Page 21 of Harbor Lights (Inishderry Island Romances #3)

“What’s your favorite part of living on the island?” She was genuinely interested in the way Shiv had adapted from a life on the open roads of the US to this tiny community. Although she guessed the intervening year without any freedom may have reset her wandering itch.

Shiv turned and regarded her. “There’s a lot I like. The people are pretty cool. They look after each other, which is something I’ve always had in my life. I don’t think I could live in a city or even a town where no one knows you.”

“The island community is very special.”

“And I love the wildness of it. The wind and the sky. At night the stars are like they were in the desert.”

“Sounds like you’re getting fond of this little island. Maybe it really is in your blood.”

“My grandfather is gonna kick me out of the house come spring, so he clearly doesn’t think I belong here.”

“Doc! Siobhán!”

They turned to see who was calling. Aoife Walsh was getting out of her car in front of her house, her older daughter, Gracie, following behind.

“Hey, Aoife, how’s life?” Con was always pleased to see the red-haired ferry captain, but it had been her twin, Christy, working the ferry today.

“Hey, Siobhán, we’ve not met properly yet. I’m Aoife, and this is my eldest, Grace.”

Shiv took her proffered hand and tipped her head toward the sullen girl.

Aoife turned back to Con. “Not so bad. I had to take a day off to go to a meeting at Gracie’s school because she’s been bunking off, but other than that, we’re all good.”

The girl rolled her eyes. “I was bored, and I went to the park. Everyone’s making a big deal of it.”

Con hadn’t seen her for a couple of months and was surprised at the change from sweet little girl to gangly twelve-going-on-seventeen-year-old. She jammed her fists in her jeans jacket pockets in a way that reminded Con of Shiv. Well, they were related.

“School’s important, Gracie. You’ll soon be finishing for the Christmas break, and then you can spend all the time in the park you want.”

“Yeah, stuck on this island. All my friends are in town.”

“At least you’ve got some contacts in the ferry business.”

Gracie did a fake laugh and wandered into the house.

“Sorry, Doc. No one warns you about this when you’re carrying a tiny cute little newborn.”

Con smiled. “We’re off for dinner at the Waterside.” Her stomach rumbled to emphasize the urgency.

“I’ll see you on the ferry soon. Bye, Siobhán.” Aoife waved to her cousin then followed Gracie into the house. Shiv stuck up a hand in return.

“That kid is queer,” she murmured, as they continued their walk through the village.

“Gracie? She’s only twelve, yet.”

“I knew when I was that age, and I bet you did, too.”

Con considered. Her first couple of years at boarding school had been lonely, and she had indeed felt separate when she began to understand she felt about girls like most girls felt about boys.

“Maybe, but I certainly didn’t have the language to talk about it.

If you’re right about Gracie, she’ll be fine.

Her family is very caring and inclusive, and her uncle Christy’s gay. ”

“And the kids at school?” Shiv raised an eyebrow as they entered the hotel gates.

Con’s response was forestalled by the array of cars in the car park. So many suggested almost everyone on the island had converged on the Waterside tonight. She wondered what was happening, and by her wide eyes, Shiv was clearly having a similar thought.

Tierney met them at the restaurant door with a hug. “Well, hello strangers. Are you finally here to take us up on that meal, Shiv?”

“Not tonight.” Con stepped inside. “This is my treat.”

“Well, you’re lucky because Marianne is here, working with Colette, trying out some new regionally sourced ingredients, so if you want to try the tasting menu you’ll be in for a treat. There’s a vegetarian option.” She tipped her head at Shiv.

“Sounds perfect. Are you sure you can fit us in?”

“We can always find space for you, Doc. And family never gets turned away. You may have to endure being interviewed by Mari, though. She’s doing some social media content.”

Although they weren’t touching, Con sensed Shiv’s whole body stiffen, and she took a step back as if she was about to bolt.

Con rested a hand on Tierney’s forearm. “Is it okay if we don’t do that? I’m too old for this social media malarkey. Do you have a table away from the filming?”

Tierney nodded. “Sure.” She led the way to a table close to the large window but set aside from the main room. “This is my favorite table for people watching, while remaining unnoticed.”

“Thanks.” Shiv spoke her first word since entering.

They sat, Shiv with her back to the corner, her eyes flickering over the noisy crowd. Con’s seat would give her very little to look at other than Shiv and the darkness falling outside. She hoped they could have a relaxed meal without Shiv feeling too anxious.

She’d been daydreaming about seeing Shiv all week. Part of her had been terrified she’d ruined what they had by being too much. So, she was going to make the most of this evening. If only Shiv would relax a little.