Keeping Kama

Chapter 1

From behind, a fast car dipped over a bump, making their headlights cast a brief glow on Leia. “Geez,” Leia muttered under her breath.

Taking a quick glance over her shoulder, Leia reverted her gaze to the road in front of her. As the headlights approached, Leia tried to maintain her running pace. Only a few months remained until the Honolulu marathon, Leia planned on getting her personal best.

Her shoes crunched into the gravel. The headlights grew closer, Leia peered over her shoulder a second time and said to herself, “I hope they plan on slowing down.” The words were carried away with the ocean breeze.

Readjusting her headlamp, Leia counted on it, along with the lights on her shoes, to be enough for the driver to make out her silhouette in the darkness of early morning. Leia moved as far as possible to the side of the road. The car violently came closer and closer. An annoying low beat from the car made her body vibrate. Did the driver have their windows rolled down, belting out loud music? At this hour?

Twisting halfway, Leia caught a better view of the small Honda. Yep, the windows were down, making the blaring music louder with each passing second. And it wasn’t good music, it was annoying music. Like maybe Tom Petty?

Concentrating, Leia recognized the tune, ‘I Won’t Back Down’, confirming whoever was driving recklessly also had bad taste in music. Two knocks against them. Leia never understood the singer’s appeal, an opinion she knew enough not to voice out loud to others, though. People became awfully touchy when it came to Mr. Tom Petty.

Besides her dislike for the driver’s music choice, why did they feel the need to broadcast it at a deafening volume at five-thirty in the morning? Especially on the North Shore? Ugh. Leia purposely started her long runs early in the morning to avoid cars, commuters, and tourists.

As the car loomed behind her, Leia abruptly stopped and twisted to face it. Lifting her hand to block out the blinding light of the car’s headlights, it took Leia’s vision a moment to adjust. It was barreling toward her and getting dangerously close to hitting her. Leia jumped into the grassy plain next to the shoulder. A near hit, the car passed, taking its annoying music with it.

Once it was out of sight, Leia moved back onto the road, brushing off her arms, and continued running. Forcing herself to forget the encounter, Leia dug out a gel from her side pocket. Ripping off the top with her teeth, she gulped it down in seconds, sliding the empty packet back into her pocket when she was finished. Five miles down, five more to go.

Glancing to her right, Leia took in the beautiful sight of the ocean. Sunlight skimmed an inch above the water enough to make the black sky turn to a milky dark blue. Slowly, the warmth of the sunrise hit her skin.

When she was only a mile from home, Leia ran by Shark’s Cove. A popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, Shark’s Cove had the best snorkeling around. Though getting into the cove, past the break of rock, tended to be a bit dangerous this time of year for an inexperienced swimmer. It was equally important once in the safety of the cove that one did not swim past where the waves broke or venture out on their own.

Usually, people don’t swim in the cove this early in the morning. Rarely did Leia spot anyone in the water on her early morning runs. But today, a lonely Honda was parked on the road, next to the path leading down to Shark’s Cove. Leia wasn’t positive, but she believed it was the same car as earlier.

Out of breath, Leia stopped, walking over to the lookout point. Down below, in Shark’s Cove, she spotted someone way past the basin of the cove, snorkeling. The water past the basin was choppy, deep, and dangerous. Leia hoped the person out there alone was a strong swimmer.

For a few moments, Leia watched the swimmer, wondering if they were aware of how far they were from the calmer waters in the cove. Then a huge wave came, pulling the person further out past the cove and into the treacherous open ocean. Leia scurried down the rocky path to the shoreline.

Hitting the sand, Leia cupped her mouth with one hand while she waved frantically with the other. “You are out too far. Come back!” She knew it was fruitless. Her voice couldn’t carry that great a distance. But to no avail, she yelled again, “It’s not safe. You’re out too far!” With a frenzy, Leia waved both arms, trying to catch the swimmer’s attention.

Another wave came, hitting the shore. Leia took a step back to keep from getting wet. When she glanced back to spot the swimmer, the person was gone. Leia ripped off her shoes and shirt, dumping the contents of her pockets onto the sand. Then she waded past the choppy break of the shore, once beyond the rocky portion, Leia dove into the water, swimming with her entire might toward where she last spotted the swimmer. Her lungs burned. Salt water stung her eyes. Every so often she came up for air, peering around to try and locate the person. When she didn’t see anyone, she dipped her head back in, using her strong lean legs to catapult herself forward.

Finally, several yards ahead, Leia clocked a man’s head bobbing in and out of the water.

“I’m coming, hold on!” shouted Leia. With another several strong, fast strokes, Leia neared the man in distress. “Calm down. I’m almost to you!” His body floated up and down like a buoy. “I’m here to help!”

With only a few feet left between them, Leia reached out, wrapping her arm under his armpits in a move she learned in her lifeguard training course.

Teeth chattering, the man attempted a reply, “I’m— I’m—” the man replied. Then his eyes rolled back.

Leia secured him in a football hold, swimming and dragging his body with her free arm, depending on the strength of her legs to catapult them forward. A rip tide attempted to drag them in the opposite direction. Each stroke was a fight against the strength of the tide. Why had she done this? This rash decision might cost her life. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, giving her a bit of herculean strength. Leia forced herself to not think about how far she still needed to swim, or how she might not make it back to the safety of the shore. No, Leia swam and swam, fighting for each inch, dragging the man behind her.

“AHHH …” Leia screamed as the man’s weight made every part of her body throbbed from exertion. Her shoulder popped, and Leia wondered if she had dislocated it. “What were you thinking?” she tried to yell, but salt water filled her mouth. She spit it out, gritting her teeth against the stinging grime coating her tongue.

Another wave rolled over them, but Leia didn’t let go. She couldn’t let go. Then another wave broke on them, but Leia held on, refusing to let herself or this guy die. After spending every summer from eighteen to twenty-two as a lifeguard at Waikiki Beach, Leia’s training took over. Pure muscle memory allowed her to swim and drag the man back to safety.

Eventually, they reached the calmer water of the cove. Her toes hit the rough bottom of the ocean floor, making them sting as the rocky coral cut through her socks and into her skin. After a few steps, the rock gave way to sand, making the end almost near. The water eventually danced around her waist then her knees. Leia jumped out of the water, pulling the man by the arms onto the sand.

Every part of her hurt, but Leia didn’t stop. Ready to begin CPR, Leia kneeled next to the man. He rolled to his side unassisted, coughing and sputtering out water. His hand flew to his chest, as he continued to cough up water.

Leia pounded on his back with a closed fist. “Good. Get it all out,” instructed Leia.

Eventually, he stopped coughing and Leia helped him sit up. Still kneeling beside him, she scanned him, looking for any injuries. “Are you okay?” Leia practically shouted.

“I—think—so,” his words came out in short spurts. He coughed some more but appeared to be regaining his normal breathing. Swiping his hair out of his eyes, he said, “Just a bit shaken up.” His voice evened out while his chest slowed its heaving.

Relieved, Leia dropped onto her backside. Sand stuck to her shorts and legs. Leia paused, waiting for the commotion in her chest to subside enough for her mind to clear. Salt stung her eyes as water ran down her face in long continuous streams. Leia reached for her tank top on the sand next to her, using it to wipe her face dry. She tossed it back onto her pile of stuff.

Running her hand over her hair, Leia waited for her own racing pulse to return to normal. The adrenaline from before left her body, leaving her completely limp and exhausted. She cradled her knees to her chest, to keep her body from shaking uncontrollably. The tremor in her hands sent shock waves through her.

They almost died.

She almost died.

And this guy was to blame.

Turning her face toward him, Leia found his gaze. Shaking her head, Leia hissed, “What were you thinking? You could’ve died.” Her jaw tightened. She turned away from the man, closing her eyes for a moment to find her equilibrium. “The sun is barely coming out,” Leia forced herself to calm down. Opening her eyes, Leia found his gaze again. Sparkly blue eyes matching the color of the sky looked back at her. Placing her cheek against her cradled knees, Leia exhaled, “Did you get in the water when it was still dark?”

Shrugging, he leaned back on his hands. “Maybe.” He shook out his dripping hair, casting his glance out to the cove.

After staring at him for a few moments, Leia forced herself to look out at Shark’s Cove too. “Unbelievable,” muttered Leia. Clearing her throat, Leia desperately wanted a drink of water to rid her mouth of the frothy saltwater tickling her tongue. “Who do you think you are? Unless you’re some Olympian swimmer I don’t know about …” She shifted, letting her gaze settle on him. “You can’t swim in the ocean when it’s dark. You just can’t— especially not on the North Shore. The tide is incredibly strong.” Her voice faded off.

His eyes locked on hers. For a moment, Leia stared him down. Then he laughed, a deep bottom of his belly, laugh. Gripping his middle, the man almost keeled over. And Leia hated him a little bit more. The guy almost killed them, and he was laughing? Swiping at his eyes, he eventually stopped, meeting her stone-cold stare.

“You’re right, it wasn’t my smartest move.” He held up his hand in defeat. “I agree, a minor lapse in judgement on my part, but you saved my life. So, thank you.” Casually, he leaned back again, stretching his legs out in front of him, he crossed his ankles. “How did you do that? I can’t believe you swam all the way out to me, and then dragged my body back to shore. You’re …” His gaze glided over her, making her acutely aware she looked like a wet soggy dog. “You’re like half my size.” He peered at her like she was some sort of mesmerizing Greek goddess.

With no attempt to hide her disdain, Leia jutted up her chin. “I was a lifeguard for years, and I’m stronger than I look.” She glanced away out toward the water.

The sun rose higher in the sky, making the blue turquoise water glisten beneath its rays. If she wasn’t so exhausted, Leia imagined she would have appreciated the beauty of the quiet cove. It was a place she loved passing by on her many morning runs. The peaceful serenity would be short lived, in another few minutes, the place would be swarming with people, tourists and locals wanting to snorkel or wade in the tide pools.

Squinting up toward the sky, the man remarked, “Obviously … you are strong. I mean that was amazing. I didn’t realize how powerful the current was, because one minute I was in the safety of the cove then … bam.” He slapped his hands together, making Leia flinch. “Next thing I knew, I was being pulled further and further out by the current. I believe I might’ve been in a rip tide.”

Pursing her lips together, Leia didn’t even know where to begin. Leia remarked, “You were in a rip tide, which clearly means you aren’t from here.”

Leia allowed herself to peer over at him. He reminded her of the many washed up California surfers that came to Hawaii to reclaim their youth. Usually, Leia wasn’t attracted to that type, but there was something about his blond hair and blue eyes that made her stomach twist against her consent. If she was betting, she’d peg him to be in his mid to late thirties. No doubt, he had a way with women and was used to getting whoever he wanted. Leia had plenty of experience with men like him, and she stayed far away. Even if his five o’clock shadow helped accentuate his chiseled jaw line, Leia didn’t care.

Bringing his stretched legs up to his chest, he cradled them with his hands. “What makes you say that?”

Catching herself checking him out, Leia stood, walking a few steps over to where she’d dumped her stuff. “If you were from here …” Leia plucked up her tank top from the sand. She pulled her tank top over her sports bra, covering her bare abdomen. She continued, “You would know this time of year the current is extra powerful. Plus, you would never have ventured out there alone.”

With a soaking wet body, the tank immediately stuck to her skin. Water continued to cascade down her legs. Leia ripped the band from her hair, placing it in between her teeth. Bending her head forward, she gathered up the messy strands of her long dark hair, readjusting it into a knot on top of her head.

From his place on the sand, Derek peered up at her and said, “Guilty. I’m not from here. I’m from Los Angeles.” He stumbled to his feet, wiping his sandy hands on the front of his wetsuit. “I’m here on business. I was trying to squeeze in a little bit of fun before I head to a meeting this morning.”

Clearing her throat, Leia said, “Whatever dude … I don’t care. Just don’t ever do that again. I won’t be there to save you next time.” Bent down, Leia swiped her running shoes and pushed her soaking, sand covered, socked feet into them. Her final mile home was going to be a doozy in these socks. She hoped it didn’t give her blisters. After shoving her phone and keys into her side pocket, Leia put a hand on her hip. “How are you feeling? Any lightheadedness? Trouble breathing?”

In one swift movement, Derek captured his zipper on his back and tugged at his wetsuit. Then he shimmied his arms out of the top, pulling it down to his waist. It revealed a chiseled abdomen. Warmth pooled in her gut. Heat splashed her cheeks. Leia forced herself to look away and out toward Shark’s Cove.

“I think I’m okay,” replied the man. Leaning against a rock, he yanked off the remaining part of his wetsuit, leaving him only in his swim trunks. Dang, he looked good.

A hand plunged through his sandy blond hair, and he added, “Just a little shaken up.”

Sand coated the bottom of her shoes. Leia tried to kick some of it off but it was fruitless. She paused and peered over her shoulder at the path back up to his car. It was steep and uneven. The true test would be if he could make it without assistance.

After she contemplated the dilemma, she shifted back to face him, and Leia finally replied, “That makes two of us.” Her gaze skidded across his body, forcing herself to only double check for any injuries she might have missed and not the delectably perfect shape of his broad shoulders. Leia raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you think you can make it up the path to your car?”

“Of course,” he waved her off, “I’ve never been better.”

“Mm.” Leia narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. She gnawed on her cheek until she tasted blood. There was zero chance she could leave this guy down here on his own. Her conscience wouldn’t allow it. “I’ll wait for you. I don’t want you climbing that alone. After we get to the top, I can decide if I need to call you an ambulance.”

“I’m fine. I’m perfectly okay to make it home on my own.” He walked a few feet, snatching his towel. Water cascaded in mesmerizing streams down his entire body. First, he patted his face dry then moved onto his dripping temples. As almost an afterthought, he held the towel out to Leia. “Would you like to use this to dry off, too?”

Leia glanced down at her drenched body. There wasn’t a point. Nothing was going to dry her off enough to be comfortable on the rest of her run home. Her toes were no doubt shriveled inside her soggy sand covered socks. “Nah, I’m good.” Ready to leave, Leia took a step toward his pile of stuff. After she nabbed his beach bag, she continued, “But I need to get going. We need to walk up to your car. I can’t leave you down here alone.” Leia didn’t ask for instructions, but instead she shoved whatever she saw into his bag.

“Go,” he said. Toweling himself off further, he didn’t appear to be in any hurry. “I’ll be fine.”

With his beach bag in her hands, Leia leered at him. “No way,” replied Leia. “I can’t leave you. I’m sorry, what’s your name?” She straightened herself.

His towel now firmly around his waist, he walked two steps closer to her. The distance between them was cut in half. She shifted uncomfortably, because Leia had suddenly become much too aware of his rugged handsomeness. “I’m Derek.” Derek placed a hand over his chest, while he held his free hand out to her. “And what’s your name—woman who saved my life?”

Leia had no choice but to take a step closer. She quickly shook his hand. “Leia,” she said a bit brashly. All business, she took a step back and surveyed his remaining stuff. “So, now that we have the introductions out of the way, Derek, are you ready to go? The path back up to your car is rocky. I don’t need you slipping and becoming unconscious.” Leia closed his stuffed beach bag, throwing it over her shoulder.

His wet towel unwrapped from around his waist, Derek snatched it before it hit the ground and flung it over his shoulder. He clutched his wetsuit then said, “Aye, Aye, Captain, you lead the way.” He smiled, revealing blinding white teeth.

Leia wondered if he was one of those vain guys who whitened their teeth or if he simply hit the genetic lottery. Either way, it made her uneasy. The sooner she left Shark’s Cove and him, the better.

With an eye roll, Leia turned toward the path and muttered under her breath, “I’ve got it. You’re Mister funny guy. Perfect.” With a huff, she walked to the bottom of the rocky path. He moved at a slower pace, and Leia was forced to wait for Derek to catch up with her. Once he arrived, Leia held out a hand to help him up and onto the first rock step. “I’ll follow you. You go first.”

Without protest, Derek slipped his hand into hers, passing by her onto the rock ahead of them. “Thanks, Leia.” Derek paused, dropping her hand. An odd tension bubbled up between them. His crystal blue eyes bore into hers. She might have swooned a tad. Then with a voice full of sincerity, Derek said, “Thanks for saving my life.”

The icy block in her heart thawed. “Anytime, Derek.” With a tremor in her hand, Leia motioned toward the road. “Just drive slower on this road up here. You almost hit me while I was running, too.”

Derek cringed. “I did?” Slowly, his cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry,” he said, with a voice full of remorse. “I didn’t realize how fast I was driving. The rental car I have, the speedometer is broken.” He held up his hand. “I know, no excuse, but I apologize.”

“It might help too if you don’t drive with your windows down and blasting your music at an excruciating volume at five-thirty in the morning.” Leia shrugged. “I’d start there. I’d think it would help, especially if you were driving around with zero ability to know your speed.”

Derek took another step up the rocks. “The air conditioning in my rental car is broken too. I rolled down the windows to keep myself from melting. I’ll never trust a buddy to hook me up with a good deal ever again. It’s been more like I was scammed big time.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.” Leia stepped onto the rock next to him. The path was wider and could fit them side by side. “But come on,” Leia tsked, “ Tom Petty? ” She cocked an eyebrow.

“Noo.” Derek groaned and placed a hand over his heart like he had been stabbed. “Tom Petty is a legend. I don’t even know how to unwrap that. I’ll pretend you didn’t just insult a total musical icon. I mean ‘Free Falling’ alone is enough to debunk your opinion.”

“But you’re in Hawaii for crying out loud.” Leia scoffed. Her patience wore thin, and she made zero attempt to disguise it. “Listen to Hawaiian music. Nobody will care if you have that blasting out of your car, but Tom Petty …” She climbed up onto the next rock, holding out a hand to him.

Derek took her hand and moved onto the rock next to her. “Message received. I’ll save Tom Petty for when I’m back in California.” Climbing onto the next rock on his own, Leia followed behind him. “My late dad was a huge Tom Petty fan. I listen to it when I want to remember him. Last time I came to Hawaii was with him and my mom.” He shrugged. “I guess I wanted to feel him close to me.”

“When did your dad pass?” asked Leia.

They took the few remaining steps up to where the ground evened out, Derek stopped at the top until Leia joined him. Then he replied, “My dad has been gone so long, sometimes I forget he was ever even here.” His voice faded away. “My mom is gone too. A few years now.”

Leia’s throat grew tight. “I’m sorry,” she offered. “I’m sure it’s nice to have some wonderful memories of them here in Hawaii.”

They walked the flat path to the car, stopping in front of the side door. “Yeah …” Derek ran his free hand over his blond hair. “But I’m in Hawaii now, and I promise the next time I want to blast music; I’ll make sure it’s Hawaiian.”

Tilting her head to the side, Leia observed Derek’s movements. “Much appreciated on behalf of us Hawaiians.” A beat of silence followed. Leia took that as her cue their exchange of pleasantries was over. She held his beach bag out to him, and Derek took it from her. “You do seem okay. How are you feeling? Any lightheadedness? Confusion?”

Derek dug into the bottom of his beach bag, pulling out his keys. “Nope, I’m fit as a fiddle.”

Leia forced a laugh. “Are you sure? Do you want me to call an ambulance for you?”

Off came the towel slung over his shoulder and Derek replied, “No, I’m fine.” He walked to the back of his trunk and opened it, hurling his wetsuit and towel into the back.

Leia bit her bottom lip and studied him for a few more seconds. “If you say you’re feeling normal, then I’ll have to trust you. If anything feels off later today, you should take yourself to the ER to get checked out.” Taking a few steps away from him, Leia continued, “I need to go.” She waved a hand between them. “This whole thing has put me behind schedule, but I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Oahu.”

After the beach bag landed in the trunk with a swift toss, Derek shut it. The keys jangled in his hands as he fidgeted with them. Derek said, “Hey, let me give you a ride.”

A backpedal, Leia shook her head. “Sorry, no way.” She held up a single finger. “The first rule of being a woman is you don’t take rides from strangers. Ever.”

“But you saved my life,” Derek emphasized. “So, we’re not strangers, not anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter. I get you’re trying to be a nice guy, but I’m not getting into your car.” Leia took another step away from him. “I would say I’ll see you around, but I won’t, so, Derek from Los Angeles, I’m glad you didn’t die.”

Immediately, Derek busted up laughing again. Maybe Derek did hit his head? Tears streamed down his cheeks. He swiped at them with the back of his palms. Leia lingered. Her gaze roamed over him, reassessing if he did indeed need an ambulance.

Finally, he regained his composure and appeared completely normal. Derek leaned up against his car, crossing his arms. “Okay, Leia from—” shaking his head, “sorry, I didn’t get where you were from.”

“Oahu,” said Leia.

His annoyingly perfect blue eyes twinkled back at her.

Derek straightened himself. “Leia from Oahu,” he smiled, revealing those perfect bright whites again, “thanks again for saving my life.”

Leia stumbled a few feet back. She needed to get away from Derek, and his earthshattering smile. “Anytime. See you, bye,” Leia managed.

With a wave over her shoulder, Leia sprinted away toward home, refusing to look back.

Her soggy socks squished with each step. Resolved her feet would be covered in blisters; Leia tried her best to ignore the rubbing of her feet. Still soaking wet, water cascaded down her arms and legs, leaving a trail of water drops behind her. But Leia didn’t slow down. Running twice as fast, her legs and lungs screamed.

When her childhood home finally came into view, Leia slowed her run to an easy pace, trying her best to gather her breath. With each step, her breathing evened out and soon she arrived at the walkway leading to the front lanai of her parents’ home. Leia lived in a small one-bedroom apartment attached to the back of her parents’ garage. Sitting out on the front lanai was her mom, Teresa. Leia smiled and waved as she turned up the gravel walkway.

“Good morning, Leia!” Teresa’s gaze skidded over Leia’s soaked body as she climbed the front steps to the lanai. Once Leia stopped in front of Teresa, Teresa asked, “What happened to you? I know you sweat while you run, but you look like the cat dragged you in.”

“Umm. Thanks?” Leia lowered herself into the wingback chair next to Teresa and sat. Her hand roamed over the top of her damp hair, and Leia continued, “I had to save some idiot from drowning in Shark’s Cove.”

Teresa jolted forward. “Say what?” Her eyes widened.

Gingerly, Leia slipped off her hairband and put it between her teeth while she gathered her hair together. Through her teeth, Leia said, “Some guy, who almost hit me with his car while I was running, decided it was a good idea to take a morning swim by himself in Shark’s Cove.” Leia took the band and retied her long dark hair.

In an attempt to relax, Leia leaned back in her chair. But to no avail; nervous energy pumped through her veins. She tapped the armrests of her chair with closed fists. Her jaw twitched as she remembered Derek’s tauntingly perfect body. Ugh.

“And …” inquired Teresa.

“And, I couldn’t let him die, so I dove in after him. He was carried out past the safety of the cove.” Her eyes narrowed as Leia reviewed the encounter in her mind. “I swear when some of these tourists visit Hawaii all of their rational thought goes out the window.”

“I can’t believe you jumped in to save him. Why didn’t you simply call 911?” screeched Teresa.

Leia stared out at the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from her parents’ lanai. Her parents and she lived on the North Shore. In fact, her family had lived there for generations and generations. And Leia understood why. It was the most beautiful place on the planet.

Shifting to meet Teresa’s gaze, Leia said, “He wouldn’t have made it. I didn’t think, which is probably for the best, I just went in after him so he wouldn’t drown.”

“Ahh, Leia.” Teresa reached over and patted the top of Leia’s hand with her own. “It brings back my memories of the times I worried about you when you worked as a beach lifeguard out at Waikiki Beach.”

“I was a really good lifeguard, and it helped me earn enough money to pay for college,” stated Leia.

With a smirk, Teresa replied, “And you were the only woman, so that certainly didn’t hurt. You loved hanging out with all those male lifeguards every summer.”

Leia smiled, remembering those summers so long ago. It seemed like yesterday and today wrapped up into one. “You didn’t hear me complaining,” stated Leia.

“Yes, but it didn’t stop me from worrying about you. But what were you thinking going after a grown man? You could’ve been killed.” Teresa turned her gaze away from Leia, folding her arms, she stared out at the view of the ocean. “Leia, you’re not young like you used to be. If you’re not more careful, you might injury yourself, or worse, die.”

“Hey, I’m only thirty-six,” replied Leia. “And I run marathons. I think I’m in decent shape.”

“Yes, but you haven’t been a lifeguard in like a decade and a half,” countered Teresa.

Holding up a hand in defeat, Leia said, “OK, it wasn’t my smartest move, but at least Derek isn’t dead.”

“I’m glad you and Derek survived.” Teresa’s stiff posture slowly loosened as they both stared out at the view, admiring the idyllic setting of the crystal blue waters and sunny blue sky. There wasn’t a cloud to be seen which was exactly how Leia liked it. Interrupting the silence, Teresa asked, “Was the guy, Derek, at least cute?” Shifting in her seat, Teresa faced Leia.

“ Mom ,” Leia tugged at her wet shorts, avoiding eye contact. “I wasn’t checking him out.” Lie. A complete lie.

Leia wished she hadn’t found Derek attractive, not that she would ever see him again.

Teresa shrugged. “I know, but it sure doesn’t hurt if you happened to save a good-looking guy.” Then she chuckled, touching Leia on her forearm. “Remember how Dad and I met when he saved me when I was learning to surf?”

Her parents loved to retell the story of their meet cute. “Oh, I remember …” Leia smirked.

Teresa, a native Washington girl, went to the University of Hawaii for college to escape the cloudy depressing skies of her childhood. Noa, her dad who was a local, went surfing like he did every morning. That morning, Teresa was attempting to surf with some friends. Supposedly, after Noa helped Teresa get up on her surfboard for the first time, he knew Teresa was the one for him. After the encounter, they began dating and fell in love. Since then, they’d never wanted to spend a day apart from one another. Teresa stayed in Hawaii after college, marrying Noa. Leaving the overcast skies of her childhood for constant sunny weather, Teresa swears meeting Noa on the water that day was destiny.

Leia enjoyed hearing her parents’ love story and was grateful they still loved each other. Life certainly had thrown them numerous challenges over the years, but they’d stayed in love with each other through it all. As for Leia, she was still waiting for her knight in shining armor to show up. For a while there, she thought her college boyfriend Bane might have been the one, but he dumped her after college graduation. Bane high-tailed it to Idaho to live out his cowboy dreams. Last she knew, Bane was still in Idaho. Apparently, his cowboy dreams became a reality.

Since college, Leia rarely dated. After a long string of bad first and second dates, Leia stepped away from the dating scene. Sometimes family and friends tried to set her up, but it never materialized into anything. Unfortunately, now most guys around her age were divorcees with issues or eternal bachelors, making her pickings slim. Leia needed a freaking unicorn. Maybe one with blond hair and blue eyes?

“See,” Teresa smiled. Her voice softened. “All I’m saying is people have met their person in the most unusual of circumstances. This could be one of those examples.”

“ Mom ,” said Leia pointedly. “I highly doubt that. Let’s not get carried away with your romantic notions.”

Teresa held up a hand in defeat. “Fine.” Teresa picked a random piece of lint off the front of her dress. “But, Leia—Tick. Tock. How else are you going to meet someone? When you aren’t teaching, you spend all your time here on the farm. The people who work here are your relatives so that isn’t going to work.”

“I’m well aware of my singlehood,” mumbled Leia. This seemed like a suitable time for her to make an exit. Leia scooted forward, about to stand. “By the way, what time is the meeting with that potential investor?”

“Ten,” replied Teresa.

Shaking her head, Leia said, “I don’t like this one bit. I still don’t see why we’re meeting with this person. I told you I’d take out a loan to try and cover the remaining balance that’s owed.”

“Leia,” Teresa said pointedly. “You’re a teacher. Come on, you need to be realistic. No bank is giving you a loan.” Staring down at her hands, Teresa continued, “And, we owe more on the farm then we’ve told you.”

Leia’s heart sank. She loved Kama Farm, the small fruit farm her family owned. It wasn’t huge, but her dad Noa’s family, had lived on the land for generations. Their roadside shop sold the produce they grew. Mainly, they sold fresh pineapple, guava, mango, and coconut drinks. Her older brother, Kai, had recently taken over running the store and Kama Farm. His wife, Alana, and their two kids lived in a small house on the property too. Leia, being a teacher, helped balance the receipts of the fruit stand.

She knew the expenses to run Kama Farm had increased significantly when both Teresa and Noa could no longer work the farm. Their troubles hit big time in the past year or so when Noa suffered a brain aneurysm. Noa had lived and breathed the farm. Teresa had overseen workers in the store. But Noa’s brain aneurysm which caused a stroke, left him with paralysis on one side of his body. In addition, Noa now had slurred speech and memory loss. Teresa spent her days caring for Noa, leaving both Leia’s parents unable perform their usual duties on the farm.

Kai had done his best to pick up the slack of losing two integral people, but it was impossible to do everything on his own. Alana, Kai’s wife, had taken over working the store, but she had two small children who needed her attention as well. Leia had contemplated leaving her teaching job to help full-time on the farm, but Leia’s family knew how much she enjoyed teaching and wouldn’t entertain any of her suggestions regarding her quitting.

Fidgeting with the end of her wet shirt, Leia asked, “Will it only be you and Kai and me at the meeting?”

“He’ll be there. I won’t. I’m taking Noa to his physical therapy appointment,” said Teresa. She paused then added, “Plus, I don’t have the heart to be there. I know we don’t have a choice, but I’d rather stay out of it.” Her eyes misted. “I’ve lived here my entire adult life, and your dad was born here. I hope this investor is the answer for us to save the farm. The whole thing breaks my heart. I really don’t know what we will do if it doesn’t work out.”

With a desire to ease Teresa’s worries, Leia gave Teresa’s forearm a squeeze. “Then I’ll hope this is the answer.” Leia stood, stretching for a second. “I guess I’d better go. I need to shower before this meeting.” She walked toward the front steps. “I’ll talk to you and Dad tonight.”

Teresa replied, “Sounds good. Please behave.” She raised an eyebrow and gave her a pointed look.

Leia stopped in her tracks, glancing back at Teresa. Innocently, Leia asked, “Don’t I always?”

Wagging a finger at Leia, Teresa replied, “You’ve been getting into trouble since you were a child. Kai will be fine. You on the other hand …” With an eye roll, her voice trailed off.

Taking the steps down, Leia said over her shoulder, “It’s not my fault if people need to be shown how to do things right.”

Teresa laughed. Speaking to her back, Teresa asked, “Is that what it is?”

Waving off their exchange, Leia said, “I’ll see you later.”