But instead of transferring a job to a better qualified artist, here I was turning a girl down completely. It was both ridiculous and hilarious.
Even though we opened at eleven, it felt like three days had gone past by the time Leah came in the door at two-thirty with a petite blonde girl.
I jumped up, rushing to shake their hands. “Alison, Leah, nice to see you both. Come on in.”
Alison seemed surprised that I knew her name, and Leah gave me a soft smile that made me want to throw my arms around her and steal her away forever.
I set up my station quickly, looking at Alison’s photos of the sort of purple she wanted the center panel of the butterfly wings to be now.
“You were right about the baby pink,” she said with a shrug.
“Actually,” I said diplomatically, “I think this rich rosy purple will look even better. It will make the greens and teals pop more.
I got straight to work, noticing that Leah wouldn’t sit down. She hovered behind me, then backed up any time she felt that she was getting too close.
“I can get you a chair if you like,” I said to her.
“No, thank you,” she whispered.
“Chill out,” Alison told her, rolling her eyes. Turning to me, she said, “You’ll have to forgive my friend, she’s one of those fluttery little nervous people.”
Instantly I could see Leah’s energy shrink. “Nothing to forgive,” I said. “People are the way they are. That’s what makes the world interesting, right Leah?”
She flashed me a grin that made my chest feel too tight. I was over the moon for this girl. It had never been physically difficult to stop myself from reaching out to touch someone before.
“Alright, that’s about it. What do you think?” I asked Alison.
She analyzed the new color and grinned. “Perfect. Thanks so much!”
I turned away for a moment while Alison took a few photos, but could clearly hear her hiss to Leah, “I see you staring at him. There’s no way you’d have a shot with a guy like that.”
It was difficult to pretend I hadn’t heard. Glancing in the mirror above my station, I saw that Leah’s eyes were downcast as if she was trying to ignore her friend.
“Besides,” Alison continued, “Can you imagine what your stuck up boss would say if he saw you guys out together?” Her laugh was outright irritating.
Spinning back, I had the bandage and tape ready. “So, you likely know the drill, since this isn’t your first tattoo. Keep it dry for a few days, quick shower only. Mild unscented soap. This area is so small you should have no trouble healing, but take my card and an aftercare brochure from the front desk anyway and call if there is any issue whatsoever.”
Alison smiled at me sweetly. “Thanks, Grant.” She shot Leah a sideways look. “So, Leah wants to get a tattoo next.”
“No,” I said.
Alison stared at me with her mouth open. But Leah gave me another shy smile. “What do you mean, no?” Alison practically barked. “You can’t refuse to tattoo someone.” She seemed like she was about to get feisty on me.
“Leah, are you ready to get a tattoo?” I asked gently. “Look me in the eye.”
Her smoky water gaze met mine, and I felt it up my spine as she whispered. “Not yet.”
“That’s okay,” I smiled. “Just think about it for a while then.”
Alison seemed genuinely ticked off that Leah and I seemed to be communicating through glances, and it looked like she was about to drag her friend out of here.
I was torn. I couldn’t let Leah leave. But there was no way I was going to pressure her into getting work done when she was nowhere near ready.
“Hey, I have an idea.” Leah looked up at me, and I reached out to pat her hand where it leaned on the table without even thinking. “I sometimes draw tats on so that people can think about the coloring and position. Why don’t I draw one for you, to help you think about it?”
“Wow. Yeah, that would be cool,” Leah said.
Alison rolled her eyes. “Don’t be a chicken shit,” she laughed.