Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
“Around four?” Buzz asked.
“That would be perfect. Would you leave your photos and we’ll flip through them when we have a few minutes?” Tatiana suggested.
“They’re my babies. As long as you’ll take good care of them,” he said reluctantly.
“We promise,” Tatiana agreed, crossing her fingers over her heart.
Buzz grinned at her. “I thought I was the only one to do that anymore.”
“No way. There’s a bunch around here who frequently use that gesture,” Maniac assured him as Buzz walked to the door. “See you soon.”
Time flew by as prospective tattoo clients streamed in. When Buzz returned at four, they’d both finished up with their clients and were ready to sit down and talk. They’d had time to look through the photos he had chosen to showcase his talent. All had been thoughtfully taken to be flattering and conceal the individual.
“Let’s go sit over there,” Maniac pointed to the empty workstation in the corner as he picked up the portfolio to carry with him. An artist had previously occupied that space for many months before getting a corporate graphic position and moving a few hundred miles away.
Maniac waved him to the rolling stool while Tatiana wheeled theirs over. “Talk to me about how you got into this career,” he asked the prospective artist.
“I had an art teacher in school who had this crazy intricate ink work. I asked him about it privately and found out that he’d worked as a tattoo artist while finishing his teaching degree. He had a unit that students could create any type of project they wished. I chose a tattoo design. He was impressed.”
“And you were hooked,” Tatiana guessed.
“Completely. Did you have any questions about the work I’ve done?” Buzz asked, his voice confident, but Tatiana could hear an underlying thread of nervousness and hope. She opened the notebook and pointed to one photo. “What is the trickiest part of creating a Prince Albert piercing?”
“It’s pretty straightforward. The aftercare is the most important. I created this form to send home with everyone.” He pointed to the next page to a list of simple directions and suggestions. Tatiana was impressed.
About halfway through reviewing the contents and asking questions, Tatiana nodded at Maniac when their gazes meshed. This guy was young and not as experienced but talent oozed from him. Buzz seemed like a great guy as well—no abrasive personality or sign of any negative traits. She knew they’d found a great addition to Maniac Tats.
Maniac nodded toward Buzz and Tatiana took that as the sign that she was supposed to hire him. “We’re glad you came in to talk to us. We’ve been looking for someone just like you. I think our search is over. Welcome to Maniac Tats.”
“I don’t suppose I could have this station,” Buzz asked, looking around the floor after responding with enthusiasm and excitement.
“It could easily be modified for piercings,” Maniac agreed with a nod. “This is the perfect spot.”
The door opened and Tatiana stood. “My next appointment, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll let you all settle on the details. I hope you can begin soon.”
“I can be ready to work this weekend,” Buzz assured her.
“Awesome, we’ll start advertising your arrival and the services you do,” Maniac told him.
“Thank you. I’m very excited to be here. I’ll get the word out as well. I’ve gathered a following on social media. They’ll be glad I’m here.”
“Let’s celebrate with a cupcake,” Maniac suggested.
“I’d love that,” Tatiana agreed.
Within minutes, he’d retrieved the box from the high shelf and they’d each unwrapped a cupcake. Maniac opened his jaw, looking like a human version of a shark, to take a monster bite. As he moaned his appreciation of the flavors filling his mouth, Tatiana couldn’t help but laugh.
“Daddy Shark,” she sang, instantly putting the earworm in both their brains.
When his moan changed into a groan at her joke, Tatiana squirmed in her chair with delight. Lifting the cupcake to her mouth, she licked at the icing, scooping up some of the delicious frosting on her tongue. Ellie had hit this one out of the park with the citrus-infused treat.
“My absolute favorite,” Tatiana proclaimed after consuming a bite of the cake and buttercream.
“Sweet Tooth was your favorite last month,” Maniac reminded her.
“It was good. Definitely second best. But this is the best one ever. I don’t know how she and Tarson do it, but everything they touch is amazing.”
“I can’t believe how much your design looks like the final version that Ellie came up with,” Maniac commented, popping the last bite of his cupcake into his mouth and eying hers.
“If you think you’re getting a crumb of mine, you are sadly mistaken,” Tatiana warned him, taking another dainty bite of hers.
Maniac shook his head slowly. “It’s a sad day when a Little girl doesn’t share with her Daddy.”
“I’ll share my ink supply, my sketch paper, even my dinner in the fridge that you packed for us, but this cupcake… That’s a no.”