Barber Shop Ink: Always Blue in Memphis

by Penny Blush

  “Come get some mumma!”

  Dom Lucy strutted over, her heels clicking on the flooring and proceeded to smack Hedge loudly on the ass - CRACK!

  "Oh, My God I love this ass!" She said before spanking her again. Hedge was gasping with each strike on her perfectly toned ass.

  What the ever-loving fuck was that? I just sat there, pencil froze above the paper, watching dumbfounded and mostly, turned the fuck on, it was hot. Did she like being spanked? Would she let me, do it? Bishop nudged my shoulder, nodding his head towards the girls as if he had just seen God.

  Bishop forgotten, I sat mesmerised by Hedge’s hands rubbing the sting out of her ass cheeks, being a total creeper but I couldn’t help it.

  “OH, MY GOD TABBY!” Hedge cried.

  “What? You love it! Now come over here and give me some sugar.”

  Hedge danced over to the smaller woman, who even in the mile-high heels she was wearing only, came to shoulder height with her. They were locked in a full body hug, and I noticed that the whole shop had come to a screeching halt watching.

  “Amazing as always, God I have missed your sexy ass.”

  “Not as much as I’ve missed you,” Hedge replied kissing the woman on the cheek before crushing her in a hug again. “So, do you have what I need?” she asked excitedly, an eyebrow rose in question.

  What did Tabby have?

  What did Hedge need?

  What the hell is happening?

  Tabby looked around, noticing that all eyes were on them before turning her voice all husky, “Oh honey pie you know I’ve got what you need.” She winked at Hedge before walking over to my tattoo bed pushing on it, “So do you want to do this here or is there somewhere more private?”

  I was getting close to snapping and asking what the fuck was going on when Jax walked in, "Tabatha, my Queen!"

  “Jaxon, my sweet Prince.”

  Jaxon the cock knelt in front of her, taking her hand kissing her knuckles, fawning all over her like a lost puppy clutching at his heart making a dick of himself.

  “Oh, my God, you two are ridiculous. Tabby honey let’s go upstairs before Jaxon does something stupid like propose marriage again.” Hedge led the woman towards the stairs.

  “Jaxon my Prince, could you please be a lamb and get the boxes out of my car and bring them to me,” Tabby called out throwing him her keys.

  “For you my Queen, anything,” Jaxon replied, bowing like a douche.

  “Let’s go before I have to slap you both,” Hedge said, shoving her friend up the stairs.

  I sat in shocked silence, trying to figure out what had just happened while sporting some serious wood. Jaxon must have walked past with heavy boxes four or five times before I snapped out of it.

  “Jax, who the fuck is that?” I asked pointing in the direction of the stairs.

  “That my friend is the delectable Miss Tabatha Lee.”

  “Dude,” sighing in frustration, I rubbed at my forehead in an attempt to alleviate a headache that was building, “again who?”

  “Tabby is one of Hedge’s oldest friends. Don't let her size fool you, she is a total badass and has dropped my ass to the deck a couple of times. But she's a real sweetheart at the same time ya know.”

  “What’s with all the boxes?”

  "Tabby is Hedge's primary supplier, and the boxes are full of her wears," Jax shrugged like what he said was all the explanation I needed.

  “Supplier of what?” I growled in frustration.

  Why the fuck was it so hard to get a straight fucking answer from anyone these days?

  "Dude, calm your tits. It's nothing dangerous. I just don't want to ruin the surprise." His feet pounded up the stairs as he called out, "let's just say that Monday is going to be interesting."

  What the hell is that supposed to mean?

  “What is it with those two?” I growled out my question as Jax walked past on his way to get more boxes.

  "Dude you have nothing to worry about," he gave my shoulder a supportive squeeze, "they're just friends, have been for a very long time and they've helped each other through a lot of shit." He walked to the shop door before stopping and turning back to add, "don't worry bro; no one is cutting ya grass."

  What the fuck is with the smug look on his face?

  Chapter 18 Memphis

  After the world's most fucked up week, I was glad that the wrap BBQ was on tonight, I needed a beer, and I needed the distraction that the party would provide. I needed to get out of my own head for a while.

  It had been a busy week at the shop regulars, consults, a few walk-in clients, people who knew what the fuck they actually wanted and then this afternoon a bus load of douche bag soccer players on an end of season trip came in all wanting tattoos.

  Most of the guys were cool, and they knew what they wanted, but then there were these four bozos that just could not make up their fucking minds, and naturally, they all wanted the same thing.

  “What about skull and crossbones?” One asked.

  “GAAAYYY,” the other three replied.

  “What about a Nautical Star?”

  “Majorly GAAAYYY,” they all military saluted the ‘Major’.

  “What about a pocket watch, Steampunk style?”

  “Mega GAAAYYY!”

  Then the dumbest idea that I have ever heard was suggested, but they all went for it.

  “What about the beer clinking Emoji?”

  “Yes! Done! Sold! DO IT,” were the replies.

  After dealing with those dickheads, cleaning the shop and finalising everything for the day, I needed a fucking beer or twelve and, God willing, hopefully, some alone time with a certain leggy goddess.

  Hedge had gone all out for the crew, plenty beer, rum, whisky and enough food to feed five armies. There were citronella torches, lanterns and twinkling lights everywhere, helping to add to the party atmosphere. Things were well underway by the time I had finished with my last client. I walked out into the yard to the sounds of music and laughter and the smell of meat cooking on the BBQ.

  "Dude, about fucking time," Jax cheered, clapping a hand on my shoulder passing me a beer.

  “Sorry man, being a responsible adult and all,” I laughed clinking my beer against his.

  "Someone has to be," Jax smiled.

  Our shop and the vacant shop next door were the only shops in the building with rear access. The other two shops had access through the side of our L-shaped complex. It meant that we all had off street parking and the large fenced area, allowed for us to have parties and BBQ’s without having to worry too much about gate crashers.

  I looked around the crowd gathered in the private yard at the back of the shop, on the bank of the river. It did my heart good to see my friends, my family hanging out and just relaxing with the construction guys, who I had to admit were good people, even if I did want to punch them for how friendly they were towards Hedge.

  I had removed my head from my ass long enough to apologise to Henry for being a dick. He said that he was happy that there was someone to look out for his girl. The statement sent me back to being an asshole, snarling at his comment.

  I don't know what it is about Hedge that has me acting like a werewolf in heat, but anytime another male speaks about her like he has some claim to her affection, I turn into this snarling, snapping beast. I wanted to rip heads off, I wanted to smash faces, and I wanted to let everyone know that she is mine. But, I need to have that conversation with her first.

  I've had girlfriends in the past, I'm not afraid of commitment. I even had one that was getting pretty serious that may have been something more maybe if I had let it. Juliet wanted more, but something kept holding me back from taking that leap. I wouldn't even move in with Juliet, I kept making excuses, it wasn't the right time, my job was my priority, and I had Pops to worry about, he came before everything else.

  In the end, Juliet had enough of my procrastinating bullshit and moved on. I've got to be honest; I was glad that she did. It just didn't
feel like enough, and I didn't feel like I do now. Like the other half of my soul is waiting for me to make myself known, waiting for me to claim it as my own.

  Henry laughed at my snarling, slapping me on the back with enough force to let me know that this was the last time he was going to forgive my unwarranted assholishness.

  "Son, you can back the fuck down and quit that snarling shit. I have known that girl since she was a kid and I consider her my family. And I protect my family." Henry gave me a hard look, "You hurt her and I will end you, you feel me?" Another hard look cut me off before I could reply. "She may act like the toughest bitch on the block, but she's pudding on the inside. It ordinarily takes her a while to warm up to people and to let them in, but when she does, it's a gift. Do you understand?" All I could do was stand there, like some teenager who was copping a lecture from his prom date's father. "For some reason, and with little to no effort on your part, she has let you in." He gave me a look like he was trying to figure out what it was that made her accept me. "DO NOT break her trust ‘cos you will never get it back."

  The silence stretched out between us. Henry studied me like he was trying to figure me out. I just kept quiet, sensing that now was not my turn to speak.

  "I am only gonna say this once, and then we can get back to enjoying ourselves," Henry looked me squarely in the eye pulling himself up to his full height, trying to be all intimidating. I still had a few inches on him, and I don't intimidate easy, but I let him do his thing. "Cupcake is a very special girl, not just to me but too, all the boys. There are very few people who she lets all the way in, to truly see her. When Cupcake falls, she falls hard, and when she loves, she loves big and with her whole heart. I saw the way you two look at each other, there's more there than just wanting to jump each other's bones."

  I wanted to put Henry in his place and tell him not to speak about Hedge like she was just some ordinary chick, just an easy lay. I wanted to assure him that she means more to me than she knows, more than probably even I understand. My ire and words were stopped by Henry's large hand on my shoulder, squeezing harder than was necessary and added, his quiet words threat-filled.

  "You break her heart, and I will break you."

  Henry finally stepped back, out of my personal space. My mind and heart were racing at the mention of the possibility of love. I wasn’t sure if what I felt for Hedge was anything close to love. I just know that it was strong, fierce and laced with potential and I wanted to see where this thing between us could go. Not that I said any of this to Henry.

  Henry sighed, scrubbing a hand through his scruffy five o'clock shadow. "I'm not saying that she's there yet. I only saw you two together for like ten minutes, but even I can tell that she feels something and fiercely. If you’re not right there with her then walk away Memphis, walk away now; I wasn't kidding son, you hurt her I will end you slowly, painfully, and no one will ever find your body."

  Henry kept his eyes on me as he took a deep pull on his beer, so I took the opportunity to have my say.

  "I appreciate you looking out for her, Henry. I do, really but you have nothing to worry about. I don't know what it is between us, but she is not the only one who feels it," I said, leaning back against the brick wall of the shop. "And I am not walking away. Whatever this is between us feels too important to disrespect it like that and just walk away." Shaking the heaviness of the conversation off, I added, "Besides if I did anything stupid, I think you would need to line up behind Jaxon. I'm fairly confident he'll have dibs on kicking my ass."

  Henry seemed to be happy with what I had said, dropping the conversation and visibly relaxing with the heavy tension dropping from his shoulders.

  “I’m glad son, I like ya. I’d hate to have to bury ya,” he finished deadpan, winking at me then laughing.

  Henry looked up movement at the back gate caught his attention and his persona totally changed. His eyes softened, his posture relaxed, I turned to see what he was looking at, as a smile lit up his face.

  "Baby Doll, I didn't think you would be able to make it," Henry said, wrapping his massive arms around a cute, mousey, librarian looking girl.

  “I managed to get off early,” she replied, teasing him with a chaste kiss on his lips. She may have been a quiet little thing, but if the heat in her eyes was anything to go by, the little mouse was a wildcat in the bedroom.

  “Baby Doll, this is Memphis Blue, Cupcake’s boss, and friend.” Henry looked at the girl like she was his whole world. “Memphis, this stunning woman is Penny, my wife.”

  After making some small talk and getting to know Penny and Henry better, I walked off in search of another beer, feeling happier and calmer. Henry and Penny were so obviously in love that any concern he had for Hedge was purely platonic. Which worked well for me, it meant one less fucker I had to worry about, one less reason that I might go to jail.

  I found Hedge and Jax in a good natured, but heated conversation. They faced off with each other voices raised, hands waving, arguing over who was the real hero in Star Wars - Han Solo or Luke Skywalker.

  I was still a little thrown by what Henry had said that Hedge possibly had feelings for me, so I was only half paying attention to what they were arguing about. I was in my own head, trying to figure out some lame ass excuse that I could use to get Hedge alone and was caught by surprise when she stalked over to me, grabbed hold of my hand and dragged me across the yard over to Jax.

  "Right now, Memphis is here. He can settle it. He can be the deciding factor."

  With her declaration made, she dropped my hand crossing her arms, which pushed her boobs up and dangerously close to spilling out of her shirt.

  "Okay Jax, state your case for the judge," waving her hand at him, indicating that he had the floor.

  Jax started in on his rant about how Luke Skywalker was the real hero of the story and all the reasons why. I got lost in the conversation, only half listening to them arguing back and forth, sprouting Star Wars trivia like actual historical facts.

  “Oh please, as if, not even, you cannot be serious? You, my friend, are delusional!” Hedge shouted as she launched into her diatribe as to why the hero of the story was Han Solo.

  Jax opened his mouth to continue his argument when Hedge face-palmed him, cutting him off. “Shut up jerk-bag. Memphis whose, right?”

  I wasn't paying any attention to what either one had been saying. I was having too much fun watching Hedge and Jax yell and argue with each other. Hedge was looking at me with her wide, intense eyes like the fate of the world rested in my decision. I could imagine her saying ‘Help me Memph-Kenobi you’re my only hope.'

  Excellent now I was getting sucked in by the insanity.

  Jax was giving me a knowing look, as though believing that the ‘Bro Code’ would be on his side.

  I looked at the ridiculous pair standing in front of me and said, “Han Solo.”

  "What the fuck?" Jax raged, staring at me like I had lost my mind.

  “IN YOUR FACE!” Hedge yelled it in his face while jumping around fist pumping the sky.

  “Cuz you can fuck right off and Memph, Dude, what the hell? How can you think that? Luke has the motherfucking force.”

  Laughing at the disappointment written all over his face and betrayal heavy in his voice, “Yeah but Han has the Millennium Falcon and Chewie.”

  “Exactly! Like I said Cuz; IN YOUR FACE!”

  I was distracted by her dancing around, shaking her ass as she claimed her victory; I almost didn't catch her as she launched herself at me. I caught her as she wrapped her legs around my waist, her arms around my neck giving me a smacking kiss on the lips. She squeezed her legs tighter around me and with her hands on my shoulders, she leant all the way back so she could look me in the eye. Hedge looked so overjoyed; she dead-set glowed with happiness.

  "Memphis, I knew you were my people."

  I looked at Jax, half expecting him to rip my head off for having my hands on his cousin’s ass, but he just shook his head.

&nb
sp; “Hedge, get the fuck down right now and stop manhandling Memph.”

  Hedge just looked at him as she leant forward wrapping her arms around my neck again, holding me close and tight.

  “See, this is why we can’t have nice things,” Jax said, throwing his hands in the air. “You just end up climbing all over them and break them, Hedge,” he sternly pointed his finger at her; “You are not allowed to break Memphis. We need him.”

  “I don’t know,” Hedge replied to Jax while looking me in the eye. “Memphis is all big and strong and what not, I bet it would take a lot to break him.” She winked at me, leaning in to ask in a whisper, “What would it take to break you Memphis?”

  Holy-fucking-shit-balls!

  Universe, why do you hate me so?

  Cronus, why do we have to be here now, with a yard full of people?

  Lord, are you testing me?

  Zeus, is this punishment for something?

  Odin come on man isn’t epic blue balls punishment enough?

  None of these fuckers saw fit to answer me. I was apparently being made to serve penance for a slight I was unaware I had committed against some divine being. Why else would I find myself with the sexiest woman I had ever laid eyes on in my arms, with her legs wrapped around me, her scent wafting around me making me as hard as fucking steel, with a back yard full of people?!

  “Seriously, I can’t take you anywhere,” Jax said, shaking his head. “Dude, just warning you and everyone else that hasn’t already fallen victim.” He said giving me ‘Jazz-hands’, “Hedge gets handsy when she drinks.”

  “No, I don’t,” she protested.

  Hedge stayed in my arms, one arm around my neck, the other hand wandering up my arm and under the sleeve of my t-shirt, her fingers tracing the lines of muscle in my bicep. I thought I heard her let out the softest moan.

  “Like hell, you’re not,” one of the construction guys yelled, laughter breaking out.

  I looked to see a row of the guys lined up hands clutched protecting their junk, like soccer players protecting a goal on a penalty shot.