Page 39 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
“Ha.” The dismissive laugh didn’t reflect the flush of color on Tierney’s cheeks. “I don’t think the Waterside’s regular customers expect chili in their eggs.”
“And maybe that’s where we’re going wrong. A more ambitious food offer would bring in a whole new clientele. Wejust need the staff to deliver it.” Kasia cursed herself for bringing it up when Tierney looked away. “Sorry, let’s just enjoy our food.”
Why did she always bring things back to work? She needed to relax a little, especially at Christmas. She took a long drink of coffee and hoped they could return to the festive atmosphere of earlier.
Tierney stretchedout on the couch by the Christmas tree. She should probably get up, but her body was heavy with good food and hard work, and it was tempting to close her eyes. Just for a few minutes. But knowing Kasia was still hard at work, she pushed herself up from the soft surface.
“Ha. Caught you slacking, cuz.”
She turned to see Aoife, Seán, Christy, and the three children all crowding into the hallway. “Hey, Merry Christmas to you all. I’m so pleased to see you. I was going to come over, but Kasia said you were planning to visit.” She hugged them all as the kids’ voices chattered over each other to tell her about their Christmas gifts.
Christy rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry, we won’t stay too long. We always came to see the tree and visit Granny, and it seemed a shame to end the tradition, especially while there’s still a Walsh in the Waterside.”
A cramp of guilt squeezed Tierney’s guts. What were the chances of her being here next year? Probably slim to none. In fact, the more successful she and Kasia were in convincing her dad to keep the hotel and invest, the less need there would be for her to be here. Why did that prospect not make her as happy as it would have a few weeks ago? She put it down to beingsurrounded by this part of her family and shook off the weird feeling, joining the kids as they stared up at the tree.
“If we go halfway up the stairs, we’ll be able to see the angel on the top.” She led Ruane up by the hand and the two girls followed, leaving the adults to go find Kasia working in the residents’ bar.
The day didn’t get much calmer until the cousins went home, and Kasia closed up the bar. A couple of other locals had drifted in as it was the only place open on the island, but Tierney had been insistent Kasia go off duty at seven. She pulled the shutters down on the bar and said goodnight to the few remaining residents nursing their drinks by the fireplace.
“You’ve done enough today. I’ve been busier than I ever have on a Christmas Day, and I haven’t done half the work you have.” She shooed Kasia up the stairs and followed.
“It’s okay, I’m used to it.”
“I’m closing the hotel for January and February as Granny used to. You’re taking a proper break for a couple of weeks, and then we can get workers in for repairs, and we can do some of the cosmetic stuff ourselves.”
Where had that come from? She hadn’t discussed it with her dad or got his permission. But her attempt at a Christmas Day call with him had been so stilted and awkward, and she was sick of their poor relationship. She’d spend what she needed to get the hotel up and running for the new season.
Kasia stopped and turned. Her eyes were wide with just a shade of skepticism coloring the surprise. “When was this decided? You didn’t say.”
“Uh, I spoke to Dad earlier.”Not a lie, per se.“The work needs doing, and it’ll be easier with the hotel closed. Now let’s get upstairs and have ourselves a little party.”
Joey had gone up ahead, and a warm red glow flickered on the walls as they entered Kasia’s rooms. The fire was blazing,and Joey was unwrapping a platter Tierney had bought on the mainland and stored at the cottage after she’d found out about Kasia’s love affair with cheese.
Kasia went straight to check it out. “This is amazing. Where did you get all of these?”
“Tierney went specially to a deli in Galway.” Joey grinned.
“They’re all Irish-made varieties. And there are crackers and the last of Granny’s pickle.” Tierney stood back, hoping her gesture would be appreciated.
Kasia cut off a sliver of Gubbeen and chewed it slowly. “Delicious.” Her face lit up. “Thank you, Tierney. It’s the best Christmas present ever.”
Tierney’s face heated. “I doubt that very much. But I’m happy to join you in trying them out. I’d never heard of most of them.” She picked up a plate and turned to the table to hide the pleasure she felt at Kasia’s simple gratitude. What was going on with her?
Conversation was mainly cheese-based for the next twenty minutes, until Tierney dropped onto the couch and groaned. “I thought a cheese headache was a myth.” She took a healthy swallow of the wine Joey had contributed to the party. “This is good stuff too. Where’d you get it?”
Joey looked at the label. “It was a gift from customers in Galway.”
“Your favorite customer?” Kasia took the bottle with a grin and topped up her glass.
Joey dropped to the couch. “I don’t have favorites.” They turned to Tierney. “I don’t want to spoil the mood, but you said you’d tell us about what’s going on at home.” They placed their big hand on her knee and squeezed. “We’re worried about you.”
Tierney felt the warmth of Joey’s concern, but it was swamped by the wave of misery the bustle of Christmas had been keeping at bay.
“Only if you want to.” Kasia sank into the armchair and threw Joey a glare.
Tierney rested her head back. “A problem shared, I guess.” What if they thought it was all her fault somehow?
“Did something happen with Megan?”
