Page 7 of Keeping Kama

Without hesitation, Kai said, “Because a bank won’t give us a loan. Trust me, I tried.” Kai pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know this isn’t ideal, but with Dad’s current state we have to do something.” Removing his hand, Kai continued, “Leia, we could lose everything and not only the forty percent Derek’s investment company wants to buy.”

Leia jolted forward, nearly toppling out of her seat. Clutching onto the desk, Leia shrieked, “Forty percent!”

Derek flinched but forced his expression to remain neutral.

Nodding, Kai steepled his hands together. “Forty percent,” repeated Kai calmly.

Glancing between Leia and Kai, Derek said, “Your family will remain the majority shareholder of Kama Farm. This means your family remains in control of the vision you want for this place.”

With an edge, Leia commented, “How very generous of you.” She opened a desk drawer and pulled out a tube of Chapstick, yanking off the cap. After applying it to her lips, Leia threw it back inside and slammed the drawer shut.

His back stiffened. Derek tried his best to keep his emotions from giving away any sort of reaction. Through his years of investing in different companies, Derek knew the initial meeting tended to be the hardest. People approached his investment firm when things weren’t going well for their business. Leia’s family was in a comparable situation, but Derek had an excellent history of turning companies around. As an outsider, without any of the emotional attachment to the business, Derek could pinpoint what needed to change for the businesses he invested in to thrive.

Kai leaned back in his chair, cupping the back of his head with his hands. Speaking directly to Leia, Kai said, “I know he’s here to buy a portion of the farm, but Leia you must know this is our last-ditch effort to keep Kama in the family. We have no other options. The farm has been running in a deficit for the last year or two. None of us predicted how severely Dad’s absence from the farm would affect our bottom-line. But Leia …” shifting toward her, Kai continued, “if we don’t turn things around, we will lose everything.”

Leia’s shoulders slumped.

Silence followed.

Derek knew his presence wasn’t wanted, but if he didn’t think the business could thrive with his investment, he wouldn’t have come to Hawaii. After looking at Kama Farm’s financial records, Derek had already found numerous areas to improve the business; ways to save money, be more efficient, and keep the integrity and heart of the family in the farm. All these things were doable, but the family needed money to do them.

Cradling his propped knee, Derek said, “I know you aren’t happy with me being here.” He motioned toward Leia, “I completely understand. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to explain to you the process I take before we even begin to negotiate me purchasing part of the farm.”

Kai peered over at Leia. With a raised eyebrow, Kai said, “Leia we asked Derek to come all the way here to Hawaii. The least we can do is hear him out.”

Raising both her hands in defeat, Leia replied, “Fine.” Then Leia met Derek’s gaze, crossing her arms against herself. She prodded, “Go on. I’m listening.”

Clearing his throat, Derek dove into his spiel. “So, usually I stay for a week or two. I’ll shadow both of you so I can learn how Kama Farm functions, make notes of ways to become more efficient, point out trouble areas and make suggestions to improve on them. Then at the end of that time, if I find this is a business I want to invest in, I’ll give you an offer. Think of the next few weeks as a trial period.” Gesturing at himself, Derek continued, “You’ll get to know me, and I’ll get to know you. If we gel, and we’re comfortable with one another, we’ll proceed with the negotiations of the investment. Does that sound reasonable to both of you?”

Leia exchanged a look with Kai. “I’m a teacher.” She peered back at Derek and continued, “I’m only here on the weekends and do most of the bookkeeping from my apartment. There won’t be much for you to shadow when it comes to me.”

Slowly, Derek nodded. “You’re correct.” He glanced at Kai. “I’ll mainly be shadowing you, Kai.”

Leia smugly asked, “So, will this be the last time we have to talk for a while?”

Derek scratched his chin. Even though the window AC unit buzzed on the wall, sweat poured down his back. Somehow, he kept his voice even as he replied, “Sure if that’s how you would like it.” He shrugged, though his middle churned. A trickle of sweat ran down his temple, and using a single finger, he swiped at it. “I believe most of our interactions can be done over email. And if you want, you can email my business partner Tyson instead of me.”

Holding up both his hands, Kai interjected, “Leia, if we’re bringing Derek in to invest, I need you to feel comfortable with him too. His business partner isn’t here. This guy is, so…”he shook his head. With a voice colder than before, Kai continued, “I don’t know what happened this morning, but you need to get over it.” Kai shot Leia a pointed look, “Leia …”

Defiantly, Leia crossed her arms and replied, “Okay,Kai.”

Kai tilted his head toward Derek, staring at him directly. “How about you? Are you embarrassed my sister had to save you this morning?”

Derek shifted, lowering his propped leg back to the ground. “I don’t have a problem with Leia. She saved my life.” Derek met Leia’s gaze and spoke directly toward her, “And I think she’s amazing.”

Leia’s cheeks tinged pink. She flipped her gorgeous long silky black hair over her shoulder.

Clapping his hands together, Kai said, “Perfect. Then we’re in agreement.” He pushed his chair out, standing. Kai continued, “Let’s give Derek a tour of the farm.”

As Leia stumbled to her feet, she said, “Okay then.”

Derek rose to his feet too.

Kai’s gaze ran over Derek’s body. “We need to get you something else to wear. You’re going to ruin your clothes. We just put down new fertilizer.”

Tugging at his shirt collar, Derek’s cheeks warmed as he peered down at himself. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” He shuffled his feet.

“No way.” Kai strode across the trailer toward the door. Over his shoulder, he said, “Let me run and find you a shirt and some flip flops. I’ll be right back.” Kai exited.

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