Page 14 of The Art of Deception
I sit taller, stiffening my shoulders. “There’s going to be a cinema, shopping, food, a health spa… why not have a tattoo studio as well? Not a dive, a sleek modern one. I know the studio that’s going to be demolished runs a profitable business and has a good clientele base. It’s a great idea. I don’t know why we haven’t thought of this before?”
Dad’s face scrunches. He’s going to say something, but before he can, Dave, the design engineer, steps forward, rolling the plans out on the long wooden table in front of us. “We do have space for another medium shop right here.” He points to a spot on the plans close to where Hope & Faith Ink is already located. “We don’t have plans for it as yet. Something a little different, like a tattoo studio, could be quite the drawcard.”
This could change everything for Tomi.
I still have a few hurdles to jump through, but at least I’m nearly over step one. “It’s settled then. We’ll set this one up in the art area of the megacomplex along with the photography shop, art shop, day spa, and now a tattoo studio, and then the design work can actually be put into the planning. The whole area should be decked out in art deco with its bold geometric forms and bright colors. It could be incredibly pleasing to the eye and a major drawcard to the megacomplex.”
Dad sits forward, a stern look crossing his face, totally ignoring what I’ve just said. “We need to remove the tenants first and rapidly. We have a start demolition date and need to move forward as soon as possible so we can begin putting up the framework. The quicker this is built, Alex, the faster the jobs will be filled.Get it done!Then we will discuss how that part of the megacomplex should be built. I have to agree, though, it’s a damn good idea.”
I can’t help feeling uncomfortable about having Tomi’s current shop with all her memories demolished, but at least I’m putting in a contingency plan for her and Levi.
Shewillhave a studio in the megacomplex.
Iwillfind a way.
Somehow, I have to come up with a plan to make my father see the rent should be lower for her.
It’s a work in progress, but at least it’s a start.
For now, I’ll take the wins as I get them.
“I know… I’m working on it, trust me.”
He grits his teeth, standing from his chair. “Well, work damn harder. Faster. More assiduous. We need them gone.Yesterday!” He turns, storming out of the boardroom as the rest of the table stand from their seats. I huff and slowly stand.How the hell am I going to wrangle all of this?I have to play it smart. I’m taking a lot on, but I need to do it for Tomi’s sake. I care about her, and I want to make sure she and Levi are okay.
Grabbing my things, I walk toward the door, leaving my co-workers behind, mulling over the megacomplex finite details. With Tomi deep on my mind, I make my way to my office, shutting the door behind me, and stride over to my chair. Plonking down, I exhale and pull out my personal phone. I shouldn’t make this call here, but right now, I honestly don’t care as I swipe my cell and dial her number.
I slouch back into my chair, spinning it round to take in the view over the city. It’s so calm and peaceful out there today, nothing like the thunder clouds rolling through my soul right now.
“Hey, you,” Tomi chimes brightly down the line.
She instantly settles the storm. “It’s nice to hear you so happy.”
She snickers. “Levi did so well at school today. He’s just arrived and is drawing his mockups of yourlion tattoo.” The intonation of her voice lets me know she’s still not excited about the idea.
“I want a huge mane.”
She scoffs. “Don’t even. I’m not telling him that. It will resemble an eighties, Tina Turner.”
“Well, then, we know my lion will rock, won’t we?”
She groans. “Jesus, you’re lame. Wait… aren’t you at work?”
Smiling, I glance to the side, taking in my office. “Yeah, just having a moment.”
She’s quiet for a pass. “I’m glad you called. It’s nice to talk to you between the visits.”
Suddenly, I hear a loud “oomph” as the phone muffles. Is she wrestling? Furrowing my brows, I listen harder. What if she’s being mugged? “Tomi? Tomi! Are you okay?”
“Levi, you little…” I hear her mumble in the distance.
“Do you remember me?” Levi cries—he’s obviously tackled Tomi for the phone.
“Hey, man, yeah, of course. You been drawing my lion for me?”
He chuckles. He might be sixteen, a boy growing into a man, but he’s still so young in his mannerisms. The way he talks, the way he sounds, it’s hard to keep in mind that he’s sixteen. “Yes. I made him in a black outline. It will match.”
Tilting my head, I’m impressed at how smart this kid is. Even though he loves art, he loves colors and expressing himself through his artwork, he knew my tattoos are all black and gray, so he’s stuck with the line art for the lion.
