Page 28 of Keeping Kama

“With a blond guy?” bellowed Uncle Kalon from inside the trailer. “I need to see this.” Seconds later, out popped Uncle Kalon. He took one look at Leia and laughed. “I guess Kale wasn’t lying.” Doing a head tilt toward them, Kalon asked, “Leia, who’s your guy friend?”

With aprons, gloved hands, and crocs on, Kale and Kalon took one step down onto the trailer stoop.

Derek held his hand up in a wave. “I’m Derek.”

“Like I told Aunt Aria, we’re here to eat.” Leia swiped her sweaty palms on the sides of her shorts. “I told Derek, you have the best kalua pork this side of the island.”

“I can’t argue with you there.” Kalon held up his gloved hands. “I would greet you properly, but I need to get back into the kitchen. I’ll bring two plates out to you.” He shifted toward Kale. Speaking to Kale, Kalon said, “Kale, find them a couple drinks. They can eat at the picnic table behind the trailer. The shade is better back there plus it’s secluded.” Kalon entered the trailer without another word.

Kale nodded toward the back. “Go on and sit around back. Leia, I’ll bring you your drinks.” Then Kale disappeared into the trailer.

Aria gave Leia a hug. Smugly, Aria said, “I’m glad you stopped by. Go on now.” She shooed them toward the back.

Derek pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe?” He opened it and pulled out a few twenty-dollar bills.

“No way. Leia’s family.” Aria waved her hands in front of herself. “It’s on the house.”

After hesitating a second, Derek put the money back and shoved his wallet back into his back pocket. “Okay, then.” He put his hands down at his sides. “Thank you.”

“Any time,” said Aria.

Then Aria opened the food truck door and slipped inside.

Leia pivoted on her feet and waved Derek on. “Follow me.”

Derek obeyed, trailing next to Leia around back. They settled at the picnic table, sitting on opposite sides of the table from each other. Leia wondered what he thought about being bombarded by her extended family. Her family was a lot, but she loved them.

“So …” said Leia.

“So …” repeated Derek. Leaning forward, Derek stated, “I like your family. They’re nice and friendly.”

Leia rested her elbow on the table, cradling her chin with one hand. “I thought you were going to say overly loud and pushy. And way too much.”

Derek laughed, easing the pit in her stomach. “Nah, nothing like that.” He caught her gaze and smiled. “You’re lucky to have so many people who care about you. That’s what I was thinking. I can’t say I have one person?—”

Kale interrupted Derek with his arrival. “I have your drinks.” Kale set down two canned sodas. “The food will be done in about five minutes.”

With a smile, Derek picked up one of the ice-cold canned sodas and said, “Thanks.”

Kale lingered beside the table. Leia gave him a pointed look, but he didn’t take the hint to leave.

Loudly, Leia cleared her throat and said, “Thanks,Kale.” Her eyes widened.

Kale rubbed his hands together. “I’ll go check on the food.” He walked around to the side of the trailer and entered.

Popping open the top of his soda, Derek took a long swig. Leia stared, watching his Adam’s apple bob up and down. The sight was mesmerizing. It took everything within her to not reach out and run a finger down it. Ridiculous, yep.

Suddenly, Derek stopped mid sip, catching her jaw-dropped stare. Embarrassed, Leia fumbled with the top of the other soda until it finally popped open.

Setting his can back down on the table, Derek said, “This drink is fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever had papaya guava soda.” He twisted the can a bit, reading the back side of the label.

“I know, it’s pretty good stuff.” Leia examined her soda can. “I have kiwi strawberry.” Taking a long swig, Leia let the fruity bubbly goodness coat her taste buds. Once she swallowed, Leia smacked her lips together. Placing the soda back down, Leia folded her arms resting them on the table. “I like the papaya guava, but I think the kiwi strawberry is better. Do want a taste?” She picked her soda back up and held it out to him.

Grinning, Derek reached for the soda. “Sure.” His fingers grazed hers as he took the soda from her, sending a tantalizing zing down her spine. After taking a sip, Derek glanced down at the can and back at her. “I agree, that’s delicious.”

Pushing up her chin, Leia said, “See, I told you I was right.”

Handing the soda back to her, Derek said, “I believe you.”

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