Page 28 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
“She didn’t sound embarrassed, just distracted. And a little down, now that I think about it.” Hearing her voice again had been comforting for a moment, then Tierney’s obvious lack of interest in her predicament had cooled the warm feeling.
“Shall I call her and ask if she’s okay?”
“No, I’m sure she’s fine. I probably bored her with my request for help. I need to focus on getting the hotel back in shape before the Christmas visitors, which I can’t do if you drag me into the city.”
“My new fancy restaurant customers offered me dinner and a night of accommodation in their rental apartment over the restaurant. Fortwo. I wasn’t going to accept, but you don’t have water or electricity until the boys have finished the repairs. And your bedroom’s under water. Let’s have a relaxing night in town, and you can get back on it tomorrow.”
Kasia knew Joey was trying to cheer her up. They were probably right. Getting away for a day would do her good, and she had a couple of weeks to fix the mess before the first of the Christmas visitors.
Joey’s new customers were a celebrity chef from Dublin and her wife. Kasia had seen Marianne Browne on TV many times and was looking forward to eating in such a prestigious establishment. The couple had renovated a city center building into an elegant restaurant, and Marianne’s reputation ensured they were fully booked every night.
Amira, Marianne’s wife, welcomed them warmly and apologized that their table would be close to the kitchen door. It looked to Kasia as though they had placed it there specially to accommodate their unexpected guests.
“I really appreciate this, Amira.”
Kasia didn’t often see Joey away from the island and was always surprised how easily they adapted to socializing. She knew it took a toll, and they were happier back on Inishderry, but they were good at relationships. She wished they had more.
“You’re welcome here any time. And we need to rearrange that visit.”
When she moved to another table, Joey turned to Kasia. “Marianne has a big social media following. She likes to show where she sources her ingredients, so she’s coming over to visit the oyster beds with me.”
Before Kasia had a chance to say she thought the exposure would be good for Joey’s business, a tall woman burst through the kitchen doors. Her checkered trousers and black tunic were pristine and crisp considering the kitchen must be a lot warmer than the dining room.
“Joey, so good to see you. And thank you for the scallops.” She didn’t give Joey a chance to stand before she kissed them on both cheeks. “What have you ordered?”
“Um.” Joey blinked. “We haven’t yet. Can I introduce my friend Kasia? She runs the hotel on Inishderry.”
Marianne Browne’s trademark short-cropped russet hair was covered with a black bandanna, but her freckled complexion and pale blue eyes made it obvious she was a redhead. When she took Kasia’s hand, her grip was warm and sincere. “A pleasure to meet you. We’ll have to share restaurant tips sometime.” She spoke quickly as if every moment was precious.
“I would like that, although?—”
“You don’t need to order; I’ll see you right. Enjoy your food, and I’ll visit you and your oysters soon.”
Before Kasia had a chance to explain the sorry state of her own establishment, Marianne had turned and was heading back inside the kitchen.
The door swung shut, and she and Joey let out a breath.
“She’s quite the whirlwind.”
Joey laughed. “I think she has to be to achieve all that she does. She was doing really well on TV in Dublin. She gave it all up for their dream, but there’s no question her reputation helps keep this place packed.”
Kasia tried to imagine a world where she could pursue her own dreams, unfettered by the whims of an employer. The dream would involve the Waterside. If she had the budget and the power to choose anywhere, it would always be Inishderry.
Her musing was disturbed by the arrival of their first dish. Over the next hour or more, they worked their way through a six-course tasting menu, heavy on the seafood. “This is unbelievable,” she murmured around the perfectly cooked scallop in her mouth. “Are they yours?”
“I guess so. I shucked them this morning and brought them over with us.”
When they’d plowed through the food and thanked Amira, they were shown to the apartment on the top floor. A Juliet balcony gave them a view over the city, and Joey swung the doors wide, letting in a healthy waft of cool air.
“We’re in the big city. It seems a waste not to make the most of it.” They turned to face Kasia. “Fancy a quick nightcap?”
“Are you kidding? You must’ve been up half the night.” There were dark smudges under Joey’s eyes.
“I’ve got a second wind.” Joey did a little jig in the middle of the room. “Let’s go dancing.”
Kasia laughed. “We are not going dancing. I know you’re only doing this to cheer me up, but okay, let’s have a quick drink. Then I need my bed.” She wasn’t sure who was humoring whom at this point, but she hadn’t been into town recently, so why not?
They strolled down the main street where music and laughter spilled out from every bar door. “Why don’t we go to that placeyou talk about? They have live music tonight, don’t they?” Joey asked, looking around.
