Page 69 of Changing Tides
Joey rubbed their face. “Liam was telling me how Marianne is going to leave and break my heart. I don’t need to hear that.”
“I’m sure that’s not what he meant, and you don’t know Marianne will leave. Just try and enjoy what you’ve got.”
“I do know, though, don’t I? Mari will leave soon, and I’ll be alone.”
“Nothing’s written in stone, Joey. I never thought Tierney would stay and make her home here with me, but this place gets under your skin. Maybe Marianne will decide it’s here she belongs.”
“It’s not the same thing. This is Tierney’s family home. She belongs here; she just didn’t know it back then. Marianne’s only here because she was desperate and exhausted, and I made it easy for her. Someone like her would never settle here. It’s only a matter of time.” They stood up. “Anyway, I’m going to take a long walk with my own thoughts and enjoy the peace and quiet that I’m not gonna have when I get home.”
“Shall I take the bill off what we owe you?” Kasia asked.
“Yeah, thanks.” Joey headed for the door. “I’ll drop in to see Marianne before I go.”
Kasia laughed. “Well, if she doesn’t stay, it won’t be for lack of attention on your part.”
“I’m not sure knowing that will help.”
Joey headed for the back door to the kitchen and slipped in. “Hey, Connor, will you let Marianne know I’m here if she’s got two minutes to spare?”
He nodded as he bustled past. “Yeah, will do.”
Joey waited in the passageway and rested their head back against the wall. Liam was right. Why were they putting themself through this?
“Hey, Joey. This is a surprise.”
That was why. Because every moment spent with Marianne, every time she spoke their name, it made it worthwhile. They pushed themself away from the wall as she approached. “Hi. I’ll pick you up tonight. Save you walking home.”
“That’s very kind, but you don’t need to do that. Connor will take me.” Marianne moved in close.
It wasn’t kind, it was purely in Joey’s own interest. They hadn’t wanted to abandon their brothers the moment they returned, but they’d barely had time to explore what they’d started with Mari and the few nights of separation already had been agony. Now it was looking like Marianne might not be here much longer. “I really want to see you.” They pulled her close.
Marianne pushed them away with gentle pressure. “I can’t now.” She smiled. “But yes, take me home later.”
Joey slipped back outside and started the walk home. Liam was absolutely right. They were going to get horribly hurt some time in the near future. Until then, they would soak up the absolute joy of being with Marianne. It was too perfect.
TWENTY-SEVEN
“That’swhat I was calling to tell you, Mum.” Marianne gritted her teeth.If you’d ever give me a word in edgewise.“We’re coming to visit next week for Denny’s birthday.”
“Next week? You haven’t even checked if I’m available.”
“Are you?”
“Possibly, but that’s not the point. What if I’d been out of the country?”
Her mother liked to spend her money in fine restaurants and spas, but she rarely traveled far from her home county.
“Sorry, I should’ve given you more notice. I thought you’d want to see Denny. Can you believe he’ll be two?” She hoped the promise of reuniting her mum with her grandson would be enough to make the stay bearable. Her mum’s hostility was her own doing. She should’ve pulled herself together and gone to see her sooner. But she’d had such a busy summer.
“What I can’t believe is that you haven’t brought him to see me for over half the year. I’m missing my grandson growing up.”
“I’m really sorry. I was having a difficult time, and I had a lot of things to juggle.”
“Well, what’s done is done. I’ll have a room made up for you.”
“Thank you, but I’m traveling with someone. Would they be welcome to stay, too? If not, we can stay nearby.”
“They? Why are you being cryptic, Marianne? Don’t tell me you’ve finally found a good man?”
