Page 36 of On The Edge

“Well of course, for me, it’s hard not to be inspired by the sea!” Jess smiled, then looked over to Cat. “But it’s Catherine’s show, so why don’t we ask her?” she encouraged Darren, who looked over to Cat with as much interest as watching paint dry.

“Catherine MacGregor, then - what is it that inspires you about our little island?” He spoke in a slightly condescending manner that Cat couldn’t help but notice. “As I believe you’re not from here originally, but from Glasgow?” he added, on a superior note.

“Yes, um, I am from Glasgow, yeah,” Cat stuttered. She took a moment to think of what to say. I’m on radio and I don’t know what to say? was all she could think.

“Yes - so Glasgow, why come here?”

Cat just sat there with that anxious uncertainty feeling rising in her again. She gave herself a moment to breathe out, and to let go of the doubting voice within her head. Relax, you've got this! And words just started coming out of her mouth: “This part of the world truly moves me; so much that I left my life in Glasgow to come here. It’s been such an incredible experience that I find it hard to put into words. Each day triggers feelings in me that I didn’t know I could have. There’s something about the light; it changes constantly, making me want to capture every moment before it’s lost. Also, capturing how it effects me too, is a constant magnetic pull on my creativity.” She let out another breath and looked over to Jess, who grinned widely back at her. “I think in some ways I was meant to come here, I feel such a connection to the landscape. It’s strange, but familiar to me at the same time. I try to understand these surroundings, and myself within them. This land holds ancient secrets, and I’m trying to unlock them, in the best way I can - through my art.”

“Well, yes, wow – that's... amazing...” Darren sat taken aback.

“The show will open at the end of September, and runs until November. Come along on our opening night, there will be wine and nibbles for everyone. It will be the artistic and social event of the season!” Jess gave a dramatic hand gesture as though she were a Spanish dancer, which left Darren all the more transfixed.

“Thank you, girls – I'm certainly convinced! Right, we have one final song that Cat has selected. It’s by local musician Patrick Flanagan, called “From the Word Goodbye”.

“Patrick is an amazing musician,” Cat butted in. “I really think he’s one to look out for, especially as he lives on Orkney. He’s playing the Club48 soon, so get tickets quick – for the show and for Patrick - before they both sell out!” Cat had tried to block Patrick from her mind as much she could. The image of the girl in the t-shirt still came to her, and as much as she wanted to never see him again, it would be unlikely, given that she had decided to stay. There was, in addition, no denying that he was a good songwriter, and deep down Cat couldn’t have forgiven herself for letting an opportunity pass to help someone else who needed it.

“Thanks for that, Cat...” Darren looked at Cat over the microphone, clearly unimpressed with her blatant free-promoting.

Once the girls had returned back to the gallery, Cat called up a couple of art magazines to check whether they were advertising the exhibition in their next issues. Meanwhile Jess opened up the premises for business as usual.

Monique wiggled into the gallery holding a tray, and wearing a dramatic long, black woollen coat. “Ladies: I thought perhaps you would appreciate some coffee and a sandwich. I got the chef to rustle up bacon and eggs for you both, I hope you both are looking after yourselves?” She placed the tray on the front desk and cast her eyes around the room. “Things still going to plan?” she asked, gently smoothing her blonde hair and looking the epitome of elegance.

“Oh yes we’re fine!” Jess grabbed her sandwich and bit into the fluffy white bread with relish. “Lots to do, but we’re getting there. Aren’t we Cat?” She asked, her mouth stuffed.

“Yes, things are going well!” replied Cat, pen in hand, crossing off tasks. “I’ve called all the local avenues of press, scheduled in some interviews, spoken with international magazines too, oh - and I've been keeping things updated on social media… did you hear our interview today?”

“I didn’t I’m afraid,” drawled Monique sweetly. “We had a bit of a busy morning at the hotel, very unusual for this time of year. How did it go with Darren - that creep...?”

The two girls laughed in response and drank their coffee.

“The interview went well I think,” Cat speculated. “I’m just amazed that Jess somehow wangled it that the radio station would mention the exhibition every day until opening night!”

“Well, I did say for Darren to come to the opening night... and that I would have a glass of wine with him.” Jess grimaced. “What I do in the name of art!”

“Make sure it’s a quick glass of wine, darling,” Monique suggested, “else he will be keeping you talking to him all night!”

Monique had asked Jess if they could talk about her commission. So they went to the back of the gallery and into the workshop, leaving Cat a moment to order banners and invitations for the exhibition.

“We need more post-its!” announced Jess, as she said goodbye to Monique.

“We always need more post-its!” Cat smiled. “I’m happy to get some tomorrow before I come in. Perhaps make a list of any other stationery, and I’ll make a dash to the shops for office equipment.”

“Excellent!” Jess grabbed a pad and pen then looked over to Cat who was making her lists of things to do for the week. “Is Monique OK with my stealing you?”

“What do you mean?” Cat asked.

“You should be working at the pub, but you’ve been here everyday helping me plan the exhibition”.

“Oh of course,” Cat waved her hand. “We chatted, and she’s cut my hours for the next month so I can help out here.”

“Is that OK?” Jess bit her lip “I mean, I know you’ll need the money? I would pay you if I could, but I’m not sure I’m able to.”

“Jess, don’t worry about it, I’m looking on this as an investment. I have some savings still so a month away from my salary is fine,”

“OK!” Jess nodded. “If you’re sure!”

“I am.” Cat went back to her notebook. “Now, start writing that list so I know what to buy tomorrow!”