Page 27 of Changing Tides
“Sit down.” Kasia pointed at the table and took her place opposite. Tierney went to the refrigerator and pulled out items.
“What does Denny like to eat?”
“Uh, I don’t know. He likes cheese, for sure.”
Kasia put a hand over theirs and they looked into her concerned hazel eyes. “We’re a little concerned Marianne is imposing on you. She’s clearly going through a crisis, and you’ve been very kind to help out, but it seems like a lot.”
They resisted pulling their hand away. “I’m enjoying it. Denny’s a good kid.”
Hearing his name, Denny left his post at the window, which Joey noticed was now smeared with fingerprints, and ran to Joey’s side.
They picked him up and sat him on their knee.
“But all this.” Kasia gestured to them. “It’s temporary, isn’t it? You don’t want to build a real bond with Denny and then Marianne moves on.”
“I’m not a child, Kasia.”
“No, you’re not. But you have a big heart, and I don’t want to see that taken advantage of.”
Tierney brought a plate to the table. She’d cut Denny’s sandwich into little sailing boat shapes, and he reached out immediately. “Boat.”
“Cheese boats,” said Joey.
“Sheez?”
“Yep.” They jiggled him on their knee, and he tucked into his snack.
Tierney returned with more traditionally shaped food for the rest of them.
“Kasia loves you and doesn’t like people to take advantage. You know how protective she can be.” Tierney squeezed Kasia’s shoulder.
“No one’s taking advantage, okay?” Joey picked the crusts off a sandwich. “And maybe Mariannewillbe around for a while. She’s going to call you about the job.”
Kasia raised her eyebrows. “I haven’t heard anything so far.”
Joey wanted to keep the nature of Marianne’s incapacitation from Kasia in case it affected her job prospects.
“She’s not very well today. I think the reality of what’s happened has finally hit her.” There was some truth in that, anyway.
“She’s been here two days, and she doesn’t appear to have left your cottage except to be fed. If she wants to live here, she could try mixing a little.”
“Her life has fallen apart in a few short days. She’s lost her business and her marriage is over. Please try and be a little more understanding.” Joey put Denny down on the floor when hefinished his sandwich. They felt uncomfortable about Marianne being criticized in his presence. He toddled off to the window. “Sheez harba.”
Joey chewed on their sandwich, but it tasted dry. “Do you have any relish?” They started to get up, but Tierney handed them a jar and pushed them back down.
“Your counseling session isn’t over. Listen to Kasia. She has your best interests at heart.”
Joey didn’t really want to hear.
“It’s lovely you’re helping Marianne and Denny out. All I’m saying is don’t get too attached. To either of them. You’re cooing over his new words like a proud parent.”
Joey put their head in their hands. “I like kids. And he’s a great kid.”
“I know you do.” Kasia’s voice was softer now. “We just don’t want to see you hurt, okay?”
“Okay.” They would say anything at this point to end the grilling.
Kasia stood and pulled them into an embrace. They returned it halfheartedly, still annoyed with Kasia’s interference.
