Chapter 33
THIRTY-THREE
“Colette, hey!” Marianne swung around to follow the young dark-haired woman who’d just passed her in the crowd on the street. She’d only caught a glimpse of the side of her face, but was sure it was her old sous chef.
The woman turned and glanced around. Then her face lit up and she pushed her way back through the bustling commuters. “Chef!”
They embraced and Marianne was relieved at the positive reception. “Still not your chef.”
“You’ll always be my chef. I’ve just finished lunch service. Fancy a coffee?”
Marianne smiled widely. “To be honest, I’m in the mood for something stronger. I’ve just had some good news, and I’d love to celebrate.” She’d been meaning to keep it to herself until the details were finalized, but seeing her old friend made her want to share. And Colette was a million miles from her life on Inishderry.
“Wow, this is so much change for you.” They were sipping their second prosecco and Colette’s eyes were wide over the rim of her glass.
“I know. It feels strange that there’s so much to tell you, and it’s not even been six months since the Batiya closed.” Marianne met Colette’s eye. “I truly am sorry for what happened, Colette. I should have had my eye on the whole business and not been so focused on the kitchen.”
“Yeah, well it happened, and we’ve all moved on, so let’s put it behind us.”
“And how is it working for John Day? I’ve heard he’s a strict taskmaster, but you should be learning plenty.”
Colette glanced away. “I quit. I’m temping at the moment and looking for something permanent.”
Marianne put down her glass and grasped Colette’s free hand. “Oh, Colette, why? That was a good career move for you.”
Colette looked up. “I know. But he was a bully. And he resented that I’d trained under you and tried to humiliate me at every chance.” Her eyes glistened. “I think I may have been spoiled by my time with you. You didn’t hide your disapproval when things fell below your standard, but you supported your staff and helped us develop. And we worked hard to improve because we wanted your nod of praise.”
“A nod.” Marianne drew in a breath. “I should’ve been better at telling you all how much I valued you.”
“We all knew, Marianne. And we loved you. I’ve kept in touch with some of the others, and no one is as happy as they were with you." She squeezed Marianne’s fingers and smiled. “And what about your new team? Are they as good as us?”
Marianne smiled back. “They had much less experience, and they’re mostly seasonal workers, so it took some time for me to adapt to a different culture, but they’ve come on so much this summer. I’ll miss them.”
“Your new adventures sound exciting, but you won’t have your own kitchen. Are you okay with that?”
“I have other priorities. I’ll cope.” An idea suddenly occurred to Marianne. She might have found a solution to her own situation, but maybe she could help Kasia and Tierney with their problem, too. “How would you feel about moving back to the West?”
They emptied the bottle while Marianne explained the role at the Waterside. “The position they offered me was salaried. I’m sure we could negotiate something similar. You get paid all year, but the hours in the summer are much longer. And out of season, you might be expected to do other duties. Would that be okay for you?”
“Are you kidding? This would be my first head chef position. I’ll lick the floors clean if they need me to.”
She laughed. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
Colette emptied her glass. “Do you really think they’ll take me?”
“They trust my judgment, and I know you’re a great chef. I’m sure of it.”
Colette raised her glass. “In that case, shall I get us another bottle?”
“Not for me, sorry. I need to drive home first thing in the morning.” She hoped with all her heart Inishderry was her home. She felt it. Now she needed to make it happen. “There is room in the car, though, if you’re able to join us?”
“Maybe you should make a call before I turn up for an interview?”
They laughed together. “As soon as I get to my mum’s, I’ll call Kasia. But pack your bag, you’re heading west.”
The sight of Inishderry made Marianne’s stomach clench as she held back a wriggling Denny from getting too close to the railing. On the one hand, heading back to the island brought on a sense of calm and belonging, but it was accompanied by a nagging feeling that perhaps it wasn’t destined to be her home, no matter how much she wanted it. She couldn’t stay if Joey didn’t want her there. It was too small a community to avoid someone for long. She couldn’t bear the idea of having to see Joey daily and not be with them.
“I-lund. Joey i-lund.” Denny pulled her hand and pointed.
She hunkered down next to him so she could see the approaching landmass from his perspective. “That’s right, sweetpea. See the lighthouse? We’re going back to Joey’s island.” And I hope so much it’ll soon be our island, too.
She looked over to Colette standing nearby in the traditional spot of first-time visitors: at the prow of the boat, watching as the features of the island became visible. The younger chef turned her head. “It’s so beautiful.”
“It is.” Marianne heaved an internal sigh of relief. She’d had more than one moment of uncertainty when she considered what would happen if her protégé took one look at Inishderry and turned on her heels. But Colette was an outdoors-loving young woman. She was happy walking, swimming, climbing, and taking part in every watersport imaginable. The opportunities here would likely counterbalance the limited social life and the dark, dark winters. At least for a while. Nobody expected her to stay forever.
But Marianne wanted to stay forever. She’d never wanted anything so much in her life. Not success, or celebrity, or industry recognition. She thought she’d wanted those things, but they paled into nothing against the thought of a future with Joey and Denny on this beautiful island. She pulled out her phone with her free hand and sent a text.
We’re just pulling into the harbor. How’s your dad doing? Can we talk?
Not her most articulate message, especially when there was so much she wanted to say to Joey, but she couldn’t take her attention from Denny. She didn’t quite trust him not to jump in and swim back, he was so excited. She continued to point out places he knew as they approached, but she was waiting for the vibration in her coat pocket.
She didn’t have to wait long, giving her hope as she opened the message.
Hey, got a lot on at the moment with Dad. He’s improving slowly. Can you give me some space for now?
Her heart sank, but she sent a thumbs up reaction. There was nothing more to say. She only hoped Joey would give her a chance to explain what they meant to her before she had to make a decision about whether to stay.