Page 10 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
‘I’m pleased. But you said you sell some art equipment as well? Where do you do that?
‘Our shop has a basement. We sell a wide range of art and craft materials from down there.’
‘Ah, I see … a basement. No wonder I didn’t notice it then.’
‘It’s very well signposted if you actually comeintothe shop, and we have notices in the window if you’d bothered to look.’
‘Hey,’ Jack says, holding his hand up. ‘Why are you being so aggressive? I’m not here to diss your shop. Far from it. I got the feeling that the shop owners all support each other in this town.’
‘We do.’
‘Then what’s the problem here?’
‘You’re stepping on my territory.’
A puzzled expression crosses Jack’s face, and he takes off his sunglasses. ‘I’m sorry … what?’
‘You’re stepping on my territory,’ I repeat. ‘By selling art equipment you’ll take some of our sales.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Jack nods knowingly. ‘You’ll forgive me if I beg to differ? My shop will be selling professional equipment, not simply a few watercolour palettes and some children’s painting books.’
My mouth drops open in surprise.
‘We do not sell children’s painting books,’ I say, recovering from his insult.
‘But you sell those watercolour palettes, don’t you?’ he says, grinning. ‘Go on, I dare you to tell me you don’t?’
I purse my lips together now.
‘I thought so,’ he adds, sitting back in his chair.
I’m so annoyed that I don’t notice what he’s leaning against.
‘How dare you sit here and insult both my shop and me,’ I say as calmly as I can. ‘Do you even realise how rude you’re being?’
‘Aw, Kate, I’m only playing with you,’ Jack says, looking sheepish. ‘I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. It’s my background. I’m used to banter, and I assume everyone else is too. I should probably rein it in a little when meeting new people.’
‘Yes, you probably should,’ I reply, still feeling aggrieved, but slightly calmer now.
‘Look, I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Chance would be a fine thing, mind,’ he says, rolling his eyes. I glance at him wondering what he means. ‘I’m certain my shop won’t sell anything that will interfere too much with your business. Promise. Not a knitting needle in sight!’ He holds his hand up to his head in a smart salute. ‘Scout’s honour.’
I feel myself relax slightly, and I give him a half smile. ‘I hope so.’
‘There, that’s better,’ Jack says. ‘Now we can be friends again. How about another drink?’
‘I probably should be going soon,’ I say, glancing at my watch. ‘And I still have plenty, thank you.’ I lift up my glass.
‘Oh, that’s a shame. You’ll excuse me if I get another one though?’
‘Of course.’
Suddenly, as he prepares to leave the table, I see it for the first time and I wonder, as he expertly begins to move towards the door of the pub, how I could ever have missed it.
Jack is in a wheelchair.
Five
Staring at the door Jack has just gone through I quickly try to run over a few things in my head.
