Page 32 of On The Edge

Billy took a moment to digest the information, looked at them both, and guffawed out loud, slapping his thigh, then poured them all another dram.

Cat spent some time chatting to Billy about Effie, while Johnny was in the kitchen at Billy’s insistence to phone Mark.

“Married long?” Billy quietly asked, as he gestured to the kitchen doorway, where soft sounds of talking were issuing.

“They met at college, but married a few years ago.” Cat reflected. “Mark is a sweet guy and very patient. Johnny is the outgoing one, but Mark keeps him grounded. I hope they’ll be OK.”

“Aye, well, I’m sure things will work out.” Billy stretched out on his chair and rubbed his eyes, then gave a long yawn. “Right I’ll get you a blanket, I’m knackered – it’s not everyday I’m entertaining two young things and drinking bourbon into the early hours!” Billy shook his head with a small smile and went to get bedding.

The next morning they all suffered from sore heads. Cat woke to find the swelling in her ankle had gone down, and that she could put her foot gently on the floor.

Johnny had prepared bacon sandwiches and coffee for them all, and then ventured up the hill back to the scene of the crime, returning with the two bikes they had left the day before. Cat still was unsteady on her feet, so Billy had loaned her one of his walking sticks for the journey back and drove them both to the ferry, with the bikes piled in the back of his van. They stood at the pier leaning against the van and watched the ferry glide into the harbour. The same ferrymen from yesterday leaped off the boat and secured the ropes, then began to help people on board. Johnny organised the bikes onto the ferry while Cat edged closer to the boat, her arm linked with Billy’s.

“Billy - you've been so kind, I left my phone number on your kitchen table. I’d love to repay the favour and have you come to mine for dinner one day?”

Billy looked away stolidly. “You’re welcome, lass.” He coughed. “Lovely having the company.”

“Don’t be a stranger, give me a call and we can have dinner next week sometime!”

“Thanks... aye, thanks.” Billy smiled a little awkwardly and Cat gave him a quick hug.

In no time they had boarded, and the ferry began its return journey. The two friends waved to Billy in his bright yellow raincoat until he became a tiny dot in the distance; but not for too long, Cat hoped with a smile, wondering where in the locality she might procure some Bourbon.