Death of the Big Kahuna

by Catherine Bruns

  I laughed. "Is it that obvious?"

  She smiled. "I've lived in this state my entire life. I'm pretty good at picking out the imports, such as you. Mainlanders aren't as relaxed and always seem to be in such a hurry."

  Speaking of which, the sound of someone running down the stairs could be heard. Hale's face appeared before our eyes as he leaned over the railing and pointed at Keanu. His dark eyes raged with an internal fire. "I want to see you in my office. Now."

  "Okay." Keanu winked at me. "Nice meeting you. Catch you later."

  "You too," I managed to say while Hale glanced over at me. His gaze met mine and then raked slowly over me. Instinctively, the hairs rose on the back of my neck. Why did it seem like this guy was undressing me in his mind? Pervert.

  I watched Keanu casually start up the stairs, and then he disappeared from sight as the wall separated him from my view. "Is he in trouble?"

  "Nah." Vivian shook her head. "Hale always acts like that. It makes him feel more important." She studied me closely. "Cute, isn't he?"

  I grinned. "Are you talking about Keanu or Mr. Akamu?"

  She laughed. "You know darn well who I'm talking about. Not the big kahuna, that's for sure. He's a jerk. As soon as I can catch a break, I'm out of this place." She looked at my hair. "Oh, I see we're going to have a problem."

  I sighed. "Yeah, I know. Hairnet."

  She fiddled with the lone braid that fell past my shoulders. "You're gorgeous. I'd kill for those big dark eyes of yours."

  I'd actually been thinking that I preferred her amber-colored ones to my own. They were striking in her oval face and framed with long, thick lashes. "Thank you."

  "So what do you think of your—ah—new boss? Barrel of laughs, isn't he?"

  That was definitely one way I wouldn't describe him. Since I was new, I didn't think it would be a good thing to start bashing Hale right away, so I struggled for something positive to say about the man. "He's good-looking but not exactly my type."

  Vivian frowned. "He started right in with you, didn't he? Seriously, the man is about as disgusting as he can get. I mean, he sits in that office upstairs all day, staring outside at the customers and counting his money. You can always see his face pressed up against the window. His parents left him a gorgeous mansion that overlooks the ocean too. He pretends like he works, but Keanu does most of the daily operation items. Despite all the cash he's got, do you think he'd give me a raise so I don't have to eat ramen noodles three times a week? Fat chance."

  "That's awful," I said.

  Her eyes looked weepy as she nodded. "He hates me."

  Vivian seemed too pretty and sweet for anyone to hate. "Why?"

  She pressed her thin lips together in a stubborn manner. "Because I wouldn't go out with him. He humiliates me every chance he gets."

  A sick feeling of dread swept over me. "Well, I have a boyfriend, so I doubt he'll ask me."

  "That makes no difference to Hale," Vivian said. "He'd have to have morals first. And don't suggest I file a sexual harassment claim either. I need this job. I think of him as gum on the bottom of my shoe. Useless and disgusting."

  "Ah, you must be talking about our fearless leader."

  I jumped, startled at the deep voice. The chef was standing there, watching us with a bemused look upon his face. He held a pineapple in one hand and a chef's knife in the other, the phone now sticking out of his breast pocket.

  He appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties with a balding head, eyes as black as coal, and a slim moustache on his upper protruding lip. Short and stocky, his stomach protruded underneath his white double-breasted chef's jacket like a small basketball. There was a huge gap between his top front teeth when he smiled, and I found the effect strangely endearing.

  Vivian gestured at the man. "This is Poncho, our cook. Poncho, this is Carrie. It's her first day here."

  Poncho placed the pineapple on the counter and shook his finger at Vivian. "It's head chef, Viv, remember."

  "Yeah right, whatever."

  As I extended my hand, Poncho grabbed it and bowed his head in a dramatic fashion.

  Vivian groaned. "Cut it out, Poncho. Give the girl a break. She's already had to deal with Hale, and she hasn't even been here for a full hour yet."

  "Delighted to make your acquaintance," Poncho said. His dark eyes regarded me with interest for a moment. Then he turned and thrust his knife into the pineapple. Afterward, he pressed his fingers to his lips with a satisfied sigh. "Ah, do I know how to pick 'em or what? Look how juicy this one is!"

  I took a step backward and bumped into Vivian behind me. She patted my arm reassuringly. "You don't have to worry about him. He's a bit strange but overall, harmless."

  "We are all a bit like that here." Poncho glanced over at Vivian. "You heard about Carmen?"

  "Yeah. It wouldn't surprise me if I'm next on the chopping block." Vivian's voice quivered slightly as she glanced toward the stairs.

  "Girls, you have to try some." Poncho handed us each a piece of the fruit. "It's to die for."

  We both sampled the pineapple. It was my first time trying the tropical fruit since I had arrived on the island, and my mouth practically burst from the flavor. I savored it for as long as I could, rolling the sweet, juicy taste around on my tongue. In no way did it even come close to the canned variety I'd always eaten back home. "Wow, this is delicious."

  Poncho giggled like a schoolgirl as he plunged the knife into the pineapple again. He continued chopping away to his own beat, as if playing the drums. It was obvious he was enjoying himself. "I've thought about doing this to a certain person. Bet you can't guess who?"

  "There's a reason this place is called Loco Moco," Vivian whispered in my ear. "You have to be loco to work here."

  I was already starting to figure that out.

  CHAPTER TWO

  "Hey, babe, you home?"

  "In the bathroom. You can come on in." I was sitting on the side of the tub in our apartment, soaking my feet, which were screaming in agony. I hadn't realized how physically demanding this job could be. After about eight hours of carrying trays and rushing back and forth from the café to the patio, I was beyond exhausted. And the best part? I got to do it all over again tomorrow. I prayed I'd get used to the workload eventually.

  Brad stood in the doorway, a six-pack of beer in hand. He was your typical-looking beach bum with an Adonis-like body to die for. His dirty blond hair had turned lighter in the brilliant Hawaiian sun, and his hazel eyes held a hint of green to them that sparkled like emeralds when he smiled down at me with those pearly white teeth of his.

  Brad worked out almost every day at the resort's gym, and it showed. His abs, along with the rest of him, were definitely drool worthy. I was ashamed to admit his looks were the first thing that had attracted me to him. He had casually mentioned the other day there had been a recent increase in women signing up for surfing lessons at the resort. It didn't take a genius to figure out why.

  He leaned down to kiss me. "I saw your text. Congrats on the job. That's awesome."

  "Thanks." I turned on the hot water again.

  "The Loco Moco has excellent food. Do you get to eat for free?" He turned and walked back out the door, into the kitchen presumably.

  Jeez, he was unbelievable sometimes. "No idea. I didn't exactly feel comfortable asking about free food on my first day of work." Heck, I was grateful to have a job for now. "Are you home for the night?" I asked, suddenly hopeful. "I could make us something to eat, and then we could talk and watch television."

  "Nope," he called out in a cheery voice. "One of the guys is having a party. I might be pretty late. Why are you soaking your feet?"

  "No reason," I snapped back in irritation. "I only spent eight hours running back and forth on them."

  He peered in the doorway again, piece of pizza in hand. "Bummer."

  I pulled up the stopper to let the water out of the tub. "I was really hoping you'd stay home for once. You're always working or out
with your friends. We never spend time together anymore."

  Brad blew out a long breath. "Give me a break, okay? You're already acting like we're married or something. You're the one that wanted to come here. I didn't ask you to."

  His words cut like a knife. Okay, he was right about that. Besides wanting to escape my miserable situation back home, this had been a last-ditch effort on my part to save our relationship. Now I was starting to wonder if it was actually worth saving.

  My throat tightened with tears that I fought to hold back. "Gee, thanks for that."

  "Look, I'm sorry." He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "I got stuck teaching a bunch of bratty little kids to surf today because their regular instructor was out sick. One even got gum in my hair. Man, talk about annoying. Kids are such a drag, you know?"

  It was nice to know that Brad would make a wonderful father someday. "Don't worry about it. Go with your friends. I'll be fine." I was getting used to spending nights alone anyway.

  Brad handed me a towel so I could dry my feet then pulled me up gently and put his muscular arms around me. His cool hands moved seductively underneath my shirt. "I have some free time before I'm supposed to meet them."

  Usually I succumbed to Brad's romantic advances, but tonight I couldn't bring myself to. His words had hurt too much. "I think I'm coming down with something," I lied. "I wouldn't want to make you sick."

  Brad released his hold and eyed me sharply for a minute. "Yeah. I get it. Well, don't wait up." With that he turned and left the room.

  When the front door slammed a minute later, I allowed myself a good, healthy cry.

  * * *

  By early evening the next day I hadn't dropped anything yet—always a good sign. Only about four hours left to go. As I returned from delivering beers and Mai Tais to a couple on Loco Moco Café's wide outdoor patio, I paused for a moment to savor my surroundings. The deep blue sky was tinted with a hint of orange as the sun got ready to disappear behind the clouds.

  The island was gorgeous with its lush green surroundings and palm trees swaying lightly in the warm breeze. The pleasant scent of hibiscus filled my nostrils as the waves lapped gently up to the shore and beckoned me. Although not a fan of deep water, the effect left me feeling serene and very peaceful.

  The café was only a small part of the very elegant resort, situated in the town of Aloha Lagoon, on the island of Kauai. I hadn't been inside the actual resort part yet, but Brad had mentioned the rooms were gorgeous.

  The Loco Moco was not your average café either. The inside of the building was pristine, from its gray tiled flooring to granite countertops, oak tables, and chairs, and long counter with individual padded seats that ran in front of the coffeepot machine and the register. The outdoor venue consisted of wicker tables and chairs, with padded seats for comfort, all covered by large, raised bamboo umbrellas that shielded patrons from the rain.

  I found myself thinking of Vermont again but not in a homesick sort of way. When I'd left, there'd been three feet of snow on the ground. It had been no problem for me to say good-bye to the only home I'd ever known. In truth, all I wanted was to forget the first twenty-four years of my life and forge ahead with a new one. There was something better waiting for me here. I knew it. Yes, this was going to work out fine.

  I looked up to see Hale's face pressed against the upstairs open window of the café. Even at this distance I could hear him shout, "Get back to work!"

  Okay, so things weren't perfect, but I'd get there eventually. At least I had a paying job. I scurried back inside the café where an elderly woman was sitting at the counter. I smiled and gave her a menu. "Welcome to Loco Moco Café. Do you need a few minutes?"

  She frowned, the lines around her eyes deepening further. "I've already had a few minutes. You people sure are slow around here."

  My cheeks burned. "I'm sorry. What can I get you?"

  "Just coffee, honey."

  I grabbed the pot off the double-burner machine behind me and reached into the doorless, oak cupboard above it for a cup and saucer. After I'd filled it and had returned the pot to the burner, someone touched me lightly on the arm. I shrieked, and the coffee and cup both went flying, the later crashing to the floor.

  I turned around. Keanu was standing there, one side of his white T-shirt stained with coffee and the rest dripping down his arm, which was also turning red above his elbow.

  My hands flew to my mouth in horror. "Oh my God. You scared me."

  "Obviously," he said and reached for a dishtowel to dry his arm off.

  "Coffee," the customer grunted again.

  Flustered, I reached for another cup, ignoring the mess I had to step over. After I had served the woman her beverage, I raced through the swinging kitchen doors. Keanu was already in the back room. He had removed his shirt and was reaching for another one out of a locker.

  I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at the magnificent sight before me. Keanu's chest was sculpted and smooth, with abs that looked like they'd been carved from stone. He turned around and pinned me with that bright blue gaze of his.

  "Something wrong?" he asked.

  I shook my head. "Um, I wanted to make sure your chest—er—I mean, that your arm was okay. It looks like a nasty burn."

  Head smack. I couldn't believe I'd said that. Seriously, what was wrong with me? I had a boyfriend and didn't ogle other guys. That wasn't my nature. I remembered something Kim had said to me once, "Looking isn't cheating." Maybe so, but it still wasn't my speed. I turned away from him, thoroughly embarrassed.

  Keanu didn't respond as he thrust his arms into another white T-shirt and threw the stained one in a nearby hamper.

  "I'm really sorry," I mumbled. "I can't believe I was such a klutz."

  Keanu studied me for a long moment then smiled. "That's okay. It only stings a little. Besides, I've got another arm. You're a little bit jumpy, aren't you?"

  I swallowed hard. "Yeah, sometimes my nerves get the best of me. I've been worried all day about dropping something, and just when I start to feel comfortable, bang! It catches up with me." The story of my life.

  Before Keanu could respond, Hale thundered down the stairs and after throwing a curious glance in our direction, moved past us into the kitchen.

  "Oh my God," I gasped. "I didn't have a chance to clean up the mess yet." I ran after Hale's retreating figure.

  "Carrie, wait!"

  Keanu called after me, but I paid no attention. If Hale saw that I'd left the shards of cup all over the floor—

  "Miss Jorgenson!" Hale screamed.

  My insides immediately turned to Jell-O. That's it. He's going to fire me. Shortest work stint in the history of a server.

  I took a deep breath and with shaky hands, pushed through the doors. Hale was standing there, glaring at me and pointing toward the floor.

  The older woman was watching the show with interest. She came around the counter and handed me a twenty-dollar bill. "Here, honey. It's a rough world out there, and you're going to need this in the unemployment line."

  Keanu appeared with a broom between his hands. The woman glanced from him to me and grinned, then beckoned me closer with her finger. She was tinier than me, and I bent down so that her lips were level with my ear.

  "I hope you got to see him with his shirt off at least."

  My face must have turned at least ten different shades of red. The woman gave me a high five, then turned and exited the café.

  Hale placed his hands on his hips, waiting for my response. I opened my mouth, but before the words could fly out, Keanu intervened. "Sorry, Hale. I wasn't paying attention."

  What the—? I stared at him in disbelief.

  Hale watched Keanu, clearly unconvinced. "You did this?"

  "Guilty as charged." Keanu's gaze met mine. "Hey, Carrie, grab some paper towels and spray, will you? I don't think I'll need the mop for this."

  "It's coming out of your check this week," Hale growled at him.

  I stood there, m
y feet frozen to the floor, and Keanu shot me a warning look. "Now, okay? There's some in the back room."

  I mumbled something that I think resembled a "yes" and flew into the kitchen, almost knocking Vivian over in the process. I found the spray and towels and hurried out front. Keanu took the dustpan outside and dumped the remains into the trash bin. The incident already forgotten, Hale was walking amongst the guests outside, shaking hands and most likely asking how their service was. Great. I was still probably doomed.

  I waited until Keanu came back inside. "Why did you do that? It was my fault, not yours."

  He shrugged, but his mouth formed a sly smile. "Look, it's your second day here. What do you think Hale would have done if he'd known you'd dropped that cup?"

  "Fire me?" I asked.

  "Good guess," Keanu said. He leaned over the counter, the ocean-like eyes watching me intently.

  "I don't know what to say. That was really nice of you. Let me reimburse you for the cup at least."

  He flashed a genuine grin that warmed me from head to toe. "It's no big deal. I'm guessing you need the job pretty bad."

  "You'd be right." I noticed a couple approaching a vacant table outside and gathered some menus and table settings together. "I don't think he likes me."

  Keanu frowned. "Oh, he likes you all right. That's why you got the job. He'll be hitting on you before long."

  I looked up at him, horrified. "Please tell me you're joking."

  He shook his head sadly. "I wish. Did he ask you if you had a boyfriend?"

  "No."

  "No you don't have one, or no, he didn't ask?"

  I laughed. "He didn't ask, and, yes, I do have one. Brad came to the island a few months back, but I've only been here a few weeks."

  Keanu reached for a coffee packet and placed it in the holder underneath the machine. "What does he do?"

  "He teaches surfing at the resort." I didn't want to talk about Brad anymore. I was still upset about last night. He'd returned home sometime after I'd fallen asleep, showered, and then left for work before I'd woke this morning. I'd been so exhausted that even if he'd lain next to me all night and blown a conch shell, I still would have been dead to the world.