Page 16 of Keeping Kama

Derek stared out the kitchen window, away to the ocean. “To marrying. The first time was way back in my twenties. I even bought the ring and everything. But the night I was going to propose, she up and announced she was moving to England and wanted to break up.”

Leia cringed. “Ouch. That’s brutal.” Shaking her head, Leia asked, “What did you do with the ring?”

Giving a forced laugh, Derek stated, “You mean the ring I spent my life savings on?”

Leia tsked, “Oh dear, tell me you were able to return it.”

Folding his arms, Derek replied, “I couldn’t take it back to the store. Trust me, I tried. I was outside of the return window, and they didn’t care. They weren’t budging no matter what, even when I tried to make them feel sorry for me. I don’t imagine I was the first guy who was rejected and tried to get their money back. So, I sold it on eBay for a fourth of its value.”

Lifting her brow, Leia replied, “eBay? Yikes. I’m sorry.”

Shrugging, Derek said, “I guess it worked out for the best.”

“How so?” asked Leia.

“I took the few thousand dollars I recouped from the ring and used it to start this very investment company with my best friend, Tyson.” Unfolding his arms, Derek straightened himself. “Tyson added a few thousand of his own money to the pot, and together we’ve worked to build the company to what it is today. I know if I hadn’t been rejected there’s no way I would’ve taken such a chance on it. But at the time I thought I had hit rock bottom, so I had nothing to lose.”

“Impressive.” Leaning in closer to him, Leia asked, “What was the first thing you ever invested in?”

Her question caught him off guard. Usually, people asked how much his business had grown since then or about his latest investment ventures. “It was a gardening business. Our friend started it, and he needed a few thousand to purchase some more gardening equipment. Just enough for him to expand his business to where he could have people working under him.”

“Did it work?” asked Leia.

Derek nodded. “He expanded his business, and we tripled our little pot of money. It helped us get started toward other business investments. Little by little Tyson and I built this investment company to what it is today.”

“Wow, that’s wonderful.” Leia gripped the counter on both sides of herself. Staring out the window too, she paused, then finally said, “You said you came close to marrying a few times, who else broke your heart?”

His throat grew tight. “My girlfriend just broke up with me through a text message. Like literally right before I came here. I thought I was going to propose when I returned from Hawaii. I hadn’t bought the ring yet, so I guess I dodged a bullet,” said Derek.

Leia placed a hand over his own. “I’m sorry. I’m glad you hadn’t bought the ring yet.” She removed her hand.

Running a hand through his hair, Derek said, “I guess that’s my silver lining in this whole thing.” They both stared out at the ocean. Silence enveloped them with only the sound of the ocean filling the space. Finally, Derek said, “Truth is, I’d probably been trying to hang onto something that hadn’t worked for an extraordinarily long time. But I never thought I’d be this age and not married.”

Derek didn’t know why he was spilling everything to Leia. But he liked how she listened and didn’t interrupt him. It gave him some time to work through his emotions. Most women he dated never gave him a chance to get a word in edgewise. Leia was different. She asked thoughtful questions.

“I’m sure you’ll make it happen someday,” said Leia.

Lost in his train of thought, Derek tried to catch up. “Make what happen?” asked Derek.

Straightening herself, Leia ran a finger over the top of the slick countertop. “The getting married. You’ll find someone.”

“Ahh … but apparently not anytime soon,” said Derek.

Leia pursed her lips together, glancing toward the front door. After a little lull, Leia said, “Thanks for coming to dinner and for helping with the dishes.”

Derek took that as his cue to leave. He probably had way overstayed his welcome. Pushing off the counter, he said, “Thank you for having me. I enjoyed spending the evening with you and your family.”

With a smile, Leia said, “Thanks. I don’t want to keep you.” Leia moved toward the exit of the kitchen. “I’ll walk you out.”

Derek followed behind Leia down the hallway to the front door. Her hair swung back and forth across her shoulder blades, and Derek found himself mesmerized by how it glistened under the overhead lights.

Once at the front door, Leia opened it and held it for him. “Where are you staying while you’re here in Oahu?” asked Leia.

Through the open door, Derek shifted back to face Leia. “I have an Airbnb I rented up the road.” He moved his shoulder in the correct direction. “I walked here because it’s not far. It’s maybe five to ten minutes on foot.” He took a sidestep.

Nodding, Leia stepped further out onto the lanai. Putting a hand on her hip, Leia looked out at the water. Tracking her gaze, Derek took in the breathtaking view of the ocean. Soothing sounds of the ocean waves relieved the stress in his body. The moon lit up the night sky, casting a glow on the water. Derek understood why people lived here forever. Why would you ever leave a view like that? No wonder Leia’s family was so protective of their land. If he had a choice, he’d stay here too.

Folding her arms against herself, Leia said, “I guess I’ll see you soon.” She peered down at her feet then back over at him. “I’ll try and work on the books tonight and make sure everything is up to date. Then I’ll email them over to you.”

---