Page 13 of Beauty and the Beach

“Is that a fish?” Makoa asked, taking the remote from Joely. He wanted to watch something that wouldn't make him miss Ana so much. He wished he had an underwater phone. Too bad Dude wasn't around. He could've asked him if they could buy some for the resort.

Amelia shook her head. “No, it’s like a deer. Pull up YouTube.”

Makoa handed her the remote and went to get more snacks. If they were going to spend the night watching YouTube videos, he needed to fortify himself. The Palekaiko crew were hanging out on Dude's yacht. Of course, Dude wasn’t there. He and Marcus were back in California. So, Amelia invited the staff for movie night to keep her company. Makoa peeked over the side of the boat as it swayed in the night wind.

“Ana,” he whispered. And then a little louder. “Ana? Are you there?” He wondered if she was asleep on a coral bed or if she was out there looking at the same moon that he was. "I just wanted you to know that I miss you. I think we can make this work."

He saw a ripple in the water and he leaned over, straining to see in the darkness. "Grab my hand." Makoa reached out.

“Who are you talking to?” Hani asked.

Makoa almost fell off the boat. “Why are you sneaking around?”

“Who are you looking for?”

“No one.” Makoa said. “I was going to see if Dude’s butler had anymore of the spam musabi.”

“He went home for the night.”

“He has a home? I thought he lived on the yacht.” This yacht was enormous. Makoa wouldn’t be surprised if there was a basketball court hidden somewhere.

“That is one ugly ass unicorn,” Joely said from below decks.

“It’s not a unicorn. It just looks like one.”

“No, it doesn’t. It looks like a ghetto zebra.”

Makoa wasn’t sure how any of this related to mermaids. But he couldn’t keep calling for Ana with Hani looking at him suspiciously. He pushed by him into the galley and found another tray of snacks. Shoving one at Hani, he made his way back to where the others were.

“Makoa, wait. I wanted to talk to you for a minute. In private.”

“K’den. What’s on your mind?”

Hani shifted and had trouble meeting his eye. “I was wondering if you would be my best man.”

“Best man?”

“For the wedding. I know I’m a little late in asking, but I couldn’t make up my mind between you and Kai.”

“Why choose me?” Makoa asked.

“Because you’re like a rock.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you calling me dumb?”

“No brah. It’s just like when things go nuts, you’re always there. You’re the one constant that we can count on at Palekaiko. You can do any job. You’re always ready to help out or lend an ear. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your friendship.”

“You’re not going to cry, are you?”

“Shut up.” Hani punched him. “So, are you going to be my best man or what?”

“Can I bring a date to the wedding?”

“What?’ Hani blinked in surprise. “Sure. You’re seeing someone?”

“We just met. We’re going on our second date tomorrow.”

“Holy shit! No one told me.”

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