Marianne hid her face in Denny’s curls, but she couldn’t bear to pull away from Joey’s reassuring grip. She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
She took a few long breaths and pulled back from Denny. He took her head in his little hands and kissed her, which nearly set her off again. She didn’t know what was wrong with her today. This new job was so unchallenging she could do it in her sleep. Why did she feel so vulnerable?
Joey took their hand away and pulled out a tissue. They watched her, eyebrows pulled together over their sea-blue eyes. She took the tissue gratefully and hitched Denny onto her hip while she wiped her eyes.
“Thank you once again. How do you always know when to come to my rescue?”
Joey’s mouth dropped a little open. “Uh…instinct?”
She smiled and they grinned back as if they were pleased it was the right answer.
“Well, whatever it is, I’m glad you’re in my life—and Denny’s—Joey.”
“Denny, Joey?” Denny hugged her neck tight.
“Good boy, that’s right. Denny and Joey and Mama.” She sat him back and pointed to each of them as she said their names.
Denny smiled but said nothing.
“Damn it.”
“He’ll say it soon when you least expect it.” Joey ruffled his curls.
Marianne realized they were still standing on the lawn in full view of the hotel. “Will you come back to the cottage?” She didn’t try to hide how much she wanted that to happen.
“Yeah, I’d like that. Have you eaten?”
“No, I was supposed to bring back food from the kitchen, but I left in a bit of a strop.”
When Joey stopped, she turned to see what was wrong.
“It was your first day, Mari. How did you leave on bad terms?”
“Don’t be dramatic.” She set Denny to the ground now they were close to the cottage. “Kasia was being a bitch and we disagreed about my approach. It’s fine.”
Joey stared. “Kasia isn’t a bitch; she’s my best friend. If she’s worried about something she has good reason.”
“Her reason is she doesn’t trust me and wants to make all the decisions.” She turned and pulled Joey by the hand. “Come and eat with us. I’ll pull something together in no time.” She smiled her most dazzling smile and Joey visibly melted under its warmth.
“Okay, but please be nice to Kasia. She’s one of the good guys.”
They sat at the table, Joey picking at the stir fry Marianne had prepared with a faraway look in their eyes.
“Do you not like it?” It hadn’t occurred to her Joey might not enjoy what she’d cooked.
Joey looked up and a faint smile played on their lips. “Of course, I do. It’s delicious.” They filled their fork and took a mouthful, chewing slowly.
“Lishus.” Denny’s attempt to mimic Joey ended with his fork catapulting food across the table. Marianne cleaned it up quickly while Joey showed Denny how to hold his fork.
“What’s on your mind, then?” She wanted to understand Joey better, but they seemed to keep so much internalized.
Joey turned from Denny and finished chewing. “I need to make some decisions about my business, and I’m not happy with the choices I seem to have before me.”
Marianne resisted the urge to take their hand. “Can I help? You’ve done so much to help me, and I know I’m responsible for the predicament you’re in now.”
Joey blinked. “Oh no, you working at the Waterside is a massive boost for my biggest customer.” They looked away. “It’s just not enough.”
“To make up for the loss of Batiya’s business. I know and I’m sorry.”
