Page 28 of Changing Tides
“Hey.” Kasia pulled tighter. “Hug me like you mean it.”
Joey hugged with their usual enthusiasm until they were released.
“Now, go and take your cute friend back out to the cheese harbor.”
Walking back down to Queen Maedbh with Denny on their shoulders squirming to wave goodbye to Tierney and Kasia, Joey knew Kasia was right. Putting any emotional effort into a relationship with these two adorable people who’d fallen into their life was too risky. Eventually, Marianne would move on to the celebrity life she adored, and the anticipation of loss already felt unbearable. They had to get a grip on their own emotions and let Marianne get on with her life.
TWELVE
Kasia,resplendent in a crisp white shirt that looked as though it had just been ironed, motioned to the chair opposite.
Marianne sat. “Thank you for seeing me, I appreciate it.”
Kasia observed her, her hazel eyes hooded. “You’ve got Joey to thank for this.” She straightened a little. “It’s not that I don’t understand how good a chef you are. I’ve eaten your food; I’ve seen the awards and the accolades. I just don’t understand how you could consider working on this little island in our family restaurant.”
So Kasia was going to make it difficult. Marianne held up a hand. “You know the circumstances. I wouldn’t have chosen it after running my own restaurant for a few years. But I don’t want to go back to the city and your restaurant has a good reputation.” She smiled what she hoped was an engaging smile. “I’ve eaten here, too, remember?”
Kasia crossed her hands on the desk. “But for how long? We can’t afford to be messed around when you realize it’s not challenging enough, or you’re not treated with enough reverence.”
Marianne cleared her throat. “I’m not that kind of chef. I run my kitchen with mutual respect, but it’s a no-go zone for egos.”
“We’re a small organization and if something goes wrong, we’re all hands on deck. You could be asked to cover for sickness at short notice.”
Marianne felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. “That’s no problem at all. My difficulty is usually staying out of the kitchen.”
“It may not just be the kitchen, though. Tom occasionally covered front of house in an emergency. Are you prepared to put your hand to anything?”
Marianne couldn’t hide her surprise at the question. “I’m a chef, I don’t do restaurant duties.”
Kasia laughed. “That’s what I was afraid of.” She sat back. “Look, Marianne, I know it’s ridiculous to ask you these questions, but that’s what I need, which is why I didn’t think you were the right fit for us. I’d like to help you out, but this hotel and my family and staff come first. I have to do what’s right for them.”
Marianne panicked. She’d assumed her reputation would get her the job without any issue, but Kasia wasn’t looking for an award-winning chef, she was looking for someone who fit. “You’re right. This isn’t a perfect match, but I really need it. Please. I’ll try to adapt to whatever you need from me if you give me a chance. One thing that’s assured is that I’ll put the hours in.”
Kasia’s expression was still guarded. “If we did give you a trial, what about Denny? How will you manage?”
Her confidence took another dive. “I…I don’t know yet. I’ll need to arrange a childminder. I haven’t been here long, but I didn’t want to make any arrangements without a job. I’ll need to find accommodation, too.”
“You will. Joey is the kindest person I know. Please don’t take advantage of that.” The protectiveness in Kasia’s tone was evident.
“I know. They’ve been so good, but I can’t take over their house any longer. I’ll look for a home for us.”
Kasia’s face softened. “We’ll have Tom’s old room, but it’s not suitable for a child to live in. I’ll give you a list of rentals, but there’s a shortage in the summer months.” She cleared her throat. “For now, you can move back into the cottage you stayed in. It’s free for a couple of weeks until the midterm break.”
Marianne felt relief spread through her and she realized how much tension she’d been holding. She’d never been so desperate for anything and here she was begging for a job where she might be asked to make up the beds, for fuck’s sake. She made sure to show how grateful she was. “Thank you so much, Kasia. I won’t let you down.”
“A month’s trial and then we’ll look at a contract for the rest of the season. I need commitment from you, too.” Kasia stood and she followed her to the door.
“I literally have nowhere else to go. I need this chance to get back on my feet and I’ll always be grateful you gave it to me. I promise I’ll raise the reputation of your restaurant in return.”
Kasia opened the door and Joey, holding Denny, and Tierney looked up from where they were standing, pretending to be deep in conversation. Tierney’s eyes were wide.
“Marianne’s going to do a month’s trial and we’ll take it from there.”
Joey’s white teeth shone in their weather-beaten face. “Great news.”
Marianne smiled back. “And in even better news for you, Kasia says I can stay in a cottage for a couple of weeks while I find accommodation. You can have your home back.”
Joey blinked. “Ah, that’s not urgent. My dad’s enjoying the company, to be honest.”
