“You love him?” He says, the ghost of a smile on his face.
“I really do.”
“Fair enough, but just so we’re clear—I don’t think it counts as forcing someone if the other person needs a little nudge, even if they don’t know it themselves.”
Chapter 23
By ten in the evening, no one has arrived and I can’t help but feel nervous. I’ve made a huge batch of mea culpa mojitos and plenty of appetizers, not to mention spending the last hour practicing my apology at the table. When there’s finally a knock at the door, the first to arrive is Adele. She takes one look at me before kissing my cheek and running her papery-skinned hands up and down my arms. I almost lose it right there.
“Everything will be fine, darling. This too shall pass.” She may not have witnessed last night’s drama at the bar, but I’m sure Kayla brought her up to speed.
“You’re not mad at me then?
“Of course not. I know your heart. I don’t doubt that it’s in the right place.” She skirts around me on her way to the snacks, leaving me with my feet glued to the floor.
Kayla is next. She gives me a curt nod, but still she looks pissed—really pissed. A suspicious looking Lance arrives, and the last through the door is Kane with Pancho in tow.
“I found him out by the road walking in circles,” Kane explains.
“I wasn’t sure if I was ready to listen to this kolohe talk stink.” He stuffs his hands deep into his pockets. I don’t know what a kolohe is, and I can never tell if it’s good or bad when Pancho starts using Hawaiian words. “I’m sorry your car got all busted up like that though—that wasn’t right.”
“I don’t care about the car. Just hear me out, please.” I get everyone set up with drinks and small plates, letting them congregate on the little furniture that I have available.
“There’s no better place to start than the beginning.” I tell them all about my old life, about Silverdale and everything of which I’m not proud. I fill them in on the less-than-savory tactics often employed by my old company, with its high pressure deals and false promises. “I’d go door-to-door instilling excitement across entire neighborhoods about new development projects. There were always carrots to dangle alongside the development—new turf for the soccer fields, an addition to the school, a state-of-the-art playground, or maybe a community dog park—but more often than not, those promises didn’t come to life and people were left disappointed. I am, in part, responsible for that.”
I take a deep breath before continuing. “Maybe at first, I didn’t know what I was getting into myself, but after awhile it became the norm. I took the salary, bonuses, and promotions, and as time went on, I started to feel sick to my stomach. I’d stare out my office window wondering how I got there and how I could get out. It never felt right, and in a way, my marriage ending was a blessing, because it was the catalyst for me to be myself. I promise you that I was never going to take my job back at Silverdale, and I never would. When Dale Sr. sent over the plans, I thought it was an opportunity to see what he’d proposed and how it could be prevented, but I was wrong to keep them to myself. I should’ve told you from the beginning.”
I glance at Kane, who gives me an encouraging nod to continue. “Whether you forgive me or not, I want you to know that I’m committed to fighting this. I know it’s unlikely to get anywhere regardless, given the protections that Paia has in place, but I do have a few ideas of my own to discourage the developer himself. I’ve seen almost every trick in the book when it comes to that man, but what’s most important is that you believe me. Do you believe me?”
Kayla is the first to answer. “I reckon that it all looks pretty bad on your part.”
“I know it does.” I hang my head. “All I’m asking for is another chance. What do you say…will you give me another chance?”
Everyone’s eyes turn to watch Pancho. He looks up, wondering why he’s suddenly the center of attention. “Oh, okay.”
“Okay? That’s it?”
“Yeah, that’s it. You’re still one of us, Red. Now let’s put our heads together to figure out how we can kick some haole ass.” The snacks run out, but I make a new batch of mojitos as we brainstorm.
“Why does this company think they stand a chance at developing Paia? You can’t even legally hang a billboard in Maui, so what makes them think they’ll have any success with this eyesore of a resort?” Lance asks.
I shake my head. “I can’t help but feel like this is my fault—that it’s personal, but I might be giving myself too much credit. If the Silver’s are known for anything, it’s their love of challenge.”
Kane smiles. “Well, I say we give them a challenge then.”
Pancho agrees to start a petition and Lance volunteers his buddies to hang anti-development signage. I offer to attend the next city hall meeting, and Kane says he’ll talk to his contacts at the land preservation society. Since Kayla is stunningly gorgeous and already looks like a spokeswoman, I put her in charge of talking to the local paper and news stations. Last but not least is Adele—when I ask her what part she’d like to play, she just laughs.
“Well, that’s easy, darling. I’m the money. I have oodles of it to contribute to the cause in whatever way might be necessary.”
Chapter 24
Sometimes it takes a village—one village of super passionate, super smart, kick-ass people who value family and community above all else, people like my beautiful friends and Kane Keo. I mean, who could possibly say no to the sea-blue eyes of semi-pro surfer, Kayla Lee, as she conjured up tears on live TV over the development plans themselves. Pancho was instrumental in rallying the town to affix signage, flyers, and posters. He even managed to procure a petition that must have been signed by three quarters of the island’s residents.
I never ended up seeing either of the Dale’s—Junior or Senior. They sent along some Silverdale-nobody to oversee the city’s discussions instead. The reputational pressure alone was enough to cause the corporation to back down from their plans, which they deemed too expensive in the end. After consulting with the Maui Economic Development Board and the Paia Town Association though, it did seem that the development was likely dead in the water from the start. Maui has seen its share of urbanization over the last decade—with multi-family housing projects and the creation of master-planned communities—and those have resulted in new congestion and infrastructure challenges. Add offshore investing and inflated housing prices to that equation, and it amounts to a lack of affordability for the locals. The county made it very clear to Silverdale, and to the kama’aina, that their goal is to preserve the unique culture of the island by ensuring resident access to housing, health services, and local jobs. However, regardless of the deciding factors, the end conclusion was a loss for Silverdale Developments and a win for the people of Paia.
• • •
In celebration of our win, Kayla and Adele have planned an evening beach barbecue at Baldwin. The sun is just starting to set over the skinny palms as I make my way through the butterscotch colored sand, carrying Hawaiian sweet rolls and lomi salmon salad. It’s a balmy 87 degrees outside, and across the beach, I see that Lance and Taylor have already arrived. They’re manning the grill, as Kayla sets up a table spread of green salad, cut up vegetables, and a mess of different condiments.
A cooler stuffed full of Maui brew gapes open, and the chairs are scattered everywhere. Adele is opening up a package of paper plates while her date, Maui Maude, helps with the utensils and cups. Pancho and his family arrive in my wake, and it’s the first time I’ve met their little girl in person. She’s stunning with her long black hair, light eyes, and naturally red lips. The pride shining in Pancho’s eyes is hard to miss.
“Melia, this is Ashley. Say hello.”
“Hello,” she says shyly, tucking her hair behind her ears in a gesture so sweet and innocent that my heart nearly bursts.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you from your dad.”
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She gives him a look, as if to say, “What have you been telling people?” before politely excusing herself to play in the waves.
“The little grommet has the right idea.” Kayla comes over to hug Pancho and Keiko. “Nice swell today.”
“Winter swell,” Pancho adds, nodding. The waves don’t look particularly high, but this spot is usually referred to as the baby beach. I guess any amount of waves is cause for excitement.
“Perfect swell for beginners.” Kayla waggles her eyebrows at me. “The surf along the east shore will be three to six feet today, with occasional higher sets in between.”
I bite my lip and gaze out at the ocean. I’ve been dying to try, but Kane is so adamant that I shouldn’t. Still, I wonder if surfing will bring me closer to him. Surfing is something he once loved and thought about all the time. While I appreciate his concern, I know he’s overprotective. Kayla is a bonafide professional surfer and I’d be in good hands. Besides, he’ll probably be stuck at the bar late tonight. He told me not to expect him anyway, and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
“Okay, after we eat, I’ll give it a try.”
Kayla hoots and claps her hands together. “I’ll be with you the whole time.”
I laugh. “You better be!”
Lance shouts happily at us from the grill. “Get those beautiful butts over here for some burgers and dogs!”
We load up our plates and make a semi-circle with our beach chairs and blankets, eating and chatting together. Lance puts on the Maytals song “Pressure Drop.”
“Turn it up loud!” Pancho shouts through a mouthful of burger and everyone laughs.
Adele stands up and taps her plastic wine glass with a plastic fork. “I’d like to make a toast—to my darling Ashley, for her work in ensuring that Paia remains a slice of heaven for years to come. Ashley, you may have started out as a mainlander, as many of us do, but you were never an outsider to me. You are one of us—you’re family—and we love you. To Ashley!” She raises her glass to the echo of cheers.
Happy tears well in my eyes, beginning to roll down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I manage to squeak.
Kayla rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “You would cry. You’re such a sook.”
“Also,” Adele interjects, “on an equally happy note, I’d also like to toast to my darling, Kayla Lee, who has been featured in this year’s Hawaiian Surf Babe Calendar.” Adele unearths a package from her beach bag and waves it haughtily over her head. “I just got my hands on one of the first copies, so raise your glasses for Miss July!”
Almost everybody cheers, except Taylor, who stands to the side with a scowl on his face. Adele passes around the calendar and we all peek at Kayla’s page. She looks stunning in her cropped Roxy rash guard and white string-bikini bottoms. She balances a surfboard on one arm while gazing over her shoulder, her best asset jutting out on display. Man, Kayla is lucky to have a perfectly sculpted butt. I’d die for such a high and tight toosh like hers, though I’m sure surfing has helped it along. Lance whistles at Miss July while Keiko compliments her beauty, but when the calendar lands in Taylor’s hands, he folds it closed with a sour look on his face.
“Something about my ass cheeks offend you, Akana?” Kayla says.
“No, there’s just a lot of ass cheek to see.”
The group quiets down, and it’s Pancho that gives him a hard look. “What of it, bruddah? Our girl here is a beauty. She should be proud of who she is.”
“And if it was Melia?” Taylor challenges, but Pancho just huffs out a laugh.
“I’d be proud of her, too. Melia is a beautiful spirit, and I always want her to feel proud and comfortable in her body. Her beauty shouldn’t be defined by other people.”
It’s one of the sincerest and wisest things I’ve ever heard from Pancho, and naturally it makes me love him all the more. However, Taylor’s response is to stuff the calendar in his bag and mutter something unintelligible under his breath.
“Excuse me, but that’s my copy,” Adele says.
“I’ll buy you another,” Taylor growls, getting to his feet and stalking off down the beach.
I look at Kayla, who just shrugs, so we carry on with our meals. When it comes time to pack up though, Kayla is all over me again.
“Ready to give Maui surf a try, city girl?”
Lance sidles up behind us. “I’ll paddle out with you for support, but these are baby waves anyways. You’ll be fine.”
Kayla lends me her board and rash guard, but the top is far from fitting over my generous boobs. We practice balancing on dry land for a while, and I get pretty good at standing up. Since I have her treasured board, Kayla wades waist deep into the water once it’s finally time to paddle out. Lance goes ahead of me, and I study his movements as he watches a wave approach and gets up on it with ease. I watch him a few more times until I feel ready, waving my arms above my head to let Kayla know that I’m about to give it a try.
I fail spectacularly on my first go, wind-milling my arms around as the board flies into the air and sends me crashing back into the waves. I grab ahold of it again and paddle out beyond the break, but the second time isn’t much better. I manage to stay upright on the board for about ten seconds, stumbling at the last minute and pitching forward. I’m laughing so hard that my sides still ache when Kayla high-fives me.
“Good on ya! I have to say, San Fran, that was a pretty decent first effort.” It’s the highest compliment she could’ve paid me, and I bask in it for a moment. “You done girl?”
I shake my head. “Not even close. A few more please?”
We head back out, and next time I manage to stay up until the wave fizzles out beneath me. It’s such a rush, as if I’m walking on air. Lance gives me a wave of approval and paddles out further. I notice the sun making its descent in the sky, leaving only the burnt orange-pink streaks of another Maui evening across the landscape. On the beach, I think I see Kane emerge from the parking lot, no doubt having caught wind of my big moment.
“One more!” I shout toward Kayla, waving my arms like a madwoman.
I paddle out further and the biggest wave I’ve seen all day rolls towards the shore. I paddle forward as hard as possible as the wave begins to crest, but I don’t make it in time. Instead the wave crashes into me, yanking the board from my hands and sending it vertically into the air. I inhale a mouthful of water as I go down, sputtering to the surface just in time to see the board slam into me. It smacks me in the head so hard that I see actual stars for a split second, and then everything goes black.
When I come to, I’m underwater and sinking fast. I try to move my arms but they feel sluggish, as if they’re made of stone. My lungs are burning and my eyelids feel heavy. Just then, I see a flash of black above me, followed by a hot flash of white, before two strong arms appear before my eyes. One clamps over my mouth and nose, and the other encircles my chest and pulls me up by the armpits. It feels like an out-of-body experience. His arms pull me from the water and onto the beach. Familiar warm lips connect with mine in what feels like a kiss, at first, but it’s too brief. The next thing I know, I’m choking up a mouthful of water, gagging as the saltiness pours from my lungs and onto the sand.
My vision is blurry and I close my eyes. When I open them again, I see Kane’s face hovering above mine. I try to smile but my lips are stiff. “Kane,” I croak out, taking in his dripping wet hair, all slicked back from his face. His white t-shirt clings to his massive chest like a second skin. In that moment, I think he’s too beautiful—for me or for anyone—like a hero in one of those romance novels I devoured on the plane ride from San Fran. His eyes look all wrong though: wild, horrified, and drilling holes into my forehead. He repeats my name like a broken record while I struggle to sit up.
“Kane.” I say his name again, but his face is deathly pale. He gets up from his knees and runs a pair of shaking hands through his wet volcanic hair, flitting his eyes frantically around the beach. I scan the beach and see my friends star
ing at us with similar expressions of worry on their faces, none of which I understand. Kayla is on the phone beside a stricken Adele, who waits with a mountain of towels in her arms.
“Kane?” His name comes out like a question this time, as his troubled but lovely hazel eyes lock into mine.
He opens and closes his mouth without speaking, reminding me of a fish out of water. Finally he speaks. “I’m sorry, I can’t, Ashley. I just…I can’t.”
He stumbles backwards and turns to walk away from me. His wet jeans are molded against his legs as he runs at full speed toward the parking lot. Adele wraps a towel around my shoulders while Lance holds a bottle of water up to my lips.
“Ambulance is on its way,” Kayla says quietly, kneeling down to rub my back. I look at Pancho with Melia in his arms. She appears to be crying from the way her back trembles.
“You were under a long time before he got to you. You gave us a big scare,” Lance explains, but his voice sounds shaky and unsure.
“I was?” My own voice is ripe with confusion—disoriented beyond belief—and it frightens me to my core.
“I tried to find you,” Lance adds. “Kayla swam out, too, but Kane saw right away; he knew. He found the exact spot you went down, almost as if you were wearing a beacon.”
“But where did he go? Where’s Kane?”
“I don’t know, but you’re safe now. We’re here and we’ve got you,” he says.
I should be comforted by my friends rallying to help me, but the only thought running through my mind is that Kane left me. I almost drowned; he saved me and then ran away as if he couldn’t face the rest. When the ambulance arrives to take my vitals, I refuse their offer to escort me to the hospital. They make me sign a waiver releasing myself instead. Kane doesn’t return and Taylor is nowhere to be found, but everyone else sticks around to see if I’m alright.
Aloha in Love Page 20
