Page 8 of Ink
Thedaygotworsefrom the moment I kicked Xiomara out of the shop. Because she’d double-booked, I had Fer helping with stencils and prepping, more clients gathered at the front waiting impatiently for piercings or to make appointments.
It was so chaotic, I ended up sending for a club brother to come help. Cubano came in, a shit-eating grin on his stupid, pretty face. Not in the mood to deal with his bullshit, I immediately put him to work alongside Fer.
Having him there helped move things along, and yet I couldn’t shake the nervous feeling that trembled through my blood.
I liked having things in order. Everything had a place, everyone had a task. I couldn’t stand plans being upheaved or specific tasks being fucked up.
I knew whatever my club brothers whispered about me. I knew everyone thought I was a fucking nightmare to work with.
Me vale un pepino.
I was organized amidst their chaos. Anyone who wasn’t up to par got the boot.
Still, the nervous feeling stayed with me throughout the day. When the final client up and left, Cubano locked the shop doors, and I began my meticulous cleaning routine.
The backs of my shoulder blades began burning and I cracked my neck, turning to see Fer glaring at me.
“Not now,” I snapped.
“Yes, now.”
Cubano appeared, leaning against the wall, flashing white teeth in a wide smile as he stared back and forth between Fer and I.
Bastardo.
“You fired Xiomara.” Fer glared like she meant to kill me with a look.
“Because she fucked up.”
Her head shook back and forth. “You’re such an idiot. Like, your head is so far up your own ass, there’s no oxygen going to that tiny brain of yours.”
I frowned. “I’m still your boss,” I reminded her. “I can still fire you.”
She scoffed. “You won’t because I’m the only one within a twenty kilometer radius that’ll work for your grumpy ass. Now, if you’ll actually listen to me, you’ll know that Xiomara didn’t fuck up and double book your clients.”
I wanted to roll my eyes. “You like her. You’ll say anything to get her re-hired.”
“Baboso. Your stupid fucking system short-circuited and fucked up. Not her.”
Cubano laughed like he was watching a movie unfold before him. I fought hard to ignore my club hermano. He was such a chismosa I knew he was going to take this back and the whole MC was going to know what happened today.
They loved to rattle me. To see me lose my cool.
I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction.
I gritted my teeth. “My system is fine.”
Fer sighed. “Guess I’ll have to show you, then.” She whirled, making her way to the front computer.
I had no other choice but to follow. My neck started itching just entertaining her.
“I noticed when I was booking people earlier and doing shit that’s below my pay grade. Look.” She wiggled the mouse and opened up our calendar app.
I stared at the screen. “What the fuck?”
“Exactly.” I could hear the smugness in her voice. “The entire calendar is blank.” She pressed the refresh button and the app started wigging out, and suddenly colors appeared over the dates. “Look. It’s all fucked up. Appointments got rearranged. Your cloud hasn’t been synced to the app so the appointments haven’t popped up. So if it’s anyone’s fault, it’s yours.”
“Oh, that’s rich.” Cubano laughed.
