Page 96 of Harbor Lights

“That’s good, ’cause I wasn’t planning to.”

Con followed her to the bedroom, still grinning.

“Are you going to watch me getting dressed?”

“I’d love to, but I’ll make you a coffee instead.” She turned to the door. “Dress up a little. I’m taking you out.”

Con’s grin was getting a little annoying. She was wearing dark jeans and her best brown boots, with a chambray shirt and a blue tweed waistcoat. Not particularly formal by Con’s standards, but she looked smoking hot.

“To the Waterside, which is meant to be closed.”

Shiv continued to grumble as she got dressed, pulling out the skinny black jeans she rarely wore, and a black T-shirt that miraculously had no paint on it. She rummaged around in the small closet to find her favorite shirt, thick flannel in a large green and black check pattern. She styled her hair with a little wax, added her jewelry, then checked herself in the mirror. Hardly formal wear, but it was better than her usual appearance.

“Is this okay?”

Con turned from the coffee machine and her face opened into a happy smile. She pulled Shiv close.

“You’re always perfect to me, but tonight you’re looking particularly delightful.”

She leaned in and Shiv kissed her. It was taking a while for her to become accustomed to the loving words Con used about her, but she never doubted their sincerity.

Con pulled back first. “Drink your coffee. We’ve places to be, people to see.”

As they drove downhill, Con turned to smile at her, and Shiv wondered what had her so excited.

“If eating in an empty restaurant pleases you so much, I’d love to take you to a Michelin-starred place.”

Con laughed. “It’s my birthday in April. You can think of somewhere special, and we’ll make a weekend of it.”

Shiv loved that Con made plans for months ahead. It was all new. She loved her life here with Con and wanted to experience everything with her.

“I’ll get some recommendations from Mari.”

They pulled into the Waterside car park. A few cars were parked, which was usual, since the locals often left their cars here when they were on the mainland. The windows of the hotel were dark.

“Are you sure about this? They said they were closed.” It would be embarrassing to disturb Tierney and Kasia on a night off if Con had got the wrong message.

“It’s just us.” Con stood at the car door, waiting for her to emerge. They walked up the steps together.

The door opened and Tierney stood there with Pegeen in her arms, but the foyer behind her was dimly lit.

“C’mon in.” Tierney grinned. Perhaps they were eating upstairs in the private quarters. That would make more sense.

Con ushered Shiv in first and followed closely. Little Pegeen clapped her hands delightedly. Shiv slipped off her coat and clapped back. “Hey, Pegeen.”

Con propelled her further inside, toward the doors of the restaurant.

“What are we…”

The lights came on suddenly and she blinked. A chorus of “Surprise!” rang out, with a few birthday greetings sprinkled in. Her jaw dropped. It looked like half of the island was there, including most of the kids from the youth club.

She smiled weakly and half turned to Con, who stood at her back. “It’s not my birthday.”

“I know.” Con’s mouth was close to her ear. “But it was a big one a few months ago, and you didn’t get to celebrate. So here we are now. And we’re also celebrating the youth club. So go and play nice with your guests.”

Con propelled Shiv with a gentle touch to her back, toward the group of kids standing nearby.

“Hey, Shiv. Want a coke?” Jay held out a bottle.

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