Page 41 of On The Edge

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The gallery looked every bit as worthy as any venue in London catering to the uptown boroughs. There was a banner outside announcing the exhibition, and inside at the front desk were laid flyers, and booklets for the clients to peruse. The gallery opened to Cat’s biggest painting on the far wall, and her other canvases lined the lateral space, bringing into focus stormy scenes and abstract faces. The colours flowed from dark greys to cool blues, drawing the viewer into the storm themselves. Cat continued walking through to the next room to see the other artists' work. Landscapes and still lifes greeted her admiring eyes, which then fell on Jess’s familiar work, and in particular, the painting of herself. Cat moved closer and scrutinised herself.

“Is it a true likeness?” Jess had appeared in the doorway of the back workshop.

“I don’t know...” Cat continued to study the painting. “It’s a bizarre feeling seeing yourself on a wall. It is beautiful though, Jess.”

“I hope you don’t mind?” Jess stood beside Cat to look at the piece also. “I couldn’t help myself, there was just one night I saw your eyes and your hair do something enchanting, and I wanted to capture it. I felt like I could see you drifting in water, like a mermaid or like Ophelia floating in the weeds.”

“That's sad” Cat shivered, thinking again of the selkie girl story near the standing stones.

Jess put a hand lightly on Cat's shoulder, “you have been sad”.

Cat was taken aback by Jess's statement. Was she sad? A quiet moment fell between them and she shrugged off negative thoughts. “I’m just a bit embarrassed, what will people think when they come to the show?”

“That an artist painted a portrait of their model?” Jess nudged Cat’s shoulder and looked proudly around the room. “Now, I think everything is organised. All the paintings are labeled, the wine is chilling, and everything else is as ready as we’ll ever be.” Jess clapped her hands, looking satisfied and pleasantly nervous.

“An hour till everyone arrives,” Cat looked at her watch. “Let’s have a glass of wine to cool our nerves!”

The guests started to arrive slightly earlier than planned, but the girls were highly organised, and allowed them to take a glass of wine and look around. The first to arrive were American tourists Jess had spoken to earlier in the week.

“We wanted to get here before everyone, before anyone buys a piece we like!” The lady said flamboyantly, and walked determinedly into the gallery, examining all the paintings.

“Now remember,” Jess whispered, “sold pieces are to have red dots, and the red dots are...” Jess spun around about to look.

“I know!” Cat caught her arm. “Under the desk is where the red dots are! You know I have been working here for a few weeks now!”

“How did I rope you into doing that, I wonder...?”

“I think it may have been me who roped you into making me work here!” Cat laughed, and ushered Jess away to talk to the American couple examining her work. Meanwhile, Cat welcomed the steady influx of newcomers, and invited them to take a glass and brochure before they started viewing the pieces. Cat recognised a few faces, and smiled at everyone, feeling the happiest she’d ever felt in a job before. Monique came in with her husband, both of whom were dressed in beautifully tailored formal wear.

“You both look wonderful!” Cat said warmly as they entered.

“Oh, thanks darling!” Monique patted her hair as usual. “Iain is taking me for a meal in Kirkwall tonight.” Iain took her hand in his, and smiled proudly down at his wife. Cat felt a pang of longing, and then a familiar touch on her shoulder, turning to find Johnny and Mrs White smiling at her with linked arms.

“Place looks great, gorgeous.” Johnny kissed her on the cheeks in the manner of his usual social ritual.

“I can’t wait to have a look around.” Mrs White almost bounced on the spot, full of youthful energy. Cat noticed a change in the woman from the first time they met. The shyness and uncertainty was no longer present, she looked at ease as she glanced up at Johnny. “Don’t let this man go, my dear. We must make him stay on the island.”

“If Johnny wants to stay, I’d love him to!” She nudged his shoulder affectionately.

“Well we’ll see, but we’re having a jolly good time so far, right Florence?” Johnny started to lead the old lady away, and she whispered quickly to Cat: “He’s been amazing with the children, such a natural teacher!”

More people trickled in, and Cat welcomed them all. Seeing that the wine needed topping up, she turned to check if the coast was clear for a supplies run, and saw Billy, striding through the door, looking very handsome in a kilt and a black shirt. He smiled, and looked around with one eyebrow raised. “Very posh!” He shook Cat’s hand, but she pulled him in for a hug and the old man gave in.

“It’s so lovely to see you Billy! Did you come on the ferry? Was it rough out there? Do you need somewhere to sleep?”

“Steady lass,” he shook his head, “one question at a time!”

“Did you come here just to see our little show?”

“I did, certainly!” Billy said “And there’s nothing little about it - looks very professional.”

“Uncle Billy!” Jess came up to them both and gave the old man a hug.

“Uncle?” Cat gawped at the pair as Jess put her head against his shoulder affectionately. The old man chuckled at Cat’s confused face.

“Well, not exactly my uncle. But you and mum are good friends aren't you?” She looked up at him beaming proudly, and then back to Cat. “He helped me get set up on the island.”