her confirmation, the worker’s face changed, and she smiled widely, making me relax slightly.

“I’m a huge fan. I follow you on Insta and LiveIt. I was so excited when I saw you were going to be here. I even bribed my friend to switch tables. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show. Can I be one of the people you tattoo?” she asked, her words tumbling out at top speed.

“Um, hi. I guess. I’m not sure how that works.” Again, Lennox looked at me, anxiety beginning to build that she might disappoint someone.

“In case she doesn’t get to pick, how about a selfie for now?” I suggested, hoping to ease some of her anxiety.

“Oh yes! That would be amazing. Here, let me come out.” Quicker than I’d thought possible, the girl was around the table, shoving her phone in my face and preening next to Lennox.

“Cheese,” they both said as I snapped a few photos, trying not to laugh at the whole situation. I handed the phone back, and the girl hugged Lennox quickly before walking back to her spot and beginning to review the information packet.

“Here’s your booth number. You’ll be next to the other member from your shop. You have two hours to set up tonight and will be expected to be at your booth tomorrow thirty minutes before the doors open. The first two hours will consist of showcasing your shop and for guests to look around at all the booths. There will be signup forms at your table for people to fill out. You don’t have to take the first person as your subject. You’re able to look at what they want and decide. You’re under no obligation, but it gives you a list of people interested in your work to start with and find the perfect client for the competition. Once you have that finalized, there will be forms for them to sign. That will start at 1 pm. Until then, you can practice by giving smaller tattoos or just talking to people, looking around, or sketching. Each artist has their own ritual. After the hair portion of the contest, you’ll be given an hour for lunch, and then you’ll be on the clock. It’s not about being the fastest, but that is a component. You’ll be graded on skill, artistry, and time. Each convention will crown one winner, who will be invited back for the grand finale showcase at the end of the summer. You only have to win once to be eligible. You’ll also be given a ranking that you will carry from city to city, depending on how many you choose to do. At the end of the season, you could be eligible to win the grand prize regardless if you make it to the showcase.”

She took a deep breath, smiling at Lennox like she hung the moon.

“Any questions? I can give you my number in case you have some later and need to ask. That wouldn’t be a problem at all.”

Chuckling, I took the packet of papers and showed Lennox where to sign for the liability waiver and that she was to accept no compensation for the tattoos performed during the competition. Once she had the paperwork done, I placed the lanyard over her head, enjoying getting to touch her. It was a hard job, but someone had to do it.

“I do have one question… I’m sorry, what was your name, hun?” Lennox asked, her accent thick.

“It’s Esther.”

“Hi, Esther. Could my boyfriend get an assistant badge? Would that be possible?”

“Oh, I’m not supposed to, but I’ll make an exception for you.” She winked as she leaned over and grabbed a badge from a box under the table. “Just promise me you won’t misuse your power,” she said, holding onto the lanyard like it was a golden ticket.

“I promise.”

“Thank you so much, Esther. It was great meeting you, and you should totally sign up. You never know.”

“Oh, I will. Bye.” She waved enthusiastically as we left, finding Simon and Slade waiting for us at the door.

“What was that all about?” Slade asked as I shook my head, chuckling.

“Just someone else falling in love with our girl.”

“Too bad,” he growled, pulling her under his arm, looking over his shoulder like someone was going to come and steal her right from under his nose.

“Oh nice, you got a badge,” Simon said, noticing the lanyard.

“Yeah, Lennox used her charm to get it for me. I hadn’t thought of that. It would’ve sucked to not be able to be with y’all.”

“I was wondering if you could help me while I’m competing, actually?” Simon asked hesitantly. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

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