I thought it was my erudite company she was craving of course but alas it was something else she coveted. Something she seen in one of those little boutique shops that should have a government health warning displayed for all to see, warning of the risks to financial security and personal premature hair greying walking through those doors could and quite likely would entail!
You see she kept looking at dresses and coats and more dresses, every time just faltering at the point of ordering me to get my wallet out. But this particular Saturday afternoon she had a glint in her eye, a stride to her step telling me that she meant business. My heart sank as we entered the lair of that encapturing creature the boutique owner. She looked upon us with glee as she recognised that all her hard work over the past weeks had finally paid off and another mere mortal had come under her spell.
Eyes glazed and like a child on Christmas Day she was in a world of her own trying on this, that and the other until her eyes focused on the beautiful soft fur number pictured.
After trying it on, she looked stunning in it by the way as I am sure you would agree, I asked the mystical boutique goddess if there was any downward movement possible on the mind boggling price. I heard her state the price she had quoted earlier and distinctly heard her say that was the price it was. Me being me I took that to be a slight on my bargaining, bartering, negotiating skills and we just had to leave. Breaking the spell that had been placed upon my google eyed companion was a challenge though but I persevered.
Eventually we ended up in the delightful Browns Bar where after a cocktail (remember I told you earlier that we consumed copious amounts) or two to disperse the spell she asked me why we had so hastily retreated from her favourite shopping haunt when my eye fluttering had encouraged the boutique goddess to offer a £50 reduction? I nearly choked on my Peroni (that is an Italian drink by the way, not some sausage!) and immediately made a B-Line for said boutique. Needless to say that the item in question had been wrapped and ready for me upon entry into that enchanted place. I knew the boutique goddess was good but I didn't think she was that good.
The rest of the day was as ever a wonderful blast with my girl showing off her new purchase as we made our way via Vivienne Westwood (thankfully nothing purchased) to our usual eatery Piccolino next to the Town Hall. Ettore greeted us as old friends would do in mother Italy and we were given our usual table next to the window so that the hustle and bustle of Manchester life could be viewed as we soaked up the atmosphere of the best place in town!
