by Marie, Kay
“Hey! Did you have any trouble finding the place?” Luke walks to the front desk.
“My GPS was very helpful.” I giggle. “This place is awesome. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Thanks. We’ve worked really hard on it.” His face is beaming. “You want a tour? Then we can head back to the office and talk.”
“Sure, that sounds great,” I reply. I follow him past the front desk. There are six workstations, all divided by half walls.
“There are four artists that work here full time,” Luke tells me. “With Sketch being our fifth artist part-time. Each of us has our own workstation, and each station has curtains in case a client would like some privacy.”
We get to the fifth station and I can instantly tell this one belongs to Sketch. He has some of his drawings up on the walls. Including one of a Carolina Wren. I can’t help but wonder if he drew that with me in mind. Either way, it’s beautiful. Before the tattoo convention, I had seen some of Sketch’s drawings. After seeing his portfolio at the convention, I know, without a doubt, I want him to do my lotus tattoo.
“There’s a bathroom here.” Luke gestures to his left as we walk through a short hallway. “To the right is a supply room. We all keep plenty of supplies at our stations, but when we need to refill or replace something, it’ll be in that room.”
We walk straight ahead and come to what I would consider is a break room. There’s a couch, a kitchen table, tv, refrigerator, the works. On the counter, there’s a Keurig with a K-pod stand next to it that has a small sign that says Drink Me. At the other end of the counter is a basket of snacks with a sign that says Eat Me. There are two doors back here. One looks like it leads outside. The other is open and I can tell it’s Luke’s office.
“Y’all have such an awesome setup here,” I say.
“Thank you. We try to make it comfortable for everyone. We can talk in here.” He motions to his office. “Austin and Cooper both have appointments soon. If we try to talk anywhere else, they’ll butt in.” He chuckles.
I walk into his office and it’s as cozy as the break room. He has his desk and chair with another chair sitting in front of it and a small couch off to the side. It's similar to Bull's office at the clubhouse. He walks around his desk to sit while I sit in a chair in front of him. I take the chance to really look at him. He’s wearing a black hat with a white bill. He’s as into piercings as he is tattoos. He has his eyebrow, nose, and septum pierced, with a few different ones on his ears and gauges. His eyes are a blue-green that reminds me of seafoam green and his beard is cut short. He’s no Sketch, but he’s handsome.
“So, let’s discuss some things you will be doing if you decide to take the job,” Luke starts. I nod my head, eager to get started. “You’ll be in charge of the front desk. That involves some administrative work - which we can talk about next, greeting guests, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, and showing flash art or portfolios.”
“Sounds easy enough.” I shrug.
Luke flashes me a grin. “You think so?”
“Oh yeah. Also sounds like something that could keep me busy and that’s something I need right now,” I tell him.
“Okay, so question. Do you know how long you’re planning on staying in New Orleans?”
I knew he was going to ask me that. “Honestly, I have no idea.”
“That’s okay. We can discuss that later if we need to.” He rubs his finger against his jawline as if he’s contemplating something.
“Does that mean I’m hired?”
He nods his head. “When can you start?”
“Today if you need me.”
Luke chuckles. “Let’s go over a few more things today. I have a client coming in twenty minutes. You can come tomorrow at eleven for some training and start then. Sound good?”
“That’s perfect.” We talk right up until his client arrives and Austin has to come in the office to let Luke know. This is the start of getting my life back and I couldn’t be happier.
15
Sketch
The meeting with Bull and the guys from New Orleans went even better than anticipated. After talking with all of us, Bull pulled Gator aside for a one-on-one talk. It’s probably to iron out the fine details. I grab my phone as I walk out of Church. One new message from Wren. A smile stretches across my face.
“What are you cheesin’ about,” Rascal asks.
“None ya fuckin’ business,” I say with a grin. Ras shakes his head, walking away. I open my messages.
From Little Bird: I got the job!
To Little Bird: Congrats! When do you start?
She doesn’t text back right away, so I slide my phone in my pocket. I take a seat at the bar and Tink walks right up to me.
“How’s it goin’, Tink?”
“It’s going.” She sighs. “How about you? Have you heard from Wren?”
“Nah.” As soon as the word leaves my mouth, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I grab it and turn the screen on.
From Little Bird: Tomorrow :(
“You want something to drink?” Tink’s question pulls my attention away from my phone.
“It can wait, Tink. Sketch, my office,” Bull calls out. I follow Bull to his office, sticking my phone back in my pocket.
“What’s up, Prez?” I drop my body onto the couch.
“Good call on Gator and the guys. Gator is calling to have the other four drive out here and we’ll patch them in on Thursday,” he explains.
“Sounds great,” I reply.
“I’m gonna need you and one other guy to go back to New Orleans for a month to help get them set up. I trust you to do it because I know you’re familiar with New Orleans,” he says.
“Of course. Whatever you need, Prez.” I leave his office and head to my room. I want to text Wren without anyone fucking with me or trying to have a conversation with me. I walk in and close the door behind myself. Sitting on my bed, I turn the TV on for background noise. One of the Iron Man movies happens to be playing, reminding me of watching it with Wren not even a week ago. It was fucking adorable how into it she got. I grab my phone to respond to her.
To Little Bird: Why the sad face?
From Little Bird: I tried to get him to let me start today.
I laugh. I had a feeling she would like the shop. I’m glad she and Luke talked. I know she’ll be safe with them.
To Little Bird: Less than 24 hours until you can start. You think you’ll make it? :P
From Little Bird: Idk, this could be what does me in.
I shake my head with a chuckle. This girl has a tight grip on me. I don’t know what I’m going to do.
To Little Bird: Well shit, is there anything I can do to help?
From Little Bird: Texting with you might help, we’ll see. ;)
From Little Bird: Do you know when you’re coming back? I was hoping we might be able to discuss that tattoo.
To Little Bird: Not exactly. Have you picked out where you want your tattoo?
The thought of tattooing her pure skin is a feeling all on its own.
From Little Bird: Possibly. How is everyone back home?
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Who the fuck is at my door? I climb off my bed. When I open the door, I’m met with Shade.
“What’s up, brother?”
“Haven’t fuckin’ seen ya in a while. Thought I’d come say hey,” Shade says.
“Well, you had to go and get tied down.” He rolls his eyes, and I laugh.
“It’ll happen to you when you least expect it,” he insists. It’ll only happen if it’s with Wren, but I won’t tell him that. “You got anything going on tomorrow?”
“I don’t think so,” I tell him. “Whatcha got goin’ on?”
“Prez needs me to go pick up the cuts for the new guys and I have a few other errands to run. Was gonna see if you wanted to tag along.”
“He wants you to go on a bro date with him,” Sienna says, walking toward us from their room.
; I feign shock. “You mean you’re letting me have my man for a day?”
“Yup, take him. I don’t want him.” She winks at me.
Shade’s eyes go from Sienna to me and back to her. “What the hell just happened?”
Sienna giggles, and I grin.
“You’re so cute,” Sienna says, patting him on the cheek before walking out to the main room.
“Yeah, you’re so cute,” I mock.
“Fuck you,” Shade says, smacking my hand away. I chuckle. “I’ll be here at nine tomorrow.”
“Ten-four,” I reply. He walks away, shaking his head. Closing the door, I head back to my bed.
To Little Bird: Everyone is worried about you, but they’re doing good.
To Little Bird: The club would keep you safe if you came home.
She doesn’t respond right away. I wish she would have more faith in us to protect her. That asshole wouldn’t come near her with any of us around. When I start to think she’s not going to respond, she does.
From Little Bird: You know why I won’t.
To Little Bird: Will you at least reach out to your brother? Sienna hasn’t said anything to him and I know he’s worried like hell about you. Or let me tell him you’re okay.
From Little Bird: I’ll consider it.
We keep texting until Wren falls asleep. Texting with her for so long felt like how things used to be, and damn, does it feel good.
* * *
The next day, Shade is at the clubhouse, bright and early at nine o’clock. We head out to do his errands before we have to pick the new cuts up at one. Our seamstress, Lynn, gets shit done quick. She always puts Bull’s order at the top of her list, even when she’s in the middle of working on something else. She’s a sweet lady but doesn’t take shit from anyone.
“Where are we headed, brother,” I ask Shade.
“First thing’s first. Breakfast,” he states.
“I could get down on some pancakes,” I reply. Ten minutes later, we pull up to the Pancake House. There are people here, but it isn’t packed. We get seated right away.
“You alright, man? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders,” I say to Shade.
“Might as well be.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m worried about Wren.”
“I don’t blame you, but she’s your sister. She knows how to take care of herself,” I remind him.
“True, I just wish she would call or something. Let me know what made her leave.” Shade is good at keeping his composure around everyone at the clubhouse. Now that it’s him and me without any other brothers around, he sounds defeated. Thankfully, I talked Wren into letting Sienna tell Shade she’s talked to her.
“She’ll talk when she’s ready. You know how she is,” I say. The waitress walks up to our table before he can respond.
“Hey, guys, I’m Jess. I’ll be taking care of y’all.” She smiles a toothy smile. “Can I start y’all out with something to drink? Coffee? Orange juice?”
“Coffee, please,” I tell her.
“I’ll take a coffee, too,” Shade says.
I wait until she walks away before I start talking again. "I've meant to ask if you've visited TJ lately."
"Nah, I'm giving him some time to heal up some. I don't want him dying on me yet." He gives a sly smirk and I chuckle.
We spend the next couple of hours talking before we need to leave. As we’re walking out, we bump into Zack. I clench my jaw to stop myself from saying anything. Knowing what this piece of shit did to Wren is making it difficult.
“Ah, Shade. Long-time, no see,” Zack draws out. An evil smirk crosses his face.
“Shade, we gotta go or we’re gonna be late,” I lie. Shade has never liked this asshole and it shows with the daggers he’s shooting at Zack. It takes everything in me not to lay Zack out right here, right now. Wipe that fucking smirk off his face. I have to push Shade out the door to get him to leave.
“I’m ninety-eight percent sure that prick had something to do with Wren leaving. When I find out what he did, I’m going to fuck his world up,” Shade mutters.
“He’ll get his in due time, brother.”
16
Wren
I woke up early today, not able to contain my excitement about starting at the Mad Tatter. It might be silly to some, but I’ve missed working. I miss the bakery. I hate that Zack made me quit working there, but I’m taking it as a lesson learned. The tattoo shop will be different.
I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys. That will take some getting used to. I’ll be working with all guys instead of all women now.
Sketch texted me this morning, wishing me luck on my first day. The text made butterflies flutter in my stomach about as much as our flirting over text last night. The light banter is something we’ve always done, but there was something more to it this time. At least, I think there was. Maybe I’m overthinking it. I guess we’ll find out when he comes back to New Orleans.
I get to the Mad Tatter fifteen minutes early. There’s another car here that I believe belongs to Luke. I check to make sure I have everything I need. My purse, an appointment book, a pouch of pens, phone, and keys. I’m good to go. Climbing out of my car, I lock my doors and head toward the entrance. A Sorry We’re Closed sign hangs on the door. I try opening it. With luck, it opens.
“Knock, knock,” I call out.
“Hey!” Luke walks out of the storage room. “Ready for your first day?”
“Hell yeah.” I giggle.
He flashes me a smile. “Come on over here, and you can check everything out. Set shit up in whatever way works best for you.”
I walk behind the desk. There is an appointment book with a bunch of chicken scratch in it, four six-by-six-inch portfolios. Each cover is decorated differently from the rest. Each one has a different character from Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and Knave of Hearts.
“What are the characters on the portfolios for,” I ask Luke.
He grins and there’s a darkness in his eyes. As quick as it came, it’s gone again. “They represent each of us. Mine is the Mad Hatter. Sketch and Mama Maggie are the only ones who call me Luke anymore. Once I moved out on my own, I started going by middle name, Maxton, or Max for short. I knew from a young age, I wanted to have my own tattoo shop, and Alice in Wonderland was oddly my favorite movie as a kid. At some point, I decided my tattoo shop would be called the Mad Tatter. Cooper jokingly dubbed me the Mad Hatter and began calling me Mad Max. It stuck and that’s who I’ve been ever since.”
“I like that,” I tell him. “Who are the others?”
“I’ll let you figure that out as you meet them.” He winks.
“Oh, this will be fun.” I laugh.
“Sketch said you were thinking of getting a tattoo,” Luke says. He pulls another portfolio off a shelf. “Have you thought about what or where?”
“I know what, but I’m not sure where yet,” I admit to him. He hands me the portfolio. Opening it, I recognize it as Sketch’s portfolio.
“Take a look through all of our portfolios. Maybe it’ll help you decide,” he suggests. “It’ll more than likely be pretty slow around here for the next couple of weeks. All four of our schedules are almost booked up completely.”
“So, if there’s any time where I don’t have anything to do, what do I do?”
“Whatever you want. If a client is alright with it, you’re welcome to watch any of us tattoo someone. You can take lunch breaks whenever you choose as long as you let us know when you’re going so one of us can watch the front. And we won’t ever keep you here past six, unless for whatever reason, you want to stay,” he explains.
“Sounds good to me.” I flip through Sketch’s portfolio. The more I see his work, the more I know he’s the right artist to do my tattoo. I’ve seen his drawings on paper. His tattoos are just as amazing as his drawings. It’s incredible. To top it off, the watercolor tattoos he’s done are absolutely stunning. I stop on a p
icture of a woman with a very detailed sternum piece. It’s a lot more than what I’m wanting, but the placement would be perfect. “I think I decided on a placement for my tattoo.”
“On your sternum? That’s sexy.” He smirks. I text Sketch to let him know I made up my mind. “How’s your pain tolerance?”
“I’d say it’s pretty high,” I tell him.
“That’s good. Sternums can be painful spots for tattoos,” he tells me. We go over prices and the steps to take when someone wants to schedule an appointment. Free consultations are always first, and we go from there. By the time we’re done going over everything, the other guys start showing up. As each of them comes in, they stop and introduce themselves to me. After talking to them, I’m confident I figured out who’s who.
Luke walks to the front door, flips the sign to Open, and comes back to the desk. “So, did you figure it out?”
I tap my finger against my chin. “I’m pretty sure I did.”
“And?”
“Cooper is Cheshire. He has a mischievous grin. Jesse is the White Rabbit. I got an anxious vibe from him and he kept checking his watch. Leaving Austin to be Knave.” I cross my arms over my chest and wait for his response.
“Not bad. You hit the nail on the head with Jesse,” Luke tells me. “What about first impressions?”
“They were respectful, but I definitely get the asshole vibe from them. You too, actually. It’s a lot like being around the Savage Menaces,” I admit.
Luke lets out a full belly laugh. “Fair enough. Being around the Savage Menaces, is it safe to assume you can hold your own?”
“Oh, for sure. My brother taught me well.” I wink at him. “Do y’all prefer to go by your nicknames?”
He nods his head. “Yes, ma’am. How’s the schedule look for today?”
