Page 57 of Keeping Kama

“Are you complimenting me?” asked Derek.

Smiling, Leia arrived at her car. “I believe I am.” She opened her car door and climbed inside.

“I knew it,” said Derek. Leia could hear him smiling on the other end. Clearing his throat, Derek continued, “I’ll be back in Los Angeles in the next day or two. Then the time difference will be back to only three hours apart.”

Exhaling, Leia gripped the steering wheel with her free hand. “Only three hours. It still feels too far for me.” A long pause on the other side of the phone made Leia double check the connection. “Are you still there?”

“I’m here,” said Derek. “I’m trying to get closer to you, Leia. Please just hold out a little longer until I sort everything out. I’ll try to stay longer than a few days for the marathon.”

“Could you stay until Christmas? The marathon is on December 10. I know that’s two more weeks, but I’d love for you to be here. My whole big extended family gets together at Kama on Christmas Eve. My uncle and a few of my cousins play songs on their ukuleles, and we sing Christmas songs together after a big feast,” said Leia.

“I can’t remember the last time I celebrated Christmas with anyone,” replied Derek. “I’ll see what I can do. I’d love to spend Christmas with you and your family. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Kai should have the farm tours working smoothly by then, too.” Leia couldn’t hide the pleasure from her voice. “I think you’ll be pleased with what he’s done.”

“I’m sure,” said Derek. “I’m glad he’s found a way to keep the farm up and running.”

Leia bit her tongue, she wanted to tell Derek she knew about his investment in the farm. But for whatever reason, Derek didn’t want Leia to know so she chose to respect his decision instead of trying to over-analyze it.

Instead, Leia asked, “So, you’ll do it? You’ll stay for Christmas?”

“Let me check with Tyson, and I’ll let you know as soon as I can,” said Derek.

A tapping at her car window interrupted their conversation. Leia saw her co-worker on the other side of her car door. “I need to run. A co-worker needs to speak to me. I’ll talk to you soon,” said Leia.

With real hope, Leia ended the call with Derek, rolling down her window.

Chapter19

Derek placed some old knick-knacks into a box. Glancing around his home, Derek reassessed what he was placing in storage and what would stay. He was able to find a nice couple who were in Los Angeles for six months on a work assignment to rent his home, furnished. This made things way easier for him because it only required him to sort through the junk in his closets to determine what he needed to throw away, take with him, or place in storage.

His back pocket buzzed. Derek pushed his hand into it and took out his phone. The screen flashed Leia’s name. With a smile, Derek clicked accept and placed it at his ear. “Hey, Leia.” Derek snatched the packing tape with one hand and placed the phone in the crook of his neck.

“Hi, Derek. I was calling to see if you were able to get your last long run in?” asked Leia.

After he tugged a piece of tape loose from the dispenser, Derek pulled it across the top of the box and taped it closed. “I sure did. I can’t believe the marathon is in two weeks.” He sat down on the edge of the bed. “I have no idea how I’ll run 26.2 miles when the longest I’ve run is twenty.”

Over the last six weeks, Derek’s feelings for Leia had only deepened. He looked forward each night to ending his day talking with her over the phone. The separation only proved to reinforce his need to be closer to her, and Derek believed Leia felt the same way.

“That’s where the adrenaline of the race kicks in and carries you those extra miles,” replied Leia.

Scratching his chin, Derek said, “Is that how it works?” He flopped backwards onto his bed, relaxing.

Leia wasn’t aware Derek was going to stay way longer than the extra two weeks they had planned after the marathon. He hoped the entire thing didn’t blow up in his face. Derek wasn’t known for taking many risks for love. Packing up his entire life to move to Hawaii was certainly a huge leap of faith. He’d know soon enough if it was the right choice or not.

“Yes, trust me. This isn’t my first rodeo,” said Leia.

“How many marathons will this be for you?” asked Derek.

“Umm …” Leia paused. “I’m not sure. I lost count after twenty. Remember?”

“That’s right.” Eyes glued to the ceiling, Derek his arm behind his neck. “I’ll be thrilled to only complete this one. I’m sure I’ll come in hours after you. How long do I have again to run it?”

“Honolulu Marathon doesn’t have any cut off time. It’s one of the only world-class marathons where every runner gets to finish, so no excuses,” said Leia.

“I guess you’re right.” Derek sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I must finish.” He paused for a second. “Are you sure you’re still okay picking me up from the airport?”

“Derek,” said Leia. “I’m counting down the minutes until we can be together. Of course I’m picking you up from the airport. Then we can eat lunch again at Aria and Kalon’s food truck.”

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