“Yeah.” They ran a finger through the condensation on their glass. “I can’t help but be delighted. I am trying to be morenormal about it.” They nearly shared what had happened with the kiss, but it felt too intimate and private, even with Tierney, who they’d known all their life.
“She seems to like you a lot. D’you think if she sticks around, you might get together?”
Joey laughed at Tierney’s eternal optimism. “Do I think a celebrity chef might decide to stay on this rock, sort out all her other shit, and then fall in love with…” They waved at themself. “Me? I don’t see why not.”
Tierney didn’t join their laughter. “Joey, don’t do that. You’re a great catch. Don’t put yourself down.”
They finished their pint, suddenly wanting to be alone. “This has been grand, but I need to head back.”
“Please don’t run off. We were having a good evening. I’d almost forgotten I’m not drinking.” Tierney grasped their sleeve as they stood. “Please, Joey.”
They dropped back onto their stool. Perhaps talking to Tierney was healthier than dwelling on things alone. At least that’s what Doc Scott would tell them. “I thought I was doing okay.”
“So, you really like her, then?”
“Oh, yeah. I always did. But it was easy to write it off as some silly crush when she was a city customer with a wife. Now she’s here on Inishderry, my home, every single day. And the more I get to know her, the deeper I fall.”
“Have you talked about it?” Tierney’s brown eyes shone with empathy.
“We’ve talked about her getting her life sorted and needing a good friend. I want to be there for her without making anything awkward.”
“You’re an amazing person, the best. She’s lucky to have you in her life, whatever that looks like.” Tierney’s words were saidwith such sincerity, Joey had no doubt she meant them. But hearing that didn’t help them believe any of it.
“If you want me to stay, can we talk about something else?” Joey finished their pint and licked their top lip. “Another 7-Up?” They waved their empty glass at Seán, who nodded.
Tierney laughed. “One’s plenty, thanks. Shall I tell you about the dreary job my dad wants me to work on back in the US? You need to help me come up with a good excuse not to go.”
They chatted about Tierney’s plans for wildlife photography tours after the baby was born, and other casual topics, for the rest of the evening. Joey was glad of the easy company and the distraction from other thoughts for a while. They reminded themself that the summer was about to kick off, and no one would have a chance to think about anything else for a few months. That included their obsession with Marianne. Busy was good. They left the bar with a renewed sense of confidence. They should spend more time with Tierney. She was good for the soul.
“Hey there, stranger.”
Marianne’s voice sent a shiver through Joey. They turned to see her poking her head out of the kitchen delivery doors. Her bandanna was in her hand and her short hair was damp and mussed.
“Hey, how’s it going?” They put down the empty crates on the trolley and walked back up the path.
“You used to run the deliveries by me before you left.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Connor was senior enough to check them. I didn’t want to disturb you.”Didn’t want to see you and stare into your eyes like a lovesick puppy, just like I’m doing now.
“He is. It’s fine, it just feels like you’ve been avoiding me. I thought we were good?” Marianne’s freckled forehead creased.
“Yeah, yeah, all good. I’ve been busy with the business planning, and I thought you would be, too. How’s Denny doing?”
“He’s settled in well with Bridie. He loves going with her to the school to pick up the other kids. They’re doing him good.” Marianne’s face brightened and Joey was glad she was feeling more reassured about Denny.
“Actually, I was going to call you.”
Joey’s finger had been hovering over Marianne’s number all week, but they didn’t know if it was helpful to find out she’d been thinking of them, too.
“You know you said you’d help with Denny if I needed it?”
They nodded.
“Aisling can’t do Saturday night, and I’m on evening service. I don’t suppose you’re free?”
I’m always free. Especially when you smile at me like that.“I think so. I’d like to spend some time with Denny. Let me know what time.”
“Thanks, Joey, you’re a star.” She turned her head toward the kitchen door. “I’d better get back in. See you Saturday around five?”
