ROSE

“Yes I do, it’s not like it’s going across my forehead. I just want it on the side of my face. It’ll be something dope.” CAMERON gave her a big grin as he thumbs up the idea, literally. “So you’re gonna do it, or what?”

“Listen, I’ll give you a little more time to think about that, I don’t think that’s actually what you want. But listen, if by the end of the night that’s what you want then that’s what you get. Deal?”

“You’re welcome, mama. Congrats!” She said graciously before ZAIRE held up the small piece of paper with a crescent moon shape on it. “You know, I think I’ll take the plunge. I want it on my hip…right here.” She said as she pointed to the space that was exposed due to her low-rise jeans. “You’re the expert, how would that look?”

Glancing at the drawing, KAILANI nodded then smiled excitingly. “I like it. It’s minimalistic and I think that would work as a cute spot. It’s something people can see if you allow them to, but also it’s in a good spot. That’s exactly how you want it?”

JORDAN rolled her eyes at her sister’s attempt to threaten her. She briefly looked over the words on her fliers, before returning her attention back to a loud Kailani.  ❛Ummmm, so you think I should go harder right? Pitchforks, posters? Maybe I could get some of Cam’s friends to run up in here and join me? I TOLD you, not to have him sponsor the event. And both of y’all are gonna’ ignore me? Okay, you’ll see.❜

Rolling her eyes KAILANI got frustrated as JORDAN seemed to keep taking the idea of protesting as a joke. She was becoming more annoyed and even though she was trying to stay calm, she was getting the best of her. “Stop! No, that’s not what you should do. The fuck? I explained I needed him to do this for me and besides, you know I support daddy in anything he does, so that wasn’t happening.”

Turning her head slightly, KAILANI went to glance at the females tattoo then arched her brow before nodding. “Ah, I see it. I’m not gonna lie I always wanted something under my boob, but I don’t have much to hide the actual ink with so I decided to never go through with it.” She shrugged, letting the idea go she looked at her hand. “I also wanna get a hand tattoo, soon. I always ask this because, being a tattoo artist and all I kind of don’t understand it, but I do in a way. Why get a tattoo where no one can see it? Don’t get me wrong all tattoos are valid, but besides job opportunities why hide them? ”

“Thank you, it’s appreciated.” She smiled then twisted up her lips before tapping her chin. “Well you can always get a temporary one. None of the commitment, all of the ink.” She smiled then pointed in the direction of the booth. “That way, if you decide you actually want it in that spot you can always come back and get it as an actual tattoo.” 

JORDAN’s eyes widened slightly she noticed her sister approach her, before folding her arms across her chest, leaning to one side.  ❛Dad’s starting up another project again, near Crenshaw, after I specifically told him not to. So, I’m getting back at him. Plus, I still didn’t get my damn catcus. It’s been like three weeks!❜

“Ima stick a cactus up yo-” KAILANI stopped to greet some customers as they walked into her shop. Waving she waited until they were out of ear shot to speak. “How is that my fault?! You think he’s paying attention to you or going around asking everyone how his vodka taste?”

“You did it.” CAMERON smiled at his younger cousin then pulled her into a hug. “Ain’t shit missin’ you doing just fine I mean now all there is, is for you to gimme this face tat I told you I wanted. I’m waitin’” 

“You really want a tattoo on your face?! Who raised you? Like honestly. I just wanna know why you think that’s okay.” Squinting she looked at his face. “I think you’re high or something, cause that’s crazy.”

“Your shop is beautiful, mama.” She concluded with widened optics as a result of the shop being fairly vibrant, at least in comparison to most tattoo spots. “I don’t think I’ve seen a shop this dope since I went to this shop back home in Texas. Did you come up with the design for the shop yourself or with the help of others?” Her intrigued oracles looked onward, continuing to hold their fixed gazed on the visuals surrounding her.

“Thank you, love and thanks for coming.” Glancing around she smiled before directing her attention back to the person she was talking to. “Well my sister helped, I can’t lie I didn’t have too much of a vision but after she did her magic, she helped me figure out where I wanted to go with the design and concept. Plus, my mom is a visionary so she helped out on that.” Nodding as she spoke she smiled. “It was a long process, but it all came together in the end and I’m happy. You have any tattoos?”