As Cat tried drastically to light her cigarette, she turned
to see the back of Frankie sloping back inside Rubies. She sucked the tip of
her smoke and breathed out heavily to calm the combination of anger and passion
pounding against her lungs.

She continued to walk, with; unbeknown to her, a look of
hatred fixated on her face. A firm exterior which in reality was as thin as
tracing paper, underneath those harsh eyes was vulnerability and longing.

Cat hurried past the shops and pubs, when a young woman
caught her eye. She was smiling at her, whilst flicking the ash off of her
cigarette.

Cat stopped. “What the hell are you looking at?” she yelled
at the innocent bystander.

The woman turned to look around her to check who the
brunette was talking to. As she realised it was aimed at her, the woman stepped
forward.

“I was smiling at you. I didn’t realise there was some kind
of law against it here in Scotland, see I’m not from here. I apologise. Maybe
you could be so kind as to inform me what the correct procedure up here is?”
She sarcastically but politely enquired.

Cat felt about 2inches tall. She shifted her coat around
nervously and tried to avoid the woman’s inquisitive stare.

Cat softened. “I’m sorry.

“I’m not normally like this, really. I’ve just had a really
shitty day.” She continued.

The stranger took one last puff, studied Cat, before
stubbing her fag out. She smiled again and turned to walk back inside the pub.

“Y’ know, you look like you need a drink, I can’t have you
snapping at random members of the public. Not without a hoody on anyway!” she
joked whist maintaining a serious facade.

Cat couldn’t help but laugh as she followed. She was charmed
by the mysteriousness.

“I will have a Pimms and Lemonade please, with no crap in it
(Cat smirked as the barman was given his very direct orders), and a JD straight
please.” She then turned to Cat and screwed her eyes up intelligently.

“White wine?”

Cat was floored. “How do you know i drink white wine?”

The response was simply a wink as the mystery woman informed
the barman to pour a large house white.

“One for yourself as well,” she offered whilst gesturing a
twenty towards him.

Cat casually saw a wad of notes inside the designer wallet
of her new compatriot. She was dressed well, soft blonde hair with wide brown
eyes. They sat down at a quiet table.