Keeping Kama

Chapter 14

Derek left.

Leia stayed.

He called.

Leia didn’t pick up.

Derek texted, and Leia didn’t respond.

The funky dance of avoidance, Leia played it out for a few weeks, hoping she’d stop caring about Derek. Or better yet she dreamed of forgetting him all together. When her family asked about Derek, Leia quickly changed the subject. In the end, Derek ended up being nothing he claimed to be, and Leia was embarrassed she had thrown caution to the wind and acted so recklessly with her own heart.

One evening a few weeks later, Leia was working in the office trailer. Kai had hired an official accountant who was way better equipped to help the farm get back on track financially. Leia only inputted the receipts for the day to assist in a small way. When Leia inquired what Kai was going to do without the promised investment money, Kai told her he had figured something else out. His lips were sealed, but Leia was relieved.

The jingle of the trailer door made Leia pause in place, her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Kai popped his head in. “Hey, Leia. I saw the lights on when I was passing by, I wanted to double check I hadn’t left them on. I didn’t realize you were still working.”

Stretching her arms above her head, Leia then folded them against herself. “I’m finishing up. I should be done in another fifteen minutes or so.”

Lingering in front of the door, Kai asked, “Are you still hung up on Derek?”

Her back stiffened. “Whoa, that came out of nowhere.” With a clenched jaw, Leia said, “Kai—” she gave him a pointed look, “I don’t want to talk about him.”

“Why? Because you might be in love with him?” asked Kai.

With an eye roll, Leia seized the end of the desk, scooting herself closer. “We spent a short amount of time together. You can’t fall in love that fast. Besides, I could never be in love with someone who only gave empty promises.”

“What promises?” asked Kai.

Pushing up her chin, Leia replied, “Derek shouldn’t have promised to invest in the farm. I thought he was different.” Shaking her head, Leia continued, “Apparently, he wasn’t.”

Taking a step closer, Kai said, “Derek is a decent guy. You need to get over this, and stop being angry at him for no reason.”

“How can you of all people be saying this?” asked Leia. “I know you had to scramble to find another way to pay off the bank loan.”

“You’ve got it wrong, Leia.” Kai paused, shoving one hand into his pocket. “Derek made me promise not to tell you, but I think you deserve to know.”

“Know what?” asked Leia.

“Derek is the one who paid off the bank loan. He didn't want you to know because he didn’t want that to sway your feelings for him. But you’ve been moping around since he left, so I couldn’t stand not telling.”

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Leia let the revelation settle. “So, Derek paid with his own money, not the investment firm’s money?” asked Leia.

“Yes, and I’m working to pay him off little by little. We get to keep the whole farm this way. Leia, Derek isn’t a bad guy, he’s one of the good ones,” said Kai.

“I— I—” stammered Leia. “I don’t even know how to unpack this whole thing. It doesn’t change the fact that he lives in Los Angeles. There’s no way for us to be together.”

“Oh, come on, little sis,” said Kai. “You and I both know you could figure something out.”

“I’ll think on it,” said Leia. “Thanks, Kai.”

Kai nodded then turned and left. Leia leaned forward and threw her face into her flat palmed hands and moaned.

The next morning, Leia woke to the blaring of her alarm clock. After slapping the buzzer off, Leia wiggled her way out of the covers and changed into her running clothes. With her shoes laced up, Leia hoped the morning run would give her time to clear her head before going to her teaching job. So, Leia ran and thought, ran, and thought. She wished Derek had told her the truth to begin with. Why didn’t he trust her enough to know she was a good judge of character?

For miles, Leia pushed herself harder and faster than ever before. Finishing the final stretch, Leia’s body was drenched in sweat and chest fully heaving. The feeling exhilarated her in a way it hadn’t since Derek left. Slowing to a walk, Leia curved toward her parents’ home. Noa and Teresa sat out on the front lanai enjoying the morning sunrise over the ocean.

With a wave, Leia walked up the gravel walkway. “Good morning,” greeted Leia. She climbed up the front steps, stopping at the top step of the lanai.

“Good morning, Leia,” said Teresa. Her gaze slid down her frame. “How many miles did you run today?”

Her breathing evened out. “Nine,” replied Leia. Double checking her watch, Leia continued, “I don’t have time to chat. I need to go shower before heading off to work.”

Teresa patted the top of Noa’s hand. “We understand.”

“Do you know how things are going with Kai starting up the farm tours?” asked Leia. Shifting her weight, Leia put a hand on her hip. “I saw him yesterday, but I completely forgot to ask.” Leia lifted the bottom of her tank top and used it to wipe sweat trickling down her temples.

“I believe they’re going really well.” Teresa looked toward Noa. “He told us they’re going to start two tours next week.”

Leia smiled and replied, “That’s wonderful.” Swiping some sweat off her brow, Leia readjusted her tank top. “I need to get going. I hope you both have a lovely day.” Leia twisted around and took the stairs down.

“Leia—” said Teresa, stopping Leia on the second to bottom step of the stairs.

Once on the bottom, Leia turned around and faced Teresa. “Yeah, Mom?”

“Are you still talking to Derek?” asked Teresa.

Feeling defensive, Leia put a hand on her hip. “No, I am not. Why?” Leia didn’t want to add, she had every intention of finally calling him tonight to clear the air between them.

Clasping and unclasping her hand, Teresa said, “I ran into Bane.”

“Bane, like my old college boyfriend, Bane?” asked Leia.

“Yes, that Bane,” said Teresa.

Leia hadn’t thought about Bane in years. Their breakup had been a somewhat amicable one. Bane didn’t want to stay in Oahu, and Leia did. After graduation, Bane moved to Idaho and got married shortly after his arrival there.

Dropping her hands down at her sides, Leia said with an edge, “Okay, and what?”

Teresa stood, walking to the edge of the lanai. Glancing down the stairs at Leia, Teresa said, “He’s coming for dinner tonight with his mom.”

“What?!” Leia stumbled a step forward, knocking the front of her foot on the bottom step of the stairs. “I don’t want to see him,” scoffed Leia.

“But Bane is back in Hawaii after a really long time,” said Teresa.

“I still don’t see why you think I’d care,” replied Leia.

“He’s divorced. Three years. His ex-wife cheated on him.” Teresa wagged a finger. “I always thought you two had some unfinished business.”

“Mom …” Leia pinched the bridge of her nose, forcing her voice to even out. “Why?”

“Because I need you to get over Derek. He isn’t coming back. You had some fun, but Derek was a distraction, nothing more. It’s time for you to wake up and realize you’re going to end up alone if you don’t move on. Bane jumped at the chance to come over. I could tell he wanted to come,” said Teresa.

A loud groan escaped her. Leia knew she didn’t have time to hash out this entire ridiculous thing. She had exactly thirty minutes to shower and get herself to work. “This is unbelievable. Why?” Leia wailed.

“Because I’m your mother. I know this thing with Derek could drag on for years, where you end up with nothing. You’re not young anymore, Leia. I won’t see you long for someone who isn’t coming back.” Teresa stamped her foot. “It’s a huge mistake. Bane and his mom will be here at six.” She straightened herself.

“I’m not coming,” replied Leia.

Teresa walked down three of the steps. “Yes, you are. I know where you live and don’t think for a second, I won’t send Bane over to your place to fetch you come dinner time.”

Pivoting to leave, Leia said over her shoulder, “I don’t have time to argue with you.”

“Great,” said Teresa. With a sickly-sweet voice, Teresa continued, “I’ll see you at six.”

The entire way back to her apartment Leia grumbled to herself. Once home, she stripped off her soaking wet running clothes and jumped in the shower. Her hurried morning left her little time to stew about her looming dinner with a guy she hadn’t seen in fifteen years. And with teaching, her day flew right on by.

So, as six o’clock neared, Leia dreaded the prospect of an awkward evening.

In the middle of changing into a pair of khaki shorts and floral blouse, her phone rang. Swiping it off her bed, Leia caught Derek’s name flashing across the screen. The guy certainly was persistent, even with a month full of her ignoring him, he hadn’t stopped trying. For a second, she hesitated, gnawing her bottom lip vigorously. Maybe it was time to talk? She sure did miss him.

Hitting accept, Leia placed the phone to her ear. “Hey, Derek. I don’t have much time to talk.” Putting the phone on speaker, she set her phone down on her bed. “If you’re calling to apologize for leaving me high and dry, I’m listening.”

“Umm,” stammered Derek. “I can’t believe you picked up. I thought for sure you were going to have it go to voice mail. You’ve ignored me for a month. I’m thrilled you picked up. What gives?”

“What can I say? I’m a woman of mystery,” said Leia.

Derek paused then said, “It’s good to hear your voice. I’ve missed you.”

Warmth crept up her neck, Leia couldn’t deny she missed Derek, too. Hearing his voice was making her feel all the feels, feelings she wondered if she had made up. “Ahh, I might have missed you a tad too.” Leia paused for a moment. Clearing her throat, Leia continued, “I listened to all your voice messages and read your texts. And I’ve decided I can’t stay mad at you. I wish I could, but it appears I can’t.”

“That’s a relief. I’m sorry for how things ended,” said Derek.

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Leia said, “I know. I’m sorry too for how I acted. I hope we can start over being friends.”

“Friends?” asked Derek.

“Yes, friends, Derek,” said Leia.

“I guess I have to take what I can get,” said Derek. “Though, for the record, I like like you.”

“What are we, like twelve?” asked Leia.

Derek laughed. “No, but I’ll drop it.” A long pause followed, Derek asked, “Are you headed somewhere? You said you couldn’t talk long.”

Opening her closet door, Leia said, “I’ve something tonight, and I’m not sure when it’ll end.” She bent down and dug out a pair of strappy sandals from her closet that were more comfortable than visually appealing.

“Oh, really. Where are you going?” pried Derek.

Sitting on the corner of her bed, Leia slipped her foot into her first sandal. “Only to my parents’ house for dinner.” She buckled the back of the sandal then moved onto the next sandal. “But my mom invited a guy for me.”

Partly, Leia wondered how Derek would react. Would he be jealous of the prospect of another guy in her life? Or were they only friends, and he would react indifferently?

“Ahh. Anyone you know?” asked Derek. “Or is this a blind date set up thing?”

With her sandals strapped, Leia stood, snatching her phone off the bed. She continued to her bathroom. “Yeah, my old college boyfriend, Bane. ” Setting her phone on the top of her bathroom counter, Leia opened a drawer, taking out her makeup bag.

“It sounds like you’re busy getting ready to meet Bane . I should let you go,” said Derek.

Makeup bag out, she unzipped the top. Leia pulled out her mascara first. “I’ve got a few minutes to talk.” She unscrewed the top of her mascara, applying some to her top lashes.

“So, what’s the story with you and Bane? Does Teresa think you two have unfinished business?” inquired Derek.

Leia’s jaw dropped when he used almost exactly her mother’s words, making her halt in place. “How did you know?” asked Leia.

“Why else would Teresa invite him over,” muttered Derek. Clearing his throat, Derek asked, “And?”

“There’s no story.” Leia moved onto her other eye, sweeping the top with a coat of mascara. “We dated in college. We broke up when Bane moved away to Idaho. End of story. Why? Do I hear a hint of jealousy in your voice?” Mascara recapped, Leia threw it back into her makeup bag. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Leia waited for Derek to answer. “Are you still there?”

“I’m here …” Derek’s voice faded away. Finally, Derek stated, “I might be a little bit jealous, though I have no right to be.”

Picking up her phone, Leia took the phone off speaker, placing it to her ear. “I’m glad,” said Leia matter-of-factly.

Laughing, Derek said, “You’re happy, because I’m miserable here in Los Angeles alone, and I’ll spend the entire night wondering if you made a love connection with some old flame.”

“Precisely.” Leia missed talking to Derek, more than she imagined. A knock at the door alerted Leia to the time. Eyeing her watch, Leia said, “I need to run. I’m late, and I know my mom sent Bane to my door to fetch me. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye,” said Derek.

Leia said goodbye and hung up.

Double checking her appearance in the mirror, Leia slid her phone into her pocket and left her bathroom. Walking to her front door, Leia swung it open, and her gaze landed on Bane. He was fifteen years older, but boy, time had been good to him. His once chubby face and shabby hair were replaced by a chiseled jaw and slick dark hair cut close to his temples.

Leia gulped. “Hey,” she managed. The single word came out shaky. Suddenly, her knees became wobbly. “It’s nice to see you again, Bane.”

Bane took a step closer to the opened door, casually leaning one shoulder against the door frame. “Hi, Leia.” His dark eyes smoldered back at her. “You look exactly the same.” He smirked.

Gathering her long strands of hair with her hands, Leia swooped it all over one of her shoulders. “I’d say the same about you, but I’d be lying.” Her cheeks burned.

Straightening himself, Bane replied, “Oh— how so?”

Without thinking, Leia said, “You’ve managed to get better looking.”

Bane laughed as his hand found Leia’s. He tugged her closer to his body. “You are as beautiful as always.” He hugged her.

Leia hugged him back then broke their embrace. Thoughts of Derek drifted away. Maybe tonight wasn’t going to be so bad after all? Pulling the door closed behind her, Leia replied, “But not beautiful enough to keep you from fleeing to Idaho.”

Wagging a finger at her, Bane replied, “I can see you’re as sassy as always.”

Her chin jutted. Leia said, “I’m not sassy .”

“Yeah, you are.” Bane shoved his hands into the pockets of his shorts. “But I always liked that part of you, and still do.”

Rolling her eyes, Leia waved her hand. “Come on. Let’s go get this dinner over with. From the way my mom phrased it, she had to arm wrestle you to attend.”

They walked down the path weaving from her apartment to her parents’ house. For a few moments, they walked in silence. Leia made sure to leave plenty of space between them to keep their arms from grazing each other. Her parents’ house came into view.

“For the record—” Bane glanced from her parents’ house to her. “I should’ve never moved to Idaho.”

“It was like fifteen years ago,” said Leia dismissively. “I’m completely over it. But why are you back? Did you not like living in Idaho?”

Bane pulled his hands out of his pockets, glancing down at his feet. “I didn’t like it, and the snow was awful.” He peeled his gaze from his feet to her, boldly meeting her eyes. “I should’ve never left Hawaii. I’ve missed this place every day since I’ve been gone. I’ve missed you, Leia.”

The rhythmic crashing of the waves on the shore filled the silence. Fiddling with her hair, Leia stammered, “I— I—” as she tried to think of a good response.

“Leia! Bane!” Teresa yelled. Leaning over the railing of the lanai, Teresa craned her neck toward them. Spotting them, Teresa waved them over. “Come on. The food’s getting cold.”

Bane motioned for Leia to go first. Leia brushed past him, moving toward the stairs leading up to the front lanai. The outside world dimmed, and only the thundering of her temples let her know this wasn’t a dream. This was happening, and she had no clue what any of it meant.