Almanac Inventiveness: Gotta keep possession

Peak hour at the bottlo’s about to begin. The Cascade Hotel changed hands recently and there are new faces among the staff. This eve it’s the young woman I’ve had serve me once before. Short, dark hair and eyes, bouncy air, lively grin, a hint of sassy playfulness about her, the tatt on her inner forearm and the green kerchief round her neck lifting the all black uniform into sure grooviness.

 

I order my case of Coopers – the promo campaign involving Liberal pollies was dire but hardly the basis for a boycott; plenty of dickhead corporations to target before one of SA’s finest brewers – and Sass Lass disappears into the cool-store.

 

I look over the counter and spot it hanging up on a hook, the front poking out from under the handknitted pink cardigan draping it. It could be the nose of a mini plane or rocket or submarine, even a Zeppelin but of course it’s not – the pointed end with the four folds of dark brown, stitched leather give it away instantly. I smile.

 

Sass Lass comes through the door and plonks the slab onto the bench.

 

“Where did you get that?” I say, pointing.

She turns.

“I made it.”

“Can I have a look?”

She reaches over and puts it on the counter.

“It’s wonderful. And you made it?”

“Yeah.  Gotta keep possession”, Sass Lass answers with a grin as she shows me the purse sticking out from it.

I laugh.  “You play footy?”

“I grew up in Newcastle. Played league.”

I’m impressed. I ask to take a few photos and she obliges straightaway, picking it up and putting it over her shoulder, a wink and another grin a bonus. Everything moves quickly, including Sass Lass – two other customers have lined up at the counter.

The bag goes back on its hanger and I hand over my forty dollars and pick up the slab.

“It’d move in Melbourne. Maybe you should start a website to sell them?”

Sass Lass smiles back at me, says nothing.  She turns to the next customer.

 

possession is nine tenths…

Sass Lass (aka Georgia)

 

About Adam Muyt

Born into rugby league, found Aussie rules, fell for soccer, flirts a little with union. Author of three books, including 'Clogball' (2023) and 'Maroon & Blue' (2006). Lives in Tasmania and is looking forward to soon yelling out, 'Go Devils!'

Comments

  1. Love it, Adam.

  2. Brilliant. Hats off to Georgia. Where can I buy a couple???

  3. What a brilliant idea. I want to buy some too – might even keep one for me.

  4. bernard whimpress says

    Nice piece of whimsy, Adam.

  5. bernard whimpress says

    I should’ve added Adam that I kept the faith this week with a sixpack (not a case) of Cooper’s Pale Ale.

  6. Adam Muyt says

    Fine choice Bernard. Have taken a liking recently to the (orange label) new mid strength ale – good for the working week.
    Dips, Pete, I wonder if Georgia’d do a backpack version? Pointy ends would have to be part of the design, of course. Might ask her.

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