Page 23 of On The Edge

“Thanks again, Patrick, I really appreciate your help. Anything you need from me, or I can pay you?”

“Get me a pint and we’ll call it quits?” he suggested, scratching his stubbly chin.

“Two pints?”

“Done!”

“Give me a shout when you're all packed up and we’ll drive back to town for a drink.” As Cat left him in the bathroom she couldn’t believe how confident she was becoming. She felt a foot taller; as though she could take on anything - even another pub-full of belligerent villagers. One thing at a time! she smiled to herself, and picked up the broom with a triumphant flourish.

Once they were back in Stromness, they parked together, and went to a café-come-bar with a terrace overlooking the still water. The afternoon had disappeared and was edging into evening. Patrick and Cat sat with the waning sun beaming down on them as they talked, and drank ice-cold beers.

“I’ve had such a lovely day with you!” Cat could feel the beer was making her tongue a bit loose. “I mean,” she corrected herself, “it’s been so productive, I just need to find a mattress, and I can move in tomorrow!” They chimed their glasses together in celebration.

Patrick looked at his watch. “Oh bugger I completely forgot! I’m to play an acoustic set at the club in Kirkwall tonight!”

Cat’s smile faded a little and an uneasy feeling swept over her, was he just making excuses to go? She nodded to him, trying her very best to look unaffected by his leaving. “Of course, you better go!” The high buzz from earlier quickly diminished.

Patrick looked around distracted. “Jeez what’s wrong with me, how could I forget!” He started patting down his pockets, looking for something.

“Hey I’ve got this remember, beer is on me. If you need to go then go!” Cat ushered him.

“I’m going to have to take the bus as well, I can’t risk driving after two pints.” He produced his wallet. “Are you sure you want to get the drinks?”

“Of course, please don’t get the drinks too - I’d feel bad taking advantage of you!”

He put his wallet back into his pocket. “Damn, that’s annoying! I was having a nice time as well.” He sighed and stood up. “Well, if you find yourself in Kirkwall tonight feel free to stop in at club48!” He grabbed the empty glasses and gave Cat a kiss on the top of her head, saying as he left, “And Cat, I wouldn’t have minded you taking advantage of me.” Cat remained in her seat, a little dazed; did he just do that? Did he mean to do that? Maybe that’s how he says goodbye to all his friends who are girls? And what he said - was he just being funny? Cat stayed sitting in the same spot and watched him return the glasses to the waitress at the bar. The waitress was a young, pretty brunette who clearly knew him, and was giggling, and trying to flirt. As Patrick disappeared, Cat couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy knowing almost every other girl lusted after him also.

She drained the rest of her drink, utterly conflicted. Should she go to the gig?She would have to get a bus too, that would seem keen - maybe too keen? Her mind swam with endless thoughts, and there was only one person who could help.