Page 13 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
She sat at the back of the boat by herself on the short journey, quickly said her goodbyes when they landed, and strode back to the cottage without a backward glance. She cooked herself some pasta, but it tasted like cardboard as she wondered what delicious dish Kasia and Joey were enjoying together. Just when she thought her evening had hit rock bottom, her phone screen lit up with her dad’s number.
Shit. “Hey, Dad. Did Meg get back okay?”
“Of course. She’s back at work now. How are you progressing?”
She bit her knuckle hard while she thought of what to say that would please him. “Kasia, the manager, seems like a hard worker. She’s still got plenty of bookings going this late in the season.”
“Good to hear. She can keep things ticking over for now while I make some longer-term decisions.”
She should just agree. Then she could get out of here as soon as she’d made things right with Joey. But the unfairness rankled at her. The way they were taking advantage of Kasia wasn’t right. “I don’t think she can, Dad. The Waterside is too much for one person.”
“I’m not sure your idea of too much work is the same as most people’s.”
His laugh had no humor, and Tierney felt the usual tightness in her chest. “Granny never ran the place all on her own. She always had a live-in housekeeper whenever the hotel was open. And when she started to slow down a little and took Kasia on, the two of them were there, year-round.”
“What do you suggest?”
His tone didn’t imply he was open to her ideas, but she would give it her best shot. “There’s no one around on the island at this time of year to help. I think we need to advertise in the trade press. Get someone living in.”
“Can we afford it? You haven’t sent me any figures.”
“Ah, no, we haven’t gotten into the accounts yet.” Tierney winced. Kasia had offered to show her earlier, but she’d been too eager to go and see Joey. “I’ll send you some information over tomorrow.”
“The figures will need to be very healthy to justify another full-time employee. Is that likely?”
She hesitated. She didn’t know anything yet. Why had she spent her time moaning to Kasia instead of finding out about the Waterside?
“I didn’t think so. Send me the figures.” His tone made it clear her chance to convince him was over. “If you’re so sure this manager needs help, ask Des or Anthony if they know anyone local. They know everyone.”
Tierney pulled her phone away from her ear and stared at it. “I don’t think they’ll help, Dad.”Don’t make me talk to them.
“You’ll never know if you don’t ask. Call me when you have some answers.”
Tierney dropped the phone in her lap and stared at the ceiling as darkness crept into the room. She prided herself on living in the moment, but all she really wanted now was to go back to a time when her granny was waiting for her, full of reassurances and love, and Joey was her constant companion for every island adventure. Inishderry had always been a place to escape from reality, the closest place she’d had to a home. Now it felt a little too real, and she didn’t belong anymore, not with Granny gone. If she didn’t fit in here, where was home? Certainly not back in Boston with her dad and Megan, dedicating her life to the property business. Suddenly it didn’t feel so comforting to have no place to call home.
SEVEN
Kasia lookedJoey up and down. “You’re dressed the same as you do every day on the boat, but cleaner. Do you own anything that isn’t made of wool?”
Joey laughed. “How dare you? These are my best Levi’s. I’ve never worn them anywhere near the boat.”
Kasia tossed Joey a folded sweater. “Here. You left this after our last swim, and I washed it for you. It’s a lovely blue; it brings out your eyes.”
“Must look my best for the Emerald. You never know who might be there. Oh no, hang on now. We know exactly who’ll be there.” Joey chuckled and lifted the sweater to inhale the fragrance. “Ooh, it’s so soft, and it smells of flowers. Can you wash all my clothes, please?” They took off the olive-green sweater they’d been wearing and pulled on the cornflower blue version.
“That’s better. Now you look as if you’re going out for the evening.” Kasia reached up on tiptoes and gave Joey a peck on the cheek. “Enjoy catching up with Tierney.”
As she turned away, Joey caught her by the elbow. “Come later. Just have a few drinks with us, please? I hardly ever go to the Emerald. I need all the friends I can get.”
“No, Joey, you enjoy your evening.” Work was piling up, and she didn’t have time to entertain Tierney or listen to her tales of woe.
“Plea-ease?” Joey’s eyes were wide under their shaggy bangs.
Kasia knew she was being played, but it was flattering Joey was so eager to have her company.
“I know Tierney gets on your nerves, but?—”
“She doesn’t.” Kasia rolled her eyes. “Well, she does a little. She’s spoiled and entitled, and as far as I can tell, work-shy. And the thing that really annoys me about her is that along with the rest of her family, she doesn’t have any loyalty to the hotel her grandmother built from nothing. And did you hear what she said the other day about not costing her family any money? I worked my ass off all summer to make them a profit, and she had the gall to say that!” She took a long breath to regain control.
