"Carole, I need your help."
Carole knew her friend. Becky always needed help. She came up with wild schemes that weren't quite thought through and then she needed someone to help.
"What is it, Becky?" she asked cautiously.
"I'm getting a tattoo, and I just want you there to hold my hand while I get it done."
Finally, a scheme that seemed practical. Lots of people got tattoos.
"That's neat," said Carole. "What are you getting done and who's doing it. They are a bit pricey, you know.
"I'm getting a butterfly as a tramp stamp," said Becky gleefully. "It's going to have these little wavy patterns around it that make it look as though it's flying. Jacques is doing it and it's not going to cost me anything."
Carole immediately spotted a few flaws in Becky's carefully thought out plan.
"Jacques is expensive, and he doesn't do freebies. He's the best and can get away with demanding payment up front, even with his prices. You don't like Jacques, and as far as I know he doesn't particularly like you. Why would he, of all people, give you a freebie?"
Becky smirked. "One thing Jacques likes better than money is sex, and you know that I'm hot, hot, hot. I do believe that he somehow got the impression that if I get my butterfly, he gets my bod for a while."
"Becky. You're going to have sex with him just for a tattoo?"
"Certainly not. After I have the tattoo, I'll just put off going out with him. What's he going to do? Sue me for sex?" Becky laughed.
Carole sighed. "Your schemes have a way of falling apart," she reminded Becky, "and Jacques is not a fool. He's a highly intelligent artist, and he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Or cheats, and he'll consider you one if you stiff him on this."
"It's my intention not to stiff him," Becky giggled. "Don't worry. It'll all work out."
At the appointed time Becky and Carole fronted up at Jacques shop. Becky introduced Carole to him, explaining that she was there to hold Becky's hand during the ordeal.
Jacques smiled at Carole.
"Before I start," he said, "I'd like to know if you're clear on the terms that Becky and I agreed on?"
Carole blushed, but nodded.
"You have no objections to these terms?" asked Jacques. "You don't want to ask your friend to reconsider?"
"I've already suggested that she's making a mistake," sighed Carole. "No offence to you, but I really wish she would change her mind."
"No offence taken," said Jacques. "I also pointed out that this was not her best solution, but she's the one who suggested the method of payment."
After that comment Carole saw Jacques glance at a prominent sign, stating all work would be paid for in advance. Once again, doubts assailed Carole and she turned to Becky.
"Becky, I really think you should think this out again," she implored. "I'm positive it's not going to go the way you expect."
Becky laughed, happy that she was in control. "You worry too much. What can possibly go wrong?"
Carole shrugged. She'd tried. What else could she do? Drag Becky away by the scruff of the neck? Tempting, but impractical. She'd have to learn the hard way, and Carol just knew a lesson was heading towards her.
Jacques led the two young women into his work room.
"Before I start," he said, "I'll need you to sign this. It's the form requesting the tattoo, what it is and where it is to be placed, with a picture of the actual tattoo shown. You will notice I have changed the price to read "for specified personal services' rather than a money amount. Other than that it is a standard contract. You should read it before signing."
While Becky glanced over the contract, Jacques turned again to Carole.
"You are certain that you know what I mean by specified personal services?" he asked, indicating another little sign that quoted the payment up front policy.
