Epilogue
“You don’t have to do this, you know?”
Joey glanced at Marianne before returning their eyes to the road. “I know, but I want to be there.”
They put their hand atop Marianne’s where it sat on her lap. Much as they loved having Denny with them, they’d been relieved when Marianne had asked Aoife if he could stay over. She’d promised, in return, a night of babysitting so Aoife and Seán could have a rare night out on the mainland.
It made Joey feel warm inside that they had a whole twenty-four hours together alone. But first they had to get through tonight’s awards ceremony. It would be glitzy and loud, but for once Joey didn’t feel sick at the thought of so many people.
“I’m so proud of you. I know you’re gonna win.” They were excited to see Marianne get the recognition she deserved, even more so now they knew how important it was to her.
“ I won’t be winning anything. The Waterside was only nominated in the best restaurant category.”
“You’d have been nominated best chef, if people’d known you were heading our way.”
Marianne stroked their knuckles. “How could any of us have guessed, at the start of the year, that we’d be where we are now?”
She lifted their hand and kissed the knuckles tenderly. It sent a tingle through Joey’s whole body.
“But I’m so glad we are.”
Joey wished they could pull over and show her just how happy they were, but they had to get to the hotel, and they’d surprised themself, and Marianne, by wanting to go clothes shopping. They had the shirt she’d bought them on their last trip, but it didn’t hold great memories. This was a special occasion and they had wanted to look and feel good.
When they got to the hotel, Mari threw herself on the bed. “I might just have a nap. All that passenger seat driving has taken it out of me.” She laughed and patted the space next to her. “Come and join me.”
“I can’t.” There was nothing Joey wanted to do more. “It’ll lead to other things, and then Kasia and Tierney will be here, and I’ll never get away.”
When they leaned down for a kiss, Marianne wrapped her arms tightly around them. For once they were glad of their strength, and they freed themself, laughing.
“Have a rest. You don’t often get a chance. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
After a stop at the barbershop for a trim from Mac, they headed into town. It wasn’t that they didn’t know how to buy clothes; it had just never been important. Clothing had a practical purpose, nothing more. But now they wanted to make Marianne happy. They wanted her to look twice when she saw them, and for their appearance to bring a smile to her lips.
It turned out to be surprisingly easy to get a suit fitted when you were prepared to pay good money. They left the tailor’s shop happily with a black suit they felt comfortable in, and a shirt in the shade of blue they knew Marianne loved.
Before they reached the hotel their phone pinged. I didn’t sleep for long so I’m ready. K & T are here so we’ll wait for you in the bar x
Then another.
Don’t be late! x
Joey smiled. They could never have imagined feeling so happy at the prospect of a night out, but they’d be spending it with their best friends and alongside the beautiful, brilliant woman who had chosen to change the course of her life to spend it with Joey. Hopefully, the evening would end with some good news for them all. They finished the journey back to the hotel with a bounce in their step and a smile they couldn’t suppress even if they’d tried.
Tierney’s ear-splitting wolf whistle made Joey flinch when they strode across the hotel bar. Several people looked up at their progress, and their cheeks burned.
“Tierney, will you shut the ever-loving fuck up?”
Larger than ever in a stretchy black dress, Tierney grinned unrepentantly. “Lookin’ good, O’Hara!” She winked.
They pulled up a chair next to Marianne, who was wearing a fitted emerald green tuxedo jacket, with, as far as Joey could tell without being obvious, very little underneath. The look in her eyes was unmistakable, and Joey wished once again they were alone in their hotel room for the evening. “You look…beautiful.”
“Another word no one else has ever used about me but thank you. You’re looking pretty edible yourself.” They almost got lost in Marianne’s eyes.
Kasia cleared her throat. “Everyone looks great. Now you two need to keep your hands off each other for a couple of hours, and Tierney needs not to go into labor. Then we can all relax and go home tomorrow.”
Marianne leaned in to Joey and wrapped a hand around their biceps. “I’ll try my very best.”
“And I’ll be fine. I’ve still got five days of being a blimp.” Tierney waved her lemonade at them.
Kasia stood, her nervousness evident. “Shall we go and find our places, then?”
“Yeah, Kasia made me go cheap with the table, so we’ll probably be in the corridor.” Tierney hoisted herself up with Kasia’s help. “I’ll be glad when this nugget is making their own way.”
Marianne laughed as they strolled to the door. “You say that now.”
“Oh, don’t. I’ve heard it all from Aoife.”
Marianne didn’t let up on her hold of Joey until they reached their table close to the stage.
Kasia turned. “Do we have you to thank for this?”
Marianne shrugged. “Not directly, but Imelda is on the organizing committee, and she does love a chance to put me on display.”
Wonderful . Joey had come to terms with the fact that being with Marianne meant being in the public eye, but it would be a long time before it felt natural.
They settled and the evening began with a warm-up from a food-loving comedian who quickly had the audience relaxed and enjoying the evening. Awards began and were given out to cafes, food trucks, gastropubs, and the like. Best restaurant was the last category, so Joey had been prepared for the wait. They were coming back from the bar when Kasia approached and steered them out of the function room.
“No panic. Tierney thinks her water just broke. We’re going to the hospital. It’s all fine, she’ll be fine.” Her rate of speech belied her attempt at a calm tone.
They broke her tight grasp on their arm and pulled her into a hug. “It will be. This is what you’ve been waiting for. Go look after Tierney.”
Kasia pulled back. “You’ll stay and hold the fort, though?”
“Mari was born for this stuff. She’ll see you right. Just go. Now.” Joey propelled her toward the table where she scooped up Tierney with minimal fuss and led her to the exit.
Marianne raised her eyebrow. “It’s happening, then?”
“They think so. If we win, will you be good for the acceptance?” They knew Marianne had a winning speech in the back of her head for most occasions, so she’d manage it with grace.
Marianne nodded happily. “I’m so pleased for them. Their lives are about to change irrevocably, and it’s going to be an amazing adventure. Whatever has happened since, Denny will always be the best thing I ever made.”
They took her hand across the table. “I wish I could have had Denny with you. That’s an adventure I’d have enjoyed.”
Marianne squeezed and held their gaze. “It’s never too late for an adventure, Joey.”
“So, what was the reception like when you won? Did the Golden Coast people look gutted? Did you get any video footage?” Tierney leaned forward, her hospital gown falling around her shoulders.
Joey pushed it back. “Are you not supposed to be resting while Kasia settles the nugget? Calm down.”
“She’s not a nugget anymore. She’s Peggy. And I slept all night after she totally popped out of me. They said we were lucky we came in as soon as we did. Or she’d be a taxi baby.” She widened her bright, if bloodshot, eyes. “Or worse, an awards ceremony baby!”
“She didn’t even have any drugs.” Kasia’s dry tone made Joey turn toward the doorway, where she cradled a tiny bundle in a green and red hat.
Marianne jumped up. “May I?”
Kasia was quick to hand her over. “She’ll need feeding soon. But the Duracell bunny here will be fine with that.”
“I like feeding her, what’s wrong with that?” Tierney sat back a little.
Marianne sat on the edge of the bed, cradling the precious bundle. “Nothing, it’s wonderful. You’ll probably feel a little tired at some point, though.”
Seeing Mari with a new baby was making Joey feel all kinds of strange. They shook themself. “Is there anything I can do for you? What’s happening with the Waterside?”
Having the baby so far from home hadn’t been on Kasia’s spreadsheet, so they wanted to help in any practical way they could.
Kasia shrugged with weary shoulders. “I think we’re good. Colette has stepped up in the kitchen and the front of house staff have it all in hand.” She shared one of those smiles that softened her whole face. “Turns out, not being a complete control freak has its benefits.”
Joey drew her in close. “I’m so happy for you both.” The tears threatening since they’d seen little Peggy finally fell, and they wiped their eyes on Kasia’s shoulder before pulling away.
Kasia laughed and wiped her shoulder in mock disgust. “We’re hoping Tierney and the baby are discharged in the morning and we can head home. If you’re going back today and don’t mind checking in with the Waterside, please do.”
They nodded toward Marianne. “If she remembers she has her own child, and hands the new one back, we’ll head off soon.” They’d raised their voice so Mari could hear.
She threw them a smile over her shoulder as the baby began to cry. “I think this one needs her mommy.” She passed her to an eager Tierney with a kiss to both their heads. “Let’s get on the road.”
The drive back was quiet but charged with a positivity and energy that begged to be addressed. As they pulled up at the quay to board Queen Maedbh, Marianne got out and pulled them aside. “I know that was magical, seeing a new life. But I wasn’t joking, Joey. I would like to have a family with you.” She threaded their fingers in hers. “If you don’t feel the same that’s fine, too. But let’s keep the dialogue open, okay?”
They ran their hands through their hair, trying to get their thoughts together. “I want so much with you, Mari. We need to take it slow.”
“Oh, I know. I’m still technically married for a couple more weeks. We have a lot to address, but I want you to know I’m up for everything with you. You’re my everything.”
“Why do we have all of these deep conversations in public, when I can’t get my hands on you?” Joey pulled her on board.
They spent the trip across the channel wrapped in each other’s arms, and after a quick check on the Waterside, they soon had Denny fast asleep in bed.
They lounged in the hammock together, watching the stars in the clear sky. “I’ve heard there’s a good chance of seeing the northern lights tonight.” Marianne sounded a little sleepy already, and Joey doubted she’d see it out.
“We’re facing east so it’s probably not likely. We’d need to move around a little to face north.”
“Maybe tomorrow, then.” Mari’s disappointment made them want to do something. But before they’d thought about moving the hammock, a light appeared directly above them. First pink, but then spreading to purple and green, it was a torn curtain of lights.
“Wow. It’s the corona. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Marianne’s voice was full of wonder.
As Marianne stared up at the phenomenon, Joey watched her, wondering how there could be so much to work out and yet everything was perfect as it was.
The End.