Page 39 of Hooked

“Depends on who’s operating the boat,” I call back. I’m not ready to give a hard yes or no. Not yet.

She doesn’t reply, and I leave to pick up the supplies I need to finish my roof and check in on the cleanup of Sia’s stuff. Everything will be ready by Christmas Eve, including that first portfolio.

A Christmas miracle, Sia would say.

Back at the fish shack, I finish my repairs, satisfied with the waterproofing and the shingling work. I retrieve Taco and bring him home, along with a few things I’d left at Danny’s.

And just like that, I’m alone again.

It’s always been so peaceful here, but now I don’t know if it’s peaceful or sad. My time with Sia plays out before me like the ghost of Christmas past. Her limp, frozen body in my arms giving way to the warm, full person that she is.

Thinking about her in that storm scares the shit out of me now. I haven’t felt this kind of fear since I was a kid.

I hate this feeling.

My phone rings, saving me from having to wrestle with feelings. Kieran. Maybe he’s early?

I answer.

“Hey, Vinny! You fix the roof? My cousin drive you batty yet?”

I bristle. I know he’s kidding, but I don’t want him talking about her like she’s a joke. Not after everything she’s been through.

“Everything’s fine. Are you on your way?”

“I’m calling Sia next,” he replies. “It looks like we’re not going to be able to come out. What with my dad being sick and all.”

She’ll be devastated. Plus it’s not like Murphy to not honor a commitment, especially not to his family. I wonder if he knows this decision is being made in his name.

“Can some of you come out? Seeing you is really important to her. It doesn’t have to be everyone. She wouldn’t want your dad’s health to be compromised. She loves him like a father.”

The other end is quiet. Like Kieran figures he’s called the wrong number. I don’t blame him—I’m just as surprised.

“She’s been talking nonstop about getting your family together.”

“I’m sorry,” Kieran says. “I really am. But Sia’s a resilient kid. She’ll be okay. We’ll make it up to her with a big New Year’s bash.”

Kieran doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, but his answer strikes me as flippant, even if unintentionally. “She’s not a kid, Kieran. And she’s resilient because she’s had to be. I don’t think you know the extent of what she’s been through.”

I’m guessing Sia didn’t tell her cousins how Danny blamed her for Drew’s death, and that she probably still blames herself, completely without reason. I tell Kieran for her.

The silence hangs between us.

“Christ. That’s beyond fucked up,” Kieran says, finally. “Thank you for telling me.” Something in his tone shifts. “It sounds like you two have gotten close?”

I can’t tell if he’s just surprised or jealous that Sia’s been able to get to me in a way he hasn’t.

“She’s had a rough time, Kieran. She came back hoping to make amends with your uncle and nearly drowned and froze to death along the way. She’s strong as hell, but even the strongest people have their breaking point.”

“What do you mean nearly drowned and froze to death?” Kieran interjects.

She hadn’t told them that either.

“She came over during the nor’easter and the boat she was on stalled out. The Guard had to go out and rescue her and the boat captain. She was in rough shape for a while.”

“Fucking hell. I wish she’d said something. What the fuck else don’t we know? Were you on the rescue team?”

“Yeah. She saved the captain’s life. Held his head above water after he got knocked out. I wish she’d told you too, but maybe there’s a reason she didn’t? She didn’t want to worry you all with your dad being ill.”

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