Page 42 of Changing Tides
“She was in a terrible state, so I’ve sent her to a health resort in Waterford.”
“Health resort? Do you mean that gambling rehab place you sent her before? It didn’t work so well last time, did it?”
“I will take care of my daughter in the way I see fit. You had your chance and you neglected her.”
“Neglected? I worked my ass off for our business.”
“For your career, Marianne, as always.”
Marianne took a deep breath. “Can you ask her to call me, please? We need to discuss how she maintains contact with Denny.”
“She’s in no condition to talk to you or make decisions. Sort out your own life and look after your child.”
Marianne ended the call before she said something she’d regret and lay down on the sofa. She had to take control of her future, even if it was only for the short term.
Denny rantoward Bridie with open arms, and she picked him up with a laugh.
Marianne felt a wave of relief that he enjoyed his time with the childminder. “Thanks for having him a little early. I’ve got a meeting.”
“It’s a pleasure; he’s a lovely boy. Are you going to say goodbye to your mama, Denny?”
Denny waved silently, but at least he was smiling. In moments of insecurity Marianne imagined him chatting away to everyone else the moment she left. She’d already witnessed how much more talkative he was in Joey’s company. Had she and Amira caused his slowness in speaking with their hostile environment? She hoped she could make things up to him. But how could she when she spent most of her time palming him off onto someone else?
She groaned as she pulled the truck into the Waterside’s car park and lowered her head onto the steering wheel. It always felt as though she wasn’t giving her best to anything. She didn’t spend enough time with her child, her career was on hold, she was married to someone she hadn’t spoken to in weeks.
She lifted her head and looked up at the gleaming white hotel. She’d found at least some semblance of normality here. A job where she was appreciated, a routine that was manageable, even if she wished she had more quality time with Denny. And of course, the reassuring presence of Joey, who’d turned into the dearest friend she could have asked for. Admittedly a little more than that, but friendship was what she desperately needed right now.
A few months here rebuilding her online following, getting her divorce sorted, and then she could go back to the capital with her head held high. Marianne walked into the Waterside with a new sense of positivity and the semblance of a plan. All she needed now was to convince Kasia she could be relied on for the rest of the summer. She went looking for her before her good mood could fade and found her hanging sheets on the line in the garden out back of the hotel.
Marianne was surprised how much of the work Kasia took on herself. She was happy to make beds or clean rooms. She just did what needed doing without complaint.
But kitchens ran differently, didn’t they? It was a more hierarchical setup. If Marianne had to take over the more basic tasks, it meant someone wasn’t doing their job properly, and that reflected badly on her.
“Are you going to stand and watch, or do you want to help me fold this sheet?”
Marianne jumped to attention. Running her kitchen effectively was one thing, but blatantly standing by while her employer worked was not acceptable. She grabbed the corners and helped Kasia hang the last sheet on the line.
When they’d done, Kasia sat down on the low wall. “So, you’ve made a decision?”
“I have. I’d like to stay for the summer, if you’ll have me.”
Kasia nodded slowly. “If it’s definitely the right decision for you, it works for us.” She held out her hand. “I’ll get a contract written up.” Her grip was less fierce than it had been a few weeks ago. Marianne hoped that was a sign Kasia was building trust and respect for her. This summer could be a long drag if they continuously clashed about her authority.
But if everything went well, this could be the perfect opportunity to recharge her batteries and prepare for her big return to the real world.
SEVENTEEN
“So,Marianne’s staying for the season?” Joey stared at the top of their perfect, creamy pint. They’d made time to go to the pub with Tierney for the first time in weeks.
“Yep, she signed the contract yesterday. I’m surprised she hasn’t shared the news yet.” Tierney was chewing on bar snacks and flicking through the brochure advertising all the summer’s events on the island.
“I’m trying not to crowd her. Kasia was saying she doesn’t seem to mix much with the islanders so I thought it might be because I’m always hanging around her, not giving her a chance to meet anyone else.” They kept their voice low so Seán the bar manager wouldn’t hear, but he was busy talking to Jacky.
“I think she meant that, outside of work, Marianne relies a little too much on you organizing things for her. If she wants to get on here, she needs to build her own relationships.”
Joey took a long drink from their pint. “I’m worried about becoming too reliant on her company.”
“Well, now you know she’s here all summer. Are you pleased about that?”
