Page 18 of Big Island Horizons
“You’ve got two out of three this time,” she reminded him. It would be Piper’s first time staying over at her dad’s place. “Cody will come around. Just give it some time.”
He nodded, then impulsively pulled her into another hug.
This time, she tapped his back to signal that it was time to let go. Then she opened the gate for them and stood watching as they drove down the road and out of sight.
7
Lani
“Are we there yet?” Olivia asked from the back seat.
“Not even halfway,” Tenn said with a laugh.
“This drive is taking forever,” Rory groaned.
“How about an audiobook?”
“Can we listen toThe Wild Robotagain?” Olivia asked.
“Just what I was thinking. Would you help us out, Lani? It should be in the glove compartment.”
She opened the hatch and found a thick plastic box, a set of CDs from the Hilo library. On the front was a picture of a silver robot in the wilderness. She popped in the first CD and let the narration wash away the girls’ complaints.
For about two minutes. Then Rory complained, “This is boring.”
“It gets good,” Olivia told her. “I promise.”
Rory sighed, not wanting to doubt the older girl. Within a few short chapters, she was completely wrapped up in the story.
Lani did her best to enjoy the gorgeous coastal drive. Normally there would be nothing more zen than kicking back in the passenger seat, looking out over the lush green fields and panoramic ocean views as they made their way up to Waimea.
Today, though, anxiety kept eating at her.
As many times as she told herself that Zeke was not on the island, that she wouldn’t let him rob her of her peace… he still did. If nothing else, he knew where she worked.
That alone was enough to make her uneasy.
She didn’t want to dwell on him today, but anxious thoughts kept coming, intrusive and unbidden. Again and again, she pushed them away.
Tenn pulled off of the highway around the halfway point and parked near a smoothie stand, giving the kids the chance to run around and fuel up for the second leg of the drive. Rory chose a kid-sized mango smoothie, and Olivia got a bright pink one made with dragon fruit.
He wisely waited to let them back into the car until the smoothies were drained.
The two adults stretched and walked a bit before settling down on a bench.
The girls were in pursuit of a mother hen and her babies, shuffling towards them in slow motion in an effort to avoid scaring them away.
“Are you okay?” Tenn asked, rubbing the back of her neck. “You’ve been quiet today.”
“Just tired.” She leaned into him, letting his steadiness calm her nerves.
“Is Waimea too much today? We could turn around, take the girls to one of the beach parks in Hilo instead?”
Lani smiled and took his hand. “No, I’ve been looking forward to this. It feels good to get out and explore a bit. I haven’t been to the Waimea farmers market.”
“It’s more of an excuse for an outing than a destination,” he admitted. “But I love the drive, and the girls will have a blast at the playground.”
“Let’s do it.”
