Page 42 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
She’d reflected on those dark days so many times it didn’t hurt to talk about the events, but the feeling of betrayal and abandonment still hung over her like a shroud.
Tierney’s brows came together. “Do youwantto go home?”
“No.” She didn’t need to think about the answer. “I’d like to see my nieces, sure, but I can’t stand going back to that atmosphere and all those memories of rejection and resentment.”
“Then don’t go. How long has it been?”
She’d bottled up so much for so long, she was glad to let it all out. “I went back every few years to begin with. I gritted my teeth and let my grandmother say all the hurtful things she always said, until I’d done my duty and could leave. The last time was for my brother’s wedding over eight years ago. She was even worse then, pointing out that I was in my thirties, and if I didn’t give up my perverted ways, I’d never find a man and settle down.And I would go to hell, obviously. It was the same old hate. I spent my last night sleeping on a bench at the airport because I couldn’t bear it any longer.”
She let out a long sigh.
“So, I swore I would never put myself through it again.” She noticed she’d mirrored Tierney’s pose while she was talking. “I found peace on this little island, and Peggy always told me I should do what felt right for me.”
“I don’t think you should beat yourself up about it.” Tierney stretched her legs and stood. “Why don’t you invite your brother and his family here? They can stay in the hotel, so they’d only have flights to pay for. Then you get to see your nieces without any of that shit.”
Kasia was touched by Tierney’s kindness. “Thank you, but I can’t imagine them coming all this way.”
“Why don’t you ask? Put the ball in their court, as it were. If it works out, you could invite your folks later.”
Tierney’s optimism was catching. “Perhaps I will. Thanks, Tierney.” She remembered Tierney’s earlier intrusion. “Were you looking for me?”
“Oh, yeah, Joey said they’d left some swimming kit here and wanted me to pick it up. I found it all by myself.” She grinned.
Kasia’s chest tightened at the thought of being left out. “Are you going swimming?” She left the “without me” unsaid.
“We’re all going. I’m to pick you up, and we’ll meet Joey at the harbor. Get your swimsuit.” She left Kasia to put her laptop away and collect her swimsuit.
She filled a bag, put on a warm coat, and headed to the back door to meet Tierney, who was loaded up with her camera bags.
It was a rare still day as they headed for the harbor, and Kasia was glad of it. The weather was cold enough without an icy wind. Queen Maedbh bobbed nearby, her white hull gleamingagainst the blue of the water. Joey spotted them, gave a wave, and started the engine, cruising over close to the slipway.
Kasia inched her way down, aware of the green seaweed coating the smooth stones. Tierney shot past her, lost her footing, and teetered toward the water, the weight of her bags adding to her momentum. Grabbing her elbow, Kasia caught her weight until she could regain her balance. They ended up in an impromptu embrace, and Tierney looked up at her with a grin.
“You saved my life, Kasia. I’ll be in your debt forever.” She winked.
Kasia’s cheeks burned. “Saved your equipment, anyway. I thought we were swimming, not taking photos.”
“It doesn’t hurt to be prepared.” Tierney hoisted her bags more securely on her shoulders but didn’t object when Kasia took one to carry.
Joey pulled up smoothly next to them. “Kasia saved your ass there.”
“I know. I was just telling her I’m now her servant until the debt is repaid.”
“Shut up, Tierney.” Kasia pushed aside the flustered feeling by clambering onto the boat. She left the bags in the shelter of the wheelhouse and hugged Joey. “Where are we going to swim? It’s going to be a cold one.”
Joey turned to Tierney. “We’re heading to the island, aren’t we?”
Kasia had learned early on the residents of Inishderry referred to the smaller island of Inishkyle as “the island.”
“Oh, wonderful. I’ve always wanted to go. Will there be birds at this time of year?”
“There’s always birds.” Joey laughed. “Especially when the tourists have gone away.”
Tierney carefully stacked her equipment. “It’s too early for puffins, but we’ll see gannets, and if we’re lucky, maybe choughs.Out on the island, they’ll be less afraid of people, so we might get up close.”
“I’ve only brought my swimming costume. Are we staying long?” Kasia felt a little out of the loop.
“Let’s see how it goes, hey?”
