Lingerie Wars (Invertary 1)

She watched as her friend’s shoulders dropped slightly. She was softening.

“What were you thinking exactly?” she said.

Kirsty grinned.

“I envision a runway down on the main road by the loch, lots of Christmas lights, cool music and a great show. I can give away prizes.” She was really getting into it now. “We can have it in the evening, get the food stalls going, make it a real party. What do you think?”

“I think as chairwoman of the Christmas Market I’m going to regret this,” Caroline muttered. She pointed at Kirsty. “You promise, on your life, that there won’t be anything smutty about the whole thing?”

Kirsty fought the excitement building inside of her as she worked at looking solemn.

“I promise.”

“And you promise that you won’t do anything that will embarrass me, or this town?”

“Promise.”

“And you promise that you will run every tiny idea past me before you do it and that you won’t spring anything on me at the last minute?”

“I’ll even give it all to you in nicely typed reports, in proper folders with Post-Its stuck to the most important parts.”

Caroline fought a smile.

“In duplicate?”

“Of course.”

Her shoulders slumped entirely.

“Fine, you can do it.”

Kirsty whooped and tugged her friend into a tight hug.

“You are amazing,” she said.

“I’m insane,” Caroline said. “I’m the only woman in Europe planning a family-friendly Christmas market with a lingerie fashion show.”

“Think of the publicity.”

“Think of the weirdoes it will attract.”

“Think of the money it will generate for the town.”

“Think of all the complaints I’ll get from parents.”

They paused as they read each other’s minds.

“Morag McKay,” they said together.

Kirsty started to laugh. It bubbled up inside of her until she was bent double with it.

“What’s so funny?” Caroline demanded.

“This, you.” Kirsty wiped the tears from her eyes. “Who would have thought that Caroline Patterson would ever get into trouble from Morag and her morality society. It’s hysterical.”

Caroline put her hands on her hips and glared at Kirsty.

“There’s nothing funny about this at all, Kirsty Campbell. You stop laughing right now.”