Page 42 of Harbor Lights
Shiv looked at her own hands clasped together in front of her. Her nails were broken and chewed, but at least she’d managed to scrub them clean of paint.
The clearing of Con’s throat reminded her she’d been asked a question.
“Rarely. I don’t see the point.” She didn’t have any other answer.
“What about when you were younger? Did you drink then?” Con’s gaze didn’t leave her face, so Shiv made herself maintain eye contact.
“A little. But I didn’t ever enjoy losing my grip on reality. I didn’t stop drinking. I never really started.”
Con sighed. “One of the things I love most is to pour a glass of malt whiskey and sit watching the sun go down from my study. Or even better, on a summer’s evening in the garden.”
“That sounds relaxing. Maybe I’ll join you someday and see if it lives up to the publicity.”
Con’s eyes opened wide. “Are you thinking of sticking around?” She adopted a more neutral expression, but a shiver of something slid up Shiv’s body at the hint of hope in her tone.
“It’s unlikely. I’ll be homeless in a few months, and I don’t ever stay in one place for long.” She was disappointed at her own response. Wasn’t that what she wanted?
“You haven’t made plans yet, though?”
“Nah. I probably should’ve by now, but this place makes you feel detached from the big, bad world.”
That was certainly true. She hadn’t felt the restlessness she usually experienced when she stayed in one place.
“It’ll be Christmas soon, and then we’ll be into a new year. That’ll be the time to think about moving on. And the impending homelessness will be a big motivator.” She laughed, but her stomach knotted at the thought of leaving the cabin on the cliffs.
Con smiled tightly. “We’ll have to make the most of you while we have you, then.”
They were disturbed by the server arriving with their first course: tuna sashimi for Con, and a tomato dish with fresh basil that made Shiv’s mouth water. She picked at it, savoring the flavors that reminded her of summer. But where would summer take her this year?
Con nibbled at her sushi. “This is amazing.”
“Eat up! Only five more courses to go!” Shiv smiled, hoping to convey she was enjoying the evening.
They focused on their food for a couple more courses, and Shiv discovered she liked quail eggs, even if she was unsure what a quail looked like. She was about to ask Con when Marianne appeared from nowhere, all well-starched kitchen whites and bustle. She put a hand on Con’s shoulder to stop her getting up. Shiv was relieved it wasn’t her shoulder, but her cheeks heated anyway.
“I don’t want to disturb your meal, just wanted to say hi.” She pulled a chair from a nearby table and straddled it, not helping the warmth in Shiv’s face. “Are you enjoying the food?”
Shiv nodded mutely, even though she had nothing currently in her mouth.
Con swallowed and wiped her mouth on a napkin. “We are. It’s all delicious. You’ve done a great job.”
“It’s mainly Colette. I’m just here to swan around and make videos.” She left up a long-fingered hand. “Don’t worry, I’ve been told to stay away from this corner.”
“Sorry,” Shiv mumbled.
Marianne pushed herself up. “No bother. There’s plenty of locals desperate to get their fifteen seconds of fame.”
“Isn’t that fifteen minutes?” Con had another forkful ready and was clearly waiting out of politeness before cramming it in her mouth.
“Not on TikTok, honey.” Marianne leaned in and took the food from Con’s fork. Con’s expression was priceless as she looked from the empty fork to Marianne, who was licking her lips.
“You’re right. I’m a great chef.” She swept away. “Perhaps catch you later for a nightcap.”
Chuckling, Con shook her head and reloaded her fork. “I really wasn’t sure about her to begin with. But she made Joey happy. Now I’ve got to know her, she’s great. Very straightforward.” She observed her food. “And surprisingly cheeky.”
She glanced at Shiv and smiled.
“She gets you a little hot under the collar, doesn’t she? Is she your type?”
