Page 17 of Evil Beautiful

I gave a quick nod. “I’m fine. I’m just pissed at myself.”

“Why?”

“I did something so bloody stupid last night I want to kick my own ass.”

She came in and hopped up on my chair. She was so damned short jumping up was the only way she could get on because I had it set for my long legs. She wriggled to settle her ass and once again I was struck by how beautiful she was. When I started working here I developed a bit of a crush but over time it changed to friendship. A friendship I valued because Pixie Maingarde was the best person I knew. She had a soft heart, an easy smile and she was loyal to those she loved. And I was happy to be counted as one of those. The people she loved and who loved her in turn.

“What did you do?”

Drawing in a deep breath I let it out slowly before I told her my sad story.

“I was so bloody stupid. I had sex with Gideon, not full sex, we just played a bit but it was enough. We showered, got into bed and when I woke up the bed was cold and he was long gone. No note, no message, nothing.”

Pixie dropped her head and groaned in sympathy.

“Damn! That’s just not right. I hate those hit it and quit it men. It makes you feel so empty and used when they disappear on you.”

She was so right.

“Exactly! That’s why I don’t do one nighters. I wish it was possible to go away for a while but I have so many bookings I can’t do it right now.” I scrubbed the tattoo bed with the disinfectant as if it was the enemy. I looked up when Pixie made a strange sound. Her big almost navy blue eyes were on me.

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. I want to ask you a big favour. If you do me the favour it would mean you’ll be getting away for a while. Not long, a week max.”

I stopped scrubbing and straightened. “What’s the favour?”

Pixie tilted her head to the side and scrunched her nose as if it was a huge favour, not just a big one.

“Weeeell, DC and Hawk want to go on a short holiday and there’s no one qualified enough at Mainline II to take over for her. I told her I would ask you. Anele will help to reschedule your appointments and if your clients get pissy we can offer them a discount for the inconvenience. The shop will cover the shortfall and you will still earn your full fee. Think about it tonight and give me an answer tomorrow.”

She made to slide out of the chair but I shook my head and she waited, head tilted to the side. Drawing in a breath I let it out as I made an instinctive snap decision.

“I’ll do it. When do I leave?”

“Wow! That was quick. Uhm, we can post an apology online and start rescheduling your appointments in the morning. Once that’s done we can book your accommodation and flight. If all goes well you should fly out tomorrow night. How does that sound?” A small frown settled between her dark brows. She was worried about me and I needed to reassure her.

“Perfect. I haven’t been to Joburg in almost a year. I like working with DC’s people, I had fun the last time I was up there.” And suddenly I was excited about going to Joburg. Excited about getting away for a while even though I would miss surfing.

Before I left I needed to let Strange and Brody know I was going to be out of town for a while.

“I’m going to arrange for car rental so you’re not stuck at the hotel when you’re not working. I’m going to call DC and give her the news. I’m sure she will be referring a couple of her clients to you because your styles are very similar.” Pixie slid off the chair and started skip-walking away.

“Pixie.” I called out as she rounded the door into her office. She poked her head around the door jamb her eyebrows raised in question.

“I have a couple of clients who live around the Joburg area. I’ll let them know I’m going to be in the city for a week or two. They’ve wanted to book appointments for ages but something always gets in the way. Now they won’t have to travel and we can get them done.”

She grinned wide and ran back to my cubicle.

“See! There’s always a silver lining around the dark clouds. Forget about that evil bloody bastard and concentrate on your art. Art will always get you through, sweetie.”

Launching herself at me she gave me a hard hug before going to her office. Most probably to call DC and tell her to pack her bikinis because her holiday wishes had just come true.

If only my own bloody wishes were as accommodating.

***

Joburg was dry and hot but I enjoyed the change of pace.

Everything here moved faster and it was a bit of an adjustment from my laidback Cape Town lifestyle. Originally I was supposed to be here for week but I had so many clients requesting appointments that I extended my stay by a week. I was booked solid every single day and most nights only got back to the hotel after midnight. My back, shoulders and arms ached from being bent over all the time and my hands cramped from being in an unnatural position all day long. I had a standing appointment with Sandy, a massage therapist recommended by one of the bikers, for a daily massage. If I didn’t I wasn’t sure I would have survived my very long and hectic days.

---