by Tremay, Joy
Charlie grinned at Mia. “Surfing and partying, mostly. How about you?”
Mia glanced up, noticed Eric’s aloofness, and hoped that Charlie had not.
“Working, mostly,” she answered.
Charlie pointedly looked at Mia and Eric’s linked hands, making her blush.
“Well, glad you’re getting out and having fun,” Charlie said, his smile dimming a fraction. “Maybe we can hang out some time.”
Mia nodded, feeling awkward. She liked Charlie’s carefree, uncomplicated companionship, but she had a feeling Eric would not approve of her having a friendship with him, no matter how platonic it was.
“Sure, see you around,” she said lightly, aware of Eric stiffening beside her.
Charlie grinned. “Okay then - later.” He gave her a shaka sign and walked away, whistling.
As soon as Charlie was out of earshot, Mia turned to Eric with a frown. “You could have been a little friendlier,” she reprimanded.
Eric stared down at her, his eyes turning dark at her light admonition.
“Why should I be friendly with a guy who checks you out in your bikini and asks you out?” he asked, bristling beside her.
“Charlie was not checking me out,” she protested.
“Yes, he was. He could barely keep his eyes above your neck,” Eric said irritably.
“You’re exaggerating. He wasn’t asking me out, either.”
“He asked you if you could hang out with him in front of me,” Eric retorted scathingly.
“You’re being ridiculous, Eric. He’s a friend, nothing more.”
“A friend? How many times have you hung out with him?”
“Twice, and both times were fun and enjoyable. There’s no need to be jealous,” she said soothingly.
“Jealous?” Eric scoffed. “I’m not jealous.”
Mia crossed her arms in front of her and raised her eyebrows.
Eric sighed. “Okay, maybe I was just a little jealous,” he admitted reluctantly.
She placed a hand on his arm and squeezed it.
“Charlie is a friend, that’s all,” Mia said reassuringly.
Eric took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles.
The tender gesture warmed her heart.
“Just make sure he doesn’t see you in a bikini again,” he said grimly.
Mia rolled her eyes. “Fine, I’ll make sure to wear a parka.”
Eric grinned at her cheekiness. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. I’m hungry from all our snorkeling.”
Mia smiled to herself as they continued to walk along the beach toward the parking lot.
* * *
“Aloha, everyone, and welcome,” Kimo said with a big grin. He was greeting the first guests that had arrived to check into Bliss Beach hotel.
Mia and Tish stood in the lobby, wearing red Hawaiian print dresses. They were giving leis of bright purple and white flowers to the guests. Other hotel workers stood by passing out leis and welcoming guests with cheerful looks on their faces.
Thankfully, the pool had passed inspection, and the waterfalls cascaded throughout the length of the pool. The tiki totems had been placed throughout the gardens, and the hotel itself was shiny, new, and decorated in a classic Hawaiian style.
Mia looked at Eric as he stood next to Kimo, greeting the guests. He had opted to wear a blue Hawaiian shirt and beige slacks, and looked very debonair as he smiled and chatted with the incoming crowd. Kimo had informed Mia earlier that the hotel was fully booked for several months ahead. They had hired a professional hula dance troupe to entertain the guests every evening. At the large, green space at the edge of the hotel grounds facing the beach, the chef and his staff were busy preparing a kalua pig in an imu oven, for the luau feast to take place later that evening.
“This hotel is so lovely,” gushed one middle-aged woman, who stood wide-eyed in the lobby.
“Aloha,” Mia greeted the woman politely, handing her a lei. “Where are you from?”
“Denver, Colorado. This is my first visit to Maui, and I’m so thrilled to be here,” said the woman excitedly.
“Welcome, and we hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you so much!”
The day passed in a blur as Mia assisted Eric, helped out at the front desk and took care of minor details throughout the hotel. By the end of the day, she was ready to go back with Eric to his condo and relax. For the last several nights, she had stayed there, completely checked out of her hotel room. They had not discussed that she move in with him - it just seemed the natural thing to do.
Working alongside him by day, and sleeping with him at night had given them more time to really get to know one another. It seemed unbelievable to her that only three weeks ago, she had barely known him. He was quickly becoming a big part of her life and she couldn’t imagine not being with him every day. There were only three weeks left of their Maui trip, and she didn’t know how to broach the subject of how he felt about her because, a part of her was too afraid to ask.
“Busy day, huh?” Mia asked Eric as they walked into his condo together later that night.
Eric nodded and walked over to the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses. They had eaten dinner at the luau feast and had watched some of the hula dancing before leaving the hotel.
“Yes, but the hotel is finally open, and so far, so good,” Eric said, pouring the wine. He handed a glass to Mia, who sat in a bamboo lounge chair in the living room. Eric sat across from her in a matching chair.
“Cheers and congratulations for a job well done,” Mia said, leaning over to clink glasses. “The guests were very complimentary about the hotel. They were really impressed with the pool and gardens,” she said, taking a long sip of her wine.
“Now we just cross our fingers that everything will go smoothly, and there’s nothing that I’ve overlooked,” he said.
“You never overlook anything.”
“I think I have.”
“What?”
Eric placed his wine glass down.
Mia glimpsed his hungry look before he kneeled down in front of her. Her eyes widened as he slowly pushed the skirt of her dress up to her waist and gently spread her legs.
He gazed at her lacy, red thong and his eyes darkened. “You,” he said, before he dipped his head down and kissed her on her most sensitive spot.
Mia gasped and placed her hands on his dark brown hair. It certainly was a great way to end a long day.
* * *
The next morning, Mia woke up early to take a short walk. She chose to wear comfortable, black yoga pants, a pink tank top, and flip-flops for her early morning stroll. Eric’s condominium complex was large and situated in an established neighborhood with views of the coast. As she stood admiring the ocean view from a small cliff, she felt hands reach around her waist. She instantly recognized who the hands belonged to and snuggled back into Eric’s warm embrace.
“I woke up and you weren’t there,” Eric grumbled, laying his chin on top of her head.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Mia said, putting her hands over his. “How did you know where to find me?”
“I figured you were out for a walk.”
She turned around in his arms and smiled up at him, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s Saturday. What do you think we should do today? Go to the hotel and see if everything is going well?”
Eric placed a kiss on her nose and shook his head. “No. I just spoke to Kimo, and he said everything is running smoothly. He said there’s no need for me to be there, and suggested that we get some R and R.”
“Sounds good to me,” Mia said, placing her head on his chest.
“Why don’t we fly to Kauai for the weekend?”
She looked up at him in surprise. “Kauai?”
“We can stay at my family’s home there,” Eric said, sweeping her auburn hair back so he could place a kiss on her neck.
“How far is Kauai from Maui?”
“Around 360 kilometers
or 224 miles. It’s about an hour plane ride. It’s known as the Garden Isle. I think you’ll like it there.”
Mia was starting to get excited, and not just because she would see Kauai, but that Eric had invited her to his family home.
“I would love to go,” she said enthusiastically. “When do we leave?”
“Pack a bag and we’ll catch a flight this morning.”
Eric called a taxi to drive them to the Kahului Airport. They landed in Lihue - Kauai’s airport - and Eric had contacted a friend to pick them up.
“Howzit, Eric?!” greeted a tall, Hawaiian man wearing a white T-shirt, red board shorts, and black flip-flops. He was a slightly less bulkier version of Kimo.
“Mano!” said Eric with a grin. The men shook hands enthusiastically.
“Been a long time, braddah,” said Mano before he looked at Mia curiously.
“Mano, meet my girlfriend, Mia,” introduced Eric.
Mia stared at him for a stunned moment.
Mano shook her hand and grinned. “Girlfriend?” he asked, looking at Eric inquisitively. “Nani wahine,” he said, which Mia understood as beautiful woman.
“Mahalo,” Mia said, and Mano looked pleased. “I like your name, Mano.”
“Thank you. It means shark.”
“That means you better watch out for him,” warned Eric teasingly. “He used to be a regular ladies’ man.”
Mano laughed, “Dat was a long time ago, braddah. Guess what? The doctor just told us not to expect one, but two keiki!”
“Twins?! Ho’omaika’i ‘ana, congratulations,” said Eric, beaming. He clapped Mano on the back. “There’s going to be two new surfers in the family.”
“You and I should definitely go surfing this weekend, Eric.”
“Sounds good,” Eric said. He took Mia’s large duffel bag and carried his own bag as they all walked out of the terminal together.
They got into Mano’s silver Toyota Echo and drove thirty-two miles to the small, north shore town of Hanalei. Mia was awed by the tropical beauty of Kauai’s landscape.
“It’s so green and lush here,” she commented from the back seat.
“That’s why it’s called the Garden Isle,” explained Eric. “I visit every summer.”
“This visit is too short, Eric. You should stay in Kauai longer,” said Mano.
“Sorry, braddah. I have to take care of business in Maui.” Eric glanced back at Mia. “Mano, Olina, Kimo and I all used to hang out every summer together when we were kids.”
“How is Kimo?” Mano asked curiously. “I haven’t talked to him in two weeks.”
“He’s doing well and keeping busy. He enjoys being the front desk manager at the hotel,” Eric answered. “I think it’s because he gets to boss everyone around.”
“Tell big boss manager he still owes me money from our last bet,” laughed Mano. “Dat boy don’t wanna mess with me.”
“Yeah, right. He’ll just sing you a song on his ukulele,” said Eric.
“I’ll hit him over the head with it,” said Mano.
Mia heard the men’s laughter and smiled at Eric, who grinned at her in the rearview mirror.
Mano drove through several winding roads, past forests of palm trees and abundant vibrant, green foliage, until they reached a two-story home nestled right below an extinct volcano.
“Wow,” said Mia, her eyes wide as she took in the beauty before her.
Large, glossy green leaves were scattered on the front lawn and clusters of bird of paradise flowers in vivid, brilliant colors of orange and yellow, bordered the sides of the lawn. A large banyan tree took center stage on the extensive front lawn, the above ground roots with their thick, woody trunks covering a wide area. The house was painted red, with a white porch that encompassed the entire front of the house. Birds were chirping from the palm trees bordering the house, and she heard the sound of a cow mooing, which perked up her ears.
“E komo mai, welcome,” Eric said to Mia before he took the bags out of Mano’s trunk. An old, red Toyota Corolla sat in the driveway.
“I just drove your parents’ car the other day to make sure it’s still running,” Mano said.
“Thanks, Mano,” Eric said. “My parents don’t want to get rid of it since we use it whenever the family is here plus we all have good memories associated with that old car.”
“Was that a cow I heard?” asked Mia curiously.
Eric nodded as they walked up to the entrance of the house. “The land behind the house is protected government land, but the local farmers are allowed to have their cows graze there.”
“This is a beautiful porch,” said Mia as she stepped up onto it. Brown wicker furniture with colorful pillows lined the porch, making it look inviting.
“My grandmother loved her lanai,” Eric gestured around the porch.
“You once told me that your maternal grandmother had Hawaiian blood.”
Eric nodded. “Yes, my grandmother was half-Hawaiian. She inherited this land from her parents. She met my grandfather when he was stationed at Pearl Harbor. They lived in Oahu, but he built this vacation home for her after the war, and added the lanai so that she could enjoy the tropical breeze. They ended up living in Kauai more often than Oahu.”
“They must have loved their home,” mused Mia as Eric opened the front door for her.
“They never wanted to live anywhere else, although they often visited Honolulu, where they still owned a big house and some land. Their daughter, my mother, is their only child. When they passed, my mom buried them here in Kauai.”
Eric set their bags down in the large, airy living room. Tall windows let in the bright sunshine. Bamboo and rattan furniture covered in tropical fabric added a cheerful charm to the room.
“Tutu kane and tutu wahine are still missed, brah,” Mano said gently. “They were part of my ‘ohana, family, too.”
“Thank you, Mano,” Eric said sincerely. He turned to Mia and said, “By the way, try not to accidentally step on a gecko. They sometimes get into the house.”
“You’ll know when I do when you hear me scream,” laughed Mia. Mia followed him to the bright, yellow kitchen, her stomach grumbling when she saw food laid out on a tray.
“There’s nothing like Hawaiian steak,” Eric said, smiling as he handed a small snack to Mia. He ate one and smiled at her, encouraging her to try it. “Very ‘ono, delicious,” Eric said, smiling at Mano.
“Olina thought that you’d be craving some Spam musubi, so she made you some to welcome you back,” Mano said, grinning.
“This is Spam?” Mia asked, enjoying the flavors of the salty canned meat, wrapped in rice and Nori seaweed.
“It is, but in Hawaii we jokingly call it Hawaiian steak,” Eric answered.
“Olina is expecting me back at the house, Eric. We’re having a party tonight. You guys should come over, and we’ll have some good mea’ai, food, then go surfing, eh?”
“Sounds good, Mano,” said Eric, smiling. “Maybe around six o’clock?”
Mano nodded. “Shoots den. It was nice meeting you, Mia. My wife and I will see you tonight.”
“Thank you, Mano. I’m looking forward to it,” said Mia.
“Mahalo, Mano. See you later,” Eric said before he turned to Mia. “Let me give you a tour of the house.”
Mia admired the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home that was decorated with Hawaiian art and décor. She was particularly interested in the family pictures scattered around the house. Afterwards, Eric made them Mai Tais, and they sat together on a small wicker sofa in the lanai, enjoying the warm breeze.
“This is such a beautiful property, Eric. Your family is fortunate to have it,” Mia said, sipping her drink.
“My maternal grandmother’s parents were a 19th century New England missionary, and an island girl with ties to Hawaiian royalty. Her royal surname has been passed down so as to never be forgotten. In fact, my middle name is Kapulani. This parcel of land has been in my family for generations.”
“Do you consider yourself Hawaiian?”
Eric took his time to sip his drink before he answered. “Yes and no. I feel a keen attachment to this land, but part of me also feels a deep connection to Canada. I only have a little islander blood in me, but it helps when you’re a kid living in Kauai, that people know you’re not a total haole or foreigner.”
“I see,” said Mia, taking a slow sip of her drink. “Kauai is stunning.”
Eric nodded in agreement. “Much of Kauai is still undeveloped, and it’s the least populated of the islands.”
“Who watches the house when you and your family aren’t here?”
“My parents hired Mano to be the caretaker, although my brother and his wife travel here often to check on the property.” Eric moved closer to her and placed his arm around her shoulders.
“Back there, at the airport, you introduced me as your girlfriend,” Mia said hesitantly. She looked up at him and added, “I didn’t know I was.”
Eric placed his drink on a table before he turned to her. “Do you want to be my girlfriend?” he asked.
“It depends.”
“On what?” he asked, frowning.
“Do you want to be my boyfriend?” Mia asked, her green eyes challenging him.
“You know I definitely want to be,” he said softly.
He bent and kissed her with such sweet gentleness that she melted in his arms. After a few minutes, Mia opened her eyes and found him watching her carefully, his eyes hooded.
“What?” she asked, not sure of what to make of his expression.
“Do you care about me, Mia?”
Mia nodded slowly. She wanted to tell him that she had fallen in love with him, but self-preservation made her bite her tongue. Her instincts told her that perhaps he wasn’t quite ready to hear her confession of love.
“Good,” Eric nodded in satisfaction. He bent down to kiss her again, but she placed her hands on his chest to stop him.
“Is the feeling mutual?” Mia asked, arching her eyebrow. She needed to know if he had any feelings for her, other than lust.
Eric placed his hands on either side of her face and lifted her face to his. His lips were just a hair’s breath away from hers when he answered.