Page 58 of Big Island Horizons
“Have you had dinner yet?” he asked Lani after depositing Rory in the back seat.
“Not yet.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come to the cafe?”
“It’s already past time to milk the goats.”
“I’m not terribly fond of those goats.”
“Me neither,” Lani said with a laugh. “I mean, I guess they’re growing on me. A bit. But I’ll be glad when Emma’s home and they’re her responsibility again.”
“And when will that be?”
“Not too much longer. A few more weeks. She hasn’t booked a flight yet, but she promised Kai that they would be back home before his birthday. That’s less than a month from now.”
He hummed thoughtfully and kissed her forehead. “How about I bring you some dinner from the cafe? By the time you finish milking, I’ll be there with your food.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Sweet potato fries,” she said without hesitation, “and an‘uluburger with jalapeno jack.”
“You’ve got it. Rory?” he asked through the open door. “What do you want for dinner?”
“Chicken and rice!” she shouted.
“You’re both very predictable.” He closed the door on Rory and kissed Lani again. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Where’s Livie?” Rory asked when Lani climbed into the driver’s seat.
“She’s at her grandma and grandpa’s house.”
“Can we go there?”
“No.” Lani backed carefully out of the small parking lot and started home.
“Why not?”
“We weren’t invited.”
“But why?”
“We just weren’t.”
“But why not?”
Lani sighed. “It’s just her and her grandparents tonight.”
Rory crossed her arms and pouted. “She’d have more fun if I was there.”
“But Dio would miss you. And Zuko.”
“I guess. And the chickens?”
“For sure the chickens would miss you.”
“And you?”
