Page 68 of Changing Tides
Joey watched their dad’s reaction. His face crumpled for just a moment, then he shook his head and straightened. “Is she a good girl? Does she look after you?”
“She’s a teacher, Dad, so she’s not sitting at home waiting to feed me. But she’s good to me, and I love her.”
Joey stood and went around the table to hug him. “I’m really pleased for you, Donie. Can’t wait to meet her.” They turned to their dad. “Aren’t you pleased, Dad?”
“Will you be coming home for the wedding?” He scowled and Joey wished he could at least congratulate Donal.
“We’ve not even set a date yet, Dad.” Donal bit his nail and glanced at Joey. “But I think it’s more likely we’ll have the wedding in Olivia’s hometown.”
Liam leaned over. “But we’ll get you over for it.” He turned to Joey. “Won’t we, Joey?”
In other words, won’t I?“Of course, we’ll make a great holiday of it in the sun, Dad. It’ll be wonderful.” Their smile wasbaked on by this point. They hoped the last of the food would come soon so they could go home. Not that it’d be more peaceful once they got there.
Their desserts arrived, and as they ate, Donal reassured their dad he would return home often and if and when there were grandchildren, Michael wouldn’t lose out on seeing them grow up. Joey thought that was unlikely.
Donal wiped his mouth and dropped his serviette on the table. “Liam’s got something to tell you, too.” They all turned to Liam, whose eyes widened like a deer in the headlights.
“Maybe it could wait till later. I can’t top Donal’s news.” His smile was nervous, and Joey wondered how much worse the evening was going to get.
“You might as well get on with it,” their dad growled. “Are you going to tell me you’re moving to Timbuktu?”
Liam blinked. “Uh, no. The good news is I’ve been offered a captain’s position.”
“Liam, that’s wonderful. Well done.” Joey reached over and squeezed his hand.
“And the bad news?”
Joey scowled at their dad. “Dad, give him a break. You could say congratulations.”
“Nah, he’s right, Joe, there’s a downside. The job’s based in Alaska.”
“Alaska?” Joey and their dad spoke together.
“I know, I know. It’s a long way.” He pushed his empty plate aside to rest his forearms on the table. “But it’s much better paid. I’ll be at sea for months at a time, but between jobs, I’ll be able to come home for a few weeks.” He looked Joey in the eye. “I’ll be able to give you a break from the boat, so you can have proper holidays for a change.”
“I’m okay as things are, thanks.” Their brothers had left them to manage the family fishing business for nearly twenty years,and never asked if they minded. They had long ceased to think of Liam or Donal as having any involvement in the business. “I like working on the boat.”
Donal leaned forward. “We know you do, Joey. But we’re worried about you. You need a chance to get out and live your life.”
“No, I don’t.” They laughed, but it sounded hollow to their own ears. “I’ve got Dad living next door…” Donal and Liam shared a look and their dad glanced away.
“Good friends nearby.” They tipped their head toward Kasia, who was showing a family to their table. “And I’m seeing Marianne at the moment. That’s not lonely.”
“But you’ve never had a real relationship. Not just a summer fling with a celebrity chef who’s going to run back to Dublin and leave you all alone again.”
Liam wasn’t trying to be cruel. He probably had no idea of the crushing pain Joey felt in their chest at those words vocalizing their worst fears. He was just making a point.
“You need the chance to go out and meet someone who might be the person for you.”
“Like Donal has? Miles away from home? I’m happy where I am, thank you. Stop trying to manage my life.” They stood and pushed the chair back a little too aggressively. The loud noise caused Kasia to look up from what she was doing and raise her eyebrows.
“Get Dad in the truck and take him home. I’ll pay the bill and walk back. The exercise will do me good.”
They left their family sitting open-mouthed and went after Kasia, who led them out of the dining room to her office. “I can’t stay out here long, but is everything okay?”
Joey was grateful for her concern but felt a little silly now about why they’d got upset. “I just had enough of my familytrying to manage my life for me. I know I’m a fuck-up. I don’t need that reinforcing.”
“Oh, Joey, I’m sure they just have your best interest at heart. What did they say?”
