Caught in the Crossfire

Grace

Grace started to show the girl where everything is and where they should go. Catherine knew most of what she was saying her Dad use to be a pub owner, she knows the ins and outs of them. In a sad way the smell of liqueur reminded Catherine Langley of home. Catherine had taken up the continuation of drying the pint glasses, getting into the rhythm of it. Grace likes Catherine, she decided that she wanted to take pity on this girl, that she wasn't someone to fear like Tommy does. He wouldn't admit it because of the size of her but she has already wormed her way into his life and not many people can do that. Grace took out cigarettes from her pocket and lit one up as she continued to study the girl.

She couldn't figure out what makes her so special. Why even though she has such dislikeable traits she still wants to help her.

" How old are you then?" Catherine looked up from her glass cleaning duty, GRace continued "Tommy said you don't answer questions but this one won't hurt. Go on, how old are you?"

Langley sighed, "I'm seventeen." She was clearly unhappy about being asked this. "I know you think I'm just a girl and I'm young but I'm a woman. I am."

Grace smiled. Catherine's persistence was endearing to her, of course the more she persisted the she seemed like a child but despite her tantrums there was an air of maturity to the girl. Catherine decided to propose an exchange of questions because Grace asked her a question she then got to ask her a question. Grace agreed.

"Are you and Tommy together? Romantically?"

Grace sighed, "You know that's a lot more personal than what I asked you?" Catherine clearly wasn't phased by the invasion of privacy she just prompted and just stared at her.

"Tommy and I were involved romantically but then I, I complicated things, I left and then I came back a couple of months later and now we are here."

Catherine didn't seem pleased with this answer. "It was a yes or no question."

"I..I... guess yes. Yes we are involved romantically."

Catherine put down her glass that she was holding then, a big smirk grew on her face. "Well then you should know that I think he wanted to sleep with me last night, he asked if we were going to fuck." Grace eyebrows raised. "Just thought you should know."

Grace scoffed at this girls behaviour. She is just a child, Tommy would never propose that with someone like her. Grace however didn't want to upset this girls feelings and did her sweetest smile towards the girl.

"My turn, what are you running from?"

"Who said I was running?"

Grace wasn't impressed with this comeback, she told Catherine that it was obvious and she knows when a girl is on the run seeing as she tried it not too long ago. Catherine didn't want to, no, couldn't tell anyone. She had no idea who's allegiance lay with who. Her location couldn't be compromised.

"I just fancied some countryside fresh air. That's all."

"Cather-"

"Don't ask me again."

"Well you've come to the wrong place for fresh air if that's your deal." Grace said as she left to go and pick up some empty glasses on the tables.

"Believe me this wasn't planned" Catherine muttered under her breath.

The girls carried on working through the night, Catherine was smart and quickly learnt everything required of her, she could even handle the punters.

Grace went to the office to grab her belongings. As she reached for her coat she stopped, her hand softly touching the edge of the lining. She began to wonder how long this is going to go on for. A stranger living in her house, Tommy's disappointing looks. When Thomas found out about her colluding with the police he did forgive her, but she notices them. These side way glances of distrust or uncertainty he gives her from time to time. It hasn't been that long since it all happened but she wanted to be here, next him. She loves him. Her thoughts are disrupted by Catherine knocking on the study door asking if she's ready to go. Grace smiled and nodded.

As they arrive back at Graces apartment she offers Catherine a drink, Catherine just nods. She's unusually quiet for somebody that has caused so much disruption in one day. Grace suspects that all the commotion has made her tired. After she puts the kettle she makes the sofa up with a pillow and two blankets. She rummages through her wardrobe for clothes tomorrow and a night dress tonight. They have their brew and make their way to bed, no one says a word since coming home. As Grace is leaving the room and Catherine has slid into bed Catherine mumbles, very quietly, under her breath a thank you, but Grace still managed to hear it.