With his arm hanging out the lowered car window, Derek let the balmy air flow between his fingertips. Smiling, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt this relaxed and free. Glancing over from his place on the truck bench, Derek admired the silhouette of Leia. The entire morning, he had flirted shamelessly with her. Though he knew he needed to knock it off, Derek couldn’t. Everything about Leia mesmerized him, her grace, beauty, and confidence. He didn’t know spending time with someone could feel this easy.
Most likely, he was walking his way into dangerous waters. Everyone knew the first rule of business was to never mix business with pleasure. But here he was doing exactly that.
His pocket buzzed multiple times. Derek knew it was messages from Tyson, his friend and business partner, but he didn’t want to look. Nothing was going to ruin this perfect Hawaiian morning, especially not the demands of Tyson.
Derek and Tyson were opposites. Tyson wanted investment deals that were fast. Get in and get out was Tyson’s motto. Derek, on the other hand, took his time studying the potential investments out at every angle. Their different approaches served to balance each other out. Tyson was all risk. Derek was all caution. Then together they were magic. A combination which made them successful in the growth of their investment company.
Tipping her head in his direction, Leia asked, “Do you need to get that?” Her gaze skidded to his buzzing pocket then back to the road. “I don’t mind you answering it.”
Pulling his arm back into the safety of the truck, Derek pressed the window up button. Rolling it back up, he stopped it an inch from the top. “I’m okay. I know who it is.” He shifted his shoulders toward her. “And I’m in no hurry to answer it.”
“How can you know who it is? I haven’t seen you check your phone once, and it’s buzzed probably twenty times in the last few minutes.” Leia double checked the rear-view mirror then over her shoulder before exiting the two-lane highway. “Whoever it is, they certainly seem impatient to touch base with you.”
Derek sighed, making his chest heave. “It’s got to be Tyson, my business partner.” Tension crept back into his neck and shoulders. “Only he would text me a bazillion times in a row.”
Raising her perfectly plucked eyebrows, Leia asked, “Are you sure it’s not that ex-girlfriend of yours?” Derek paused, and when he didn’t reply, Leia continued, “Maybe she’s come to her senses and realized the error of her ways. Maybe she’s come crawling back.” She pursed her lips together.
Rolling his eyes, Derek shook his head. “Nah, it’s not her. Promise.” His pocket buzzed again. “She was very clear she was done with me.”
“Check it.” Leia pulled into the parking lot of the pancake house. “The suspense is driving me batty.” She parked, turning off the engine.
Reluctantly, Derek slipped his phone out of the pocket of his board shorts. With a tap of his finger, the screen lit up. Unbuckling his seat belt, Derek scanned the extensive list of messages from none other than Tyson. As he suspected, Tyson had texted him multiple times asking for an update on the potential farm investment. Before Derek left for Hawaii, Tyson had voiced his hesitation to invest in the farm. Tyson didn’t believe it was worth their time when the potential investment would take years to recoup. Derek had started to move forward on the initial meeting without Tyson’s full support, because he believed the farm could be profitable again.
Tyson wanted Derek’s final decision, and Derek didn’t have one. Not yet. Derek shot Tyson a quick text letting him know he’d call him later with an update. Immediately, Tyson texted back, giving him a time by which he needed a report.
His jaw clenched as he slid his phone back into his pocket. Derek said, “Sorry about that.” He cranked his neck back and forth, to rid it of tension. Unbuckling his seatbelt, Derek reached for the door. “Are you ready to eat? I’m starving.”
“Me too,” replied Leia.
Leia unbuckled her seatbelt, climbing out of the truck. Derek exited and went around the front of the truck to join Leia. Once together, they wandered to the front of the pancake house. Derek held the door open for Leia, the wafting smell of bacon and pancakes came tumbling out. His stomach growled.
Leia pointed at his stomach and said, “I heard that,” she laughed.
They walked to the end of the line of people waiting to order.
Placing a hand over his abdomen, Derek rubbed it. “I guess I worked up an appetite.” He smirked, then bumped his shoulder against hers. “I was trying to keep up with a beautiful surfer I know.”
Leia shuffled her feet, peering down at them for a second. Red splashed her cheeks, making Derek’s pulse gallop.
Leia stammered, “I— I—” She twisted her hair around one of her fingers.
A voice from behind them, interrupted Leia. “Hey, are you two lovebirds in line or what?” The woman encroached on their space, breathing down their necks.
Derek flinched. With a swift peek over his shoulder, he caught the glare of the disgruntled person. Derek smiled. “We’re in line. Sorry, we’ll move up. We didn’t notice it had moved.” Derek exchanged a conspiratorial look with Leia.
Leia’s lips curled up at the corners into a half smile. They shuffled forward up the line.
Once properly in the correct spot in line, Leia pointed up at the menu on the wall behind the cash registers. “I always order the banana macadamia nut pancakes.” Leia then looped her thumb around one of her empty belt loops.
Rubbing his jaw, Derek scanned the menu. “Banana macadamia nut pancakes, you say? I can’t say that I’ve ever had them before.”
As Leia leaned a bit closer to him, he felt Leia’s breath on his neck. It sent a shot of adrenaline down his spine. “I think you’ll like them,” said Leia. “Unless you don’t like banana,” Leia paused then added, “then you’ll probably hate them.”
He tried to peruse the menu some more but found himself distracted by Leia’s nearness. Derek spoke slowly, “I don’t mind banana.” Derek couldn’t decide.
“Everything here is good.” Leia gestured toward the menu. “I don’t want you feeling like you have to get the banana pancakes, just because I suggested it. I know people can have strong opinions when it comes to banana.” Leia nibbled on a fingernail.
Was Derek picking up on some nervous energy from Leia? Leia always came across super confident. Derek loved seeing her a bit vulnerable. The line moved again. They shuffled forward.
Because he couldn’t resist, Derek wrapped an arm around Leia’s shoulders, giving her a squeeze. “I’ll get the same as you. You’ve been here before, I trust your opinion,” said Derek.
Her face lit up. “I think you won’t be disappointed.” Leia swiped at her forehead with the back of her wrist.
Forcing his arm away from her shoulders, Derek stepped forward. Soon, they arrived at the front of the line. Derek ordered them both banana macadamia nut pancakes and two drinks. Afterwards, they found an empty two-top table in the small, crowded restaurant. They sat down across from one another.
Fiddling with the salt and pepper shakers on the table, Derek forced himself to stop. Randomly, Derek asked, “Do you eat breakfast before your long runs?”
After learning Leia was training for a marathon, Derek spent the last evening researching about what it would take for him to get back into shape to run a marathon himself. It was still something he was vaguely interested in completing, but Leia was springing him into action.
“No,” Leia tilted her head to the side, studying him. “I mean I don’t eat a full breakfast, maybe a banana or half a bagel with a gel.”
“Gels,” Derek took a sip of his soda. “Are those the little packets of goop that taste horrible and make you gag?”
Leia laughed. “Yep.” She nodded, resting her elbow on the table. “When I first started using them on my runs, they made me gag every single time. I finally found one type that tastes okay. I have to take them or I’ll hit the dreaded runner’s wall. Then I can’t finish my run.” She ran a finger down the length of her silverware sitting on top of a napkin.
Shifting forward in his chair, Derek said, “It sounds like you are speaking from experience.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” She removed her hand from her silverware and rubbed it across her thighs. “Once, when I first started training for long distances, I literally left my house with nothing other than water. I hadn’t even eaten anything before starting. I hit mile ten, and my body started to shut down. I sat down on the ground and called my mom to come pick me up. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I’ve learned a lot about running since then.”
Derek forced himself to take another sip of his soda. “I bet.” Derek leaned back in his chair, faking a casual state. “You’ve inspired me to get back into running. But I don’t even know where to start. I can’t even run a mile anymore. It’s pathetic.”
Leia placed a hand over the top of his. “You aren’t pathetic.” Her voice oozed compassion. “Start with one minute then add another minute. Just go slow. Everybody must start somewhere. I believe in you.”
“Th—thanks.” Derek blinked, trying to remember how to speak. “It means a lot.”
They were interrupted by the delivery of their food. The server set their plates down and left. Wafting off the plate, the delicious tantalizing smell of pancakes made Derek’s mouth water.
As he stared down at the pancakes, Derek chuckled. “These are huge.” He gripped his fork and placed his napkin in his lap.
Leia smiled. “You said you were hungry.” Picking up the little cup of syrup on the corner of the plate, Leia poured some over her pancakes. “But you did order us the triple stack.” She picked up her fork too and cut into the pancakes.
Derek muttered, “I didn’t realize they were the size of a serving platter.”
Taking a bite, Leia waited until she swallowed then said, “I’m glad, because I’ll probably polish these off. I worked up an appetite trying my best to show off.”
Derek poured syrup over his pancakes. Shaking a fork at her, Derek said, “I knew you were trying to impress me,” he winked.
After she finished a sip of her soda, Leia gave a single nod as she took another bite. Finally, Derek tried a piece of the pancake. As the sweet, spongy texture hit his tongue, he sighed with delight.
“Mm.” Derek pointed to his mouth. “These are delicious.” He couldn’t help but lick a drip of syrup off his bottom lip.
Smugly, Leia said, “I told you.”
For a few minutes, they ate in silence. Both enjoying the pancakes after a morning out in the waves.
Breaking the lull, Derek commented, “My mom used to make me pancakes every Sunday morning when I was a kid. I have very fond memories of waking up to the smell of pancakes and bacon.”
Sadness washed over him. The deep ache in his chest bubbled up to the surface, and Derek missed his mom all over again.
Wiping her face with her napkin, Leia fiddled with her fork for a moment, before she asked, “What were your parents like? Did you get along with them?” Without taking her gaze off him, Leia cut into her pancake.
Derek rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Oh, are we getting all personal now?” What he intended to be flirty came across as harsh. A lump formed in his throat. Derek forced himself to take a sip of his soda. Even after swallowing, it remained.
“I apologize. I thought you bringing them up meant you were okay to talk about them.” Leia’s back stiffened. She took another small bite and looked away. “I was only trying to make conversation. We don’t have to get personal. ”
Lightly, Derek touched her bicep. “I’m sorry. That came out all wrong.” He let go, rubbing his stubble with one of his thumbs. Sitting up straight, Derek exhaled then continued, “As you can see, I’m a bit rusty at flirting.” He took a deep calming breath and found her glance as he said, “My mom made everything magical. Dr. Seuss day, she made green eggs and ham. On the fourth of July, she decked herself out in red, white, and blue from head to toe. My dad was quieter and more reserved, but I knew he loved my mom and would do anything for her. My dad went along with all her outlandish plans, over the top parties, and extensive list of itineraries on family vacations. I know they had their problems like any couple does, but I always knew they loved each other. I realize now what a gift that was to see day in and day out. Two people who despite their own faults and misgivings, choosing to look past the imperfections and simply love each other. I hope someday to find what they had.”
Slowly, Leia licked her fork and set it down on her plate. Her forearms resting on the table, Leia asked, “If you could pinpoint one thing, what do you think they had that made their marriage work?”
“Love.” Derek had the strongest urge to lean in and kiss her, which was absurd. With a jittery hand, Derek forced himself to pick up his soda and take a sip. Setting his soda back down, he added, “They had love. And it was enough.”
Wistfully, Leia sighed. “Love, it always comes back to that, doesn’t it?”
His neck stiffened. “Too bad it can feel impossible to find,” remarked Derek.
Leia’s mouth opened, but then she closed it. She dug into her pancakes and took a bite. Once done chewing, Leia waved a dismissive hand. “Enough about love.” She did a head tilt toward his empty plate. “I can see you enjoyed your pancakes.”
Lazily, Derek stretched. “They were delicious, and now I could use a good nap.” He laughed, wishing he hadn’t demolished an entire platter of food without stopping.
Leia slid out of her seat. “We should go.” Pulling out her phone from her pocket, Leia checked the time. “I know you’re meeting with Kai in an hour.” Slipping the phone back into her pocket, Leia gathered up her trash and tossed it into a nearby bin.
“Correct.” Stumbling to his feet, Derek gathered up his trash. “I don’t want to be late.”
After their table was cleared of everything, Derek headed for the door, holding it open for Leia. Leia passed through, heading toward the truck. They walked in silence across the parking lot. Derek wondered when he’d see Leia again. He hoped it would be later that day. His pocket vibrated again, making his shoulders tighten. Reality hit him, Derek was only in Hawaii for a short time and here on business. Who was he kidding? There was zero point in getting wrapped up in Leia.
They climbed into the truck on their respective sides. After double checking his phone, confirming it was another text from Tyson, Derek put it back into his pocket without responding. Tyson could wait.
Leia started the truck, pulling out of the parking lot. Hawaiian music played, but Derek didn’t hear any sound, only the thundering of his pulse in his temples. Over and over, Derek tried to remind himself Leia lived here, he lived in Los Angeles, and there was an entire ocean in between them. He needed today to be the last time he saw Leia socially.
But even after his practical self-talk, Derek broke the silence and asked, “Am I going to see you again this afternoon?”
Leia turned down the music, so it was barely audible. “Could you say that again?” She double checked her rearview mirror before glancing over her shoulder, merging into the other lane. “I couldn’t hear you.”
Derek cleared his throat. “Will I see you this afternoon?” he boldly asked.
Leia shot him a fast sideways glance. “I don’t think I need to be there when you meet with Kai again.” Her knuckles turned a tad white from gripping the steering wheel. “I’m going to spend the rest of the morning getting the receipts from the store in order to email to you and Tyson.”
“Oh.” Derek slumped down in his seat. “I see.” He stared out his passenger side window. Maybe the morning had been all in his head?
“But …” Leia’s cheeks slowly reddened. After a long pause, Leia said, “Why? I could see you later tonight, if you needed me. I don’t have anything planned.”
Straightening himself, Derek blurted out, “Do you want to go with me tonight to that food truck your aunt and uncle own? The one with the kalua pork.” He clasped and unclasped his hands.
“Kai might offer to take you there for lunch,” said Leia.
With his pulse in his throat, Derek emphasized, “I don’t want to go with Kai. I want to go with you .”
Nibbling on her bottom lip, Leia questioned, “Why?”
“I thought that was pretty obvious.” Puffing up his chest, Derek continued, “You’re way better to look at than Kai.”
Leia laughed. “Am I?” Pulling off the highway, Leia slowed their speed.
“Yep,” replied Derek. “So, Leia, are you free for dinner tonight?”
“I don’t know …” Her voice faded away. Leia shook her head. “Isn’t it bad to mix business and pleasure? Sounds like it could get messy.”
“I like messy,” said Derek.
“You live in Los Angeles. I live in Hawaii,” said Leia like that was the end of it.
“I know, but it’s only dinner.” Derek held up a single finger. “One dinner to be exact … at a food truck. That’s something you can do with people you barely like.”
A chuckle escaped her. Leia said, “Fine, one food truck dinner. Derek, I don’t need …” Her voice trailed off, and Leia didn’t finish her thought as she put the truck into park in her parents’ driveway.
He unbuckled his seatbelt and said, “I guess I’ll see you tonight.”
Some unruly hair fell into her eyes, and Leia pushed it behind her ear. With a nod, she answered, “I guess so.”