Free True Colours by Jeanne Whitmee

future in which to dispose of exhausted stock second hand and the advisor had nodded his head approvingly. Finally, after some consideration and a brief consultation with a more senior colleague, a loan had been agreed. Imogene had taken Katie out for dinner that evening to celebrate.
    Fran arrived soon after midday and Katie was gratified to see that Imogene approved of her appearance and style. The outfit she wore was clearly of the quality Imogene favoured and she summed up her taste quickly which was what she was so good at.
    In her turn Fran was impressed by the boutique’s wide choice and was soon being ushered into one of the changing rooms with three outfits. Katie went with her but she had already guessed which one would suit her best. She was right. When Fran emerged from the changing room in the silver grey dress with its smooth, figure-hugging lines, Imogene beamed.
    ‘That looks so elegant,’ she enthused. ‘Not many of my customers could wear something so plain,’ she said. ‘But then not many have your figure. On you it looks perfect. I’d suggest no jewellery except perhaps some rather special earrings. Now, what about accessories?’ She looked at Fran, her head on one side. ‘I think either cerise or kingfisher blue.’ She looked at Katie. ‘We’ve got just the thing, haven’t we, Katie?’
    Fran tried both and chose the blue accessories, which looked fabulous with her colouring: a stylish wide brimmed hat, matching sandals and a clutch bag. By the time she had paid for her purchases it was almost lunchtime. Imogene looked at Katie as she packed the outfit into one of the distinctive black patent carriers.
    ‘You might as well go too, as you’re having lunch with your friends,’ she said.

    Sophie was waiting for them at Napolitano, the Italian restaurant where Fran had booked. She looked a little flushed and explained that she’d almost missed her train because her car had a flat tyre.
    ‘Don’t these things always happen at the wrong time?’ Fran said as the waiter ushered them to their table.
    ‘That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t bought a car,’ Katie put in as they sat down. ‘Though with the way things are developing I might have to rethink that.’ To her annoyance a waiter reappeared at that moment and handed each of them a menu, asking if they’d like to order drinks at the same time. Fran looked at the other two.
    ‘Shall we have a bottle of wine?’
    They agreed and the waiter departed.
    They consulted the menu and agreed on their choice of food. Sophie looked at Katie. ‘What were you saying just now – something about recent developments?’
    Katie smiled. ‘Yes. Imogene – she’s my boss – has invited me to be a partner in the business.’
    ‘Really? Well done you.’ Sophie and Fran exchanged wry glances but before Katie could continue the waiter reappeared to take their order. Katie bit her lip in frustration. Their bottle of wine arrived at the same time, was duly uncorked, approved by Fran and a glass filled for each of them.
    Fran raised her glass. ‘To us,’ she said. ‘Long may we flourish.’ She looked at Sophie. ‘How are things with you? Is the house restoration going well?’
    ‘Oh yes,’ Sophie said. ‘Rex is an absolute whiz at all the DIY stuff. Every time I come home I see a difference. And now that the holidays are here I’m helping as much as I can.’
    ‘With moral support and lots of delicious meals, I expect,’ Fran said.
    ‘Of course.’ Sophie surreptitiously hid her roughened hands and broken nails under the table’s pristine white cloth. ‘Have to keep his strength up.’
    Fran took another sip of her wine and looked at Katie. ‘What was that you said about a partnership?’
    Katie cleared her throat.
At last
! ‘Well, I suggested to Imogene, the owner of Fantaisie, that we open a hiring service. She thought it was a fantastic idea and she straight away….’ Once again the waiter arrived with three steaming plates