Page 70 of Changing Tides
Marianne ground the heel of her hand into her forehead.Not this again.
“No, mum, not a man. But Joey’s not a woman, either. They’re non-binary. And they use they and them as their pronouns.”
“What on?—”
“Mum, you don’t need to understand. All I ask is that you respect them and use the right pronouns. If you don’t feel able to do that, I think it would be best if we stayed elsewhere.”
“So now you’re threatening me with not seeing my grandson.”
“I didn’t say that. I’m asking if my…friend can stay at your house, with a request that you behave nicely.” Why had she said friend? Joey was so much more than that, but it was difficult to find the right word. “I know I’ve hurt you staying away these last few months, but I don’t want to bring Joey into the middle of our conflict.”
Her mum’s exaggerated sigh crackled on the line. “We have a lot to talk about, but I would never refuse a guest hospitality.Theyare welcome to stay.”
“Thanks, Mum. I can’t wait to see you.”
Marianne hung up and wondered if dragging Joey into her mother’s lair was the best thing for anyone. She had three nights away, and both sides of Denny’s family to juggle, as well as reigniting some of her professional relationships. She needed it to work as well as it could, and Joey was the best person to have at her side. She hoped it would all work out.
When she was sure all the urgent jobs had been completed, Marianne left the kitchen staff to lock up and waited by the sidedoor for Joey. It was only a short detour for Connor to drop her home, but when Joey had offered, she hadn’t been able to resist the opportunity to see them.
Lights appeared at the bottom of the lane, and she walked down the car park to meet them. She jumped into the cab and leaned over. Joey gave her a long, slow kiss that deepened until they turned in their seat to thread their fingers through her hair and pull her in even tighter. It was sexy as hell, but Marianne sensed something else—desperation?—in Joey’s manner. She pulled back, slightly breathless.
“Hey.” She ran a hand down Joey’s cheek. “You okay?”
They didn’t raise their eyes from her lips. “Yeah. Just happy to see you.”
“You’re coming home with me. No—” She cut off Joey’s retort as they pulled away from the car park. “Your family’s seen enough of you for now. You’ve given up your house for your brothers. You deserve a night away from that armchair.” She knew Joey’s back would be in knots after a few nights on the small couch at their dad’s house.
“And besides, I need you in my bed. It’s been too long.” She was surprised how much she’d missed Joey. They’d managed another night together before the O’Hara brothers’ arrival, but Denny had been restless and they’d just enjoyed sleeping in each other’s arms. But Marianne’s bed already felt cold, and far too big without Joey in it.
“Okay.” They glanced at her. “I’ve missed you so much, too.”
She had to be stronger when it came to Joey. Did she need to slowly wean herself off their warm, loving presence? She still hadn’t made any decisions about what to do when her contract ended in a few short weeks. Kasia had told her she was welcome to stay into the autumn, but the seasonal staff would begin to leave, visitor numbers would dwindle, and the kitchen workwould become more and more mundane. She didn’t want to end up cooking breakfasts for hungover stag parties.
She hoped the trip to Dublin would clarify things for her. If she had more of an idea of her options, she could start to plan.
She looked over at Joey, whose gaze was fixed on the dark, winding lane ahead. For tonight she was going to get every bit of Joey she could, while she could.
They stopped next to the house, and Joey pulled out their phone. “I’ll let Donal know where I am, but I doubt Dad’ll notice. He’ll be in bed by now.”
Marianne jumped out, keen to get Aisling on her way so she could have Joey all to herself. Aisling met them at the door. “Everything’s fine and Denny’s asleep. My lift’s just on the way. See you tomorrow, Marianne. Oh, hi, Joey. Bye.” She trotted down the path into the darkness, but the trees were immediately floodlit by car headlights. A battered green car pulled up and Aisling jumped in.
“I bet Young Tony doesn’t know about that.” Joey watched the car drive away. “I can’t imagine Mikey Tyrrell would be his first choice of boyfriend for his daughter.”
Marianne took Joey’s hand and pulled them inside. She pushed them back against the closed door and kissed them. The kiss deepened again, until Joey pulled away. “Go and check on Denny. I’ll make tea.”
Denny half woke when she entered his room, and she kissed him and whispered comforting things until he dropped back into sleep. When she got downstairs, Joey was in the lounge, sipping from a steaming mug. She picked up her own cup and sat down close so their legs were touching.
“I’m looking forward to our road trip.”
“Are you? I can’t imagine things are going to be smooth with Amira. Will you have to face her mother, too?”
Joey was right. This wasn’t a pleasure trip. She had to remember this was for Denny, however unpleasant it may get. She leaned into the reassuring solidness of Joey’s chest, and they wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Probably.” She sighed. “I just want us to work out a way for Denny to grow up around both his parents. But I’m still so angry with Amira.”
“Perhaps letting that go would help you move on.”
Joey’s caress turned into a gentle massage of her shoulder, and she groaned and leaned in to increase the pressure.
“You’re so tense.” Joey repositioned on the couch until they had full access to Marianne’s shoulders. Their strong hands worked wonders, and soon she was feeling a lot more relaxed.
