Page 53 of Big Island Neighbors
“Thank you. I love spending time with you too.”
His hand drifted up her arm, pausing at her elbow. “Can I kiss you?”
She leaned towards him. “Yes please.”
He took his time, putting one hand on her face and tracing the curve of her lower lip with his thumb. His other hand continued its journey up her arm until her face was cradled between his two hands.
Then his lips met hers, and the last of her anxiety melted away.
17
Tara
Sitting parked in front of the DMV, Tara felt unaccountably nervous.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” she asked.
“I’m sure.” Cody was already halfway out the door of the family minivan.
“Okay. Meet us in town when you’re done.”
“Good luck!” Paige shouted from the back seat.
“Don’t blow it!” Piper added.
Tara gave her an exasperated look as Cody shut the door behind him.
She smiled sweetly and asked, “Can we get shave ice?”
An automatic ‘no’ rose in her throat, but she paused. For the first time in weeks, they weren’t cash poor.
Cody had made his first round of deliveries (with the rest of the family tagging along). The meal had included cream of‘ulusoup, wild boar meatballs, and a medley of garden vegetables.
The crowning jewel had been guava cake made with breadfruit flour. It wasn’t cheap, but she had kept costs low on the rest of the meal. She had wanted to end with something memorable, and it had been a resounding success.
Everyone who’d received the inaugural meal had ordered again, and there were even more orders for the coming week. Tara felt confident that Cody would pass today’s drivers test.
Their family business was well on its way to supporting them - and their overgrown menagerie of farm animals.
“Sure,” she conceded. “We can get shave ice.”
They left the van at the DMV for Cody’s test and walked the short distance back down the road to Pualena. When they got to Haumona Shave Ice, she smiled to see Lani manning the window.
“Aloha!” she greeted them. “How did Cody’s driving test go?”
“He’s there now,” Tara said.
“He’s a great driver. He’ll pass for sure.”
“Yeah, probably,” Piper said. “He drives like a grandma.”
“What can I get for you?”
“I don’t know yet.” She joined Paige in studying the sign. They ate well at home, but getting food in town was a rare treat.
“We have a new flavor today.Liliko’isweetened with sugar cane juice.”
“That sounds phenomenal,” Tara said. “I’ll have that, please.”
