Keeping Kama

Chapter 3

With the tour of Kama Farm completed, Leia walked back down the path leading to the trailer. Derek and Kai were directly behind her, chatting. She had stopped following the conversation a few minutes back when they had started discussing college football teams. As much as Leia wanted to hate Derek, she couldn’t. After spending the entire morning taking him on a tour of the farm, Derek proved to be kind and thoughtful. Leia wasn’t thrilled the farm needed an investor, but if it had to be someone, Derek seemed like he might be the right fit. Leia always trusted her gut, and her gut told her Derek was a decent guy.

As they arrived back at the trailer, Leia lingered in front of the door and waited for Derek and Kai to join her. Once they halted, Leia said, “I think that concludes the tour …” her voice trailed off.

Kai slapped Derek on the back again, then held out a hand to shake Derek’s hand. “It was great meeting you.”

Derek shook his hand. “Likewise.”

“Okay, Derek. You saw the farm. What happens next?” asked Leia.

Before Derek responded, Kai said, “First things first, Derek is coming to dinner tonight at Mom and Dad’s. We need to teach Derek about how welcoming Hawaiians can be, especially those you might potentially be going into business with.”

Derek shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks and smiled. “Kai said your mom is an excellent cook.”

“Dad was the cook,” remarked Leia as her throat grew tight. So much had changed since her dad’s brain aneurysm. Her family’s prior life was hazy. But one had to move forward and not linger on what was lost. If you didn’t, you might forever be stuck in the past. “I mean Mom does okay, but …” Leia glanced between Kai and Derek. “But what about the next steps for the business.”

Kai wrapped his arm around Leia’s shoulders, giving them a squeeze. “You don’t need to worry about it, little sis. Derek and I will work it out. He’ll be here over the next several days to do some more job shadowing. You can email him the financials, or we can set up a time for you to meet too. We won’t decide anything until this trial period is up.”

Leia gnawed on a fingernail. “I see,” replied Leia.

Kama was slipping away from her. It was her own fault; Leia had opted to go to college to become a teacher. Her family had taken it okay, because the farm had been passed through the sons for so many generations. Since Kai was a child, he had shadowed Noa, walking the tight lines of fruit plants, learning the process of farming. When Leia went off to college, a few of her cousins stepped in to share the workload she should’ve taken on.

With Leia away, Kai thrived with the responsibilities he had on the farm. Leia’s role shrank and shrank, which is what she wanted, but she didn’t know it would make her feel so irrelevant. Like maybe she didn’t belong at all.

For years Dad and Kai worked side by side in the business, and they seemed fine without her. They each had their roles. Eventually, Leia told Dad and Kai she wanted to stay connected to the farm too. Even if she didn’t want to do it full-time, Leia wanted to contribute in some way, so she offered to help with the bookkeeping. But maybe Derek would suggest they hire a real accountant, not someone who took a few accounting classes in college. Her mood soured. Maybe Derek would buy his forty percent and push her out completely.

As Leia took a few steps away from them, she continued, “Okay then, I’ll see you at dinner.” Her eyes roamed over Derek’s ridiculous appearance, though it only accentuated his nice physique. “It’ll give you time to change.”

Derek laughed, glancing down at himself. “What? Are you saying you don’t want me coming in this?”

“Only if you feel comfortable, but you look …” Tilting her head to the side, Leia tried to think of the best word to describe Derek’s state. “Hot.”

Smugly, Derek cocked an eyebrow and said, “I’m hot?” He locked eyes with Leia.

Leia gulped. “You look hot …” she stammered, “as in warm.” With a shaky hand, she swiped away a trickle of sweat rolling down her temple. Stop talking. Stop.

Derek grinned. “Since you pay such close attention to my appearance, I’ll change just for you.”

This guy was smooth … too smooth.

Acting nonchalantly, Leia tossed a hand up into the air. “Whatever, wear whatever you want.” Leia stepped away from Kai and Derek, desperately needing to make an exit before she further dug herself into a hole.

Leia knew Kai would tease her about this entire interaction later. It didn’t take a genius to pick up on Leia’s attraction to Derek. Yes, Leia totally thought Derek was hot and not in the temperature way. But it was harmless. In a small amount of time Derek would leave, and Leia would stay in Hawaii where she belonged.

“Thanks, I will,” replied Derek.

A twist on her feet, Leia said over her shoulder. “I’ll see you both tonight.” Leia didn’t wait for a reply, but instead, she briskly walked away.

Her heart palpitated, and only returned to its normal steady beat with each step she took back to her apartment. Leia reminded herself Derek was here on business, and not just any business, the business of buying up nearly half of her family’s farm. Her previous attraction for Derek dwindled. Suddenly, the line in the sand became clear again.

Leia went home, making sure to remove her dirty shoes before entering her small one-bedroom apartment. After doing some household chores like laundry and cleaning, Leia realized it was nearly time to head to her parents for dinner. With no real thought, Leia yanked a floral dresser off the hanger and changed into it. Before she exited her apartment to walk to her parents’ house, Leia removed her hairband and shook her hair free so it could hang loose. Leia wasn’t vain, but she knew her long dark hair was her best feature.

As she rounded the corner of her parents’ house, Leia spotted Derek before he saw her. Derek sat on the front lanai in one of the wingback chairs facing the ocean, Dad sat in the opposite chair. Mom must have helped him out to the lanai to enjoy the view while she cooked, because it was only the two men alone. Slowing her approach, her feet crunched on the gravel path leading to the stairs up to the lanai.

Derek whipped his head in the direction of the noise. When he spotted her, Derek smiled and waved. “Aloha,” greeted Derek as Leia climbed up the front steps.

“Aloha,” repeated Leia.

Derek stood when she arrived on the lanai, adjusting his Hawaiian shirt. Her eyes couldn’t help but roam over his tan body. His hair was still wet from the shower. Leia hated how her nostrils flared as she picked up his tangy aftershave.

Dang, Derek looked good. Real good. Leia never thought she’d have a thing for blond surfer boys, but her heart swooned harder than the best thirteen-year-old girl. His eyes matched the bluest blue in the sky. For a second, they paused in front of one another staring.

Derek gulped, and Leia watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down. It took everything within her to keep herself from extending her hand and running a finger down his neck, but then Leia reminded herself she was being ridiculous.

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his dark khaki shorts, Derek finally said, “You made it.”

Tucking her loosened strands of hair behind her ears, Leia replied, “I did.” Pointing to the right, Leia continued, “I live in an apartment attached to the garage, so it isn’t far.”

Remembering Dad sitting on the lanai, Leia walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Dad.”

Half of Noa’s face curved up into a smile. Leia settled into the chair next to him.

Derek sat back down in the chair next to Leia, putting her in the middle of Derek and Noa.

Crossing her legs, Leia fidgeted with the hem of her dress brushing against her knees. “What have you two been doing?” Leia peered between Noa and Derek.

Leaning forward, Derek rested his forearms on his thighs. “Noa and I were enjoying the view.” Derek shifted back, staring out at the view of the ocean. A clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight painted a beautiful backdrop against the turquoise water. “They don’t call this place paradise for nothing. I see why your family has never left.”

“I’m certainly not going anywhere.” Leia tilted her head toward Noa. “Right, Dad?”

Noa gave a small nod. Since his brain aneurysm, Noa was limited in his speech. Though he worked tirelessly with a speech therapist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist, Noa’s condition wasn’t going to improve much more than it had. It had been a hard and arduous process for her whole family to accept. In the beginning, they held out much hope that Noa would improve, but after a year, they knew Noa wouldn’t be the same. Leia missed the many conversations she shared with Noa over the years, and especially his wise wisdom.

Leia patted the top of Noa’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “How was your physical therapy appointment, Dad?”

“F-ine,” replied Noa with a shaky voice.

Leia gave Noa’s hand one more squeeze. “I’m glad to hear it.” Then Leia removed her hand and sat back in her chair.

For a while, they sat staring at the ocean. A gentle ocean breeze filtered between them, making the humidity in the air more tolerable.

Finally, Leia broke the silence. Turning toward Derek, Leia rested her elbow on the armrest. Leia asked, “So, Derek, where did you get your Hawaiian shirt?” She allowed her gaze to slide down his frame. His damp hair had dried a tad, making his hair blonder by the minute.

Derek glanced down at his shirt like he had forgotten what he was wearing. He tugged at the collar. “I bought it from a little shop in Honolulu yesterday. I didn’t think I’d ever actually wear it while I was here. Hopefully, it works for tonight.” His cheeks reddened.

Leia remarked without hesitation, “I think you look nice.” Unconsciously, Leia ran an unnecessary hand over her hair.

Derek added, “I like your dress.” He gulped. “I mean, you changed too, right?” His hand gestured toward her body.

Raising an eyebrow, Leia replied, “Yeah, I changed.” She half smiled.

Scratching his knee, Derek said, “I noticed.” His blue eyes danced back at her against the blueness of the sky.

Noa coughed, breaking whatever spell Derek had managed to cast over her.

Leaning over her armrest, Leia asked, “Everything okay, Dad?” Their eyes met, and Leia caught his one-sided smirk.

Heat splashed her cheeks, and Leia patted his hand and uncomfortably squirmed in her seat. Though Noa couldn’t communicate like he used to, Leia knew he caught the pulse of what was building between her and Derek.

Kai and Alana arrived, walking up the gravel walkway holding hands. Their children Malia and Hilo were squabbling with each other a few yards behind them.

Straightening herself, Leia crossed her arms. “Malia and Hilo, what are you fighting about now?” called out Leia.

Malia and Hilo guiltily paused in place. Then Hilo turned to Malia and announced, “I bet I can beat you inside.” And off he bolted, brushing past Malia.

Hilo made it to where Kai and Alana were before Malia caught up with him. Malia yanked him back, taking the lead. The children raced up the stairs and into the house without even saying hello. The door swung shut behind them.

Alana rolled her eyes.

Kai laughed. “As you can see, we are totally nailing this parenting thing,” he said to them as they climbed the front steps up to the lanai.

“I’m taking diligent notes for if I’m ever a parent,” said Leia teasingly.

“Enough you two,” said Alana, stopping in front of them on the lanai. “You don’t want to scare off Derek with our unruly children and your sibling rivalry.”

“Yes, of course,” said Kai, wrapping an arm around Alana’s shoulders. Kai turned his gaze to Derek. “Aloha, Derek.”

With a warm smile, Derek replied, “Aloha.”

Alana pointed. “I like the shirt.”

Glancing down at himself, Derek replied, “Thanks. I wasn’t sure what to wear.”

Leaning into Kai’s arm, Alana said, “We’re pretty casual around here, so anything would have been fine.” Then Alana bumped her hip against Kai’s. “And sorry about Kai making you wear our son’s t-shirt.” Rolling her eyes, Alana gave Kai a pointed look. “Sometimes Kai forgets we aren’t in high school anymore. He was the king of pranks then.”

Kai smirked, overly pleased with himself. “I sure was, and that’s why you fell in love with me.”

Alana whacked Kai on his arm. “Fat chance. I thought you were a total goof off.”

Wrapping an arm around Alana’s shoulder, Kai glanced down at her. “But eventually you came around.”

Elbowing Kai, Alana replied, “Because I thought you grew up.”

Leia leaned over her armrest toward Derek, an inch between them, Leia made sure their bodies didn’t touch. “Alana and Kai have known each other their whole lives,” said Leia, feeling like she needed to give Derek a bit of their back story.

Meeting her gaze, Derek whispered back, “I think they are cute together.”

Smiling, Leia said, “I do too.”

Kai moved closer to Noa, crouching down in front of him. “How long has Mom left you out here, Dad? Are you ready to go back inside?” asked Kai.

Dad nodded.

Kai stood again and held out both his hands to Noa. Noa took them and slowly rose to his shaky feet. Derek jumped up, holding open the screen door. Leia rose too to give any assistance if needed. Kai and Alana helped Dad through the front door. They slipped off their shoes by the door before they continued down the hallway leading to the kitchen.

When Leia and Derek started to follow behind them, Alana said over her shoulder, “You two stay out on the lanai. We’ve got this.” With her face full of amusement, her gaze flicked between them. “We’ll come get you when dinner is ready.”

Leia didn’t dare look in Derek’s direction. “Are you sure?” asked Leia.

Alana smirked. “Oh, I’m sure.” Her voice was laced with innuendo.

Gnawing at her lip, Leia replied, “Fine.”

They disappeared into the house. Leia and Derek stepped back onto the lanai. For a second, they paused, Derek gestured toward the chairs they had occupied. “Should we sit back down? You have an incredible view here. I could stay out here the entire day admiring it. And it seems like Alana wanted us to stay out,” said Derek.

“I think you might be right,” muttered Leia.

They walked back and sat down in their seats. The sun glistened across the water, and Leia took in the view she had enjoyed every day of her life. Yes, Derek was right. It never got old.

A comfortable silence settled between them. Derek turned his chin toward her. “You have a genuinely nice family. You’re lucky.” Shifting in his seat, Derek leaned way over his armrest. “I can feel the love you have for each other. It’s …” His voice trailed off, and Derek peered back at the ocean again. When he continued, Derek kept his gaze fixed on the horizon. “It’s beautiful to see a family like yours. I wish...” shaking his head, Derek continued, “I don’t know what I wish.”

She kept her gaze out on the ocean too, Leia ran a finger over her armrest. The wood was still smooth and slick. “I know I’m lucky, luckier than most.” Around and around, her finger traced the wood. “How about you? What’s your family like?”

His chest heaved, and Derek let out a long rattling breath. “My family is long gone. I was an only child. My dad died when I was in high school. Then my mom passed away some years ago. It’s just me.”

Leia’s eyes dilated. “You don’t have any family? Any?” Her chest pinched tight. Leia couldn’t imagine being alone in the world, completely alone. “Not even an aunt or uncle? A cousin maybe?”

Derek shook his head, finding her gaze again. “I don’t have anyone.” His shoulders dropped. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I haven’t for a long time.”

His chest heaved while his gaze clouded. Leia had the strong urge to pull him into a hug, because his loneliness was palpable. No family, the thought was unimaginable to her. This town she lived in was full of all her family. Distant, but family. She had more cousins than she could count, aunts and uncles, who grew up loving her too. Sometimes Leia wanted less family not more, but when faced with the complete opposite option, gratitude slowly filled her heart.

Without reservation, Leia reached out and placed her hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine. It must be incredibly difficult to feel so alone in the world.”

Derek gulped, leaning the two inches closer, making their shoulders barely graze one another. “If I’m being completely honest, I sometimes wonder if I’ll live alone my entire life. All I have is work.”

“Leia! Derek!” bellowed a voice from inside. “Dinner is ready.”

Leia flinched, immediately removing her hand from his forearm. Derek rubbed the back of his neck, standing. Holding out his hand to Leia, she took it, rising to her feet. For an awkward second, Leia forgot to let go. “Sorry.” Leia jerked her hand out of his. Fluffing her hair unnecessarily, Leia asked, “Why don’t you follow me inside?”

Smiling, Derek remarked, “It smells good.”

“I wouldn’t get overly excited.” Opening the screen door, Leia held it open for Derek. He gripped the door, allowing them to pass inside. In the foyer, Leia continued, “From what I smell, I think my mom, Teresa, made loco moco. I don’t think she had much time. You’ll have to come over another time, and we can have kalua pork.”

“I’ll be grateful for whatever Teresa made,” replied Derek. “I can’t remember the last time I had a homecooked meal.”

With a nod, Leia added, “My aunt and uncle have a little food truck down the road that sells excellent kalua pork. It’s not homecooked per se, but delicious. You could go there to get kalua pork before you leave.”

Shuffling his feet, Derek glanced down at them. He scratched his neck, bringing his gaze back to Leia. “Maybe we could go there together,” said Derek.

Sweat trickled down her back. A commotion pounded in her chest. Leia flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Maybe,” she managed. Her legs were heavier than before. Was Derek flirting with her? Or just lonely? “We’ll see. You might not be here long enough for us to go together.”

His hands plunged into the pockets of his shorts, Derek said, “Oh, I’d make time.”

Leia gulped, twisting forward, somehow, she remembered how to walk. Wandering down the hallway, Derek followed behind her to the kitchen. They arrived at the threshold into the kitchen. The space to enter was tight since they both tried to pass through at the same time. Derek brushed up against her arm. Leia side-stepped to keep them from touching again, and they finally made it inside.

Leia guessed right, loco moco was on the menu. Kai and Alana had set the table minus the plates. They were sitting with Dad at the round eight top table in the breakfast nook. Leia imagined Malia and Hilo were off watching TV in the toy room. The kitchen wasn’t large, nor did they have a separate dining room, but it worked for their family. They liked being in the same room where the food was being prepared, so nobody felt left out when they gathered.

Teresa glanced over from the stove. With a smile, Teresa greeted him. “Aloha, you must be Derek.” Her voice was warm and inviting. Her glance rapidly slid over him, then Teresa shot Leia a knowing look.

Leia’s cheeks warmed, making her clasp and unclasp her hands.

Derek moved closer to Teresa. “Correct, I’m Derek.” He placed a hand over his heart. “Thank you for inviting me to your home. You have a wonderful family. You must be so proud.”

As Teresa placed the meat onto a platter, she said, “I’m proud and lucky.” She smiled over at Noa. “I should say we’re blessed.” Sidestepping closer to Leia, Teresa grasped Leia’s arm. “Leia, could you help me plate the food?”

“Of course.” Leia walked to the sink, flipping on the water to wash her hands. Over her shoulder, Leia asked, “What do you need me to do?” She finished washing her hands and dried them off.

Peering past Leia, Teresa asked, “Derek, do you want to help too? Then you can learn how loco moco is made. You never know who you might want to make it for when you return home.”

“I’d love to learn.” Derek stepped toward the kitchen sink. Leia moved as far out of the way as the restrictive space would allow. Flipping on the water, Derek washed his hands. Leia handed him a towel to dry them off. Their shoulders brushed up against each other again in the small intimate space. Leia caught a sniff of his coconut shampoo, and she hated that it made her knees a bit wobbly. Once Derek finished drying his hands, he neatly folded the towel back up and placed it on the counter.

His grasp tightened around the counter on both sides of himself and Derek asked, “What do we do first?”

“First, we put the cooked rice on each plate.” Teresa pointed to the rice cooker on the edge of the counter. “Derek, can you scoop out a cup of rice and place it on each plate?”

Skillfully, Derek moved around Leia and replied, “Absolutely.” He reached for the rice cooker.

Leia opened a cupboard, taking out the stack of plates. “I bet you didn’t think you’d be put to work when you came over to eat,” commented Leia.

Leia spread the plates out on the limited counter space still available.

After he opened the rice cooker, Derek snatched the rice scoop and placed a cup of rice in the center of the first plate. “I don’t mind.” Derek tilted his head toward Leia. “I used to bake sometimes with my mom, when I was young.” He scooped out more rice, placing it on the next plate.

Leia shifted, leaning against the counter so she was facing Derek. “What did you usually bake?” asked Leia.

Ladle in mid-scoop, Derek said, “We usually baked cookies, brownies … that sort of thing. My favorite was my mom’s chocolate chip pumpkin bread. She’d let me dump in a whole bag of chocolate chips into the batter.”

“A whole bag?” Leia chuckled. “I’m sure that’s why you liked it. It was half chocolate.”

Teresa interrupted their exchange. “Leia, can you put the hamburger patties on top of the rice. I’m almost done with the eggs.”

Twirling back around, Leia picked up the platter of cooked hamburger patties.

Derek finished scooping rice onto the plates. “What comes next?” he asked.

“Hamburger or the ground beef patties,” replied Leia. “Then the gravy, last is the fried egg.”

He leaned his hip against the counter, Derek causally folded his arms. “How do you make the gravy?” inquired Derek.

Before Leia could answer, Teresa piped up, “The gravy recipe is the one thing I can’t give you. It’s for family only.”

From the table, where Kai and Alana sat next to Noa. Alana chimed in, “I can testify to that. Teresa wouldn’t give me the recipe until after Kai and I had been married for two years.” Holding two fingers up, Alana shook them.

“I wanted to make sure the marriage stuck.” Teresa turned off the stove burner. Removing a ladle from the drawer, she dropped it into the pot with the gravy. “I didn’t want you running off with Noa’s family recipe. You should consider yourself lucky. Noa’s mom didn’t give me the recipe until we celebrated our ten-year anniversary.” She ladled gravy on top of each hamburger patty.

“So, my only hope of getting the recipe is to marry Leia?” asked Derek.

Leia nearly choked on her own saliva. Kai who remained quiet until now, let out a long belly laugh. Leia’s cheeks burned as she shot Kai a narrowed glance.

Teresa laughed too. Shrugging, Teresa said, “I guess that really is the only way.”

Derek crossed his ankles, leaning back against the counter. “I guess then it’s all decided. Though I’m sure Leia’s boyfriend wouldn’t take kindly to me proposing marriage for a gravy recipe.”

Teresa quickly said, “Leia doesn’t have a boyfriend.” Leia’s back stiffened. With the gravy plated, Teresa moved to the frying pan with the fried eggs. “She hasn’t dated anyone for who knows how long.” Teresa raised a knowing eyebrow.

A groan escaped her, and Leia covered her face with both her hands. “Mom,” hissed Leia. “Please stop.”

“It’s okay little sis,” said Kai. “We don’t care you’re single. There’s no shame in it. You just haven’t found the right person yet. We’re only stating the facts.”

Mortified, Leia groaned louder. Her cheeks burned. “Thanks for reminding me.” She skillfully avoided looking in Derek’s direction. “I— I—” stammered Leia.

Interrupting, Teresa announced, “The food’s ready,” like she hadn’t singlehandedly embarrassed Leia. Edging closer to Leia, Teresa gave Leia’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s eat.” Then Teresa motioned toward the plated food. “Derek and Leia, can you help bring it to the table?”

Derek quickly replied, “Sure thing.” He found Leia’s eye and smirked.

Alana rose and yelled down the hallway, “Malia and Hilo, it’s time to eat.”

The loud pitter patter of little feet sounded down the hallway, soon Malia and Hilo arrived, out of breath. Alana instructed them to wash their hands before sitting down at the table. Once Malia and Hilo washed their hands and sat down, Leia and Derek each carried two plates to the table. Derek returned for another set. Kai jumped up and snagged two more, while Teresa located some salt and pepper, placing it on the table. Once the plates of food were set in front of each place, they sat down. Leia sat between Derek and Teresa. Noa sat on the other side of Teresa with Alana and Kai next to their children. Kai quickly introduced his children to Derek.

Taking in the sight of the food, Derek said, “This looks delicious.” He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “I can’t wait to try it. Thanks again for having me.”

Teresa squeezed his forearm. “We’re glad you’re here. Even if you are here to buy half our family farm.” The words ricocheted across the room, making the carefree banter of minutes before dissipate into thin air. Derek stared down at his plate. With a wave of her hand, Teresa said, “Please everyone eat .” It wasn’t a suggestion. “Before it gets cold.” Teresa took her napkin and placed it on her lap. Next, Teresa tucked Noa’s napkin under his chin, covering his shirt.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Picking up his fork, Derek dug in first, taking a bite. For a minute, everyone at the table paused, watching him eat and swallow his first bite. After taking a sip of water, Derek grinned, “Delicious.” He wiped his face with his napkin. “I’m not kidding.” He nudged Leia with his elbow. “Now that I know you’re single. It might really be worth getting married so I can get the gravy recipe.” He shook his fork over his plate. “I can see why this recipe needs to be protected.”

Everyone laughed, but Leia. Her blood pressure simmered to near boiling point. Leia didn’t find any amusement in his words. Tilting her head toward Derek, Leia found his gaze and glared. Derek shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Tugging at his collar, Derek focused on his plate. Slowly, Derek took a bite, swallowing it down with a large gulp of water.

After glaring at Derek sufficiently, Leia turned away and didn’t talk directly to him for the rest of the meal. Nobody seemed to notice her quiet demeanor, at least that was the way it appeared to Leia who was more than ready to show Derek the door.