Page 80 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
Managing the project had taken her back to her first job after college; the renovation of the apartment building her father had so strongly disapproved of. She’d forgotten how much pleasure she got seeing a job come to fruition.
She’d had to leave briefly in May for a photo shoot. The easy money and the referrals for other jobs next year had been useful, and she was happy to be less choosy about the jobs she took, as long as she could get away occasionally to do the wildlife shoots that made her heart sing.
She now had a new balance in her life, and she welcomed the feeling everything was as it should be.
Following Kasia’s suggestion, she dressed in new cargo pants and a short-sleeved shirt. Why antagonize her father for the sake of it? She could dress like a beach bum for the rest of the summer once he’d gone.
She went out on the balcony to watch for the ferry coming in. From there, she could see the row of renovated cottagesstretching down almost to the water’s edge. No longer gray and crumbling, they shone white in the sun, with new roofs and shiny red doors, looking uniform and smart. Kasia wrapped her arms around her from behind and rested her chin on Tierney’s shoulder.
“Are you admiring your handiwork?”
“I can hardly take credit for the actual work. All I do is float around all day making videos for social media.”
“You do so much more than that, and you know it. The work is being done at twice the pace it would be without your input. You should be very proud, Tierney.”
She turned in Kasia’s arms and returned the embrace. Kasia’s lips touched her neck, and she shuddered.
“I think Granny would be happy with what we’re doing. Once all the work is done on the main building and we’re ready to open the restaurant, I’ll be happy to sit back and take pleasure in what we’ve achieved.”
Kasia chuckled against her shoulder. “You’re so businesslike these days. I hope you’re not going to lose your sense of adventure.”
She returned the laugh, knowing she was being teased. “You know as well as I do without that checklist you give me every day, I’d have no idea what was going on. But I’m enjoying the challenge.”
She shielded her eyes from the glare of the sun glinting on the sea. The ferry boat was just rounding the lighthouse.
Kasia took her hand. “Come on. Your next challenge awaits.”
When they were walking down to the harbor hand in hand, a shout from behind made them turn.
Joey jogged down the hill. “I thought you might appreciate some safety in numbers.”
Kasia’s laugh rang out like a bell, and Tierney reflected once again how on much she loved that sound. They reached the quayjust as the first passengers scooted down the gangplank. Day visitors, eager to make the most of the few hours they had to explore, quickly dispersed toward the bike rental or the tourist information stall. A few locals disembarked next and waved as they juggled shopping bags and packages. Finally, Megan and Al stepped onto the stone quay.
Tierney didn’t hold back her whoop and launched herself at her best friend. For once, her own workload had been as much of a barrier to them meeting up as Megan’s.
“We’re gonna have to work harder at this. I can’t be away from you for so long.” When they finally let each other go, Tierney turned. “Megan, I want you to meet Kasia. I may have told you a bit about her.”
Kasia stepped forward and pulled Megan into a long hug. “It’s so good to meet you at last.”
Tierney turned to Al. She wrapped her arms around him, her face only coming to his chest. “Hey, Al, welcome to Inishderry. You’re gonna love it.”
“I hope so. Megan’s reviews have been mixed.” He laughed and stepped aside to meet Kasia. Tierney was suddenly face-to-face with her dad.
He stood on the gangplank, looking around at his surroundings with tight lips. She wondered if he was regretting his decision.
“Hey, Dad. Welcome home.”
His gaze moved to her, and he gave her a tight smile. “Tierney. Good to see you.” He placed a hand on her arm. “How are things going with the Waterside?”
“Introductions first.”
She took his bag from him and led him aside so Jacky, who had been waiting patiently behind, could carry the rest of their luggage onto the quay.
“Dad, this is Kasia.” She took a step back and Kasia moved in, wrapping her arms around him. He stiffened for a moment and then hugged her back.
“Kevin,” Kasia said, “I’m very pleased to meet you after all this time. You’re going to be amazed at what Tierney has done with the hotel.” She winked over his shoulder, so Tierney closed her mouth and followed as Kasia linked arms with him and led them all back to the hotel.
“Wow,” Megan muttered. Al and Joey followed with the group’s bags. “She’s keeping it informal.”
