Page 75 of Harbor Lights

“No. Kasia says I have to stop trying to rope people into my plans, so it’s just me and my trusty system.” She patted a speaker for emphasis. “Wanna try it out now?”

“Hell, no!” Shiv laughed. “You don’t want to hear me attempt to sing.”

Tierney stood straight and observed her. “You’ll have to try harder than that. The Walsh genes run strong in you, and there isn’t one of us who can’t hold a tune.”

Shiv turned away, laughing. Tierney was correct. Technically, she could sing, but she’d never enjoyed performing in front of others, so as soon as she’d been old enough to refuse her mother’s demands to perform, she’d limited her solo performances to singing along to the radio on long road trips. There was no way Tierney was getting her up on that stage tonight.

Kasia popped her head through the door from the kitchen. “Don’t let her bully you into helping out, Siobhán.”

“We’re good, Kasia. I like being able to help. And thank you for my clothes.” She indicated the clean jeans and sweater Tierney had brought over earlier. She was wearing some borrowed sneakers a couple sizes too big. She wasn’t sure what had happened to her boots other than a vague memory of kicking them off on the beach. They’d be long gone on the tide.

“You’re very welcome. Don’t do too much.”

Shiv frowned at the door as it closed behind Kasia. She still wasn’t used to people showing so much concern for her welfare. But it irritated her less than it used to, because she knew it came from a place of caring.

A nudge disturbed her from her thoughts.

“Shall we go upstairs and get a coffee? Pegeen is with Marianne and Joey, so we won’t have to listen to her constant chatter.” Tierney rolled her eyes affectionately.

Shiv snickered. Pegeen was such a mini-Tierney; she was going to be a serious contender for most talkative family member.

“Sure. I’d love a coffee.”

Following Tierney, she acknowledged, at least to herself, the burst of activity had tired her. She should’ve believed Con when she’d said it would take a few days to return to normal.

She didn’t try to match Tierney’s pace up the back stairs, and the kettle was starting to boil as she entered the apartment with its stunning view of the harbor. From here, she could see a bank of black cloud building to the northeast.

“Should we be worried about that?”

Tierney followed her to the window. “Forecast for the next couple days isn’t good, but it looks like it might hit us sooner than that.”

She turned to look beyond the lighthouse. “I hope Aoife makes it back with the last ferry, or we’ll miss Doc’s amazing rendition of Mustang Sally.”

“No way?” Shiv couldn’t conjure a mental picture of Con singing the sixties classic. She was also worried about the potential of Con not making it back tonight. She couldn’t leave her on that knife edge indefinitely.

“It’s her party piece.” Tierney turned from the window. “And she’s got plenty more up her sleeve. Sometimes the only way to get hold of the mic is to duet with her.” Tierney was smirking, so Shiv suspected she was exaggerating. Tierney’s passion for karaoke didn’t surprise her, but she was taken aback to find out Con was an enthusiast. The thought of her on stage with a mic in her hand made Shiv hot under the collar.

She pulled out her phone.

Tierney says you’d better get your ass over here for her karaoke challenge.

Just stepping onto the ferry.

Con’s reply was almost immediate.

The weather’s not looking good.

Fortunately, it’s indoor karaoke.

The potential building between them had been playing on her mind since Con had left so abruptly. Helping Tierney prepare for the evening had been a welcome distraction, but she wished she could have Con to herself tonight.

Smart ass. I’ll see you soon x

She smiled fondly at the message and put her phone away.

“So, who’s coming tonight?” She took her mug of coffee from Tierney and sat on the couch. The black clouds were moving closer.

Tierney joined her. “I was hoping for the whole island population, but with this weather, maybe just the people from the village. And the hotel guests. They’re a captive audience.”

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