#cat:threads

Cat looked over at the kid who’d just interrupted her attempt at a “sale,” frowning some. She looked over the headband they were offering her, reaching out to take it to look at it more closely. It was pretty cute, though she wasn’t sure it was enough to trade for an actual outfit made from this cloth.

“You’re going to have to throw in something else too,” she said finally. “It’s not just the dye from the flower you’re paying for, it’s the work to go into making the thing too.”

Cat looked over the torn jeans slowly. “Might can do,” she said, glancing up at him. “What will you give me for it?” She smirked faintly, definitely recognizing him from the saloon but not about to bring it up first.

“Oh! Yeah, no, I totally know you!” Cat said excitedly. “I used to play your music on my tiktoks when I’d show off some of my fashion projects.” She held her hand out to the other. “What are the odds? It’s so great to meet you.”

“Accessories won’t ever be your thing with that attitude,” Cat said, shaking her head. “But if you really don’t want it, I’m not going to force it on you.” She pulled the cloth from the table. “I don’t just make accessories, though. I could make you a shirt or a pair of shorts . . .” She looked over the young woman in front of her. “Just because we’re stranded on a deserted island doesn’t mean we have to look like it, you know?”

“I can’t tell you that,” Cat said, shaking her head as she pulled the cloth closer to herself. “If I gave away trade secrets, people could go out and make the dye for themselves.” She looked Mattie over curiously. “You work over at Paradise, don’t you? Why don’t you get me a couple bottles of that moonshine you guys make and I’ll make you the bag?”