Page 47 of Keeping Kama

One evening a few weeks later, Leia was working in the office trailer. Kai had hired an official accountant who was way better equipped to help the farm get back on track financially. Leia only inputted the receipts for the day to assist in a small way. When Leia inquired what Kai was going to do without the promised investment money, Kai told her he had figured something else out. His lips were sealed, but Leia was relieved.

The jingle of the trailer door made Leia pause in place, her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Kai popped his head in. “Hey, Leia. I saw the lights on when I was passing by, I wanted to double check I hadn’t left them on. I didn’t realize you were still working.”

Stretching her arms above her head, Leia then folded them against herself. “I’m finishing up. I should be done in another fifteen minutes or so.”

Lingering in front of the door, Kai asked, “Are you still hung up on Derek?”

Her back stiffened. “Whoa, that came out of nowhere.” With a clenched jaw, Leia said, “Kai—” she gave him a pointed look, “I don’t want to talk about him.”

“Why? Because you might be in love with him?” asked Kai.

With an eye roll, Leia seized the end of the desk, scooting herself closer. “We spent a short amount of time together. You can’t fall in love that fast. Besides, I could never be in love with someone who only gave empty promises.”

“What promises?” asked Kai.

Pushing up her chin, Leia replied, “Derek shouldn’t have promised to invest in the farm. I thought he was different.” Shaking her head, Leia continued, “Apparently, he wasn’t.”

Taking a step closer, Kai said, “Derek is a decent guy. You need to get over this, and stop being angry at him for no reason.”

“How can you of all people be saying this?” asked Leia. “I know you had to scramble to find another way to pay off the bank loan.”

“You’ve got it wrong, Leia.” Kai paused, shoving one hand into his pocket. “Derek made me promise not to tell you, but I think you deserve to know.”

“Know what?” asked Leia.

“Derek is the one who paid off the bank loan. He didn't want you to know because he didn’t want that to sway your feelings for him. But you’ve been moping around since he left, so I couldn’t stand not telling.”

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Leia let the revelation settle. “So, Derek paid with his own money, not the investment firm’s money?” asked Leia.

“Yes, and I’m working to pay him off little by little. We get to keep the whole farm this way. Leia, Derek isn’t a bad guy, he’s one of the good ones,” said Kai.

“I— I—” stammered Leia. “I don’t even know how to unpack this whole thing. It doesn’t change the fact that he lives in Los Angeles. There’s no way for us to be together.”

“Oh, come on, little sis,” said Kai. “You and I both know you could figure something out.”

“I’ll think on it,” said Leia. “Thanks, Kai.”

Kai nodded then turned and left. Leia leaned forward and threw her face into her flat palmed hands and moaned.

The next morning, Leia woke to the blaring of her alarm clock. After slapping the buzzer off, Leia wiggled her way out of the covers and changed into her running clothes. With her shoes laced up, Leia hoped the morning run would give her time to clear her head before going to her teaching job. So, Leia ran and thought, ran, and thought. She wished Derek had told her the truth to begin with. Why didn’t he trust her enough to know she was a good judge of character?

For miles, Leia pushed herself harder and faster than ever before. Finishing the final stretch, Leia’s body was drenched in sweat and chest fully heaving. The feeling exhilarated her in a way it hadn’t since Derek left. Slowing to a walk, Leia curved toward her parents’ home. Noa and Teresa sat out on the front lanai enjoying the morning sunrise over the ocean.

With a wave, Leia walked up the gravel walkway. “Good morning,” greeted Leia. She climbed up the front steps, stopping at the top step of the lanai.

“Good morning, Leia,” said Teresa. Her gaze slid down her frame. “How many miles did you run today?”

Her breathing evened out. “Nine,” replied Leia. Double checking her watch, Leia continued, “I don’t have time to chat. I need to go shower before heading off to work.”

Teresa patted the top of Noa’s hand. “We understand.”

“Do you know how things are going with Kai starting up the farm tours?” asked Leia. Shifting her weight, Leia put a hand on her hip. “I saw him yesterday, but I completely forgot to ask.” Leia lifted the bottom of her tank top and used it to wipe sweat trickling down her temples.

“I believe they’re going really well.” Teresa looked toward Noa. “He told us they’re going to start two tours next week.”

Leia smiled and replied, “That’s wonderful.” Swiping some sweat off her brow, Leia readjusted her tank top. “I need to get going. I hope you both have a lovely day.” Leia twisted around and took the stairs down.

“Leia—” said Teresa, stopping Leia on the second to bottom step of the stairs.

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