‘So that’s why I haven’t got my tea, is it? You two are playing dress-ups and up to goodness knows what out here.’
Catching sight of Flo staring at them, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised, Mary and Ava pulled back from their embrace. Whipping off the bras they had forgotten they were wearing, they burst into giggles.
Ignoring their laughter, Flo pointed at the discarded bras. ‘They’re all new, donated from that posh one that owns thelingerie shop up the hill. She says she’s moving away, following her son and his family, clearing out the last of her stock, today.’
‘Oh.’ The mirth gone from the room, with the mention of another shop closing in the village, Ava stuffed the bras back into the bag, before holding it up to Flo. ‘The thing is, you know we can’t take them, Flo. Underwear is a no-no, even if it is new.’ Ava reeled at the sound of her own curt voice. Shooting the messenger was not her usual style.
‘Well, I know that. That’s why they’re not for the shop. Not yet, anyway.’ Flo took the bag. ‘They haven’t sold in Lady Muck’s shop, so they’d be no good to us for resale would they? So, I thought I’d put them to a new purpose.’
The bell rang, announcing that a customer had entered. Flo took her tea from the side and headed back out to the shop floor.
Ava called after her, ‘Sorry Flo, I didn’t mean . . .’
Flo grunted and disappeared back into the shop.
Looking at the door, as it swung shut, Ava wondered what purpose Flo could mean and realised she shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Flo was a regular volunteer and a good, reliable worker. She was the kind of person Ava needed to hold on to, not fall out with. All Critters Great and Small was a wildlife charity. The rescue and rehabilitation centre, known locally as Critters’ Lodge, and the related charity shop that supported it, relied on the kindness of volunteers, as much as it did on bequests and donations to keep it going, and Ava knew it.
Unsure if the ache she could feel in her chest was caused by the mention of another shop closure, or because she’d inadvertently upset Flo, Ava turned to Mary and let out a long breath. ‘OK, you’re right. I do need a night out. It might even be fun. But I’ll need to sort the shop a bit first.’
‘I’ll stay and help you.’
‘No, I’ll be fine. I’ve got an idea for the window in mind and then once the sale is underway I might need your help to sort some of this stock mountain. I can’t take up all of your time.’
‘You know I don’t mind.’
‘But I mind — I can’t take advantage of you.’ Ava was ever grateful for the time her friend spent helping her in the shop, but she knew her role within the charity was demanding enough. Being an animal rescue officer, Mary was frequently called out at random hours of the day and night.
Mary looked at her watch. ‘I suppose I could get a few hours in at the centre before heading home to get ready. We’re trying to get a few repairs and bits done while we’re not so busy, and I’d like to check in on Quill.’
‘Quill?’ Ava raised an eyebrow.
‘Quill Smith, he’s enjoying being warm and safe, but I’ll feel better when he gains a bit more weight.’
‘The hedgehog! You’ve called him Quill Smith?’ Ava giggled.
‘Yes. He’s got a big personality, so the name fitted. You should come and meet him . . . when you get a chance.’
‘I will.’ Ava managed to say the words with conviction despite the fact she knew she wouldn’t. She looked at her watch. ‘You should go. I’ll be fine, and I’ll see you later.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course. I can shut up a bit early, and if you give me until, say, eight o’clock and meet me here, I’ll make sure I’m ready.’
Mary drank her tea and picked up her bag. ‘You remember Gino said it’s a 1950s dress code, right?’
‘Of course.’ Ava cringed inside. She hadn’t paid attention to that fact. Going out was one thing, dressing up and going out required a whole lot more of an effort.What have I let myself in for?
Chapter Two
Ava looked around the shop, pleased with what she had achieved. For a moment, while her creativity had been flowing, as she had been selecting colours, outfits and accessories, she had become completely immersed in what she was doing. She realised for the first time in a long time that the tension had gone from her shoulders. Drawing on her creativity to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary relaxed her and gave her a sense of satisfaction, she hadn't felt for too long.
Using coloured umbrellas, painting a different letter on each to spell out the word “sale” had come to her as she lay awake the previous night. Putting the idea into practice had been trickier than she imagined. The shape of the umbrellas proved challenging when it came to keeping the letters straight, but taking in the sight of the result, she felt the effort had been worth it. Now that each umbrella was teamed with colour-matching accessories, hanging from an invisible thread, it gave the effect of a rainbow in the window. She hoped it would look bright and attractive; a contrast to the grey January days they had been experiencing and a way to draw the attention of passers-by. Inside the shop, she had carried the theme on with clothes hanging in blocks of colour on the rails. She’d also put a striking single coloured outfit on each of the two dressmaker style mannequins. She hoped her vibrant revamp might encourage sales.
‘Wow! You’ve done a great job.’ Mary blustered in through the door, breaking the silence as she put her own sodden umbrella in the bucket by the door and shrugged off her coat, revealing a navy swing dress with needlepoint, pale pink, polka dots. Her bobbed blonde hair had been curled and sprayed into place in the style of Marilyn Monroe.
Taking in the sight of Mary, Ava realised working on the displays must have taken longer than she thought. She had said she would be ready by the time Mary arrived but she hadn’t even got her 1950s outfit ready.
‘Oh sod it. I’m so sorry, Mary. I forgot the time, and I haven’t even sorted an outfit yet.’ Ava gathered up the rejected accessories, scissors, bits of thread and other items she had strewn across the floor as she worked.
