Page 95 of Changing Tides
“And I’ll be fine. I’ve still got five days of being a blimp.” Tierney waved her lemonade at them.
Kasia stood, her nervousness evident. “Shall we go and find our places, then?”
“Yeah, Kasia made me go cheap with the table, so we’ll probably be in the corridor.” Tierney hoisted herself up with Kasia’s help. “I’ll be glad when this nugget is making their own way.”
Marianne laughed as they strolled to the door. “You say that now.”
“Oh, don’t. I’ve heard it all from Aoife.”
Marianne didn’t let up on her hold of Joey until they reached their table close to the stage.
Kasia turned. “Do we have you to thank for this?”
Marianne shrugged. “Not directly, but Imelda is on the organizing committee, and she does love a chance to put me on display.”
Wonderful. Joey had come to terms with the fact that being with Marianne meant being in the public eye, but it would be a long time before it felt natural.
They settled and the evening began with a warm-up from a food-loving comedian who quickly had the audience relaxed and enjoying the evening. Awards began and were given out to cafes, food trucks, gastropubs, and the like. Best restaurant was the last category, so Joey had been prepared for the wait. They were coming back from the bar when Kasia approached and steered them out of the function room.
“No panic. Tierney thinks her water just broke. We’re going to the hospital. It’s all fine, she’ll be fine.” Her rate of speech belied her attempt at a calm tone.
They broke her tight grasp on their arm and pulled her into a hug. “It will be. This is what you’ve been waiting for. Go look after Tierney.”
Kasia pulled back. “You’ll stay and hold the fort, though?”
“Mari was born for this stuff. She’ll see you right. Just go. Now.” Joey propelled her toward the table where she scooped up Tierney with minimal fuss and led her to the exit.
Marianne raised her eyebrow. “It’s happening, then?”
“They think so. If we win, will you be good for the acceptance?” They knew Marianne had a winning speech in the back of her head for most occasions, so she’d manage it with grace.
Marianne nodded happily. “I’m so pleased for them. Their lives are about to change irrevocably, and it’s going to be an amazing adventure. Whatever has happened since, Denny will always be the best thing I ever made.”
They took her hand across the table. “I wish I could have had Denny with you. That’s an adventure I’d have enjoyed.”
Marianne squeezed and held their gaze. “It’s never too late for an adventure, Joey.”
“So,what was the reception like when you won? Did the Golden Coast people look gutted? Did you get any video footage?” Tierney leaned forward, her hospital gown falling around her shoulders.
Joey pushed it back. “Are you not supposed to be resting while Kasia settles the nugget? Calm down.”
“She’s not a nugget anymore. She’s Peggy. And I slept all night after she totally popped out of me. They said we were lucky we came in as soon as we did. Or she’d be a taxi baby.” She widened her bright, if bloodshot, eyes. “Or worse, an awards ceremony baby!”
“She didn’t even have any drugs.” Kasia’s dry tone made Joey turn toward the doorway, where she cradled a tiny bundle in a green and red hat.
Marianne jumped up. “May I?”
Kasia was quick to hand her over. “She’ll need feeding soon. But the Duracell bunny here will be fine with that.”
“I like feeding her, what’s wrong with that?” Tierney sat back a little.
Marianne sat on the edge of the bed, cradling the precious bundle. “Nothing, it’s wonderful. You’ll probably feel a little tired at some point, though.”
Seeing Mari with a new baby was making Joey feel all kinds of strange. They shook themself. “Is there anything I can do for you? What’s happening with the Waterside?”
Having the baby so far from home hadn’t been on Kasia’s spreadsheet, so they wanted to help in any practical way they could.
Kasia shrugged with weary shoulders. “I think we’re good. Colette has stepped up in the kitchen and the front of house staff have it all in hand.” She shared one of those smiles that softened her whole face. “Turns out, not being a complete control freak has its benefits.”
