Page 2 of Resorting to Romance

A photo of the mutt who now lives with me full time fills the screen behind Kala and Bodhi. He’s cute, I’ll admit. And, now he’s mostly mine since these two adopted him and then promptly rejoined the surf community, putting them off-island at least six months out of every year.

A few people in the crowd audibly sigh and a chorus of, “awww” goes up when Kalaine tells the story of how she and Bodhi snuck around to adopt Shaka. Snuck aroundme, to be clear.

When Kala and Bodhi wrap up their plea for financial donations to their charitable organization, Cameron jumps back on stage. “Thank you, Kalaine and Bodhi. We’re looking forward to virtually following you on this next adventure. And I’m sure we’re all going to help support The Shaka Foundation after that compelling story.”

Cameron smiles one of his guest-services smiles. It’s not the one he lets fly free around a bonfire. It’s a curated smile, one that says he’s here for you and whatever it is you might need from him.

“Drink up. Grab some of the desserts on the back buffet table, and be sure to stop by and chat with Kalaine and Bodhi before you leave. Thank you all for coming out.”

Cameron places the mic back on its stand. The band to the side of the platform begins to play as Kala and Bodhi make their way back to our table.

A few hours later, the three of us sit around our living room. Suitcases and duffles line the wall next to the front door. Two surfboards in travel bags lean in the corner. Kalaine’s on the couch next to Bodhi, and I’m in one of the side chairs. The dog, Shaka, is on Kala’s lap. But he promptly jumps off and heads toward me for no apparent reason.

“He loves you!” Kala nearly coos.

“Yep. I’m a loveable guy,” I deadpan.

The dog looks up at me with eyes that are meant to make me cave.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I tell him.

Bodhi and Kala crack up. The dog stands on his hind legs and places both paws on my knees. He locks eyes with me and tilts his head like he’s trying to figure me out. That just draws more laughter out of my sister and my best friend.

“What do you think you want?” I stare back at the white and tan mutt as if he’s actually going to answer me.

“He wants you,” Kala says with the same voice she uses whenever she’s trying to get her way with me.

“He’s got me. I’ll feed and water him while you’re gone. And I’ll let him poop in my yard, and I’ll even pick that mess up for him.”

My doggie babysitter to-do list sends my sister and Bodhi into a fit of laughter for some unknown reason.

“Oh my gosh!” Kala breathes out between cackles. “You’ll water him? Like a houseplant?”

I shoot her a look.

“What about petting him? What about him sleeping with you?”

“No. The dog shouldn’t even be in a bed. He’s a dog.”

“Kaaaaiii …”

Kala draws out my name on the kind of whine that should make me irritated, but she knows it only makes me want to do whatever it takes to make her happy. It’s not fair. Where she’s concerned, I have buttons, and she knows just how to push them.

“I’ll pet him. A couple times a day, even. But it’s a big no to my bed. No one shares my bed. The end.”

“Maybe that should change one day, huh, bro?” Bodhi unhelpfully suggests.

“Maybe you should get some sleep. You’ve got a long flight and big competitions lined up. You two need rest and fluids.”

“Okay, Dad,” Bodhi teases.

Kala justsmiles up at him.

The dog hasn’t given up. He’s still got his paws on my legs. I shift so his paws hit the floor and then I stand. “Let’s go kill some more grass, mutt.” I head toward the back door to let the dog out to do his business. He’s not even mine, but I’ve gotten into the habit of being the one to let him out at night since I’m the one who’s here the most.

“Stop calling him that!” Kala laughs through her words. “You know you love him.”

“If by love, you mean tolerate, I’m smitten. Fully head-over-heels.”

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