Page 37 of On The Edge

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The autumn season grew colder with each passing day. The sea winds whirled around Cat’s cottage, stripping away any warmth inside, forcing her to have her little fire on at all times. She had raided her cupboards for warm woollen jumpers and to her dismay, had given away most of her warm clothes to charity back in Glasgow. Luckily there was a local knitwear designer on the cobbled street near Jess’s gallery, that Cat passed often and would peer at their beautiful window displays. This month’s offering had scattered autumn leaves, with manikins placed on either side, elegantly dressed in draped wool coats, with quirky hats and scarves. Overhead, fairy lights and lanterns bathed the window in a warm bright light. The scene was very autumnal, with burnt amber, deep yellows and rich reds. She decided she would treat herself to a couple of new pieces and mentioned the decision to Johnny, who immediately jumped into the Beetle to help.

“Shopping for you Cat - well, you don’t do it very often! In your best interests, I need to be with you.” He strapped in his seat-belt joyfully. “Come on!”

“Hey, give me a second!” Cat could never keep up with Johnny when he was in this kind of mood. She rummaged her bag for her car keys, all the while barking back at Johnny’s taunts of: “Faffer MacGregor.”

Johnny was right; she did need him. Not only did he encourage her to purchase some styles she might not usually pick, but also he bargained with the shop owner.

The large lady stood with mouth open. “I don’t haggle on a price, this is not a market stall, or eBay!”

“Come on now, Laura. It’s Laura right?” Johnny leaned against the till desk seductively.

Oh wow, he really does want me to buy these things. Cat looked back at herself in the mirror in a very chic grey shirt-dress.

Laura flashed a scrutinising look over Cat.

“She looks fab right? She’ll be in the art gallery, day and night, wearing all these beautiful clothes of yours, and people won't be able to help but ask where she got them! And of course, Cat will tell them all about the fabulous Laura, and her fabulous shop - and you’ll get an influx of artistically-minded customers.” He punched the air. “Then – bang! More sales!”

Cat wondered if this was the way Johnny did business back in Glasgow. Heaven help them while he's gone, she thought fondly.

Laura threw up her hands. “OK OK, it's a deal!”

Johnny turned round to Cat, glowing with triumph, as Laura started folding the clothes in dusky tissue paper, and gently placing the items into their bags.

“Woot woo!” Jess catcalled from the back of the gallery when Cat entered in her new long wool coat, grey dress, and red beret. Johnny led her in on his arm and Cat strutted in to the centre of the room and gave her best model pose. She twirled on the spot, only then realising that there was a lady in the corner of the room smiling at her.

“Hello dear,” the old lady smiled. “Very nice.”

“Oh, ah, thanks!” Cat said colouring a little.

Jess circled around her friend. “Now Mrs White, wouldn’t you think this stunning lady before us was a French model?”

The old lady smiled again warmly. “Oh yes, she’s a beautiful girl.”

Jess winked at Johnny. “And with her model boyfriend too!” Johnny waved his hand like the Queen and graciously took the compliment.

“They make a very handsome couple,” The old lady chirped in.

At this stage Cat’s cheeks were turning a deep shade of pink, and was too embarrassed to correct the woman of her incorrect assumption.

“Thank you...” Cat mumbled. “May I get you a drink while you look at the artwork?”

“Thank you dear, but I won't.” Mrs White clutched her shoulder bag and looked around. She had short wavy white hair, her kind face was rosy and void of wrinkles. “Jess knows I can never afford one of these paintings, but I like to pop in from time to time”.

Johnny piped in: “Art is in the eye of the beholder. We all need it in our lives no matter your salary.”

“Well I’m pretty sure managing directors of successful marketing companies should put their money where their mouth is and perhaps have some art on their own walls...!” Jess gave Johnny a pointed look then went to the old lady and put her arm around her. “I love having you as my biggest fan. Go on, stay for a cup of tea?”

The old lady looked unsure. “Well…. OK thank you”.

“Mrs White teaches in the local school,” Jess filled in the pair as she walked off to make tea.

“Oh really, how lovely?” Cat said, “How old are the children who you teach?”

“They are primary, so aged five to twelve years old. They are all darlings. I’m very fortunate; it’s a good school, and I love my job. Been at it for thirty years now!” The old lady looked surprised as she spoke the words.

“My mum is a teacher,” Johnny said. “High school though. I’m not sure I could do teenagers, very hard work!”