Page 86 of Harbor Lights

She was gratified by how much progress they’d made since starting at first light. They’d made the most of the short, unseasonably mild last day of the year. Half of the island had turned up at some point during the day to offer whatever skills they had, or to bring sustenance.

Shiv had been particularly pleased to see Ciara, the reclusive artist who lived further along the north coast. She was currently sitting cross-legged on a rock outside, surrounded by several island kids, and a few from the mainland. They were sharing ideas for a mural Ciara had volunteered to paint on the gable end of the building. It would lift the appearance of the building to actually look like a creative place for young people.

Marianne was as driven on this practical project as she was in the kitchen and had led her team of volunteers to paint the outer walls a sparkling white. The kids had voted for the door and window frame colors, and Christy was bringing the gloss red paint when he returned with the ferry.

Con had turned up early with Joey. She and Con said an awkward hello, and then Con had supervised the grounds volunteers. They’d removed rubble and junk around the outside of the building and created a rudimentary border with some of the larger rocks, carefully painted with leftover white paint.

Inside the border, they’d created two small flower beds, and Aoife had demonstrated how to weave willow to create sides. Shiv had been a little envious she hadn’t had time to join in. Perhaps Aoife could give her a willow-weaving lesson one day in the future.

But what future? Would she still be here when spring came? The urge to run was strong. But she’d already had to leave her home once in the last few months. Why should Con’s rejection force her to abandon Inishderry?

“Are you gonna stand there all day?”

Joey’s voice jerked her back to the present and she realized Joey had moved on to the next panel. Jumping into action, Shiv held it in place.

Straightening, Joey spun a nail between their fingers. “Do you need to take some time to talk with Doc?”

“What? No, I’ll talk to her later. We’ve still a few jobs to get done.”

“Okay, but she’s asked me to run her back shortly. She’s got a plane to catch.”

Shiv blinked, trying to comprehend this piece of news. “Are you sure? She asked to come to the cabin later to talk.”

Joey shrugged and turned back to the job. “It’s not me you should be having this conversation with.”

They finished the task in silence, then Joey made a shooing motion, and Shiv went out into the dying light to find Con.

She was standing on a rock, looking out into the harbor at a glorious red sky. She turned slightly as Shiv approached and jumped down.

“Red sky at night… ”

“But I’ve heard you won’t be around later to witness any delighted shepherds.” Shiv didn’t hide the anger in her tone.

Con looked at the ground. “I’m sorry. My plans have changed a little since I asked to see you. Can we talk now?”

“Here?” Shiv waved at their surroundings. Was Con so unaffected by what had happened she thought a rushed chat in the middle of a field would make everything better?

Con indicated Joey’s nearby truck. “Sorry, it’s probably the best I can do.”

Shiv shrugged. At least, they would have a little privacy. She let herself in the passenger side and Con joined her in the driver’s seat.

“Less than ideal, I know.”

“All of this is less than ideal, Con.”

“I know and I’m truly sorry. But something’s come up and I really need to go. But I can’t… leave without explaining my behavior yesterday.”

“It’s fine. Water under the bridge.” She gulped. It was so far from fine. It hurt like fuck.

“I don’t want you to think this is about you. It’s not.”

“Ah, the old ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ tack. Makes perfect sense.”

Con twisted in the seat. “Siobhán, please.” She rested her hand on Shiv’s arm, but Shiv pulled it free and reached for the door release.

“I’m scared.”

Shiv paused at the handle and took a breath.

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