Page 19 of Harbor Lights (Inishderry Island Romances #3)

TWELVE

Shiv took a couple of deep breaths before she spoke into her cellphone.

“I know you said it was a temporary arrangement, Granddad, but if you’re planning to rent it out in the spring, that would have been useful to hear from you, not Uncle Anto.”

“Why did you think I was paying for all of this? It’s no value to me just sitting there empty.”

“It isn’t empty, it’s my home, if only temporarily, and I’m putting plenty more work into it now. If you’re not intending to let me live here for a while in return, it’s just free labor.”

“For your family, Siobhán. You’ve been absent so long I’d think you’d be happy to be back in the fold.”

She bit back the retort she wanted to give. “Well, I need money to live on, so I’ll need to leave the other tasks, and get a paid job so that I can feed myself.”

“Very well.” He let out a ridiculous sigh. “Give me a fair price for the rest of the work and I’ll consider it.”

She agreed and rang off quickly, pleased she had stood up to him. She’d never let people take advantage of her before, but this whole situation with a family she didn’t know had knocked her off balance, and she’d been grateful for the opportunity to lie low with a roof over her head.

But Con had been right to point out Shiv was being taken for a ride.

At least now, she could see the work through and afford to live.

She checked the time and pulled on her boots.

Christy had invited her over for lunch and she was planning to take the cliff walk and a long detour around the island first. It was a bright Saturday morning, the first sign of blue skies for over a week, and she was determined to make the most of it.

When she’d awoken to see the weather, she’d messaged Con, asking if this would be a good time to make a start on some of the grounds work. But Con had responded to say she had plans today and it wouldn’t be convenient.

Shiv hadn’t asked what the plans might be, but the rejection had hurt probably more than it should.

Since their recent conversation, something had changed in their budding friendship.

Con hadn’t instigated any chats and had responded almost abruptly to the last couple of messages Shiv had sent.

She wondered if she’d really upset Con with her suggestion the other evening.

She’d just said the best way to solve a problem was to sort it yourself.

Wasn’t that true? She wanted to tell Con she’d taken her advice and spoken to her granddad about payment, but she didn’t want to face another brush off.

She grabbed her most showerproof jacket and took off for the clifftop.

She really would need to upgrade her outdoor wardrobe, if she was to survive an Inishderry winter. Perhaps now she’d be able to afford it.

She took the clifftop path at a good pace and enjoyed the strenuous climb as she headed for the high point.

From here, she saw nothing except open water.

On this calm day, the water reflected the blue of the sky, seabirds rose and dove into the sea, and it felt like paradise.

She wished Con was here to enjoy it with her.

She upped her pace a notch, so she had to focus on the march and not on inappropriate and clearly unrequited thoughts of spending time with Con.

After half an hour of marching, she’d cleared the cliffs on the northeast of the island and headed downhill toward Joey’s little bay.

From there, she could take the road and be at Christy’s house by twelve.

As she jogged down the path, a bank of cloud moving across the island covered the sun, and the temperature dropped by a few degrees.

The clouds had that ominous dark gray that suggested she was going to get a good soaking.

She pulled on her lightweight windbreaker and hoped she’d make it before the weather broke.

As she marched across the beach in front of Joey’s cottage, the rain began to fall in earnest. She pulled up the zipper on her jacket around her chin and pulled her cap lower over her eyes. She shoved her hands into her jeans pockets and trudged on resolutely.

“Shiv!”

Joey stood on their wooden deck, waving.

“Come inside before you’re soaked.”

Deciding it would be better to arrive at Christy’s a little late than leave a puddle on his furniture, she dashed through the rain and followed Joey inside the little cottage.

A fire burned in the hearth and Denny was sitting on the floor.

Marianne was cross-legged beside him as they worked on a puzzle with giant wooden pieces.

“Shiv!” Denny jumped up and ran over. He grabbed her sleeve. “Shiv’s wet.” He rubbed his hand on the seat of his pants.

“Yes, she is, shrimp. She doesn’t seem to have gotten the hang of the Inishderry weather yet.” Joey helped Shiv pull off her jacket and hung it over the back of a chair to dry, then leaned in for the inevitable hug.

“It was sunny when I left.” Shiv grinned up at Joey, knowing that was a lame excuse.

Marianne had got up from the floor and wandered over. “Do you not own a proper coat?”

She managed not to overreact to Mari’s kiss on her cheek. “Um, no, not really. It didn’t rain much where I used to live.” That and the fact that I left in a hurry with barely any belongings .

“Well, you’re in luck. Joey here bought a job lot, and now we can’t move for waterproof coats.” She looked meaningfully at Joey, and they opened the door to their bedroom and disappeared inside.

Joey emerged with a folded turquoise coat. “Does this fit?” They held one out and Shiv took it, unzipped it and slipped it on.

It was one of the long coats from the boat, with O’Hara’s Sea Safaris embroidered onto the chest. It had a warm fleece lining and a deep hood that she pulled up. “I like this. Very cozy. Are you selling them?”

“You can have it. Do some advertising for the sea safaris.”

“Shiv got same coat as me.” Denny pointed, laughing.

Marianne laughed. “We’ve all got one. You can join the crew.”

“Are you sure?” Shiv was touched by the kindness of these virtual strangers.

“Of course. Now, do you want to stay for lunch, or were you on your way somewhere, marching so determinedly?”

Shiv had almost forgotten about her lunch date. She checked her watch. “Oh, shit.”

Denny giggled.

“I mean darn, sorry. I’m going to be late for Christy.”

“Ah, Christy won’t mind. Do you want me to drop you up there now?” Joey asked.

“No, thank you. I’ll try out my new coat on the walk.”

She said her goodbyes to Denny and Marianne, and Joey walked her to the door. “Sun’s out again now.” They grinned as she pushed down her hood and stepped out.

“Thanks again for this.” She pulled at her jacket.

After another ten minutes of walking, she reached the red door of Christy’s little bungalow. He swung it open as she approached. “Welcome. And looking so smart in your sea safari coat.”

“It was a gift from Joey and Mari. You’re just jealous.” She slipped it off and kicked off her boots as she entered, moving into a beautifully furnished living room. The walls were white and dominated by a cabinet containing what looked like antique glassware.

The furnishings were color coordinated and very tasteful. “What a beautiful house you have.”

“Come on and I’ll show you around.” He led her into a kitchen kitted out with matching appliances and a simple wooden table set for two. Mouthwatering smells of baking came from the range.

“I’ve made us soup and baked some fresh bread. Let me show you the rest, and then we’ll sit down.” He led her to two perfectly furnished bedrooms, and they peeped out into an immaculate cottage garden, tidy and ready for winter.

“It’s all so beautiful.” She followed him back into the kitchen.

“Are you surprised the rough ferry operator has such an eye for decor?” His blue eyes twinkled.

“Not at all. You must be very proud of it.”

“It’s my pride and joy. I spend a lot of time here. When I’m not working or raving it up in the city.” He grinned. “You should come on one of my trips. It doesn’t hurt to get a bit of nightlife, occasionally.”

Shiv slid into a chair. “That’s never been my thing, if I’m honest. I don’t drink and I’m not keen on crowded places. It’s why I found…” She tailed off, not wanting to turn the conversation to her dubious past.

Christy placed a loaf on a wooden board in front of her. “Help yourself.” He added a bread knife and a butter dish.

Shiv realized she was starving and set about slicing the warm bread while Christy ladled soup into bowls. He sat down. “It’s broccoli from the garden.” He indicated the soup.

Shiv filled her mouth with bread, dripping with butter. “This is soo good,” she mumbled around it.

“It’s just bread.” Christy laughed. “I could teach you to bake it.”

“I’m not big on cooking.” She buttered another slice. “But I’m very willing to try other people’s recipes.” She reluctantly put down the bread and tasted the soup. “Mmm, this is good, too.”

“Jesus, Shiv, it’s like you’ve never had food.”

She thought back to her breakfast protein shake. She opted for meals that could be made quickly and easily with maximum nutrition. She took another bite of the warm fresh crusty bread. But maybe, food could be enjoyable, too.

Once they’d eaten, they chatted, and Christy told her a little about his life. He’d never expected, as a gay man, to settle down with anyone on the island, so he went to the city for companionship. Occasionally, he’d have a fling with a tourist on the island, but they never got to visit his house.

“This is my place to get away from everyone and just be myself. I prefer it like that.”

Shiv smiled. Christy seemed happy in his lifestyle. When he’d washed the plates and returned everything to its rightful place, they sat at the table and drank tea.

“I’m off to Galway this evening,” he said abruptly. “I don’t get many weekends off, so gotta make the most of it. Are you sure you can’t be tempted?”

She held up her hands. “Positive. But you get ready to go and I’ll walk you down to the quay.”

“Oh, I don’t get dressed up here. The ferry ride would ruin my hair.” He tossed his head with a laugh. “We have a family apartment in the city. I get ready for my big night on the town there.”

Shiv wondered if there was more to it than that. Did Christy really feel comfortable being his true self on the island, or was he living two lives? She guessed it wasn’t her business to pry.

When she got back to her cabin later, she chewed distractedly on the bread Christy had given her as she browsed her online messages.

Her contacts were getting a little impatient she wasn’t replying to messages as quickly as she used to.

But out on the road, she’d had her laptop and cell by her side at all times.

Here there was too much else to focus on, between her various jobs, visiting new friends and, until she’d pissed her off the other day, trying to spend time with Con.

But was she just kidding herself? Trying to live a normal, respectable life wasn’t her thing.

It never had been. That’s why Con had pushed her away.

She wasn’t girlfriend material. Was she even a suitable friend?

Even if Con did want that, Shiv was already unsure it would be enough for her.

So, if she was such a bad fit for this little island and its inhabitants, why did it all feel so good?