Rules of Engagement (1991)

by Joe Weber

Feeling elated, Brad mentally pinched himself. He was with one of the most attractive women he had ever seen, and she seemed to genuinely like him.

  "Where are we going for dinner?" she inquired when they reached busy Kalakaua Avenue.

  Brad's thoughts returned to the moment, stepping around Leigh Ann to the concrete curb. "I thought we would stroll down to the Moana, and have a slow, relaxing dinner."

  "That sounds wonderful."

  Brad glanced at Leigh Ann. "I reserved a quiet table with a view over the Banyan Courtyard."

  "You must have some influence."

  "Not actually," Brad squirmed.

  She gave him a suspicious look. "You just called the Moana, and requested prime seating at the height of the dinner hour?"

  "I told the maitre d'," Brad responded, averting his eyes, "that we're on our honeymoon."

  "Our honeymoon?" Leigh Ann asked, wide-eyed.

  Brad chuckled. "Well, there are two definitions. One includes a period of harmony in a new relationship."

  Smiling, she shook her head. "Did you reserve a honeymoon suite, too?"

  "I thought about it."

  Leigh Ann laughed out loud. "Incredible."

  They walked up to the elegant "First Lady of Waikiki" and entered the hotel lobby. Feeling a little awkward, Brad led Leigh Ann to the main dining room. The Ship's Tavern was one of his favorite restaurants on the island.

  "Austin," Brad announced nervously to the maitre d'. "Eight fifteen."

  "Ah, yes," the pleasant man replied. "Mister and Missus Austin. Right this way, please."

  Leigh Ann darted a look at Brad but remained quiet as they proceeded to their table. After being seated, the maitre d' congratulated the couple on their marriage, then returned to his station. She tilted her head and smiled. "Let me hear your explanation as to the reason we aren't wearing wedding rings."

  Brad took in the view of the spectacular sunset. "I haven't thought of one . . . yet."

  She tried not to laugh. "Okay, Captain Austin, it's your turn to tell me all about yourself, and how many other wives you have."

  Relieved when a cocktail waitress arrived, Brad ordered an aperitif for each of them.

  "Well, I had a normal childhood, if you describe normal as going to seven different schools in twelve years. I enjoyed attending Annapolis, after the first year." Brad paused. "Are you sure you want to hear all this?"

  "Yes, I'm positive."

  "My degree is in aeronautical engineering, which helped me when I went through flight school." He stopped talking while their drinks were served.

  Remembering that Brad had avoided discussing his family, Leigh Ann cautiously approached a question. "Brad, why did you join the marines when you come from a navy background?"

  He closed his eyes for a second, thinking about the number of times he had had to answer the same question. "I had watched the relationships of other fathers and sons who served in the same service. Many times--too many times--it's like working in your father's business. I wanted to be in a separate service, so no one could infer that my father had any influence on my career."

  Brad stopped again when their waiter arrived. After ordering dinner, Brad captured Leigh Ann's eyes. "May I ask you a personal question?"

  She looked wary. "You can ask anything you like, but I may elect not to answer."

  Brad set his glass down. "With your looks, intelligence, and personality, there must be a man in your life."

  "There was," Leigh Ann responded, turning serious, "but that episode in my life is over."

  "Episode?"

  Leigh Ann was silent a moment, blocking out an extremely painful experience. "Brad," she began, "I was engaged to a medical student. A handsome, romantic, witty guy . . . and now I'm not engaged, thank God."

  Confused, Brad remained quiet while he sipped his drink.

  "That's why," Leigh Ann continued, holding her emotions in check, "I came to Hawaii with my parents. They wanted me to get away . . . and let my pride heal. That's why my father scrutinized you so closely this morning."

  "Obviously, I am curious," Brad said in a gentle tone. "What happened?"

  Their dinner arrived, taking the edge off the uncomfortable conversation. After selecting a bottle of chardonnay to accompany the truffled Bresse poultry and fillet of turbot in champagne sauce, Brad paused while the waiter opened the bottle.

  After sampling the wine, Brad waited until their glasses were filled and they were alone again. "A toast," he said cheerily, raising his glass.

  Leigh Ann smiled, lifting her wine.

  "To a special evening," Brad said, reaching out to clasp Leigh Ann's left hand, "with a very special lady."

  She squeezed his fingers when their glasses met. "To a special man . . . who made it all possible."

  Brad touched her glass again and released her hand. They ate quietly, exchanging small talk. After dessert, Brad settled the check and they repaired to the Banyan Veranda fOr an after-dinner drink.

  Brad seated Leigh Ann at a corner table and took a seat with his back against the wall. It was his natural instinct to sit in a position to observe everyone around him. His six was protected.

  Brad ordered a Grand Marnier for Leigh Ann and a Drambuie for himself as they viewed the twinkling stars and the moonlight silvering the calm ocean. Their cordials arrived almost immediately.

  He tasted his drink and gazed at Leigh Ann. The yellow spaghetti-strap dress accentuated her soft, round shoulders. "Well," Brad began cautiously, "do you want to tell me what happened to your engagement?"

  Leigh Ann turned to Brad. "Not really . . . but I might as well face the humiliation."

  Brad hoped he looked as sympathetic as he felt.

  "His name is Tyler," she said in a small voice, "and he comes from a privileged background. So much so, that he believes that moral values and ethical conduct do not apply to him. He is above the masses."

  Brad frowned in confusion. "You've lost me."

  "He," Leigh Ann blurted, "was engaged to two people at the same time . . . and seeing a third woman on the side."

  "Jesus Christ," Brad said, astonished that anyone could do that to someone so beautiful and wonderful. He reached for Leigh Ann's small hands.

  She extended her hands to meet his. "That is the story of my engagement . . . and it's over--finished."

  Inhaling deeply, Brad winked at her. "Let's take a walk on the beach, okay?"

  She smiled in return, feeling a lump in her throat. Her eyes were wet, but she did not shed a tear. Brad paid the check and handed Leigh Ann a fresh cocktail napkin to dry her eyes.

  "I'm okay," she said, regaining her composure. "I really am . . . I promise."

  Hand in hand, they walked across the veranda, under the immense banyan tree, past the swimming pool, and then stopped at the edge of the beach. They removed their shoes and stepped on the cool sand. Brad carried Leigh Ann's sandals while she waded a short distance in the gentle surf.

  When she returned to his side, Brad placed an arm around her shoulders. He was filled with warmth when Leigh Ann slid an arm around his waist.

  They walked in silence until Brad spotted a wide, covered lifeguard structure. "Leigh Ann," Brad said with a hint of excitement, "let's sit in the lifeguard stand."

  She had regained her humor. "Uh, oh. I think I'm in trouble now."

  Brad laughed, then preceded her up the short ladder to the bench seat. He helped her up the steep steps, then leaned against the back support.

  "Leigh Ann," Brad began as they squeezed close to each other, "I have something I want to discuss with you."

  She turned to him, only inches from his face. "You're not going to propose, are you? We haven't even known each other twenty-four hours."

  Brad was surprised that she had even broached the subject that had been so painful for her. "In my world, twenty-four hours can be a lifetime."

  "I know," Leigh Ann replied, resting her head on Brad's shoulder. "I was only kidding."

  "Well, I'm not kiddin
g," Brad said with unusual gravity. "I would like for you to stay in Hawaii for the remainder of my leave period . . . if you can."

  Smiling, she lifted her head and turned to him. "I've already thought about extending my vacation."

  Brad was astounded that Leigh Ann had even considered staying longer. He twisted sideways and cupped her delicate face in his hands. He tilted his head slightly and met her lips, kissing passionately while she held him to her.

  He released her, gently biting her lower lip. "This isn't a dream, is it? I'm not going to wake up and be alone, am I?"

  "No, Brad," Leigh Ann purred, kissing him again. "I'm going to stay in Hawaii with you." They embraced, holding each other with an emotional intensity that quickened their pulses.

  "Can't you tell," Leigh Ann whispered, brushing her lips against his ear, "when a woman has fallen head over heels for you?"

  "Like I said," Brad responded, kissing her neck, then her shoulder, "you are amazing."

  She leaned back, smiling broadly. "Well, flyboy, how about a nightcap at our hotel? My treat."

  "Sure," Brad replied, reaching for their shoes. "I suppose it's in my best interest to have you in your room at a respectable hour."

  "Yes," Leigh Ann grinned. "Appearances are important . . my dad doesn't like warriors."

  He managed a small laugh. "Yes, I'm painfully aware of that."

  Brad lightly kissed Leigh Ann, then helped her down from their perch. Feeling as though he was walking on air, he expressed it out loud.

  "What?" Leigh Ann asked when she reached the cool sand. "I said," Brad chuckled, "I think I've died and gone to heaven."

  Leigh Ann wrapped her arm around his waist, silently inviting Brad to reciprocate. "Is that another line you use often?" She hugged his waist a second.

  "I don't have any lines," Brad replied, falling in step with her. "Will I ever live down the tactics I've had to use to get to know you?"

  Leigh Ann laughed softly as they approached the beachfront of the Royal Hawaiian. "You're forgiven. Just don't ever hurt me. ', Feeling a glowing excitement, Brad stopped and turned to Leigh Ann. He held her gently by her shoulders. "Leigh Ann, I don't have a wife, fiancee, or even a girlfriend. There aren't any skeletons in my closet."

  She gave him a hint of a smile. "I notice the way women look at you, and I'm supposed to believe that there isn't another woman in your life?"

  Brad glanced at the array of torches lighting the hotel grounds, then back to Leigh Ann. "There was a woman in my life, but she found a meal ticket and married him while I was going to flight school."

  "It sounds to me," Leigh Ann said softly, "as if you're still bitter."

  Brad gazed into her eyes, clear and blue in the luminescent moonlight. "No, not bitter. I'm just embarrassed by my poor judgment of her character. I guess we have both made similar mistakes."

  "Well," she replied, pulling him to her, "you didn't make a mistake that might have made you miserable."

  Brad could smell the pleasant fragrance of her smooth, dark hair. "That's true, but it was still a no-brainer relationship. My hormones and libido made all the decisions . . . and I am lucky to have escaped."

  Leigh Ann met his lips, holding him close a few seconds. "Brad," she breathed, "I'm the lucky one. I found you."

  They could hear the sounds of Hawaiian music drifting from the oceanfront Monarch Room. "Leigh Ann," Brad said, wrapping her in his arms, "isn't that a beautiful song?"

  She placed her forehead against his. "The Hawaiian Wedding Song."

  He kissed her, then said the name of the song in the Hawaiian language. "Ke Kali Nei Au."

  Entwined, Brad and Leigh Ann walked to the Mai-Tai Bar, ordered exotic tropical coolers, then pulled two lounge chairs together on the beach and reclined. Leigh Ann tucked her dress under her legs.

  Taking her hand in his, Brad listened to the soothing music, and basked in the warmth of Leigh Ann's touch. Her face was radiant in the soft glow of the torchlights.

  "Tomorrow morning," Brad suggested, turning to look at her, "let's have the hotel prepare a picnic basket, then we'll rent a light plane and fly to Kauai."

  "Could we?"

  "Sure," Brad smiled. "I flew to most of the small airstrips on the islands when I was stationed at Kaneohe. I know a great place to land for lunch, after we tour the island and see the sights by air."

  "How exciting," Leigh Ann exclaimed, then added, "being involved with you, I have a feeling, is going to be an adventure."

  Brad laughed out loud, feeling invigorated. "Involved? Do you consider our relationship to be more than just a fling in Hawaii?"

  Leigh Ann carefully placed her drink in the sand next to her lounge chair, then moved to sit next to Brad. She put her arms around his neck, kissing him ardently.

  "God . . . damn," he wheezed, catching his breath. His heart pounded. "I've been at sea too long."

  "Brad," Leigh Ann said, stretching out in his arms, "I've never felt like this before . . . not in two weeks, or two months. I thought about what you said--living a lifetime in twenty-four hours--and I've always been a lady who has gone by the rules."

  "Of a civilized society," Brad interjected, holding her head in the crook of his neck.

  "Yes," she replied in a low, muted voice. "Now, I want to express my feelings, say what I really mean, and trust and love again."

  "Leigh Ann," Brad said, gently kissing her soft hair, "my feelings for you are genuine, even though we've been together only a short time."

  "Mine, too."

  Brad's mind raced, ecstatic in the knowledge that the beautiful woman lying next to him wanted him in the same way he wanted her. "Leigh Ann," Brad ventured, "let's go for a swim in the ocean."

  Her eyes widened when she raised her head. "Brad, I can't go swimming in this dress . . . and I'm not wearing a bra."

  Brad pulled her next to him. "I hadn't planned for us to swim in our clothes."

  She kissed him in the small of his throat. "You're incorrigible."

  "Leigh Ann," Brad raised her chin, "this is happening faster than I had ever imagined." They remained quiet a moment, locked in their embrace. She could hear his heartbeat.

  "We haven't even had an intimate relationship," Leigh Ann sighed.

  Brad chuckled. "You have a quaint way with words."

  "Okay, flyboy, we haven't been to bed together," she laughed, then poked him in the ribs, "but I have no doubt that you'll make the proper arrangements."

  Brad started to respond, then glimpsed movement a few yards away. Startled, he snapped his head to the side. He saw a bright yellow aloha shirt.

  "Sorry," a somber Harry Hutton said. "We've been trying to find you." Leigh Ann sat upright, gripping Brad's arm.

  "What the hell is going on?" Brad asked, experiencing a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He leaned forward to a sitting position.

  "We ' ve been recalled," Harry announced painfully, "to Subic... to the carrier."

  "Oh, no," Leigh Ann gasped, then trembled once.

  "Harry," Brad said icily, "if this is one of your practical jokes, I am going to kick your ass." He turned to Leigh Ann. "Pardon me."

  "Brad," Hutton said, venturing closer, "I am not kidding. The ship is getting underway tomorrow. The word was sent to Barbers Point, where they had a record of where we're staying, and the base duty officer notified the hotel operator. The assistant manager had seen us make the luau reservations, so they knew where to find us."

  "Goddamnit," Brad swore to himself. "What the hell happened to the ten-day to two-week estimate?"

  "Nick called Subic," Harry answered, "and talked to Jocko. The problem wasn't as severe as they had anticipated. The yard people worked around the clock to replace whatever the hell was broken. They ran the engine with the ship tied to the dock, and they didn't have any vibration."

  Brad turned to Leigh Ann. "I'm sorry, this is Harry Hutton, my roommate. Harry, Leigh Ann Ladasau."

  They exchanged polite greetings.

  "When d
o we have to leave?" Brad asked, placing a comforting hand on Leigh Ann's knee.

  "As soon as possible," Harry answered gloomily. "They've got us scheduled on an air-force tanker--a KC-135--leaving for Guam at oh three hundred."

  Brad looked at his watch. They had a little less than four hours to departure time. "Harry, you guys go ahead. I'll change, check out of our room, then take a cab to Hickam."

  "Okay," Hutton replied, feeling like an intruder. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Leigh Ann."

  "Nice meeting you, Harry. I hope I'll see you again, under more pleasant circumstances."

  "I hope so, too," he responded, then hurried to leave a message at the front desk for Palmer and Lunsford.

  "Brad, please hold me."

  He took her in his arms, suffering the anguish of impending separation. The powers that be were going to tear him away from this beautiful, wonderful woman, and send him back to war. A war filled with senseless death and destruction.

  "Darling," Leigh Ann said, misty-eyed, "I want to see you off . . . at the base."

  Brad steeled himself and held her closer. "Leigh Ann, I'm not going to have you riding alone in a taxi at three in the morning." "Brad, I'm twenty-two years old."

  "Please," he said uncomfortably, "let me have my way on this one. I'm a little overprotective when I care for someone."

  Leigh Ann choked back a sob. "Okay, I'll wait for you in the lobby."

  Brad escorted her to the lobby, then hurried to the suite. He quickly changed into his uniform, packed his belongings, checked for items left behind, and returned to the front desk.

  He was perplexed to find that Leigh Ann was nowhere in sight. Brad settled the room account, threw his overnight bag over his shoulder, and started for the entry.

  Leigh Ann rushed into the lobby as Brad reached the entrance. "Brad," she called. "Wait."

  He spun around and handed his bag to the bellhop. "I'll need a cab, please."

  She stopped in front of Brad, tentatively extending a small hand. "Please accept these from me . . . so you'll have something tangible to remind you of me."

  Brad took the small pendant and the wallet-sized photo of Leigh Ann. Her picture, in black and white, was stunning.

  "I had to get the picture out of my father's wallet. I'll get him another one when we get home."