Page 54 of Hula

The place is small. There’s Nani and Alek.

“She doesn’t look upset,” I whisper.

“Good sign.”

Walking up to the table, Alek rises and holds out my chair. First a kiss hello.

“Hi! We just ordered the sushi and sashimi. I got your favorites.”

Lani leans over and gives Nani a peck on the cheek, before he takes a seat.

“So how did it go?”

“I am going to have surgery. He read the MRI and said I am a good candidate because of my weight and general health.”

Her expression does not match the statement. There’s a slightly annoyed look.

“Well that’s great!”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“What do you mean you guess?” Lani says.

“I’m scared. That’s what it means. I’ve never been under anesthesia. Hate the thought.”

Alek breaks in. “Noa recommended the guy. Said he’s the best.”

“I’d feel better if Noa was here.”

“He’ll be back soon. Maybe not in time for the surgery, but not long after.”

“When is the surgery?”

“July twenty-eighth.”

I chime in with my two cents. “Who will take care of you?”

“I can take care of myself. Alana will help. And Alek at night.”

Lani’s face scrunches. “No, no. You will need round the clock care my dear. Take it from me. I have lived it.”

“For what? Alana can make me breakfast and lunch.”

“Obviously you have not read your instructions.”

“Not yet. I was going to look them over tonight.”

“You will need someone stronger and more savvy than a young girl to do what must be done. You will need help with your private matters, your physical therapy, taking care of Kanaka. There will be things you won’t be able to handle at first.”

“That’s right, Mom. We can hire someone to be there while I’m at the restaurant.”

“Too much money.”

“Between Noa, Makani, and I we can swing it. Don’t worry about that.”

“I can help here and there, but I won’t be available every day,” Lani says. “But I know a traveling male nurse who might want the job. I’d have to see.”

“I don’t want a man helping me bathe or use the restroom.”

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