Page 19 of Changing Tides
“Ferry’s coming in. I’ll see you later.” They jogged away down the path, leaving Kasia to her laundry.
“Bring them here to eat tonight.” Kasia’s voice followed them. “And your dad, too.”
They waved agreement and continued to the quay, not wanting Marianne to arrive on the island without a greeting.
The last boat was mostly locals returning from work and the few visitors staying on the island. People streamed across the gangplank, most of them greeting Joey with a slap on the shoulder. They stood aside to chat with Tierney’s cousin Aoife about lifeboat training for a few moments, then the crowd cleared, and Marianne walked up the gangway, trying to juggle a pushchair, Denny, and a large holdall.
Jacky Keane, the ferry worker, jumped back on board. “Don’t you struggle. I’ll take these. You look after the little one.”
He lugged the bag and the buggy onto dry land where Joey stepped forward to take them. Jacky’s eyes opened wide, and an evil grin spread across his face as he glanced between Marianne and Joey. As they took the bag, Joey glared at him in warning. They didn’t need Marianne to be put off staying by the island’s biggest gossip.
“There you go, Joey. Branching into B and B, are we?”
“It’s a temporary arrangement.” Joey turned to greet Marianne. “Welcome back to Inishderry.” They couldn’t have prevented the smile that widened across their face if they’d tried.
Marianne barely returned it. “Thank you. It’s been quite the few days.”
Her eyes were puffy, and she looked exhausted. Joey was reminded this wasn’t a pleasure visit; Marianne was homeless.
“Let’s get you settled in the cottage, and you can have a rest.”
They led the way to the truck and hoped Mari wouldn’t be too horrified by their cottage. They were satisfied with their lifestyle. They loved their job and Inishderry. Sure, it was a little isolating at times, but generally they had a lot to be thankful for. But they couldn’t help thinking the more Marianne knew about them, the more she would realize how limited their life was. And whatMarianne thought of them mattered more than they were willing to admit.
NINE
Marianne lookedaround the bright little cottage. She’d expected it to be much darker, but Joey had removed the gable end of the building and replaced it with a glass conservatory, surrounded by a covered wooden deck. It was flooded with light on this sunny evening.
“Here’s your room.” Joey kicked open a door to a simple bedroom and placed the holdall on the floor. “And Denny should be okay in here, shouldn’t he?” They led her to another room, tiny but decorated with a boating theme. Warmth filled Marianne at the effort Joey had gone to in making them feel welcome.
“The bed’s low. I don’t have a rail or anything, but I’ve left all the spare pillows there, so hopefully you can make him safe.”
“He’ll be fine. Thank you so much for all of this. You have a beautiful home.”
Joey threw her such a disbelieving look she had the sudden urge to wrap her arms around them and tell them just how wonderful they were. The thought of being that close to Joey made her tingle with something that definitely wasn’t gratitude.Where did that come from?Joey was truly an angel, but Marianne had never considered them anything but a friend.Why would she? She’d been happily married. She laughed bitterly to herself. Well, married, at least.
Joey still watched her with a puzzled frown. She’d gotten lost in her thoughts. Denny, still on her hip, for once was being patient. She let him down to explore.
“Joey, your home is lovely and your willingness to open it up to us is just wonderful. I hope you know how much I appreciate it.”
Joey’s cheeks reddened and they moved away to the kitchen area. “Just help yourselves to anything. There’s plenty in the cupboards.” They swung open a door. “Denny and I probably have similar breakfast cereal tastes.”
Marianne laughed at the options, all chocolate flavored.
“I eat healthily for most of the day. Breakfast is my treat.”
“I’m sure Denny will appreciate your choices. Where is he?” She swung around, realizing he was out of sight. They found him in the tiny room, sitting on the sailing ship bedspread and contemplating a model boat on the window ledge.
Joey picked it up and handed it to him. “It’s not for playing, but you can have a look. It’s the same model as my boat, Queen Maedbh.”
“Boat.” Denny turned it around carefully.
“We can go on my boat soon, when your mum says it’s okay.”
“Boat?” Denny stared at Marianne with hope in his big brown eyes. They laughed.
Marianne lifted him and pulled him close. “Yes, we’ll go on the boat when Joey’s got time.”
“If you’re early risers, you’re welcome to come with me to check the pots in the morning. I’ve got insurance. I do trips for visitors. Denny’ll be safe, if you keep hold of him.” Joey spoke casually but their bright blue eyes held a look of optimism that equaled Denny’s.
