Page 48 of Harbor Lights
“Yeah. I’m still negotiating fair payment for the work I’m doing at the cabin. He keeps threatening to get someone local to do it, even though we both know no one wants the job. Which was why he sent me there in the first place. The other day, I investigated the building, and Christy told me it belongs to Des, so I suggested he sign it over to me in exchange for the work.”
“And he said yes?” It wasn’t like Des Walsh to hand over property.
“He didn’t say no. He doesn’t like giving things away, but my work on the cabin will bring him an income, and the shed is no use to him. It would need thousands to make it habitable and it’s too close to the road to make a good holiday let.”
“Perfect for kids coming from the ferry, though.”
“You said you’d prefer something on the mainland.” Shiv fiddled with the cassette player.
“But we’d be shipping island kids to the mainland, so why not take the mainland kids to Inishderry? I like the idea in theory. Can we go have a look?”
“Yeah, let me know when you’re back on the island and I’ll meet you there.”
“But if this works out, it’ll cost you money, Siobhán. That seems unfair.”
Shiv shrugged. “I’ve spent every cent I ever earned on causes, and this is an amazing project. It’ll really help the local kids. Besides, I’ve got plenty of work now. Especially if you still want that other consulting room redecorated.”
“I do. And the garden work needs doing when the weather improves.”
They sat in companionable silence as the music played them back to the harbor. Perhaps Con could find jobs to keep Shiv around for the foreseeable future. And the youth club project would be something they’d need to work on closely. But she’d only just sworn to keep her distance to keep herself safe from heartbreak. She was so conflicted. It was as though Shiv was a drug she couldn’t get enough of, even though it would eventually cause her great harm. She knew what guidance she would give to a patient in this situation. Would she be able to follow her own advice?
SIXTEEN
“Siobhán, wait up.”
Shiv turned to see her cousin Aoife jogging up the hill, impeded by the short legs of the two little boys she was pulling along behind her. As she waited for them to catch up, she realized she recognized the smaller of the two.
“Hey, Denny, no boat today?”
“Shiiiiiv!” Denny broke loose and ran to her, holding out his arms, so she had no choice but to scoop him up.
Aoife approached. “Wow. You’ve made a fan.”
Shiv shrugged. “We both like boats, don’t we, Denny?”
“An’ yobsters.”
She had never shared her opinions on crustaceans of any type, but she wasn’t going to argue with a three-year-old. “Yeah, we love lobsters.” She did a pincer movement with her hand, and he copied, giggling.
“Where are you off to?” She smiled at the red-haired child still holding Aoife’s hand.
“This is Ruane, my youngest. You’ve not met yet, have you?”
Shiv lowered Denny, hunkered down, and held out a hand. “Hi, Ruane.”
The little boy shook it enthusiastically.
“We’re off to the play park, aren’t we boys? Wanna come along?”
Aoife was so friendly, and Shiv was aware she hadn’t been very sociable on their previous meetings. She wanted to do better. “Yeah, I’ll join you for a bit. But only if this park has swings.” She looked to the boys.
“It has swings!” the boys shouted in unison.
“And a slide?”
“Yeah, a big one,” Denny said.
He grabbed Shiv’s hand and Ruane followed suit with the other one and they propelled her down the hill as fast as their legs would take them.
