3. Bronco
3
brONCO
Present day
“So, you think you can cover it?” the pretty girl named Cara asks as I try not to crack a smile.
I’m a professional, but having a Butthead tattooed on your body without Beavis is a crime in itself. I’m kinda known as the cover up guy in the ink slinging world. Truth be told, I didn’t plan on being the cover up guy, it just sorta worked out that way.
“You like the design, right?” I check, just to be sure. I know she’s nervous and she has good reason to be after her last tattoo disaster, but I’m not some amateur.
She bites on her lip. “I love it, I just don’t want it messed up again.”
I sigh inwardly. I get it. Cara’s been duped before. Then again, she did admit that she got drunk in Vegas and went to a cheap tattoo shop; the end result was the shittiest tattoo I’ve probably ever seen. Covering it up will be a challenge, but I’m always up for something that will push my limits.
She chose a red rose design with intertwining stems, intricate detailing and a golden dragon raging through the center. Apparently, there’s a fantasy book out that has taken the world by storm and this chick wants to commemorate it on her skin. I’ve no idea what the fuck Fourth Wing is, but she’s the client, not me, and if that’s what she wants, I’m going to give it to her.
“I promise I’m not gonna mess it up. You’ve seen my work and the reviews on my website,” I reassure her. “But you can think about it if you need a little more time. I want you to feel one hundred percent sure before you do anything, okay?”
She shakes her head. “I’m ready. I just want this gone.” Her plea has me feeling sympathy for her.
I mean, this ain’t pretty. “Just promise me you won’t go gettin’ anymore late night, drunken tatts anywhere, got me?”
She nods solemnly, tears in her eyes.
“Say it.” I hold my pinkie toward her; at least that renders a smile.
“I promise.” She links her pinkie with mine and I think I’ve helped lighten the mood as she settles back onto the chair. The stencil is ready, and I place it on her shoulder blade, over the existing monumental mess she’s currently sporting. Cara takes deep breaths as if she’s about to give birth.
My shop is fucking epic. It’s been a long time coming, but Iron something I wasn’t sure I could do in one sitting. It looks fucking epic. The red of the roses drips, while the golden dragon roars through the middle, bright bursts of yellow and orange in his wake. It’s a work of art. Sometimes I really don’t give myself enough credit for what I do. To think she had fucking Butthead tattooed there hours ago.
I help her up once I’m done cleaning her skin, then pass her a handheld mirror as I guide her to the huge hanging mirror across the room. “What do you think?”
She gasps, tears falling down her cheeks. “Oh, my God!” She jumps up and down, and I’m still unsure if she’s happy or madder than before, but then she reaches for me and starts hugging the crap out of me as I laugh. For a little thing, she sure has a mean grip.
“Okay, you like it? Phew.” I swipe my forehead with the back of my hand. “For a second there I got a little worried.”
“This is fucking amazing!” She bounces up and down on her toes, releasing me as she has another look. “I love it!”
I laugh. “Fantastic. I’ll give you some care instructions?—”
She palms the side of my face. “I can give you some instructions with what I’d like to do with that big dick energy of yours.”
Big dick energy? Am I really giving off BDE?
I open my mouth and close it again. I want to peel her hands off me, but she hasn’t paid me in full yet, and I don’t wanna piss her off. But I’m not sleeping with her. For one, she’s a client, she’s also not my type, and she’s far too young.
“Honey, I don’t mix business with pleasure, but you are really sweet. I’m glad you like it.” I try my softest voice that usually works on most of the women in my life.
As if I didn’t get the memo, she blurts, “ Like it? I love it! I could suck your dick for how fucking epic this looks!” She’s back to checking herself out again in the mirror. Her smile is a mile wide.
I chuckle. “Let me get those after-care instructions as I need to go over them, okay? It’s really important.”
She’s nodding again, taking in every word as I guide her back to the chair so I can wrap the tattoo properly and let the healing begin. I know she’s a bit of an airhead, so I make sure that I tell her she needs to take off the saran wrap after 24 hours.
“So you’re gonna take this off tomorrow and wash it with soapy water, we don’t want any bacteria or an infection settin’ in,” I tell her. “The swelling and tenderness will go down in a week or so, and healing is between two and four weeks. You need to keep it clean, dry and I don’t recommend re-wrapping it. If you want it re-wrapped over the next day or so, then come back into the shop anytime and we’ll do it for you. The skin will need to breathe, regenerate and heal itself.”
“Okay, I mean, I can show it off to my friends, though, right?”
I smile. “Of course, just don’t take this off until tomorrow night, and don’t leave it on any longer.”
“Got it.”
I hand her the booklet with the care instructions and her little takeaway bag with some of our merch and social media paraphernalia; courtesy of Jett’s ol’ lady, Summer, who helped me get it all together. Jett is Club’s Treasurer, and Deanna, our club Prez’s ol’ lady, is an interior designer who did an awesome job of making the shop look like a high-end tattoo parlor.
We went with a deep burgundy on the walls with gold and black accents; a chandelier hangs in the main foyer with dark, original floorboards that we had sanded back and refinished. There’s motorcycle memorabilia all around the shop and a vintage Harley in the window; my own little tribute to the club that has become my family.
I love my mom, and with my dad not in the picture growing up, I didn’t have a lot of male influence. My dad’s family was a nightmare, so we moved away. I have one brother, Ansel, who lives in Mississippi near my mom. I often get shit over my real name, Torin, but I’m named after a bull, which is also my star sign, Taurus. Mom is a hippie from way back, but I don’t hold that against her. She raised us with all the love and affection she possibly could, and it wasn’t easy with two boys only a year apart. Ansel is the older one; he and I couldn’t be more like chalk and cheese if we tried. He works for an insurance company and has settled down with a wife and a new baby. I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like, but we’re on good terms. My mom, however? She’s always popping by unannounced to check up on me and bring me food. That would be cool if the food she made was edible. Since going vegan a few years ago and experimenting with things like mung beans and lentils, I’ve gotta suck it up and eat what she makes so I don’t upset her. I just make sure I get my protein in after she’s left the state.
When I finally manage to get Cara out of the shop, after slipping me her number even though it’s already on her file, I sigh with relief. I’m glad she’s happy and it makes me feel good knowing there’s one less horrible tattoo in the world. There’ll always be cover ups until the day is long, that’s the unfortunate thing in this business, but there’s no way you can’t feel good about what she just walked out with and I take pride in that.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I smile when I see Amber’s name pop up.
AJ
How’s it hanging?
Me
9 inches last time I checked
AJ
9 inches?
Me
You asked
AJ
Stupid me
Me
What’s up?
AJ
My date has the flu
I rub my chin. Good. I haven’t heard better news all day because her going out on a date with her best friend’s fucking brother’s best friend, just spells a happily ever after. Not that I don’t want that for her, I do, but I don’t trust dudes. Especially ones named Ben. It’s too squeaky clean, and when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I know what dudes are like and Amber is the kind of girl who lands herself into trouble before she can even blink.
Me
What a shame
AJ
I can just hear the sarcasm in that text
Me
Would I do such a thing?
AJ
Yes, you would. Before I cancel the babysitting, I wondered if you’d like to go to the game with me?
Remembering the pact I suggested, not that she agreed to it, I smile. Sitting back in the chair behind the desk, I rub my chin. Hanging out with Amber this weekend sounds great. I’m not gonna pass that opportunity up.
Me
I like how I’m your second choice
AJ
Haha, are you coming or not? Otherwise, I’m gonna have to sell the tickets. Olive hates sports so she won’t come with me
Me
Is this the part where I keep you hanging?
AJ
No, this is the part where you decide if you’re not gonna be a complete dick
Me
Not the first time I’ve been called that today, though my client did offer to service me bc I made her so happy
AJ
OMG, what???????
Me
Happens all the time
AJ
Uh, huh, Mr. Bighead. I might have to cancel if your head isn’t gonna fit through the door, there’s clearly no point in being seen in public with you
Me
Apparently I’m also sweet
AJ
You know how to schmooze, that’s not the same thing
Me
Schmooze? Them’s some big words. I promise, I’ll deflate my head just for you
I wait for her reply and I realize that whenever me and Amber text or call one another, I’m smiling. Not just smiling. Grinning like a fucking Cheshire cat. What the fuck is up with that?
AJ
So that’s a yes?
Me
To me schmoozing you, or the date?
AJ
It’s not a date, and yes, the game, you asshat
I chuckle. Amber always gives it to me straight; it’s one of the things I dig about her. I also want to drag this out a little and make her sweat.
Me
Why isn’t it a date? Am I not good enough boyfriend material?
AJ
Of course you are, but with my baggage at the moment, there’s no way I’d put that on you. Plus, I’ve seen you around the club…
Again, she startles me with the truth. As if her, or Olive, could ever be that. Baggage? Right now, they are a package deal, I get that, but I hardly see it as baggage.
I dance over the snide club comment because lord knows I’ve been no angel. I just wish she’d tell me what the fuck is really going on and why there’s all this mystery around this little girl being dumped in her care without prior warning.
Me
Don’t see any baggage. Ben is a dumb fuck if you ask me, but maybe it’s fate lending a helpin’ hand and stepping in before it’s too late
Yeah, some of my mom’s woo-woo shit rubbed off onto me. I know more about crystals and essential oils than any man should know, courtesy of Mama dearest.
AJ
Or he really did catch the flu
Me
It’s fate
AJ
You and your hocus pocus
Me
You read your star signs every day, who’s the weird one now?
Amber is a Virgo, and often displays attributes associated with the sign; she’s always cleaning, she’s never late, and will go out of her way to make others feel appreciated. Perfectionism is her middle name, her only downfall is her tendency to worry. She does that a lot. Amber’s a giver.
AJ
You, weirdo. You’re the one who wears crystals on their body
I glance down. The shungite at my wrist is made up of pure carbon and assists with keeping bad elements away, according to my mom, and electro-magnetic field energy from computers and the outside world. The black obsidian is in a small pouch that tucks under my shirt. It’s made from volcanic glass and lava. It’s said to cleanse dark energy, has grounding properties and helps relieve stress. I was a skeptic until I tried it out for myself.
Me
Walkin’ on sunshine over here, Little Lady. My mom knows when I haven’t been wearing them and she’ll only send me more
I can just picture Amber laughing her ass off at me, but that’s how we are. We tell each other every little detail, and basically leave nothing out. Except for the darkness I know Amber carries with her. I know she had an awful ex, and her childhood was shitty, but aside from that she keeps quiet about her past. And Olive. I want to help. If her sister-in-law is in trouble, I’m here to assist in any way. I’m also not a mind reader and it’s frustrating the ever-living shit out of me.
AJ
Your mom does sound adorable
Me
Wait until you meet her for real
The last few times she’s been in town, Amber has been busy at work, or out of town. Since I talk about her all the time, Mom is convinced she’s my secret girlfriend. She doesn’t understand that men and women can be friends without anything happening.
AJ
Can’t wait. So, are you keeping me hanging?
Me
Fine. You twisted my arm. But I’m only doing this bc you’ll now have to measure up every date you have after this one to see if it compares
AJ
It’s not a date!
Me
Yeah, you keep telling yourself that
AJ
Just keep the cheering down to a dull roar, I’ve got sensitive ears
I chuckle again.
Me
Yes, ma’am
I shove my phone in my back pocket to go tidy in the back to get everything ready for the next client. Aside from me, I have five other ink slingers working around the clock. We’re open until late every night, and close on Sundays. It’s taken time to get the right crew together, but we got there in the end. Now I have a full staff and the shop is always busy.
As I clean my work area, I can’t help but feel a little smug that I’m the one that gets to go out with Amber to the game. It’s not like we haven’t spent a lot of time together over the last few years, but now she’s talking about seriously dating someone, I feel even more protective than I ever have.
Amber has come a long way from when she first turned up at the clubhouse looking for a job. She’s no longer a shadow of her former self. While she’s never gone into the details of her abusive ex, I know that living with him was no picnic and she fled to get away. It hurts her to talk about it so I don’t pry, but a part of me wonders. I mean, if I knew where he was I could fuck him up. It might not fix things, but it’d make me feel better, and quite possibly her, though Amber doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She’s perfect just as she is.
I spend the rest of the day working until dark, then take my sorry and sore ass home. Titan, who sleeps the whole day in my office, sits next to me in the truck on the days I bring him to work. He usually whimpers when I leave him behind, but sometimes he’s mad at me for no apparent reason and ignores me, preferring to have some ‘me’ time every now and again. He hates me being gone for long periods,but it’s just one of the things I love about him.
I slide into bed late, turning the TV off in my room. It’s been playing merely for background noise, but I prefer quiet when I’m sleeping. Titan jumps on the end of the bed. While I’ve tried to make him comfortable on his own bed right below me, he’s not having any of it, preferring to lie half on top of me while he snores loud enough to wake the dead. He also barks at the slightest little noise, whether it be a potential burglar or a leaf blowing outside, we’ll never know the difference.
I sleep naked, preferring to be comfortable in my slumber. I live alone so it’s not like I've got the chance of offending anyone.
My hand slides to my dick, and though I’m exhausted, I should rub one out. I’ll feel better and I’ll inevitably fall asleep quicker.
I lean over, reaching for the baby oil in the top drawer, along with the tissue box close by.
Okay, maybe I did get a little cheeky, but I’d be close to it. It isn’t like I’ve ever measured before, but chicks always tell me I’m fucking massive. I grip my dick, sliding my hand up and down my cock as it grows harder. Sometimes I’ll watch porn to get off, sometimes I’ll check out the Victoria Secret website. But tonight, I don’t have the energy as I grow hard in my hand, grunting as I rock my hips, hoping to get this over and done with fast.
It’d be easier to open my phone and look at the hot chicks file I have; tits being my thing. My mind wanders to Amber in her tight tank top the other day and my dick pulses. What the fuck? I’ve never pictured her while getting off. Not that she isn’t fucking beautiful, I just want to be able to look her in the eye the next time I see her. But as I remember her jiggling those generous tits in my direction when she was teasing me, my mind wanders to what they’d look like naked and if she’d enjoy me sucking her nipples while underneath me. Before I know it, I’m spilling cum all over myself before I can even blink. Holy shit. I’m breathing hard, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I reach for the tissues.
No.
That can’t happen. Not with Amber. She’s my touchstone. A delicate rose that I can’t toy with. I made that promise to myself when we first started getting friendly. No fucking friends. It’ll only end in disaster, and I’ll do well to remember that.