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the time and try to distract me, just because they can. “That bitch is right here.”
    Schooling my face, I glance up. “That was a very quick hour. As you can see, wife, I’m busy.”
    She gives me a glare. “Then I’ll wait in your office.”
    I grab my gun, prep Janelle’s skin, and scoot my chair over. “Office is for employees only. I’ll see you in the waiting area in about thirty.”
    She growls with anger, and I pop a bubble with my gum, grinning to myself. Games are much easier to play when they’re your own.

Chapter Six
    Nina
    I ’m pissed, infuriated, and every other word I can think of that describes being angry. I hate that Devin is having such a good time at my expense. I glance over at the table where he’s tattooing that woman, and I feel my blood boil. She called me a bitch, and he didn’t even correct her. I’m still his wife, for fuck’s sake.
    Yeah, but you did leave him.
    Shushing that voice in my head, I turn in the chair so that I can cross my legs, kicking one out in front of me. I watch as he bends over the table and his shirt showcases his back muscles. He’s changed since I left him. He’s taking care of himself, carrying himself in a way he’s never done before. He has confidence.
    I have to say I’m proud of him, but I wish he’d had that confidence with me. Flashing money around reminded me too much of my dad. My dad. He gave my mom and me all the things we could ever want, but he never gave us his love. I kept telling myself I could take all the material possessions Devin kept giving if I could only have his time and love. He might not have felt it, but as time went on, I felt less and less of both. I knew then that I had to make a decision. I had to do something to break up the monotony of our lives.
    So I packed my shit, left, and filed for divorce.
    I’m still not sure if I did the right thing or not.
    SKETCH
    I purposely take more time than I need to finish Janelle’s tattoo. She hisses and squirms, causing a bit of a scene, but I can tell most of it is for show. I’ve worked long enough in this business to know what’s real and what’s theatrics.
    “Alright, aftercare,” I tell her as I rub some ointment on the abused skin. “Keep the bandage on it for a couple of hours. You want to keep it dry; be sure and put Aquaphor on it, and try to keep it from getting irritated as much as possible. Don’t pick at it when it scabs over. You’ll take the color out. Just be smart.” I take my gloves off and stand up, stretching my back.
    My gaze turns towards the main lobby, and I can see Nina sitting there. Her legs are crossed, and she’s kicking her foot. She is straight-up pissed, and I can’t help the grin I have. I help Janelle up, and we walk to the front counter.
    “Here’s my card. It’s got the same aftercare instructions I gave you on it. When it heals up, do me a solid and take a pic. Share it on social media and tag it #igotsketched, that way I can find it. If you have any other issues, don’t hesitate to call the shop,” I tell her.
    I try to ignore the fact that Nina is listening in. She’s never heard me give my spiel before.
    “You have your own hashtag?” she asks from where she sits. I can’t tell if it interests her or she’s giving me attitude. Lately with her, I’ve been unsure.
    “Sure do, sweetheart. Maybe you should go through and check out what I’ve been wasting my time on.”
    Janelle gives me a sympathetic look, but I don’t want it. I want her ass out of here so I can take care of business with Nina.
    “How much do I owe you?” she asks, opening her wallet.
    “Seventy-five,” I tell her. “You can pay Jackie, and she’ll make sure you get a receipt, and then you’re all set.”
    She thrusts a hundred dollar bill and a piece of paper at me. “Keep the change, and call the number if she doesn’t figure out what she’s got.” She points over to where Nina sits observing the exchange.
    I watch as Nina rises to her feet.