Page 11 of Knot Your Sunshine
The tension in my shoulders eases slightly, and I realize I've been holding my breath.
Rose leans into view, her eyes actually sparkling. "I think it sounds thrilling, Mia. A mystery meeting in a Hawaiian resort... it's like the first act of a romance novel."
"Mom!" Elena groans, but she's fighting a smile.
"It's fine, Elena," I say with a grin. Then I take a breath, preparing for what might be a huge ask. "And actually, the reason I'm calling, besides sharing the news, is I was kind of hoping you'd come with me?" I bite my lip. "You, your mom, and the guys, of course. I know it's last minute, but when I told you about that salon offer last week, I sensed you'd love an excuse to visit Hawaii, and the flights leave from Lakeview Regional, so..."
"Well, it does sound amazing…" Elena's voice is thoughtful, and I can see her mentally working through possibilities. Rose practically vibrates with excitement next to her, eyes wide on the screen. "Would that work for everyone?"
"Absolutely no pressure," I start. "I know tomorrow is crazy short notice—"
"Well," Cole interrupts. "I'm on vacation leave this week actually. Summer scheduling at Lakeview FD means half of us are gone at any given time."
James appears in frame again, already scrolling through something on his tablet. "My second-in-command can handle the Beaumont Lakeview bakery branch. He's been wanting more responsibility... Might be good to test him."
"And I can work from anywhere." Dorian grins, that easy, old-money smile. "Was planning to take some time off anyway. Hawaii sounds infinitely better than staycationing in Lakeview."
Rose practically bounces on her toes. "Oh, this is perfect! I've been dying for an adventure. So we're going?"
Everyone looks at Elena, whose expression now carries a smile that transforms from thoughtful to genuinely excited.
"Well," she says slowly, drawing it out for dramatic effect, "I did just close my bakery for renovations this month, so... let's go to Hawaii!"
"Yes!" James fist-pumps. "I'm packing sunscreen now."
"The strong stuff," Cole adds, already in protective mode. "Island sun is no joke. SPF 50 minimum."
"I'll bring extra," Dorian says. "Just to make sure we're covered."
A laugh bubbles out of me, and suddenly my eyes are stinging. "You'll really come?"
"Of course," Elena says, her face filling the screen again, close enough that I can see the affection in her eyes. "Mysterious meeting, best friend who needs backup, trip to Hawaii, and somehow we're all miraculously free? It's like the universe is telling us to go."
I press the phone to my chest for a second, feeling my heart flutter against it like a caged bird. When I flip it back, they're all still there, waiting.
"Flight's at 3:45 PM tomorrow. Terminal Two at Lakeview Regional."
"Perfect, we'll meet you there at two." Elena's smile is soft. "This is going to be amazing, Mia."
"Thank you. All of you. Seriously."
The call ends, leaving me staring at my reflection in the black screen. My half-packed suitcase sits open on the bed, clothes spilling out like colorful little promises of adventure.
I tuck my passport next to the pile and start sorting outfits with actual purpose now. And somewhere, in the back of mymind, I start rehearsing the pitch that's been living in my head for years.
Maybe being unhinged isn't such a bad thing after all.
Chapter four
Josh
I check my watch. Again. 1:15 PM.
The Honolulu airport churns with tourists, floral shirts blurring past. I scan each face methodically: blonde hair, no. Black hair, too old. Brunette, close, but no.
Then I see her.
She's standing near the baggage claim, probably no taller than five-foot-three, wearing a red sundress that skims her petite yet generous figure. Dark curls tumble past her shoulders, catching the airport lighting and somehow making it look romantic. And then she glances in my direction, and my breath catches.
