Page 11 of Keeping Kama

A twist on her feet, Leia said over her shoulder. “I’ll see you both tonight.” Leia didn’t wait for a reply, but instead, she briskly walked away.

Her heart palpitated, and only returned to its normal steady beat with each step she took back to her apartment. Leia reminded herself Derek was here on business, and not just any business, the business of buying up nearly half of her family’s farm. Her previous attraction for Derek dwindled. Suddenly, the line in the sand became clear again.

Leia went home, making sure to remove her dirty shoes before entering her small one-bedroom apartment. After doing some household chores like laundry and cleaning, Leia realized it was nearly time to head to her parents for dinner. With no real thought, Leia yanked a floral dresser off the hanger and changed into it. Before she exited her apartment to walk to her parents’ house, Leia removed her hairband and shook her hair free so it could hang loose. Leia wasn’t vain, but she knew her long dark hair was her best feature.

As she rounded the corner of her parents’ house, Leia spotted Derek before he saw her. Derek sat on the front lanai in one of the wingback chairs facing the ocean, Dad sat in the opposite chair. Mom must have helped him out to the lanai to enjoy the view while she cooked, because it was only the two men alone. Slowing her approach, her feet crunched on the gravel path leading to the stairs up to the lanai.

Derek whipped his head in the direction of the noise. When he spotted her, Derek smiled and waved. “Aloha,” greeted Derek as Leia climbed up the front steps.

“Aloha,” repeated Leia.

Derek stood when she arrived on the lanai, adjusting his Hawaiian shirt. Her eyes couldn’t help but roam over his tan body. His hair was still wet from the shower. Leia hated how her nostrils flared as she picked up his tangy aftershave.

Dang, Derek looked good. Real good. Leia never thought she’d have a thing for blond surfer boys, but her heart swooned harder than the best thirteen-year-old girl. His eyes matched the bluest blue in the sky. For a second, they paused in front of one another staring.

Derek gulped, and Leia watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down. It took everything within her to keep herself from extending her hand and running a finger down his neck, but then Leia reminded herself she was being ridiculous.

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his dark khaki shorts, Derek finally said, “You made it.”

Tucking her loosened strands of hair behind her ears, Leia replied, “I did.” Pointing to the right, Leia continued, “I live in an apartment attached to the garage, so it isn’t far.”

Remembering Dad sitting on the lanai, Leia walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Dad.”

Half of Noa’s face curved up into a smile. Leia settled into the chair next to him.

Derek sat back down in the chair next to Leia, putting her in the middle of Derek and Noa.

Crossing her legs, Leia fidgeted with the hem of her dress brushing against her knees. “What have you two been doing?” Leia peered between Noa and Derek.

Leaning forward, Derek rested his forearms on his thighs. “Noa and I were enjoying the view.” Derek shifted back, staring out at the view of the ocean. A clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight painted a beautiful backdrop against the turquoise water. “They don’t call this place paradise for nothing. I see why your family has never left.”

“I’m certainly not going anywhere.” Leia tilted her head toward Noa. “Right, Dad?”

Noa gave a small nod. Since his brain aneurysm, Noa was limited in his speech. Though he worked tirelessly with a speech therapist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist, Noa’s condition wasn’t going to improve much more than it had. It had been a hard and arduous process for her whole family to accept. In the beginning, they held out much hope that Noa would improve, but after a year, they knew Noa wouldn’t be the same. Leia missed the many conversations she shared with Noa over the years, and especially his wise wisdom.

Leia patted the top of Noa’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “How was your physical therapy appointment, Dad?”

“F-ine,” replied Noa with a shaky voice.

Leia gave Noa’s hand one more squeeze. “I’m glad to hear it.” Then Leia removed her hand and sat back in her chair.

For a while, they sat staring at the ocean. A gentle ocean breeze filtered between them, making the humidity in the air more tolerable.

Finally, Leia broke the silence. Turning toward Derek, Leia rested her elbow on the armrest. Leia asked, “So, Derek, where did you get your Hawaiian shirt?” She allowed her gaze to slide down his frame. His damp hair had dried a tad, making his hair blonder by the minute.

Derek glanced down at his shirt like he had forgotten what he was wearing. He tugged at the collar. “I bought it from a little shop in Honolulu yesterday. I didn’t think I’d ever actually wear it while I was here. Hopefully, it works for tonight.” His cheeks reddened.

Leia remarked without hesitation, “I think you look nice.” Unconsciously, Leia ran an unnecessary hand over her hair.

Derek added, “I like your dress.” He gulped. “I mean, you changed too, right?” His hand gestured toward her body.

Raising an eyebrow, Leia replied, “Yeah, I changed.” She half smiled.

Scratching his knee, Derek said, “I noticed.” His blue eyes danced back at her against the blueness of the sky.

Noa coughed, breaking whatever spell Derek had managed to cast over her.

Leaning over her armrest, Leia asked, “Everything okay, Dad?” Their eyes met, and Leia caught his one-sided smirk.

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