Page 48 of Keeping Kama

Once on the bottom, Leia turned around and faced Teresa. “Yeah, Mom?”

“Are you still talking to Derek?” asked Teresa.

Feeling defensive, Leia put a hand on her hip. “No, I am not. Why?” Leia didn’t want to add, she had every intention of finally calling him tonight to clear the air between them.

Clasping and unclasping her hand, Teresa said, “I ran into Bane.”

“Bane, like my old college boyfriend, Bane?” asked Leia.

“Yes, that Bane,” said Teresa.

Leia hadn’t thought about Bane in years. Their breakup had been a somewhat amicable one. Bane didn’t want to stay in Oahu, and Leia did. After graduation, Bane moved to Idaho and got married shortly after his arrival there.

Dropping her hands down at her sides, Leia said with an edge, “Okay, and what?”

Teresa stood, walking to the edge of the lanai. Glancing down the stairs at Leia, Teresa said, “He’s coming for dinner tonight with his mom.”

“What?!” Leia stumbled a step forward, knocking the front of her foot on the bottom step of the stairs. “I don’t want to see him,” scoffed Leia.

“But Bane is back in Hawaii after a really long time,” said Teresa.

“I still don’t see why you think I’d care,” replied Leia.

“He’s divorced. Three years. His ex-wife cheated on him.” Teresa wagged a finger. “I always thought you two had some unfinished business.”

“Mom …” Leia pinched the bridge of her nose, forcing her voice to even out. “Why?”

“Because I need you to get over Derek. He isn’t coming back. You had some fun, but Derek was a distraction, nothing more. It’s time for you to wake up and realize you’re going to end up alone if you don’t move on. Bane jumped at the chance to come over. I could tell hewantedto come,” said Teresa.

A loud groan escaped her. Leia knew she didn’t have time to hash out this entire ridiculous thing. She had exactly thirty minutes to shower and get herself to work. “This is unbelievable. Why?” Leia wailed.

“Because I’m your mother. I know this thing with Derek could drag on for years, where you end up with nothing. You’re not young anymore, Leia. I won’t see you long for someone who isn’t coming back.” Teresa stamped her foot. “It’s a huge mistake. Bane and his mom will be here at six.” She straightened herself.

“I’m not coming,” replied Leia.

Teresa walked down three of the steps. “Yes, you are. I know where you live and don’t think for a second, I won’t send Bane over to your place to fetch you come dinner time.”

Pivoting to leave, Leia said over her shoulder, “I don’t have time to argue with you.”

“Great,” said Teresa. With a sickly-sweet voice, Teresa continued, “I’ll see you at six.”

The entire way back to her apartment Leia grumbled to herself. Once home, she stripped off her soaking wet running clothes and jumped in the shower. Her hurried morning left her little time to stew about her looming dinner with a guy she hadn’t seen in fifteen years. And with teaching, her day flew right on by.

So, as six o’clock neared, Leia dreaded the prospect of an awkward evening.

In the middle of changing into a pair of khaki shorts and floral blouse, her phone rang. Swiping it off her bed, Leia caught Derek’s name flashing across the screen. The guy certainly was persistent, even with a month full of her ignoring him, he hadn’t stopped trying. For a second, she hesitated, gnawing her bottom lip vigorously. Maybe it was time to talk? She sure did miss him.

Hitting accept, Leia placed the phone to her ear. “Hey, Derek. I don’t have much time to talk.” Putting the phone on speaker, she set her phone down on her bed. “If you’re calling to apologize for leaving me high and dry, I’m listening.”

“Umm,” stammered Derek. “I can’t believe you picked up. I thought for sure you were going to have it go to voice mail. You’ve ignored me for a month. I’m thrilled you picked up. What gives?”

“What can I say? I’m a woman of mystery,” said Leia.

Derek paused then said, “It’s good to hear your voice. I’ve missed you.”

Warmth crept up her neck, Leia couldn’t deny she missed Derek, too. Hearing his voice was making her feel all the feels, feelings she wondered if she had made up. “Ahh, I might have missed you a tad too.” Leia paused for a moment. Clearing her throat, Leia continued, “I listened to all your voice messages and read your texts. And I’ve decided I can’t stay mad at you. I wish I could, but it appears I can’t.”

“That’s a relief. I’m sorry for how things ended,” said Derek.

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