Page 77 of Where the Waves Kiss the Shore
“The capacity of the hotel itself will be less as we’re focusing on the self-catering offer. But with the cottages, caravans, and glamping pods, we’ll have almost fifty percentmorecapacity overall. And we’ll be actively attracting visitors through marketing.”
Tierney came across strong and vibrant as she smiled at her audience. She spoke with conviction and passion. It was very attractive, and Kasia shifted on her bar stool as desire surged through her.
Tierney must’ve caught the movement because she turned her smile to Kasia. “Kasia will be my business partner, and while she’ll still be general manager, we’ll be hiring enough staff so Kasia can actually have a day off occasionally.”
She swallowed and gave Tierney a nod of thanks before she looked around. A rumble of approval from the crowd made Kasia feel warm inside. She mirrored Tierney’s smile as she looked around at her chosen community.
“We’ll also be developing themed weekends to attract visitors. We hope you’ll all get involved in providing an island experience that makes people want to go and tell their friends.” She swung her arms wide. “This is an opportunity to bring visitors and vibrancy to Inishderry. It’s not about bringing thousands more day visitors but attracting people who want to experience life on the island and spend money when they’re here. Everyone can benefit if we work together.”
“And what will your role be, Tierney?” Desmond’s voice came again from the Walsh family table. “Will you just be dropping in occasionally to bestow your presence on the lowly islanders?”
Kasia gave him her best intimidating stare. He had a nerve; most of his visits were to entertain his business contacts.
Tierney didn’t let her smile slip. “Thanks for asking, Uncle Desmond. I’ll be here full time while we develop the hotel. Once everything’s settled down, I may have to travel occasionally forwork, but this is my home.” She turned and raised her eyebrow at Kasia.
Kasia nodded. She had nothing to be ashamed of anymore. She was proud of her love for Tierney, and she wanted everyone to know.
Tierney put her arm around her. “Kasia and I are planning to make the Waterside our home together.”
A chorus of whistles and kissing noises broke out, along with shouts of congratulations.
Tierney pulled up a bar stool alongside Kasia. “Thank you. We’re happy to talk with any of you individually, and to share the details of our business plan, but I wanted to tell you all what we were doing. Now, what questions do you have?”
Mary Doyle from the bookshop stood up. “It sounds like a good thing to me. Many day visitors don’t get as far as my shop. How about a literary weekend?”
“Absolutely, Mary. That’s just the sort of idea we’re looking for. Let’s talk soon.”
Kasia felt movement behind her. Joey shifted from their shadowed corner to stand tall beside Tierney.
“I’ll support in any way I can. More opportunity to sell our catch on the island can only be a good thing.”
The other fisher families nodded, and someone shouted, “A seafood festival.”
Everyone cheered, and Joey sat down. Kasia appreciated their loyalty, knowing standing up in a meeting wasn’t something Joey was comfortable with.
Aoife came around from behind the bar. “I think it’s a great thing for the island. We can cross promote and offer hotel visitors a discount on the ferry, can’t we, Dad?”
Anthony shuffled in his seat and looked awkwardly at his older brother. “We can talk about it.”
“I’d like to discuss some of the details with you both after this meeting, if that’s convenient?” Tierney caught Desmond’s eye. “We all need to work together for the good of the island and our community.”
He shrugged. “We’re here now. We might as well.”
A couple of other residents had their say about how the plans could help their businesses, and Tierney confirmed they would prioritize local produce in the restaurant. Eventually, people dispersed, stopping to clap Tierney on the shoulder and wish her luck.
When Tierney turned to Kasia, she rolled her eyes before joining her uncles at the high table. Kasia followed and sat slightly apart. Tierney elbowed Christy so he moved up the bench, and she motioned for Kasia to join them.
“Kasia’s my partner in business as well as life. She’ll be part of the conversation.”
“I don’t know what you want from us. We don’t wish you any harm, but the hotel is nothing to do with us now.” Desmond sat back with his arms folded.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You both have businesses on this island, and you’re spiting yourselves by not embracing the opportunities the hotel could provide.”
Tierney slapped the table.
“I don’t care about whatever feud you and my dad are wrapped up in.Nobodycares. And by taking it out on me and my business, you’re hurting plenty of others, and you’re wasting time and energy on something stupid.”
“Tierney’s right, Dad,” Aoife said. “We want to work in harmony. Whatever problem you two have with Uncle Kevin, it’s nothing to do with us.”
