Page 78 of Changing Tides
They leaned back against the wall and tried to still their rushing thoughts. “I love my work, Mari. But it’s not all that I am, and I don’t want tonight to be about selling lobsters.”
Marianne straightened her shoulders. “And that’s probably why you can’t sell enough lobsters. You need to take every advantage, Joey. When’s the next time you’ll be in a room with Dublin’s top chefs and restauranteurs?”
“When’s the next time I’ll be out for a night in Dublin with the woman I?—”
The doors swung open, and Imelda rushed out. “Hey, babe. What are you doing hiding out here?”
Mari didn’t turn. Her eyes were locked on Joey’s. Joey blinked, frozen by what they had been about to say.
“Come and talk to Miguel. He’s looking for a head chef.”
“Can I talk to Joey for a minute? I’ll join you shortly.”
Imelda’s long nailed finger wrapped around Mari’s upper arm. “He’s keen to talk. Let’s not waste the opportunity.”
Joey plastered a smile onto their face. “Go for it. I was just leaving, anyway.”
“Will you wait for me at Mum’s?” Mari’s eyes were wide, but she didn’t fight being dragged back inside by Imelda. Joey didn’t reply before the door swung closed behind her.
They tried to think beyond the panic of almost telling Marianne they loved her. Their phone buzzed in their pocket, and they picked up, surprised to see Donal’s name.
“Joey, you need to come home. Don’t panic, but Dad’s not well.”
Joey drove through the dark trying desperately to stay in control. Their head was throbbing like it was being dashed against a rock. They could’ve sought out Marianne before they left, but the call from Donal had shaken them so much all they could think was to get back home as soon as possible. So, they’d sent her a quick text as they sprinted to the van.
They were most of the way to Galway before the hands-free display lit with Mari’s name.
“Joey, what’s happened? Are you okay?” Mari’s words were slurred.
“Sorry, I had to go home. Dad’s had a stroke.”
“Oh my God, how is he? Are you okay to drive?”
“Yeah. Donal says he’s stable. I just need to get to him. I’m sorry I left you. If you get the train back on Thursday, I’ll get one of the boys to fetch you from the station to the ferry.” Worry about abandoning Marianne and Denny was adding to the beat in their head.
“I would’ve come with you.”
“You couldn’t. You were busy and you wouldn’t have left Denny behind.”
“Joey, I want to be there to support you. That’s what couples do.” Marianne’s voice faltered.
Joey squeezed the steering wheel until their knuckles were white. “I don’t think this is the time to focus on our relationship.”
The breath that came down the line was faltering. “Can we talk as soon as I get back, then?”
“You’ve got work, and I might be at the hospital. I’ll see you when I see you. Take care, Mari, and give my love to Denny.” They hung up before the tears stinging their eyes could fall. They couldn’t deal with Marianne. They couldn’t face the mess they’d got themself into. Not right now.
Joey violently swung asidethe curtain, and their brothers spun around. The sight of their dad hooked up to all that equipment made their head reel.
“Fuck, Joey, calm down. I said he was stable.” Donal jumped up and held them by the elbows as the urgency left them, and they started to shake with the adrenaline.
“Did you drive all the way back on your own?” Liam stood, too, and guided them to the chair by their dad’s bed.
“Yeah. I just got into the van and drove.” The last few hours of staying in control were taking their toll. Joey struggled not to sob as they took in their dad’s gray skin and slack features. “Tell me what you know.”
“I’m going to get you coffee and something to eat.” Liam parted the curtain and left.
Donal sat on the arm of the chair. “The doctors will be back in the morning, but they say he’s stable.” He wrapped his arm around Joey’s shoulders. “They’ve done a scan, and it wasn’t a massive stroke, so they’ll assess the extent of damage when hewakes up.” He nudged Joey’s cheek. “He’s a tough old fella. He’ll be okay.”
