by Mimi Barbour
“Good! Don’t you worry, little one. I’ll be around to look after you while you’re in Waikiki. So where is home?” His voice soothed.
Leilani released the stiffness in her shoulders and answered. “I live, um, lived with my mother in a city on Vancouver Island called Victoria. She passed away last week. I… I’m bringing her ashes to be buried in Hawaii. She was born here, left the day she married my father and her wish to return never changed.”
“But she never returned?”
“How did you know?”
“Something in your voice. There’s a sadness when you talk about bringing her home.”
“You’re right. She never did return. Soon after she arrived in Canada, she became pregnant with me. Then when she and my dad finally managed to save enough money for a trip home, she was involved in a hit and run accident with a drunk driver.”
“How very sad.”
Not understanding the gushing need to talk about a time she’d previously preferred to forget, Leilani added. “My mother was the drunk driver. Her penalty for her stupidity that day turned into a harsh life-changer. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down and she lived the rest of her life in a wheelchair.”
“Poor angel.” The sorrow in the driver’s voice touched her deeply. “Her heart was broken no doubt.”
“Her heart and her spirit. I was all she had left, after my father decided to leave us. I loved her dearly.”
“Lucky her. Did she appreciate her fortune in having you as her daughter?”
“I don’t know.” The sigh escaped before she knew it formed.
What Leilani did know was that her globby-filled eyes were clearly visible to the driver who spent a lot of time watching her in his mirror. His soft smile drove its way directly to the grief in her soul.
Healing warmth spread throughout her, and Leilani greedily clutched at the feeling. Wiggling her stiff shoulders, she eased tense muscles. Then leaned back against the seat, and peered out the open window at the vehicle-filled, well-lit bridge.
The balmy warm air and ocean scent she’d noticed upon her arrival floated through the window and intermingled with the aroma of the overwhelming sweetness around her neck.
The leis were gorgeous, and a surprise she’d never expected to experience on her tight budget; therefore, they were greatly appreciated. Gathering them gently in her hands, she lifted them upwards. Stroking their velvety petals, she sniffed and enjoyed. Giddy, bubbles of happiness broke through Leilani’s lingering sadness and something deep inside opened wings of joy. Her spirit truly lifted for the first time in days.
“There’s so much to see and do on the island. I know it’ll be difficult deciding where to spend your time. Do you have anything particular in mind?”
“I’m not sure whether I’ll be free to get in much sightseeing. You see, a letter arrived the day Mother died. It came from her sister who I never knew existed. My aunt’s message to my mother sounded desperate. It said that she’s gravely ill and needed her help.”
“This sister lives here on Oahu?”
“Yes. I often saw the letters from Hawaii, but when I asked my mother about them, she said they were from an old friend. My mother was very secretive about her youth.”
“Will you go and see the woman while you’re here?” His soft dark eyes seemed to glow at her from inside the mirror.
Without an ounce of hesitation, she answered. “Why, of course!”
Leilani’s interest had been roused. Truth to tell, she couldn’t wait.
Chapter Two
Leilani again leaned forward to see the beautiful scenery they were passing. Her hand reached out and her finger pointed toward the window on the right side. “What a beautiful beach, sir?”
“Yes, the water along here is very pleasant. It’s called the Ala Moana beach. Oh, and none of that ‘Sir’ for me, young lady. Piʻilani is my name, but please call me Pi. It’s slightly easier to pronounce.” His chuckle worked its magic, and she patted his shoulder.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Pi.”
“Leilani, the pleasure is all mine. You are a breath of fresh air for this old Hawaiian sourpuss.”
A silly giggle escaped, and she winked at him in the rearview mirror. “You’re no sourpuss. You’ve been wonderful to a frightened girl who dreaded arriving here alone. Pi, is it possible to stop here for a few moments? I just want to breathe in the wonderful fragrance, take my shoes off, and walk for a short time on the beach.”
The car instantly slowed as Pi pulled into a drive, which took them directly to a road that led to the water. This late at night, the sand resembled a creamy carpet of temptation. The beach, patterned with glowing golden streaks from the setting sun, made Leilani itch to get her toes buried in the softness. I’m so glad I came. A sob caught in her throat, and Leilani knew it was either get out and walk, or end up in an emotional puddle of tears.
Before she could even touch the door, Pi had it opened and reached in for her hand to help her out. Goodness, for an old man he moved surprisingly quickly. Funny thing, he seemed to change like a kaleidoscope, younger one minute, and an elderly man again in the next.
It was hard to believe she felt so comfortable with a stranger, a man she met today. Not only did she feel relaxed, she felt as if she were spending time with a very close friend.
“You don’t mind if we walk for a little while?” Leilani asked.
“You want me to accompany you? It would be my pleasure.”
“I’m sorry. I took it for granted.”
“Leilani, Beauty and I are at your disposal for the next couple of days to go wherever and do whatever you wish. Besides, I get to walk with someone who looks like a Hawaiian princess, and you expect me to complain? On the contrary, I’m delighted you’d want me tagging along.”
“You think I look Hawaiian, Pi?” His remark delighted Leilani, who had always been rather proud of her heritage and the looks that went it.
“Yes, of course. Without any doubt, you resemble one of our lovely island girls.”
Leilani smiled her thanks and without another thought, she kicked off her pretty jewel-encrusted sandals and reached out when Pi moved to assist her. The moment their hands clasped, calmness surrounded her. She’d never been in the presence of another who made her feel so totally at peace.
The sand massaged her toes delightfully. Moonlight brought the iridescent granules to life, and the ground looked like a magical crystal carpet. Compared to the gravelly beach back home, the texture felt soft and pleasing, and sinking into it brought a bubble of fun rising inside her. She closed her eyes and inhaled the wonder of Waikiki. Nothing had ever prepared her for this delight.
Eventually they’d reached the end of the sandy area, and the rocks ahead forced them to turn around and go back to the car. Once there, she rested against the hood and watched the water. Her companion hadn’t said a word all this time, and for once, Leilani’s mouth didn’t run away on her. She felt no need to put the other person at ease or to share the experience with words.
Pi leaned next to her, and before she knew it, he’d helped her to climb on top of the hood. While perched on the warm vehicle, the two lay next to each other using the windshield for a backrest.
From this view, she looked up and observed the various-sized, graceful palm trees waving their fronds as if playing to a rhapsody of music initiated by the soft breeze. A few night birds flew overhead, calling to each other; their sounds like a musical welcome to a girl still fighting the disbelief that she’d actually arrived. The horizon of clouds interspersed with golden highlights was all she could have asked for. This was the Hawaii of Leilani’s dreams.
Pi gently nudged her hand and then pointed upward to where an encroaching purplish-pink hue spread its magic over the lightened sky; a phenomenon she’d never seen so strong before. It literally took her breath away.
His soft voice broke in, and she glanced in his direction. “You seem sad, Leilani. I’ve no wish to intrude, but it shine
s through your eyes when you look at me. Is there any way I can help you?”
Leilani wasn’t surprised that he’d zeroed in on her pain. Raw and recent, it hadn’t had time to form a scab.
“As you know, my mother passed on, but how I wished she had come with me in person rather than as ashes. I begged her many times before the end—promised her she’d be fine and that I’d help her, but she refused.”
“Poor woman! Choosing never to see her country again because of what? Erroneous prejudices! How shattering!”
“Pi, you’re an angel. I’ve never thought how much it must have eaten at her, not until I arrived here and saw the beauty she gave up. You’re right, of course. Shattered fits her perfectly.”
“It must have been hard for you to live with a woman hardened and embittered by circumstances, even if she did orchestrate them by her careless actions.”
“I loved her.” Leilani thought of all the times she tried to get her mother to smile and feel upbeat about the fact that she was alive and relatively healthy, albeit tied to a wheelchair. Some days, she managed. They’d know peace for months, but then a letter would arrive, or a movie on TV would bring back the bitterness. The older woman would slip into a melancholy that little by little chipped away at the spontaneous happiness that quite naturally bubbled inside Leilani.
“I’m sure you did. And of course, she loved you?”
Pi’s question brought back the fear that she’d known since childhood—the fear that drove her into always acting like a bundle of sunshine. If she weren’t that way, would there be anything loveable about her? And just maybe, would her mother stop loving her?
Now where did that insight come from…the clarity of knowing what insecurity drove her into being the Chatty Cathy that she showed the world?
Lying under the Hawaiian sky with this delightful character gave her such pleasure that it needed to be shared. She reached for Pi’s hand that seemed to know hers was searching, and she clung. Glancing over her shoulder, she grinned into the old man’s twinkling eyes that returned her delight. Time stopped. Only the wind and waves played on, performing for the two souls who were linked forever.
Chapter Three
“Pi, are you sure this is the hotel I’m to stay at? It’s positively luxurious.” Leilani had no doubt her eyes had expanded to twice their normal size. She swiveled in every direction, not caring if she looked like the typical gawking tourist.
“Yes. I have your booking here. You’re on the seventh floor, in room 715. The Jordan Hotels have a sterling reputation, and the Waikiki Jordan is considered one of the premium hotels in all of Hawaii.” He pulled the taxi over to the side and stopped in the brilliant circular driveway under the magnificent archway leading to the reception desk.
Lighted gardens full of tropical plants graced the entranceway, and glamorous chandeliers lit the gleaming marble floors. Huge, decorated Christmas trees, whose leaves arced upward rather than down, sat in various corners, while twinkle lights made the greenery beautiful and glowing. Busy shops, open to the foyer, were full of happy customers, and the suited bellmen rushing to and fro added to the industrious feel of the place.
I love it! For the first time this year, her favorite season awoke the child in her who enjoyed this holiday better than any other. Mainly because most years her mother would make an effort to join in the gaiety and Leilani would bask in her increased animation.
Soon as the car stopped, she stepped out of her side before Pi had a chance to open her door. Instead, he went to the trunk and opened it. As he reached in to get her suitcase, Leilani grabbed it before he could. Though they struggled, she won. “I saw you rub your back earlier, when we jumped down from the hood. You should have told me you were uncomfortable.” She stared at him, wearing a mock frown.
Pi looked a bit peeved for a second, and then grinned. “I passionately dislike being reminded I’m an old man, and I’ll admit to being called slightly stubborn.”
“Slightly? Right!” exclaimed Leilani. Pi’s devilish wink earned him another smile that came as natural to Leilani as breathing.
He took over the suitcase and guided her to the front desk where the female receptionist greeted him like a long-lost friend.
“Pi, you old devil. How are you?”
“I’m fine, Susanna. I had the honor of picking up Miss Leilani Taylor from the airport. She’s to be a guest here for the next two nights.”
“Yes. We’ve been awaiting her arrival.” Susanna, a beautiful island girl wearing a lovely traditional muumuu, turned and included Leilani in her smile. “Aloha, Miss Taylor. Welcome to the Waikiki Jordan. It’s a pleasure to have you stay with us.”
“Aloha! And trust me, the pleasure is all mine.” Leilani couldn’t believe how nice it felt to speak even one modest word in the language her mother had taught her from when she was a child. As soon as she had completed her registration, she turned to Pi who had stood patiently waiting.
“Mahalo, Pi. Thank you! This has been one of the best nights of my life.” She knew her eyes glittered, but it couldn’t be helped. Spending the hour with this stranger had given her back her innate joy, and she couldn’t thank him enough. “Considering how my trip started, because of you, I didn’t have to count to three.”
With his head cocked to one side, he asked. “Three?”
“You know, bad things always seem to happen in threes. And you stopped mine at two.”
He laughed and wagged his finger. “My dear Leilani, the night isn’t over yet.”
“Oh, pooh. I’m here and safe. What could possibly happen now, aye?”
She noticed the grin he couldn’t hide, and it tormented her for a few seconds before he interrupted her musings.
He handed her an embossed card with only his name Piʻilani at the top. “I will be at this number. Call me anytime you want to go somewhere, and I will be here in ten minutes. Okay?”
“Okay, Pi! Aloha po. Goodnight.”
“Aloha po, Leilani.”
She felt his eyes watching her as she turned to walk away toward the elevators. Somehow, knowing he was there made her feel much more comfortable with her future. She turned for a last wave, and then rushed to join a group of people pushing in through the open doors.
Before she could enter, the right wheel on her suitcase snapped and it flipped over, stopping her cold. A man who rushed to get to the same elevator tripped over her fallen suitcase.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.” For a second, Leilani saw his disgust before he’d covered it up with a pleasant smile.
“No worries. Here, let me help you.” Even though she’d packed it full, he lifted it easily and set it upright, only for the silly thing to topple over again.
“I’m afraid the wheel must have broken.” Leilani didn’t want to apologize once again, but she sensed annoyance oozing out of the actor who wore a mask of congeniality. After all, a suitcase is an inanimate object, and it hadn’t broken on purpose to annoy this particular man.
The doors opened for the next car, and he lifted her suitcase, waiting while she gathered her overlarge, brightly decorated bag and stepped inside. Strangely, there wasn’t another person in sight as the doors slowly closed. The stranger pushed a button, then turned toward Leilani. “Which floor would you like?” His respectful voice was low and masculine, rather husky even.
As the elevator began its ascent, Leilani realized she’d forgotten her room number. She became so flustered, that she had to search through the many pamphlets she’d gathered at reception before she finally found her registration packet. But before she could tell him the number, they flew from her hand and scattered everywhere. As she bent down to pick them up, he did also.
His shoulder pushed hers, and just when the elevator made a terrible grinding racket and stopped dead, Leilani faltered to keep her balance. The added momentum flipped her to the side, and she knocked him to the floor, landing in his arms.
A few of the leis were now wrapped around her face, and she smelled
their strong scent as she gasped for breath. Her pinned-up hair had come loose and was wreathing her shoulders to her waist. The short skirt from her sundress had landed in such a way as they could both see the color of her dainty, white lace bikini panties.
An exclamation, Leilani couldn’t stop, immediately got him moving. He realized her predicament, reached down and gave her skirt a flip, so she was decent again. Since her hands were pinned under his body, there was no way she could have fixed it herself. That helpful action on his part seemed to bring them to their senses, and soon they untwisted themselves and sat up with their backs against the mirrored walls.
Trembling, and not sure why, Leilani gave herself a few seconds to catch her breath and let her heartbeats settle down. To say her throat was in her mouth would have been an understatement. It had happened so fast, she hadn’t had time to be frightened, but now the reaction was taking its toll.
“What in the world…?” For one of the first times in her life, she had few words.
“I have no idea. This isn’t possible. I know the maintenance on this elevator is completely up to date.” He rose and checked the panel where the lights were out. Instead, it showed no signs of life whatsoever. He then used the call button ingeniously hidden behind a decorated panel. Again, there was no sign that it had worked. “Oh for heaven’s sake!”
Still shaken, Leilani sat watching the dude become angrier when the machine didn’t behave the way he’d expected. Only a faint luminosity from the emergency lights around the ceiling kept them from being completely in of the dark and actually added a kind of romantic glow to the enclosed space.
“Do you really believe that slamming your hand against those buttons will do any good?” Sarcasm wasn’t her usual way of dealing with things, but for some reason his ridiculous action brought out the worst in her. “I’m sure if we wait patiently,” she continued, “the hotel staff will get us moving soon.” Careful not to push his buttons, she tried to sound levelheaded. Sitting on the thick carpeting seemed to be the safest place for now, and as far away from him as possible.
