Page 38 of Changing Tides
They sat together on the tailgate and sipped cocoa in silence.
“So, Marianne’s settling in?”
Kasia turned and raised an eyebrow.
“I did beg you to give her a job. I’m invested in it working out.”
“Well, it is so far. She says you helped her find a rental, and she’s often driving about in your truck, but we’ve not seen you around at all.”
“I’ll leave the keys to the truck at the cottage. She’ll need it to move house. I’ve kept in touch; I just couldn’t face talking to people.” Couldn’t face Marianne to be precise, but they weren’t sharing that.
“She’s moving out tomorrow. We can’t help much because there’s a big weekend group, but she could do with a hand, if you’re free?”
“Uh, I was…” Tumbleweed drifted down the empty street of their mind. There were no excuses forthcoming.
“It’s Sunday and your dad’s going to the social at the community center, Jacky tells me, so I thought you might be free for a few hours. If you’re feeling up to it, of course. You can come and eat in the restaurant after service.”
Joey was torn. They didn’t want to leave Marianne with no support, but they didn’t know if they could deal with being around her.
“Think about it.” Kasia tapped their arm then jumped down from the back of the truck.
“I’ll drop you back, and let Marianne know I’ll be there tomorrow.” Joey followed her.
“She’s working. I can tell her.”
“I’ll stick my head in the kitchen and say hi, if that’s okay?” That way they could keep the interaction short; Marianne certainly would be too busy to talk.
At the hotel, Joey made a point of seeking out Tierney, who was taking a break in the upstairs apartment.
The door was open, but Joey knocked on the doorframe before entering.
“Joey.” Tierney rushed at them with open arms. “Where have you been? Look, the nugget’s enormous now.” She smoothed her T-shirt to show a small bump.
Joey smiled in happiness. “Wow, are you sure it’s not twins?”
Tierney’s expression turned to alarm for a moment. “The scan didn’t show twins. You know they run in the family?” A grin broke back out. “Are you teasing me? I know it’s not that noticeable from the outside, but I feel real big.”
“You’re perfect. I’m sorry I’ve been a little reclusive lately. I’ll try harder to be here for you and the twins.”
They laughed together. Joey shared their plans for the next day, then with mixed feelings, they went in search of Marianne. A busy dinner service would be starting soon, so the kitchen was bustling. They waited in the doorway for a moment to speak to Marianne.
Connor, the sous chef, murmured a greeting as he passed to go into the kitchen office. Marianne emerged a moment later, smart as always in her black tunic and checkered trousers. She looked around the kitchen until her eyes fell on Joey. A smile flickered across her lips, only to be replaced with a frown. She strode over, pulled her black bandanna from her red hair. “Hi, I’m pleased to see you in person, finally, but this isn’t the best time.”
“I know, I just wanted to say I’ll be there bright and early to help you move into the Moneen place tomorrow.”
More emotions flickered across Mari’s freckled features. “I thought you said you were busy?”
“I moved a few things around and freed up the day. I want to help.”Moved a few things around?They hoped Marianne didn’t think too deeply on the ridiculousness of that statement.
Marianne smiled with a hint of wariness. “Thank you. I appreciate it. And Denny will be pleased. He’s been practicing your name for two weeks.”
Joey groaned internally. They’d convinced themself Mari and Denny would be fine without them, but they’d already built a relationship with Denny, at least. “Sorry, I should’ve come around sooner.”
“Yeah.” Marianne straightened her shoulders. “But we all have lives, and you’ve done so much for us already. You can get reacquainted tomorrow.” She looked over her shoulder.
“I know you need to get back. I’ll see you in the morning.” Joey turned and left the kitchen, trying to ignore the warmth that spread through them at knowing they’d be spending time with Mari and Denny again.
Kasia caught them on the way out. “If you want to talk, I’m always here.”
