Bamboo & Lace

by Lori Wick

"Maybe I could write him once you go back."

  Lily nodded. "You mean, tell him the things I've shared with you?"

  "Yes. Maybe your having spoken through me, a man, would go a long way with him."

  "And you wouldn't mind doing that?"

  "No. We'll talk more about it, and you can tell me what you would like me to speak to him about."

  "Thank you," Lily said quietly.

  "Are you ready to head back?"

  "Yes. Is it far?"

  "No. Come on. Let's run awhile."

  Lily fell into pace beside her brother, a full smile coming to her face one that showed how glad her heart was that she had come.

  "Your brother has been quite excited," Mrs. Crowley whispered, and Lily smiled at her.

  This was the fifth elderly lady Lily had meet in Jeff's apartment building. Evidently everyone knew that his sister was coming for a visit and had been eager to meet her.

  "I still have to work, you know," Jeff had explained before they had left to make the rounds. "This way you'll have someone to visit with when I'm gone."

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  "But you have all of this week off, right?"

  "Yes. And I've taken occasional days off for the next three months to give us some three-day weekends."

  Lily had nodded with pleasure, and now having seen how nice everyone was, she was not worried in the least. It would be great if Jeff could be off more, but she had learned that the library was within walking distance, and now she knew some of her neighbors. Lily could not see a single cloud on the horizon.

  "Was the trip long, dear?" Mrs. Crowley asked.

  "Very. The time in the air was quite lengthy and made worse by a long layover."

  "Where was your layover?"

  "Tokyo."

  "How did you get along with the language?" "I speak enough Japanese to get by, and almost everyone speaks English."

  Mrs. Crowley turned to Jeff. "Do you speak Japanese, Jeff?" "Yes, ma'am, I do."

  "I don't think I knew that. Does Mrs. Kondo know that?" "Um-hm. We speak quite often. Especially in the laundry room."

  "Mrs. Kondo is a stickler for clean clothes," Mrs. Crowley told Lily. "I had a stain on my blouse one day I don't know what it was but she got it right out."

  Lily smiled at her again, but inside she ached for some of the women in Lhasa. In a heartbeat she thought she must be homesick or in need of some additional rest.

  Jeff noticed her face, more specifically her eyes, and closed things off fairly soon. But his sister surprised him as they headed back to his apartment.

  "Did you notice her clock?" she asked.

  "I'm not sure I did."

  "It was a cat. And the eyes and tail both moved as it ticked." Jeff laughed. "I've seen those."

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  "How does it work?"

  Jeff explained as best he could but then said, "You aren't as tired as I thought you looked at Mrs. Crowley's." "Is that why we left?"

  "Yes. You looked as though you might cry." Not accustomed to having her face read so easily, Lily was reminded that this was her brother; he knew her very well. "We didn't have to leave." "You're not looking at me again."

  "We didn't have to leave," she told him, her eyes obediently raised up.

  "Yes, we did. I'm tired."

  For some reason this gave Lily a case of the giggles. At that point Jeff knew she was tired. And he was right. When they arrived back in his living room, she wanted to watch television, but long before Jeff was ready to turn in, Lily's lids were drooping. She gave up before 9:00 rolled around, and even with the strange bed and sounds, slept hard all night long.

  Jeff and Lily planned to spend Lily's first full day seeing the sights, but before they left to take Oahu by storm, they ate breakfast and shared the newspaper.

  "Listen to this," Lily said about halfway through the news. "A man, angry with the way his employer had spoken to him, left work in a rage. He later returned with a gun, shooting and killing six fellow employees."

  "You're kidding," Jeff said in surprise.

  Lily could not stop the shock she felt from showing on her face.

  Jeff needed no time in understanding. "I'm sorry, Lily," he said with a brief touch to her arm. "That's a bad habit that many of us have." "But you thought I was kidding."

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  "Not at all. It's only a thoughtless expression, but I want you to be warned that you'll hear it again, and probably other expressions that sound just as foolish to you."

  Lily nodded, her face thoughtful. Finding cat clocks interesting or wanting to understand the workings of the thermostat weren't in the same ballpark as hearing phrases that were foreign and trying to understand the way people thought.

  "Why do people say that, Jeff?"

  Jeff had gone back to his paper.

  "Jeff?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Where does the phrase come from?"

  "I don't know. I don't think people know what else to say when they're shocked or hurt."

  "Why must they say anything?"

  "Because silence, for the most part, is uncomfortable."

  This Lily could understand, and she relaxed a bit. Cultures were certainly varied, but people were alike the world over.

  Thursday morning started early for Jeff, earlier than he had planned. The day before had been full of sightseeing and hiking, and he was ready to sleep in, but those plans were interrupted. Just before 5:00, he slipped into Lily's room and woke her.

  "My boss just called and needs to see me. I'll be back as soon as I can. I'll have my cell phone if you need me. The number will be on the table in the kitchen."

  "Okay. Is there something I can do?"

  "No, it's all right. Maybe you can go back to sleep."

  Lily wasn't able to sleep again, but she stayed in bed until she was fully awake. After a long, hot shower an indulgence she was still getting the hang of she studied her Bible. She read the paper when it arrived and then started a letter to her father, all the while hoping that Jeff would return soon.

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  A little before 8:00 Jeff drove slowly into the parking place and put his Honda into park. He climbed from the car on legs that felt stiff and approached the building that said OFFICE.

  He stepped inside to the tinkling of a soft chime and found the resort office empty. A moment later, coming from the inner office, Jeff was greeted by his closest friend, Gabriel Kapaia.

  "Well, Jeff! What brings you out so early? Is Lily with you?"

  I've got to talk to you, Gabe."

  For the first time Gabe saw his friends face. Jeff's features were strained, his mouth a tense line.

  "Sit down, Jeff," Gabe invited once they had gone into Gabe's personal office.

  "Randolf sent for me early this morning," Jeff said, referring to his superior at work. "I've got to leave for the mainland on Sunday."

  "This Sunday?"

  Jeff nodded, his face telling of his shock. I'll be gone for eight weeks on a project that's so secret I can't even tell Lily where I'll be."

  Gabe was utterly silent. He stared at Jeff, who stared right back.

  "She just got here, Gabe." Jeff's voice was hoarse. "I haven't seen her for three years, and now this." Jeff shook his head a little, trying to deal with a disappointment he never anticipated. "There was so much we were going to do. I was going to teach her to swim and play tennis."

  "Why now?" Gabe asked. "Why does this project have to be worked on now and by you?"

  "I was always the one slotted for this job; it has to do with a merger we're involved in. But no one, not even top-level management, knew it would come together before the first of the year. In fact, most thought it would be next summer."

  "But now that it has come together, you have to go."

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  The men stared at each other until Jeff leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, and buried his face in his hands. He couldn't remember the last time he wanted to cry, but right now he thought he could sob his eyes out. Just think
ing he had to tell Lily she was headed home was enough to choke him.

  "Bring her here," Gabe said quietly into Jeff's tortured thoughts.

  "What?"

  "Bring Lily here. We'll take care of her." Jeff stared at him.

  "You just started your slow season, Gabe. I can't do that."

  "But don't you see? It's perfect. We don't have guests to work with right now, and she can just hang with us. We'll teach her to swim, play golf, and cover all the learning experiences your father wanted for her, and when you get back for the last weeks of her visit, you can just relax."

  Jeff stood and went to the window. The small resort that Gabe and his family owned and operated was right on the beach. From the office window he could see the pounding surf and endless miles of sea a sight he never grew weary of. And already Lily loved it. He knew she did. How in the world could he leave her here alone? But then, would she be alone? Hadn't Gabe just offered to take her in?

  "I would tell you I need to think about it," Jeff said to Gabe as he turned back, "but I'm out of time."

  "It's all settled then. I know my family will be fine with it, and I'm sure that when Lily gets to know us a little, she'll have a great time."

  Jeff did not look convinced.

  "Maybe you should discuss it with them, Gabe. Especially Evan and Bailey."

  "They'll be fine with it. I'm certain. You've talked to us about Lily for years. We feel as though we already know her."

  "You're sure?"

  "Yes. Now give me the details again. You leave when?" "This Sunday."

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  "Will you be at church?" Jeff had to think a moment.

  "Yes. I don't fly until 3:00, so Lily and I will come to church, and then I'll bring her here a little while before I have to head to the airport. I hope you'll understand if we don't come for lunch like we had planned."

  "Of course, Jeff, that's fine. But will you want to leave your car at the airport the entire time?"

  "No, I won't, actually. So I'll leave time to go home and take a cab." Before Gabe could ask, Jeff added, "I don't want Lily to see me off."

  "Okay," Gabe said with great understanding. "I have one more question. How will we contact you if Lily needs you?"

  "I have a number I can give you. You state who you are and who you need to speak to. They'll get word to me."

  Gabe, a very organized man, was taking notes all the while, nodding in confidence and choosing not to comment on the way Jeff's life had just been turned upside down, not to mention Lily's.

  "I'd better get home," Jeff said, moving for the door. "Thanks, Gabe."

  "You're welcome, and you know I mean that."

  The two men embraced. Gabe ached for his friend but still remained quiet. Jeff didn't notice the pain on the other man's face. He was already thinking about a phone call he needed to make before he saw his sister.

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  Chapter 3

  "Hey, Peter," Gabe called to his five-year-old nephew the moment he was in the kitchen door. "Where are your folks?"

  "Mama's in the kitchen, and Daddy is somewhere."

  Gabe smiled and touched his head. "Okay, buddy. Thank you."

  Having already reached his brother, Ashton, to tell him he needed to see the whole family, Gabe headed toward the kitchen, where he found his sister, Bailey Markham. His three-year-old niece, Celia, was playing on the floor.

  Set on the north side of Oahu, the Kapaia Resort was a special place. Started by Liho Kapaia and handed down from father to son for three generations, the restaurant, office, gift shop, large swimming pool, tennis courts, and 13 beach cottages were now owned and operated by Bailey, who was the oldest, her husband, Evan, their two children, and her two brothers. On top of all that, the six of them lived together in one large home.

  The cottages had guests for ten months of the year, but the family took September and October off to rest and rejuvenate for the coming season. The phone still rang, but a secretary in the office usually handled that and other minor office duties. The restaurant was open year-round, but as with the office, they had a competent and faithful staff. This morning Gabe had told the secretary, Mollee, where he would be, and he now attempted to gather the family and explain Jeff's predicament.

  "Hey, Bailey, is Evan available?"

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  "Yes." She looked up from the list she was making. "He's in the yard. What's up?"

  "Jeff was just here to see me. I need to tell all of you about it."

  "Okay. Should I get the children busy doing something?"

  "No. It's not private. In fact, it involves all of us."

  Bailey's curiosity was roused enough that she went for Evan herself. By the time she found him and they held the door from the kitchen to the main part of the house so Celia could join them, both of Bailey's brothers were waiting in the living room. Peter had made himself comfortable in Ashton's lap.

  "What's up?" Evan wasted no time, speaking as soon as he and Bailey had taken a seat.

  "Jeff has been called away. He has to leave on Sunday. He'll be gone for eight weeks."

  "But Lily just arrived," 24-year-old Ashton said; he was the youngest of the family.

  "Yes, she did, that's why I've told Jeff that Lily can stay with us."

  "Good," Evan said, and then remembered to look at his wife. She was also nodding her head but still had questions.

  "How does Lily feel about that?"

  "Jeff was headed home to tell her. He came here first because he was so upset."

  "Tell us the whole story."

  Gabe did just that, and for a moment they all sat and thought about the horrible disappointment. Jeff was like family. They all knew how excited he was when his father had finally given Lily permission to come to him. They also knew that this had to come as quite a shock.

  "So, what's the plan?" Ashton asked.

  "Jeff will bring Lily over on Sunday afternoon. I think he'll stay a little while to see that she's settled and then head to the airport."

  "And how many weeks are we talking about?" Bailey asked.

  "About eight. I think there's a possibility that things could wrap up sooner for Jeff, but I don't think he is counting on that."

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  "Could it take longer?" This came from Bailey again, and all Gabe could do was shrug. Jeff's finishing early had been more of a hunch on his part, so he kept his mouth shut.

  "Is the guest room made up, Ash?" Evan wondered aloud. Ashton had been the last one to have company a friend visiting from college and that made the room his responsibility.

  "The bed is fresh, but I don't know if it needs vacuuming or dusting. I can check that today."

  "Thank you," Evan said as he turned back to Gabe. "Is she allergic to anything foods and such?"

  "Not that Jeff has ever mentioned. I can ask him."

  With that settled, the meeting broke up, and each person went his or her own way.

  "Come here," Bailey invited her son, and Peter moved close; Celia had been in her lap for the whole meeting.

  "Did you understand all of that?"

  "I think so. Is Jeff coming to stay?"

  "Not Jeff his sister, Lily."

  "Oh. How come?"

  Bailey looked into his huge black eyes and melted a little over his sweetness.

  "Well, Jeff has to work out of town, and she needs someone to be with her."

  "What's her name?" "Lily."

  The little boy nodded, and Bailey was filled with a fierce protectiveness. She asked him to bring several books from the loaded shelf in the living room and decided to stay right where she was and read to her children.

  Lily moved around the corner of the kitchen wall when she heard the front door open. Trying not to drop her eyes, she found herself smiling, so glad was she to see her brother. She had not

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  wanted to call him, but he had been gone for hours, and she had started to wonder if something was wrong.

  Forcing her eyes up, she saw from his face that some
thing was wrong. Feeling compelled to ask but knowing she must not, Lily remained quiet, wanting to drop her eyes in the worst way.

  "It smells good in here. Have you been baking?"

  "I made cookies," Lily said simply, not going into detail about all she had learned in the process. "I hope I didn't use something you need."

  "I'm sure not. Have you got some coming out now?" "No. They're done."

  "Good. Come in here and sit down. I've got news that neither one of us will like."

  Lily did as she was told and sat in stunned silence as her dream trip fell to pieces around her feet. This was Thursday, which meant they would only have a few more days. Lily hated the thought of getting back on that plane so soon. If they had had the whole three months, at least she could have left with a heart full of memories. It was too soon, much too soon, unless...

  "I'll just go with you."

  "You can't. I can't even tell you where I'm going." Lily nodded and began to second-guess making the trip in the first place.

  "Should I call the airport about my ticket?" Lily asked. It would do no good to cry. That would only make Jeff feel worse and not change a thing.

  "Do you remember all the times I've written you and Father about Gabe and his family?" Lily nodded.

  "Well, I've just come from seeing Gabe, and they want you to come and stay with them."

  Lily nodded, her face serene, but in truth she was experiencing her second shock of the day.

  "They'll teach you to swim and do all the educational things that Father wanted, and then when I get back I've already called

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  my boss and confirmed it with him I'll take off work for the rest of your visit. We'll have time to just relax."

  Lily smiled in his direction, not wanting him to be upset, but also aware that a deep sadness was mirrored in her eyes.

  "All right," she said, thinking she should voice her agreement and not expect him to see it in her smile. I'll go stay with Gabe and his family."

  "Are you sure you're okay with that, Lil?"

  "If that's what you want me to do, I will."

  What you want me to do.

  Jeff had cried in the car on his way home. He thought he could again. Lily had been raised to be subservient to authority, especially to men, and flexible in all situations. At times he struggled with these aspects of her upbringing, but never as much as now. Right now he hated it.