Keeping Kama

Chapter 12

After a fitful night of sleep, Derek was grateful for the blaring sound of his alarm clock to end his misery. He dreaded his upcoming conversation with Tyson. Tyson was right, investing in the farm with such slim margins of return wasn’t in the best interest of their investment company.

His stomach clenched into knots. Caring for Leia and her family beyond a normal business relationship had been a mistake. Why had he muddled the lines of business? And now he’d have to face the empty promises he had made. Derek wanted to back out of his morning run with Leia, but it had been his idea.

Quickly, Derek dressed, pulling on his running shorts, shirt, and shoes. Leaving his Airbnb, Derek jogged toward Leia’s place. The plan was for them to meet halfway, then he’d run with her for five miles before she continued the rest of her run. In the darkness, Derek spotted Leia’s running lights on her shoes and waist. Slowly, she came close enough for him to make out her face.

Derek waved and bellowed, “Good morning!” His voice carried down the road.

“Good morning,” Leia called back. Soon she came up beside him, gesturing up the road without stopping. “Let’s keep running in this direction, then we can turn around.” Derek started running beside her, and Leia continued, “And I’ll drop you before I continue further in the other direction past your place.”

“I’ll follow your lead,” said Derek.

Digging into the side pocket on her black spandex shorts, Leia pulled out a clip-on light. Holding it out to him without slowing her pace, Leia said, “Here, clip this onto the edge of your shirt so cars can see you.”

Derek took the clip-on light from her. Turning it on, he then attached it to the hem of his shirt. “Thanks. It is pitch black out here. There’s not a porch light to be seen,” remarked Derek.

Peering to his left, Derek took in the view of the ocean. The moon shone across the water, but besides its light and a smattering of stars, there was no light. Calm serenity enveloped Derek. His worries from moments prior eased out of his being. Derek knew he’d continue running on his own when he returned to Los Angeles. If he kept up with his training, then maybe he could return and run the Honolulu marathon with Leia. There he went again, planning a future he had no claim to, and after Leia found out about his empty promises, she wouldn’t want to ever see him again.

His shoulders drooped, but he made himself listen to what Leia was saying.

“I know. But I like it. I find it peaceful to be out here before everyone else is up,” said Leia.

His breathing became labored. Derek struggled to maintain the quick pace Leia was running, but he didn’t dare ask her to slow down. “I— I could see that.” Derek managed to say in quick spurts.

Laughing, Leia replied, “Should I slow down?” With a side glance, she raised an eyebrow.

“Nah … don’t slow down on … my account,” said Derek with a shaky voice.

“I like your confidence and your refusal to admit when you’re struggling.” Leia paused then added, “it reminds me of myself.” Though she didn’t say anything, Leia slowed enough for Derek’s labored breathing to even out.

“I don’t believe that for a second. You’re confident because you have every right to be. You excel at everything you do.” Derek flashed his eyes toward Leia. “I have a more ‘fake it until I make it’ approach to life.”

“I don’t excel at everything …” Leia’s voice faded off, and she darted her glance to the road in front of them.

Scratching his head, Derek asked, “What don’t you think you excel at?”

“Relationships.” Leia shook her head. “I’m not good at them which was why I stopped trying years ago.”

“I think perhaps maybe you dated a bunch of losers. Please don’t give up on all of us because you’ve had a few bad experiences,” said Derek. “You’re not the problem. You’re incredible and any guy would be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks,” said Leia. “Though I appreciate your encouragement, but you’ll be gone soon, too. You’ll go back to where you came from … and once again …” Her voice faded off. “I’ll be alone right back at square one.”

Derek wanted to argue with her and tell her he wasn’t going anywhere. He’d stay right here in paradise, living in this dream world if she’d have him. But he remained silent. His gut twisting itself, impossible to ignore. Leia wouldn’t want him to stay, not after she learned the truth about his investment firm’s plans.

They ran another mile before turning back toward Derek’s Airbnb. His feet pounding against the pavement competed against his heavy breathing. His mind was miles away as he thought about breaking the news to Kai, Leia, and her family. A pinch between his shoulder blades made pain radiate down his back. Abruptly, Leia came to a halt. Derek stopped running and was shocked to see they were only a few feet from his place.

Out of breath, Derek leaned forward cupping his knees with his hands. He tipped his chin up enough to make eye contact with Leia. Managing a smile, Derek said, “Have a wonderful day at work.”

Leia didn’t stop but waved and said, “You too. I’ll see you tonight.”

Derek had completely forgotten he had promised to take Leia to dinner. He paused for a second, “See you tonight,” he replied. “Do you care if we drive to Ko Olina for dinner?”

Leia twisted, backpedaling. “Sounds fun. Later, Derek.” Pivoting back, Leia continued down the road.

Lingering in front of his door, Derek watched Leia’s form slip further and further away until she completely disappeared from his view. Then with heavy steps, Derek opened his door and continued inside.

After he showered, Derek took his laptop out to the back lanai to enjoy the view of the ocean while he reviewed the financials for the farm again. He hoped there was some blaringly obvious mistake that would magically correct the numbers to his favor. But to no avail. Tyson’s concerns remained valid. They couldn’t invest in the farm and make enough money. And Derek knew if they didn’t invest, Leia’s family would probably be forced to sell the farm outright.

With a sigh, Derek leaned back in his seat, cupping the back of his neck with his hands. In his mind, he reviewed the idea of the farm tours. Honestly, Kai could start the tours with little to no investment. If Kai knew enough locals, they could advertise it at their various businesses, on their personal social media accounts, and through word of mouth. Maybe there was a way for Kai and his family to save the farm without any investment. Then Derek wouldn’t be a man of broken promises. It could work. But it didn’t resolve the repayment of the bank loan the farm owed.

His phone ringing broke his train of thought. Swiping it off the coffee table, Derek glanced at the screen before hitting accept. “Good morning, Tyson.”

“Hi, Derek. I’ve been over the financials again— only due to your insistence,” said Tyson.

Derek cut him off. “I know we can’t invest.”

“It was a waste of time to have you even go out there,” stated Tyson. “I don’t know what we were thinking. We should’ve taken a better look at the earning potential of the farm before flying you out to Hawaii. We usually aren’t this far off when it comes to the potential profits margin. What a mistake” he sighed loudly.

Running a hand through his hair, Derek replied, “It wasn’t a total waste.” Derek almost added he met Leia and that was something. “I’m glad I came.”

“I’m not following. We wasted money by having you travel out to Hawaii,” said Tyson. “Money we can’t recoup.”

“I’ll count it as my vacation.” Derek shifted, sitting up. “I won’t charge any of my expenses to the company.”

“That’s certainly generous of you.” Tyson paused. “Does this have anything to do with that girl?”

His eyes locked on the crystal blue waters in front of him, Derek said, “Leia.” Tilting up his face, Derek let himself bathe in the sunlight. Light seeped into his being.

“Yeah, Leia,” said Tyson with a voice full of annoyance. “I think you’re forgetting you leave tomorrow. I mean come on. You had a fling, fresh off your new break up with Heather. You were vulnerable. I still happen to think you and Heather have a chance to reconcile.”

“That’s never going to happen,” replied Derek. His jaw tightened, making a pinch between his shoulder blades. “She broke up with me through a text message. Heather didn’t even dignify our relationship with a face-to-face conversation.” He ran a hand down the length of his face. “I can’t believe I thought I was going to marry her,” muttered Derek.

“She’ll come around. Once Heather realizes she walked away from the best thing that happened to her, she’ll come crawling back,” said Tyson.

“In her text, Heather said she met somebody else. She isn’t coming back.” Derek sucked in the air. Through gritted teeth, he asked, “Can we stop talking about Heather?”

“Fine. But I’m only saying this Leia was a distraction for you. A nice one no doubt, but Derek it’s just that. It’s time for you to come back home to Los Angeles. I have several potential investment opportunities I want to review with you. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds and back into the game,” said Tyson.

Home. Where was his home? Was it in Los Angeles? Or was that simply where he lived because he had always lived there? Derek had no family. No ties anywhere. Half his time was spent flying here and there. Before Derek wanted to travel, he welcomed the act of never being anywhere too long. Surely, Heather had tired of his constant avoidance of anything real and tangible. When things became difficult, Derek hopped on a plane and headed out of town. Naively, Derek always believed time and distance would repair whatever wasn’t working in his relationships. He never learned.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” said Derek. “There’s nothing left for me to do but leave.”

Derek wished the thought didn’t depress him like it did. As the crystal blue water sparkled before him, Derek couldn’t remember the last time he felt this at home. Like this place was where he always belonged. But then he remembered how vacations were a glimpse into a dream way of living not a reality. One had bills, obligations, and work which made the vacation a welcome respite from the mundane.

“I’m glad we’re back on the same page. I’ll see you soon,” replied Tyson.

Derek said goodbye to Tyson, ending his call. Promptly after hanging up, Derek booked his return flight to Los Angeles. Once his flight was booked, Derek gathered up his things, shoving his laptop into his messenger bag. He now had to let Kai know about his decision. Standing, Derek slugged the bag over his shoulder and headed out of his place, walking to the farm.

As he came up the gravel driveway, Noa and Teresa were sitting out on the front lanai. Derek waved and for a second, he hesitated, wondering if he should head directly around the house to the office trailer to meet with Kai as planned. But something about the leisurely view of Leia’s parents sitting in their wingback chairs, holding hands, gave Derek pause.

Instead of weaving around the house, Derek climbed the front steps. With a smile, Derek greeted them, “Good morning.” He readjusted his slipping messenger bag. “You both look extra comfortable this morning.”

Teresa met Derek’s gaze. “We are enjoying the beautiful view.” She motioned to the empty chair beside her. “Come sit with us a while.”

Double checking his watch, Derek wondered how much Kai would mind if he was late to their meeting. “I have a meeting with Kai.” Derek rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between Teresa and Noa. “I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

Waving his comment off, Teresa motioned to the seat again. “Sit. I’ll text Kai and tell him to come up to the lanai. Whatever you must discuss with him, you can do it in front of us. This place has been in Noa’s family for too long to count. We’re more anxious than anyone to know how we can save the farm.”

“Okay, then.” Derek lowered himself into the empty chair beside Teresa.

Teresa pulled her phone out of her pocket. Her fingers zipped across the screen. Moments later, her phone dinged. She tapped on the message. “Kai is coming up to the house, so relax.” Teresa stood, slipping her phone into her dress pocket. “I’ll go get something for us to drink.”

Waving the suggestion off, Derek replied, “Please it’s not necessary, and I don’t want to be a bother.”

“You aren’t. I’ll be right back,” said Teresa. Then she disappeared into the house.

Derek and Noa sat alone. Only the sound of the ocean weaved between them. Derek knew Noa’s speech was limited, but for whatever reason Derek started talking. “You have a wonderful family, Noa. One most would be envious of, even I’m envious of what you have here with them.” Derek glanced over at Noa. Noa gave a small nod. “You have this beautiful place, on this magical island. I don’t want you to worry. I’m going to make sure you get to keep it all. I couldn’t let Leia lose this.”

Peering out at the view of miles of endless ocean, Derek’s breath caught in his chest at the beauty of the blue sky blending into the turquoise sea. He understood why generations of people lived here and why they never left. This place meant more, it meant everything.

Noa cleared his throat, and slowly said, “Th-an-k y-ou.”

Two words only, but they were spoken with such sincerity. It pierced Derek’s soul. If he could help Noa and Teresa, Leia, Kai … all of them, then this trip wasn’t a waste. It was far from it. This trip had changed the very fiber of himself.

Kai appeared in the walkway, making his way up the gravel path. Teresa came back from inside the house with a tray of sodas, handing Derek a guava one. Derek popped the top, taking a long swig, hoping the bubbly carbonation would settle the nerves in his stomach. Kai climbed the stairs to the lanai, sitting down in an empty chair next to his parents.

After Teresa gave Noa and Kai a soda too, she settled back into her seat between Derek and Noa. Once everyone had taken a few sips of their drinks, they focused their attention on Derek.

Setting the soda on the side table, Derek leaned forward resting his forearms on his thighs. “I’m going to give it to you straight. Our investment firm will not be investing in the farm.” He let the words land.

Teresa sucked in the air. Noa flinched.

Kai’s eyes narrowed as his jaw tightened “So, you’re like all the rest of them.” He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “And I thought we could trust you.”

Derek sat straight, holding up a hand. “I know, and you can, but you don’t need our investment money. I think you can save the farm on your own. If you start the farm tours like we discussed, I believe it’ll bring in the needed revenue to get you out of debt in two to three years. After that you’ll start to bring in a nice profit, and the most important part is you’ll remain the sole owners of the farm.”

“But what about the loan due at the bank?” Teresa exchanged a glance with Kai, before staring back at Derek. “The bank told us we need it paid back by the end of the year. We don’t have two to three years,” said Teresa.

“True, that’s where I’ve been thinking. I’d be willing to give you a personal loan. You can use the funds to pay back the bank. Then slowly with the profits you earn from the tours, you can pay me back. Once you pay off my loan to you, I’ll go away, and you’ll keep a hundred percent of the farm,” said Derek.

“I thought you said your firm wasn’t investing in the farm,” stated Kai.

“My investment company is not investing in the farm.” Derek scratched his chin. “I personally would front you the money from my own account.”

Teresa reached for Noa’s hand. “Isn’t that incredibly risky for you?”

“Probably,” said Derek. He shifted, resting his ankle across his opposite knee. “But I have the money, and I want to help. I can’t let you lose the farm or this place. So, take the money, pay off the bank loan, and then pay me back.”

Derek knew he was breaking all reasonable rules of business. But he cared too much, this time it was nothing but personal.

“Do you do this often? Invest your own money when your business partner says no?” asked Teresa.

“This would be a first,” replied Derek.

Kai took a swig of his soda. “At what percent of interest?” asked Kai. “Maybe you just want us to default on the loan to you and then you’d take everything.”

“I can do it for two percent,” said Derek. “And I know you won’t default on the loan. After spending the last few days with you and your family, I know you’re honest and hardworking people. I trust you’ll pay me back.”

“Yes, but this is still a huge risk for you if the farm tours don’t work out. We could still lose the farm along with your money,” said Kai.

Squirming in his seat, Derek lowered his leg back down. “I’m aware of the risk, and I’m okay with it,” replied Derek.

Kai raised an eyebrow and asked, “Does Leia have anything to do with this offer?”

“She has everything to do with it.” His gaze skidded between them. Derek scratched his jaw. “One more thing. Leia can’t know about me paying off the bank and our arrangement.”

“Why not?” asked Teresa.

“Because I don’t want that to be a factor in how she feels about me,” said Derek. “I want Leia to want me for me, and not for anything else.”