Sherry laughed again in disbelief. “Honey, where have you been? Maggie’s Bones have topped the Billboard Rock charts three times, have two gold albums, and have toured with Avenged Sevenfold, Papa Roach, and they even toured Europe with Megadeth on their Gigantour.”
Ok, those bands I had heard of and I knew they were rock’s recent torchbearers. This was much bigger than a group of guys from Louisiana. “guess I’ve been under a rock? I don’t know, I mainly listen to whatever’s on my iPod, mostly older stuff. I did listen to them a little last night and they have a decent sound.”
“Some good stuff for sure. Definitely. I think they’ll win you over during your stay. They are completely irresistible. In more ways than one. I should tell you that although you are safe from harm, you won’t be safe from charm, so be careful.” She snickered as I thanked her again and we hung up.
Charm? I’m sure they wouldn’t waste it on me. I blew my bangs out of my face and grabbed a duffel to pack my things. My wardrobe consisted of shorts, tanks, boxers and tees to sleep in. I even threw in the two sundresses I owned, thinking I might need them. Nothing fancy because I didn’t own anything fancy. Just then I heard Mackenzie at the door.
“Jay, you in there?”
I opened the door and she pushed past me. “Ok, what did you pack? Tell me there’s something in there that a girl would wear for the love of the gods!” She started throwing my clothes out of the bag. “Boring. Boring. GROSS!” She turned to look at me when the bag was empty. “If I didn’t know better I’d think you were wearing your little brother’s clothes! You can’t go stay with rock star boys dressed like a hobo! C’mon, love! We’re going shopping!”
“Mackenzie! It’s eight at night! Where the heck do you think you’re taking me?”
Her grin was completely evil, mischievous. Uh oh.
“I just got off the phone with Sabrina and she’s meeting us at her shop.”
“Are you nuts? Her stuff is outrageous!”
Mackenzie was shooing me out the door and down the steps to the back of our building.
“Oh, nonsense! She’s got some great vintage stuff. She’s already pulling some for you to try on.”
I groaned loudly. “Ugh! What did you tell her, Mackenzie? You’re not supposed to say anything about what I’m doing!” I’d had to tell her that I’d be gone for 17 days, she figured out the rest. I stomped down the street next to her, sulking.”Mackenzie,” I even tried whining to get out of this. “You know I hate shopping!”
“You’ll hate it even more if you go in there feeling uncomfortable because you’re dressed like a sweaty, prepubescent boy. You have the cutest shape and gorgeous long legs! What if you decide you like one of these guys?”
I looked away before she could see me blush.
“You DO! Oh, it’s D isn’t it? You always go for the stoic types! Oh, he’s sooooo hot! Hey, maybe now you’ll be able to give those nipple piercings I gave you a test run!”
I socked her in the arm.
“Hey! You got me drunk! It was on a dare or else I NEVER would have let you do that!
She rubbed her arm but was laughing hysterically.
“You’re just lucky I didn’t dare you to let me pierce your labia ha ha ha!”
I swung to sock her again, but she jumped out of the way so I just crossed my arms over my chest and sulked even more.
The truth was, I actually kind of liked my piercings. My breasts were fairly average, and I don’t know...I guess the tiny barbells I had through each nipple just added a little something. And once they healed, they felt kind of nice. The only other out of the ordinary piercings I had were my upper ears, my tragus, and a tiny diamond stud through my left nostril. I’d seen Mackenzie pierce some interesting things, but never had the desire to take my body modification any further. The nipples never would have happened if I wasn't incapable of backing out on a dare. Luckily, that’s the most danger I’ve ever been in. So far.
Mackenzie had me laughing by the time we got to Sabrina’s boutique, French Market Stitch. I loved her style but was always too afraid to try to pull it off myself. Sabrina and Mackenzie had gone to high school together and had quite a collection of stories about their escapades! Sabrina had welcomed me into their circle of friends immediately, making me feel more accepted than I ever had by any girls growing up. Sabrina was 5’4” and busty, with fire engine red hair in a pinup ‘do. Like Mackenzie, her makeup was always perfect and her clothes, while covering more skin than my shop mate, were just as flamboyant! Tonight she had on a black, knee length pencil skirt and white blouse with a sweetheart neckline and red polka dots. She gave me a big hug, took in my “hobo wears” as Mackenzie called it and shuddered.
“My Lord! It is about time we cure you of your fashion statement!”
She ushered us inside, locked the door, and walked me over to her elaborate dressing area, complete with a raised platform surrounded by mirrors. I was starting to get into this girlie stuff just a smidge when Mackenzie put a glass of champagne in my hand.
“What’s this for?” I was more of a cookies and milk kind of partier, but I did like the occasional glass of bubbly.
“A toast. To our lovely Jaylene! May she finally get in touch with her feminine side and finally let a boy touch her feminine side.”
The two of them clinked glasses and high fived. I was tired of fighting them so I allowed them to dress and undress me for the next two hours like a very apathetic mannequin, ignoring their continued jabs about my boring cotton undergarments.
Most of the clothes were ok, not too fancy, and were definitely comfortable. Sabrina knew enough about me to choose wisely. There was an adorable red dress that was too good to pass up. I picked out a couple of halter-tops and a couple of pairs of capris. Mackenzie was allowed to pick out two outfits for me and Sabrina chose two sleeveless button down shirts. I figured I would work in my “hobo wear,” and save these clothes for when I wasn’t tattooing. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. However, I guess what Mackenzie said earlier was sinking in. At my age, there was no reason for me to dress like an adolescent boy all the time. I did like feeling girly sometimes. And being around Devon made me want to feel womanly.
We stumbled home, still giggling, around 1:00. After our shopping binge we went across the street to see Sabrina’s boyfriend Kurt perform with his blues-rock band. I grew a little melancholy when I thought of not seeing my girls for 17 days. It was strange. I’d never really had close girlfriends growing up so now that I did, I hated to let them go. I was sure Mackenzie would find a way to text me for hourly updates, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d find her climbing in the back window!
I woke up early the next morning and tried to remember just how I’d been talked into all the shopping! Sabrina didn’t want money, she wanted to trade work, and so we planned to meet up after my job with the Bones to get started on a design. The barter system was alive and well in the Quarter. It had come in handy when I needed stuff fixed around the building; something Daryl had taken advantage of on more than one instance.
I enjoyed the walk over to The Praline Connection to meet up with Shannon and Grandma. The morning was cool and misty. The break from the heat was nice. I’d cleared my schedule for the day to spend time with them so I didn’t have to worry about being gone from the shop.
The ladies thoroughly enjoyed the cooking class. They met me at the restaurant and regaled me of stories from the class. They agreed with me on the quality of the fried chicken and they even tried the Alligator Sausage! We walked from there over to my shop and apartment, which they politely admired. I was proud of Shannon for not finding any dust spots, or at least not sharing that she did. Mackenzie dazzled them both and they became fast friends. I seemed to be surrounded by women who could dazzle. I felt like a fizzle around them.
Grandma started to get tired, so I called them a cab to take them back to their hotel. She was going to a bingo hall that night and she needed to take a nap. We hugged goodbye and I promised I’d
come home for Christmas this year, hoping that would appease them.
Shannon got in the cab last and gave me one last hug. “So you really are ok? You’re happy? You certainly look like you’re in your element,” this she said with an exaggerated laugh.
“I’m really happy here. I also just got offered a traveling opportunity so I won’t be in the shop for a couple of weeks, in case you have trouble getting hold of me.”
She looked surprised.
“What will you be doing?”
I wasn’t sure how much to tell her so I said, “Tattooing a group of people in the music business. It’s a good opportunity for me and for the shop.”
She smiled. “Well, I guess you are doing well then. I love you sweetheart. Happy Birthday.”
I thanked her and told her I hoped she was taking care of herself. A kiss on the cheek and a slam of the cab door and they were on their way out of my life for the time being. It had been nice seeing them and now I needed to get my head together for my next adventure!
Troy came in early that evening to go over plans for the shop in my absence. I told him who was coming in and for what. He looked over my drawings and told me numerous times how happy he was with what I’d accomplished, even going so far as to praise my work and to mention the possibility of me tattooing him after I was finished. He was crashing with friends while he was covering for me. It felt weird to know someone was going to be in my space. I knew Mackenzie would be there so no funny business would go on and I’d get Daryl to come by, too. He was a good spy!
I also had to finish packing my gear. Daryl was coming over to pick me up at 10 a. m. so I had plenty of time to take Mackenzie out to breakfast at Ye Olde Coffee Pot in the morning. Sleep did not come easily, so I read a horror novel until around 3:00 a.m. before finally shutting out the lights. I dreamt about ghosts and guitars.
Chapter Four
The next morning I was tired but wired with excitement and nerves. What if we didn’t get along? What if they hated my work? What if this little experiment was a failure and I disappointed the guys? Or even worse, what if I disappointed Daryl? These guys were obviously important to the people around them, and apparently, millions of fans!
Mackenzie tried to help over breakfast, but as someone who’d never failed at anything she had little to go on.
“I spent my life disappointing people, how the hell am I supposed to not disappoint the band?”
“Wow, that negativity is doing wonders for your complexion! Jay, you are so talented! So what? You decided to do what you love instead of what could have paid you handsomely? On second thought...No, can’t let yourself be tempted by the green devil.” She shook her head and made a sign of the cross. Then she folded her arms on the table and leaned in, giving her perfect cleavage a little lift.
“Tell me honestly, Jay. Are you happy here? Doing what you are doing?”
I nodded, “Of course! This last year has been the best! Maybe it was just my stepmom’s under reaction to the shop that has me in a funk, I don’t know. I love it here, and I love working with you, Kenz. I don’t know what I’d do without you!” She reached over to grab for my hand but I covered hers with mine. “I just can’t shake the ‘what ifs’? Maybe I’m supposed to be doing something else with my life?”
“Maybe you are, and what you are about to do is going to help determine that.” She waggled her eyes at me and leaned in even closer. “Yeah, what you are about to do! Have you lost sight of the fact that you are going to be holed up with five, count them, FIVE tattooed, pierced, talented, extremely HOT guys! For 17 days! I so envy you!”
Of course with Mackenzie it would come down to that. I couldn’t think of it that way, though, and I told her so.
She groaned obnoxiously.
“You are such a party pooper!”
We paid the check and walked back over to the shop, giggling the whole way. She’d had a dating dry spell for quite a while and was trying to decide how much trouble she wanted to get into before I returned.
Daryl was waiting for us in his van back at the shop. “I hope you’re packed. We gotta jet, chère.”
I unlocked the door and gave him an exasperated sigh. I’d chosen one of my new outfits to wear today: a pair of white capris with bright orange and lavender flowers, an orange cami, and tan sandals. Daryl noticed the difference immediately. He complimented me, which made me squirm, and it took a grave look from Mackenzie to keep me from running upstairs to change.
He packed my travel kit with my machines, inks, gloves, paper towels, cleaners, Aquaphor, lamp and a few other tricks of the trade. I carried out my duffel and my folding table, which got me a growl from Daryl. He was chivalrous and couldn’t stand seeing a lady lift heavy items. I smiled sweetly at him and he couldn’t stay mad for long.
When everything was loaded in the van, he reached in and handed me a set of way-too-big coveralls. “You got a cap you can tuck all that gorgeous hair into?”
Mackenzie handed me one of our shop caps and I wrapped my ponytail up inside.
“Well, girl, you go have your adventure and promise to call me every day so I know you’re ok.”
It was a rare, serious moment from my shop mate, and as we hugged, I shivered to think about being away from my main support here in town. Heck, my main support system period!
“Thanks for everything, Kenz. Even if I don’t always seem to go along with your crazy schemes, I’m so glad you are in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She sniffled and pulled back. “Shut up, Jay! You are going to smudge both of our makeup!” She gave me a playful push towards Daryl, blew us both a kiss and headed back inside.
Daryl and I climbed in the van for the less-than-five minute drive over to the St. Germaine. The plan was that we would park on the Ursuline street side and set up the ladders to look like we were going up on the roof. We would have to carry my supplies, with the exception of the table, up the ladders to the balcony to look more realistic. Definitely a plan a dude would come up with. I honestly don’t think people would even notice if we just strolled in the front doors, but Daryl insisted stealth was the way to go. Because I looked so like a roofer in these ginormous coveralls that could fit two more of me inside.
After we parked on the side street, Daryl raised his ladder and then motioned for me to go ahead of him. I gave him one last beseeching look, praying he’d decide this was a bad idea. Instead, he slung my tote over my shoulder with my equipment in it, and stepped around back to hold on to the ladder. I sighed loudly and started to climb, hoping my uncoordinated ways would not cause me complete humiliation. I climbed the ladder looking down at my feet the whole way to make sure I didn’t miss a step, my shoulder killing me from the weight of my bag. When the street looked really far away I looked up to see how much progress I’d made. Marcus’ hazel eyes were right in front of my face on top of his shit-eating grin. Startled, I slipped down a step on the ladder and he suddenly dropped the grin and reached for me, grabbing my arm and shoulder strap.
“Here, let me get that for you. You alright?”
I nodded and allowed him to take my bag.
“I told Daryl this was a bad idea.” At the top now, I looked at the railing and tried to figure out how I was going to swing a leg over the side without becoming a splat on the sidewalk. I spoke out loud to myself, “Well, at least if I make a mess the street sweepers will be by in the morning with their lemony-fresh dish soap.”
“Can I give you a hand?” Marcus was back, reaching out for me.
I looked up at him like “really?” He reached down and plucked me off the ladder and swung me over the rail.
“Wow, Marcus! One would think this ain’t your first rodeo!”
He smirked and looked down at me. He was not much taller than me, maybe four inches, but obviously much stronger.
“You insinuating I’ve helped a girl over a balcony before?” He put his hand to the scruff on his chin. “I might be guilty of something like that.” He
chuckled and I just rolled my eyes.
“Well, you’ve probably blown our cover now. Who would believe a roofer had to be lifted over the railing?”
Daryl was coming up behind me and I watched as he effortlessly climbed over the railing. He handed me my duffel and I grabbed my work tote from Marcus.
“Where should I put my stuff?”
Marcus led me through an open door onto a gangway and to the right. Inside the building looked much bigger than from the street. The gangway circled the upstairs, leaving an opening that looked down upon a dance floor and the bar and stage below. Upstairs there were several doors, probably leading to other rooms, and across from the balcony was a large room with pool tables, large couches and a huge flat screen TV. I stumbled and dropped my duffel. I was in complete shock. The rest of the guys were singing along to the TV and Star was even up dancing along.
“You ok?” Marcus had come up behind me.
I turned to look at him, my face must have given away just how completely thrown I was.
“Is that...” I started and he finished, “Big Time Rush? Yeah! We love this show!”
I continued to stare in disbelief. Then he opened his mouth and started to sing a tune dripping with adolescent boy pop musings. The “a-o-a-o” bits had me dropping my jaw in utter confusion. Aren’t these guys supposed to be Metal singers?
Mage and Jade hadn’t noticed me watching. In unison, they jumped up and started dancing with Star. They were copying the routine from the TV in perfectly synchronized moves. Marcus pushed past me and joined them. These four tattooed and pierced guys in their black board shorts and varying degrees of shirtlessness were up dancing and singing their hearts out to this boy band madness. It was kind of the cutest thing I’d ever seen. They finished the song and started high-fiving each other.
“You can pick up your jaw now,” Daryl laughed behind me. “I told you dese boys was harmless.” He chuckled as he passed me on the narrow walkway carrying the rest of my equipment. “Your room’s over here, dahlin'.”
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