Page 42 of Keeping Kama

Out of breath, Derek leaned forward cupping his knees with his hands. He tipped his chin up enough to make eye contact with Leia. Managing a smile, Derek said, “Have a wonderful day at work.”

Leia didn’t stop but waved and said, “You too. I’ll see you tonight.”

Derek had completely forgotten he had promised to take Leia to dinner. He paused for a second, “See you tonight,” he replied. “Do you care if we drive to Ko Olina for dinner?”

Leia twisted, backpedaling. “Sounds fun. Later, Derek.” Pivoting back, Leia continued down the road.

Lingering in front of his door, Derek watched Leia’s form slip further and further away until she completely disappeared from his view. Then with heavy steps, Derek opened his door and continued inside.

After he showered, Derek took his laptop out to the back lanai to enjoy the view of the ocean while he reviewed the financials for the farm again. He hoped there was some blaringly obvious mistake that would magically correct the numbers to his favor. But to no avail. Tyson’s concerns remained valid. They couldn’t invest in the farm and make enough money. And Derek knew if they didn’t invest, Leia’s family would probably be forced to sell the farm outright.

With a sigh, Derek leaned back in his seat, cupping the back of his neck with his hands. In his mind, he reviewed the idea of the farm tours. Honestly, Kai could start the tours with little to no investment. If Kai knew enough locals, they could advertise it at their various businesses, on their personal social media accounts, and through word of mouth. Maybe there was a way for Kai and his family to save the farm without any investment. Then Derek wouldn’t be a man of broken promises. It could work. But it didn’t resolve the repayment of the bank loan the farm owed.

His phone ringing broke his train of thought. Swiping it off the coffee table, Derek glanced at the screen before hitting accept. “Good morning, Tyson.”

“Hi, Derek. I’ve been over the financials again— only due to your insistence,” said Tyson.

Derek cut him off. “I know we can’t invest.”

“It was a waste of time to have you even go out there,” stated Tyson. “I don’t know what we were thinking. We should’ve taken a better look at the earning potential of the farm before flying you out to Hawaii. We usually aren’t this far off when it comes to the potential profits margin. What a mistake” he sighed loudly.

Running a hand through his hair, Derek replied, “It wasn’t a total waste.” Derek almost added he met Leia and that was something. “I’m glad I came.”

“I’m not following. We wasted money by having you travel out to Hawaii,” said Tyson. “Money we can’t recoup.”

“I’ll count it as my vacation.” Derek shifted, sitting up. “I won’t charge any of my expenses to the company.”

“That’s certainly generous of you.” Tyson paused. “Does this have anything to do with that girl?”

His eyes locked on the crystal blue waters in front of him, Derek said, “Leia.” Tilting up his face, Derek let himself bathe in the sunlight. Light seeped into his being.

“Yeah, Leia,” said Tyson with a voice full of annoyance. “I think you’re forgetting you leave tomorrow. I mean come on. You had a fling, fresh off your new break up with Heather. You were vulnerable. I still happen to think you and Heather have a chance to reconcile.”

“That’s never going to happen,” replied Derek. His jaw tightened, making a pinch between his shoulder blades. “She broke up with me through atextmessage. Heather didn’t even dignify our relationship with a face-to-face conversation.” He ran a hand down the length of his face. “I can’t believe I thought I was going to marry her,” muttered Derek.

“She’ll come around. Once Heather realizes she walked away from the best thing that happened to her, she’ll come crawling back,” said Tyson.

“In her text, Heather said she met somebody else. She isn’t coming back.” Derek sucked in the air. Through gritted teeth, he asked, “Can we stop talking about Heather?”

“Fine. But I’m only saying this Leia was a distraction for you. A nice one no doubt, but Derek it’s just that. It’s time for you to come back home to Los Angeles. I have several potential investment opportunities I want to review with you. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds and back into the game,” said Tyson.

Home. Where was his home? Was it in Los Angeles? Or was that simply where he lived because he had always lived there? Derek had no family. No ties anywhere. Half his time was spent flying here and there. Before Derek wanted to travel, he welcomed the act of never being anywhere too long. Surely, Heather had tired of his constant avoidance of anything real and tangible. When things became difficult, Derek hopped on a plane and headed out of town. Naively, Derek always believed time and distance would repair whatever wasn’t working in his relationships. He never learned.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” said Derek. “There’s nothing left for me to do but leave.”

Derek wished the thought didn’t depress him like it did. As the crystal blue water sparkled before him, Derek couldn’t remember the last time he felt this at home. Like this place was where he always belonged. But then he remembered how vacations were a glimpse into a dream way of living not a reality. One had bills, obligations, and work which made the vacation a welcome respite from the mundane.

“I’m glad we’re back on the same page. I’ll see you soon,” replied Tyson.

Derek said goodbye to Tyson, ending his call. Promptly after hanging up, Derek booked his return flight to Los Angeles. Once his flight was booked, Derek gathered up his things, shoving his laptop into his messenger bag. He now had to let Kai know about his decision. Standing, Derek slugged the bag over his shoulder and headed out of his place, walking to the farm.

As he came up the gravel driveway, Noa and Teresa were sitting out on the front lanai. Derek waved and for a second, he hesitated, wondering if he should head directly around the house to the office trailer to meet with Kai as planned. But something about the leisurely view of Leia’s parents sitting in their wingback chairs, holding hands, gave Derek pause.

Instead of weaving around the house, Derek climbed the front steps. With a smile, Derek greeted them, “Good morning.” He readjusted his slipping messenger bag. “You both look extra comfortable this morning.”

Teresa met Derek’s gaze. “We are enjoying the beautiful view.” She motioned to the empty chair beside her. “Come sit with us a while.”

Double checking his watch, Derek wondered how much Kai would mind if he was late to their meeting. “I have a meeting with Kai.” Derek rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between Teresa and Noa. “I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

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