Page 72 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
The ringingof her phone startled Kasia from her perch on the sea wall where she’d been staring out across the harbor. She grabbed for it, relieved Helena was calling her back. “Hi, what did she say?”
“Bernardine says the job’s still yours if you’re sure you want to accept it this time. She said to think it over and get back to her tomorrow with an answer.”
“There’s nothing to think over. I’ve been given my notice. I need a job, Helena.”
“But you told me Tierney said that she had a better plan. Don’t you want to stay there?”
Helena was a good friend, but Kasia may have overshared her dilemma. She jumped down from the wall, and the pebbles on the beach crunched under her shoes. “I do. I just don’t think it’s wise to put too much trust in some vague text Tierney sent without any real explanation. Anyway, I thought you’d be pleased to have me back?”
“Only if you want to be here. I don’t want you wandering the city moping about your lost life.” She paused. “I’m sorry, I know Tierney really got to you. It must be hard to accept that it’s over.”
Kasia jumped back as a wave threatened to soak her feet. “No, I’ve accepted it. I was foolish to think it was ever going to work.” It did hurt though. Every day, every time she thought of Tierney, pain blossomed deep in her chest . Another reason to get away from this island.
“Why don’t you sleep on it anyway? Ring Bernardine tomorrow with your decision.”
“Okay. One more day.” She hung up and continued along the seashore. How she would miss this. There were beaches in Dublin, but it wouldn’t be the same.
Closer to the quay, she heard Queen Maedbh’s engine approaching the harbor. Joey was right on time. She was looking forward to their swim and dinner, but sad she’d be telling Joey she was leaving. She reached the quay to find Joey already tying a line.
They jumped down to greet her, a bottle of champagne in hand. “We’re celebrating tonight. The bank approved my loan.”
“That’s brilliant news.” Kasia cheered, glad she’d managed to help Joey before she left.
Swimming across the bay later to where Joey floated, arms and legs spread like a giant starfish, Kasia felt another pang of regret. She wouldn’t be around much longer to benefit from the warmer water. She swam close, not wanting to keep her plans a secret any longer. “I need to tell you something.”
Joey righted themself and pushed sopping hair away from their eyes. “Are you leaving?”
“You spoiled my big reveal. How did you know?”
“You won’t have a job in a few weeks. You’re not the type to sit and let that happen to you. If I get a vote, I’d say stay. We’ll find you something else. I’ll need someone to drive my shiny new van.”
Their jokey tone belied the sadness in their eyes.
They pulled themself up the metal ladder to the quay, and Kasia followed. “I’m not a van driver, I’m a hotel manager.” She didn’t know what else to say.
Joey threw her a towel. “Just tell me you’re not going to work in Dublin.”
Kasia shrugged.
“But you’ll hate it. Find a job by the sea. In a smaller place. I’ll help you.”
“I need it to be different. Not a pale imitation of life on Inishderry. Nothing will ever match my time here.” She used the towel she was drying her hair with to hide the tears.
Joey wrapped their arms around her. “I’m sorry, I’m being selfish. But I’ll miss you so much.”
“Same here. I’ll come and visit on days off. And you’ll have to get yourself some fancy Dublin restaurant clients, so you’ve got an excuse to come and see me.”
“I’ll never need an excuse.” Joey’s hug tightened for a moment, then they released her. “Come on, let’s get dressed and go celebrate our new ventures.”
“Have you told Tierney yet?”
Kasia nearly choked on her mouthful of fish. She swallowed carefully and took a long drink of water. “Not yet. I’ll tell her soon.”
“You should tell her now. What’s stopping you?”
She put her fork down, appetite fading. “I’m not sure. It makes it very real, I guess. Leaving the hotel, leaving the island. All of it.”
Leaving Tierney she left unsaid, but she’d burned that bridge after the storm. Maybe one day the pain would fade, and shewouldn’t feel as if something special had slipped through her grasp.
