“We were able to revive her on the beach but she still had to go to the hospital from all the seawater she inhaled.”
“Here you guys go,” Leilani walked over and placed our drinks in front of us. It took everything I had to force a smile on my face. “Do you guys need a few minutes to decide what you want?”
“Yeah.” Josh smiled.
“I'll be back in a few minutes.” When Leilani walked away all I could think about was the fear of drowning. Not being able to breathe and slowly suffocating had to be one of the worst ways to die.
A few fans came up to us after we had placed in our food order and asked for pictures with Josh. It was clear that he just wanted to spend time with me but he couldn't bring himself to turn down a fan. Josh was kind and caring. He didn't want to let his supporters down.
When our food came to the table I was surprised that all of the fans left us alone to eat in peace. In front of us were two plates of Kalua pulled pork sandwiches on sweet rolls with two steaming side dishes. The one side was island-style fried rice made with jasmine rice, diced sweet pork sausage, pineapple chunks, and chopped green onions tossed in a seasoned oyster sauce. The other side dish was a mix of steamed vegetables.
I hope my stomach could handle all of this.
“Let me know if there's anything else you need.” Leilani walked away, leaving the two of us to enjoy our food. I picked up the pork sandwich first and took a bite out of it. All different kinds of smoky flavors greeted me instantly, and the sauce itself was sweet, tangy, and even a little spicy as it added a kick to it. No wonder this was Josh's favorite dish; it was mouthwatering.
“Do you like it?”
“Very.” I took a sip of the peach iced tea and let out a small delightful moan. I think this shack was going to be my favorite place to eat for the rest of the week.
“Just wait until dessert.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. “For bringing me to Hawaii.”
“You've thanked me so many times.” Josh sighed with a playful note to his words.
“It just feels like it isn't enough.”
“Alison,” Josh reached over and placed his hand on top of mine. His thumb rubbed against my skin lightly, the very gesture causing my heart to flutter. “I couldn't imagine anyone else sitting across the table from me right now.”
“You're just being nice.”
Slowly, I took my hand back and placed it down on my lap. I didn't want him touching me. If Josh only saw me as a sister to him then I needed time for my emotions to adjust; I just hope it would happen sooner instead of later. I knew for a fact that Scott liked me in that way, so maybe when I got back home I could give him a chance.
“I'm serious.” The warmth in his eyes filled me with something that I wish I wouldn't feel. It was mixed signals like these that confused me. Josh said that I was like a sister to him, but right now he was looking at me in a kind of way you would not look at your sister. “You're funny and smart and stubborn...you crept up on me so unexpectedly, Alison Taylor Millard.” Josh looked down at his food to avoid looking at me. “There's another reason why I brought you here aside from the fact that you deserved a vacation.”
Curiosity got the better of me. “What is it?”
Josh looked back up. “You'll have to wait and find out.”
“You know I don't like surprises.”
“Give me a few days to plan everything out.” The warmth in his eyes was still there, and when he smiled, I could see the dimples in his rosy cheeks. “Okay?”
I smiled. “Okay.”
By the time the two of us were ready for dessert, we were both pretty full from what we just ate. Surprisingly I didn't feel nauseous just yet, but I knew as soon as I took my medications then I would have to carry around a bucket.
Josh ordered an entire Hawaiian Coconut Cheesecake for the two of us to share. The rounded shaped cheesecake was placed right in the middle of the table after Josh and I were each handed a spoon. The top of the cheesecake was topped with shavings of toasted coconut, the inside creamy with a coconut cheesecake blend. I took my spoon and broke off a piece of graham cracker crust and some filling. When I tasted the dessert I sunk into my chair a little; this was the most amazing thing I had ever tasted.
“Can we please live here?” I whined playfully. “I really don't want to leave this island.”
Josh chuckled. “I'm guessing the cheesecake is good?”
“Try some.” Without even giving it a second thought I scooped up more of the white custard and brought it up to Josh's mouth. He took a bite from my spoon and soon nodded.
“That’s so good.”
I looked out towards the ocean as I ate. The sun was beginning to set and created a mixture of colors to spread along the sky. It seemed as though warm pink and orange were in a constant battle to overpower each other, the calm ocean water reflecting and having a white shimmer.
“I was serious before...” I muttered to myself. “I would love to live here. Or even just near the ocean again.”
“Didn't you move from Florida?”
“Yeah.” I nodded, looking back at Josh. “Almost every single day I would go to the beach since I lived two blocks away from it. Living there was the best thing in the entire world.”
Josh was silent for a few long moments as he kept an intense focus on me.
Finally, he responded. “Let's move here.”
“What?”
“Let's just stay here. You and I practically live together back home, so why not stay here and live in the beach house together? I can take care of all the bills while you're getting better. Then in a few years when you're fully recovered you can work on your music career, or any other career you want. I can easily support both of us.”
“Josh...” I was almost speechless. “I don't know what to say.”
“Say yes.”
“I think...I think we should wait a little while for that.” Josh's face fell a little.
“Why?”
“You know as well as I do that my cancer can just randomly take a sudden turn down a cliff. All of my doctors are back home. My parents are one of the best doctors in the country, remember?”
Josh sighed because he knew I was right. “Yeah, that's very true. I just want you to be happy.”
“You make me happy. It doesn't matter where we are. We could be stranded at some rundown motel and I would still be happy, because you would be there with me.”
“Where have you been all my life?”
I couldn't help but laugh. “Funny. Seriously though,” I licked my spoon. “Maybe in a few years when I'm better and if the offer still stands then I'm all up for it.”
“The offer will always be on the table.”
“Well, this cheesecake won't be.” We chuckled as the two of us continued to eat. It was only my first day in Hawaii with Josh, but so far today was by far my favorite.
When Josh paid the bill and gave Leilani a very large tip we boxed up the remainder of the cheesecake and walked along the shoreline. The cold wet sand seeped in between my toes since I was carrying my sandals. When the waves broke and drowned my feet I nearly jumped from how cold it was. Josh laughed, bringing me to kick some water on him.
“What do you want to do next?” Josh asked.
“I have to take my meds soon so I can't do anything else today,” I sighed. “I'm sorry.”
“Don't ever apologize. It isn't your fault at all.”
“But I feel like I'm ruining the trip.”
“Hey,” Josh gently grabbed my arm so our eyes met. “Do you realize how much fun I'm having? Today has been great. You aren't ruining anything at all. Right, Stan?” We looked over towards our bodyguard who was standing silently a few feet away.
“Josh is right.” Stan agreed. “You're a joy to be around.”
I smiled, the three of us continuing to walk down the shoreline until we arrived back at the beach house. Josh put the dessert in his packed
refrigerator while I opened up my suitcase and pulled out the pouch containing the medicine bottles. One by one I took each pill as directed, and soon enough I was pulled down into a deep sleep.
Chapter Ten
A sweet fragrance roused me awake as I opened my eyes. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep that early morning. I felt more drained than usual today, feeling as if I had run ten miles last night before going to bed. Maybe I did push myself too hard yesterday.
When I rolled to my side to get comfortable I noticed pink rose petals scattered on the ground. I sat up slowly, the covers falling to my waist. Leading from the edge of the bed to the closed bedroom door was a trail of pink rose petals; that was the sweet fragrance that had awakened me.
“Josh?” I called out but received silence in return. My body ached when I threw the covers to the side and stood to my feet. I didn't like how weak I felt this morning. Could something be wrong? Or was I just tired? I was probably exhausted from last night. There was nothing to worry about.
I forced myself forward to leave the bedroom. When I opened the door I saw that the flowery path continued beyond the bedroom. Did Josh do this? Why?
“How are you feeling?” I jumped when Bruce came out of the bathroom.
“I'm feeling okay.” I lied. “Where's Josh?”
“At the end of the path.” Bruce smirked.
“What's Josh doing?”
“Follow the path and find out.” Bruce winked before walking away. The most dumbfounded expression must’ve been on my face since he turned back at me and laughed. “Go.”
Without another word I looked down and followed the trail. It led me towards the back of the house and out the backdoor. The pink petals traveled down the deck's stairs and out on the sand. At first, I didn't follow. I walked up to the wooden railing and looked out along the beach. In the distance, I saw someone standing at the very edge of the water looking out at the stunning horizon. The path led right to the young man.
“Josh...” I was confused as to why he would leave a trail of flower petals like this. Did he swallow seawater or something? Surely Josh was going out of his mind.
I finally made my way down the stairs and walked out on the sand; it was already starting to warm up. As I got closer it was clear that Josh was nervous. His shoulders were tense, his breathing uneven. Josh's hands shook slightly at his sides, and when I finally got close enough for him to hear me he turned around. A small smile played along his mouth.
“Hey.” Josh said a little shakily.
“Hey,” I responded. “What's going on?” It was then I noticed that the path not only led to Josh but also to a giant pink heart made from rose petals.
“I wanted to wait until the last day of our trip to do this but I figured my nerves would get the better of me.”
“To do what?” I stood in front of Josh and waited. He was silent for a few lingering moments as he attempted to gather his thoughts. The only sound came from the crashing of small waves and birds cawing for food. Each unspoken second that went by felt like an eternity.
At last, Josh took in a deep breath and placed my hand in his own. “I don't know where to start since I didn't plan this out well enough. I've been standing here for almost half an hour trying to come up with different ways to tell you everything.”
“Tell me what?” My heart fluttered uncontrollably in my chest. His hand felt so warm against mine, but I could feel his slightly trembling.
“When I first saw you for the very first time I felt this spark. It was a small spark since I didn't actually know you, but it was just enough to start a small fire. As time went on and I got to know you as a person that fire grew, and over time it turned into an unstoppable inferno. Every single day I started to think about you. I tried so hard not to, but there was something about you that just kept pulling me in. You're my light that keeps away the darkness.” Josh paused, and just then I realized what he was about to say next.
My breath caught at his words. “Alison, I don't know if you feel the same way, but I am so completely in love with you it hurts. I've been keeping this in for so long and it has been tearing me up inside. I couldn't go another day without you knowing.”
Some say that when you're born into this world that you already have a soulmate. It was destiny to be with that one person for the rest of your life. Little decisions in life could determine whether or not you meet that special person today, tomorrow, or even ten years from now. What if you decide to take Train A for once instead of Train B? Make a left turn in a grocery store instead of a right? Even those kinds of decisions, no matter how big or small, can have a huge impact in the end. I never really believed in fate or true love, but when I met Josh and fell for him, everything changed. He was my soulmate, and I was his.
I thought back to the last few months in the blink of an eye. I thought of the silent communication Josh and I shared, and how he constantly finished my sentences. We were so comfortable around each other and hated when we weren't together. The physical attraction between the two of us was undeniable. It wasn't the kind of physical attraction on a sexual level; if Josh and I touched each other, even just a brief graze of our hands, a whirlwind would awaken my spirits and fill me with so much warmth.
There were moments where we even challenged each other like no one else could. At times Josh and I didn't see eye to eye, but somehow that brought us even closer together in our friendship. If I were mad or upset then Josh knew exactly how to calm me down, even if he just held me silently in his arms, and the fact that the roles could easily be reversed proved even more that Josh and I were meant to be together.
“I always tell myself there couldn't possibly be any more ways for you to surprise me.” My voice surprisingly formed words. “But here you are, surprising me yet again.” I laced my fingers with his, the very gesture feeling as if it was supposed to be like this from the very start. “But I don't understand something. What happened to you saying you thought of me like a sister?”
“I lied. Duh.” Josh chuckled. “So...do you feel the same way?”
“I wouldn't be holding your hand if I didn't.” I playfully smirked. “I fell in love with you instantly. It wasn't because you were famous or had enough money to live off of for the rest of your life. I fell in love with the person you truly are. I fell in love with the way you laugh, and the way your eyebrow creases when you're deep in thought. Your jaw clenches when you're mad, and when you sleep you make these cute little noises-”
Josh cut me off mid-sentence when he pressed his lips against mine in a gentle kiss. Everything around me melted away. Even the aches I woke up with that morning. His lips were both warm and soft on mine, and rainbows and butterflies exploded inside of my stomach. For a moment I forgot all about my problems.
Now there was no way I would lose the war. I was going to do everything I could to beat this cancer.
When we pulled away Josh leaned his forehead against mine, the two of us silent as our eyes closed. I had told myself that yesterday was my favorite day in Hawaii; today was now officially my favorite day.
“Sorry that I interrupted your sentence,” Josh whispered. “I've just been wanting to kiss you for what feels like forever.”
“That's okay.” Josh pulled me close in his arms after I spoke.
“Is it too soon to say 'I love you'?”
“Are you sure you do?” I asked.
“I haven't been this sure of anything in my entire life.” Josh admitted. “I was born to only say it to you.”
I smiled. “Go ahead.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Later that day after resting and taking a small nap I felt refreshed for the surprise Josh had planned for today. He knew that I always wanted to swim with dolphins so he had rented out a section at a water amusement park that had dolphin shows and even rescued them. The park took very good care of their wildlife and treated each animal as if they were family.
“I have.” Josh nodded, his fingers intertwined with mine. Stan and Bruce followed closely behind. “When I shot the movie on the island I came here with a few friends. You'll love the dolphins.”
Together we walked through the entrance of the park and ventured towards the section where the dolphins would perform for their shows. The pool itself was enormous with rows of seats surrounding the pool. Josh and I made our way over to the clear water and looked over the edge. Swimming freely in the water were three female bottlenose dolphins who were all very young and playful. In a group they swam over to the pool's wall and stuck their heads out of the water to greet the two of us with excited chirps and clicks.
“Well hello there.” I released Josh's hand and bent down to rest the palm of my hand on top of one of their noses but stopped, feeling hesitant at first.
“Don't be scared,” Josh knelt next to me before placing his hand over mine. “I promise they won't hurt you.” Josh guided my hand towards one of the dolphins. She rose up from the water even further and playfully nudged my palm. I chuckled, willing myself the courage to run my hand along the dolphin's head.
“Almost like a horse.”
“See? They're not scary.” Josh outstretched his own hand to touch the other two dolphins.
“Lana seems to take a great liking to you.” A young woman said as she walked over towards the pool, her eyes on me. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, having dark curly hair tied back in a ponytail and naturally tan skin. “My name is Kalani. I’m the main trainer here. Are you two Josh and Alison?”
“Yes.” Josh nodded and stood up straight.
“The other two dolphins are Kaimana and Miliani. If you two just follow me I'll get you suited up and ready to jump right into the water.”
In the women's restroom I stripped off my shirt and shorts and slipped into the tight pink and gray diving suit that Kalani offered me after she found my correct size. When I looked at myself in the mirror it was clearly noticeable how much weight I lost over the last few weeks.
Untimely Love Page 13
