“Oh, so you’re jealous of Jon because he knows how to get a girl’s attention?” I lifted an eyebrow.
“You know what I mean.” Luke took another bite. “He can mess around with some other girl. You don’t need to be hurt again.”
Even though my defenses were raised, I paused because I heard what Luke was really saying. He knew exactly what I’d been through in the last two years. Maybe it was the Hawaiian air, but instead of getting angry like I usually did, I reached out and took his hand. “Thanks for watching out for me.”
His eyes widened and I couldn’t keep from laughing at his obvious surprise to my reaction. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be overprotective.”
I rolled my eyes. “If you say so.”
He squeezed my hand and looked into my eyes. “You know, I haven’t asked you for a while about that date, but I’m still interested if you are.”
“I am.” I couldn’t tell if he was asking me out or talking about the future.
He licked his lips and his cheeks darkened. Was he blushing? “Do you think maybe you’d have time to do something while we’re here?”
His anxiety was endearing and my heart picked up tempo as I considered the loaded question. This wasn’t the first time Luke had asked me on a date. Last time I’d refused, but there had been extenuating circumstances, and one had to take into account that he was a successful attorney specializing in divorce. Our interests weren’t exactly in line, but last summer I’d seen a side of him that no one else in the Sun Valley area had seen.
“I might. It’s hard to know, with the scheduling changes and last-minute things I’m doing to prep for the wedding, but Malia keeps insisting I take some time for myself.”
“So I just need to arrange it through Malia?”
He laughed when I narrowed my eyes. “You have my number.”
“What about this afternoon after the bridal shower?”
I opened my mouth to say no because I wasn’t sure how long the shower would last, but then I hesitated.
Luke’s hand still covered mine. He glanced at his fingers grazing my knuckles. “If you’ll give me a chance, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “You mean you’ll can the cynic for an hour?”
He nodded and figuratively zipped his lips.
“Well, this afternoon might just work. What time were you thinking?”
“How about I’ll be ready when you’re ready?” Luke moved his hand from mine.
“Okay. I’m guessing it’ll be a little after three.”
Luke nodded and then leaned forward, studying me. “Are you stressing about something?”
His attentiveness caught me off guard. I didn’t want to voice my opinion of his cousin’s maid of honor so I blurted out one of the worries that was currently front and center. “I’m having a tough time getting the rest of the wedding favors ordered because Neil’s personal assistant quit, and they can’t find the files.” I thought it was strange that Tri-C was having such a difficult time getting into Charly’s computer. It made me wonder if there was more to the story.
“Hmm, that is strange,” Luke said. “Why wouldn’t the files be on Neil’s computer or Jon’s for that matter?”
“Exactly.” He’d just validated my thoughts. I guess I wasn’t over-analyzing things and I didn’t want him thinking about Jon again, so I changed the subject. “I’m not going to worry about it though. Tell me what you have in mind for our date.”
“Okay.” Luke drummed his fingers on the table, considering me. “I guess I’d better tell you in case you’re too chicken to try.”
I tilted my head. “I’m not afraid of much.”
“Paddleboarding,” Luke said. “You’ve heard of it?”
I clapped my hands together. “Yes, I really wanted to try it out. Are you sure we’ll have enough time before sunset?”
“I checked and three hours is plenty of time.”
I tapped my watch. “Now I can’t wait for the bridal shower to be over.”
“This feels nice. You seem genuinely excited to spend some time with me.” Luke had cleaned up both of his plates, and he leaned back in his chair.
“It is kind of weird, huh? I feel like maybe I should yell at you, or call you some names, just to keep things normal.” The first time Luke visited my wedding shop came to mind, and I cringed at the memory. The divorce attorney flirting with the wedding planner hadn’t gone over so well with me.
Luke laughed and shook his head. He stared out at the ocean. He seemed to be miles away, and I wondered what he was thinking about. There was something different about him here in Kauai. Probably just the fact that he appeared so relaxed. I watched him, trying to pinpoint what had caught my attention. He turned to me. “Enjoying my profile?” he teased.
“Just thinking that I haven’t seen you this relaxed. It’s nice.”
“Are you calling me uptight?” He chuckled. “Just kidding. You probably haven’t seen me like this before. It’s this place. I can’t help it.”
“Well, it’s nice to see a different side of you. I hope you can enjoy your time here.”
“You too, and remember what I said about Jon. I’m not trying to interfere, just be careful.”
“You sound like my dad.”
“Okay, I’ll shut up now.”
“That’s a good idea.” I brushed off my capris and stood. “It was nice to eat breakfast with you, but I’ve got to run.”
“Me too, but I’ll be running on the beach.” Luke stood and waved as he walked toward the elevators. “I’ll see you later.”
I waved back, trying to talk myself out of the way my middle tingled when he said he’d see me later. Luke and I usually seemed to rub each other the wrong way. He often said things that caused me to bristle, and I had a hard time biting back retorts. But as I watched him walk away, I found myself admiring his tall physique and dark hair. It was kind of nice to have someone worry over me who really understood. With a sigh, I headed back to my room to brush my teeth again before getting to work.
The hotel staff had everything in order for the bridal shower, so after checking on the luncheon and giving the chef the final head count, I headed back to my room. I met Mrs. Harper on the way.
She was flanked by Teo and her other henchman, who I assumed was Mitt. Today she wore a gray business suit with pink cuffs, a pink beaded necklace, and gaudy pink diamonds in her ears. She’d overdone the rouge and her cheeks looked too pink, but then again, her entire persona was a pink nightmare.
“How fortunate to bump into you Miss Pyper. I was concerned that you hadn’t answered me. Teo assured me that you got the message. I thought your manners were better than that.”
“I’m not discussing this. Please don’t approach me again. I will have no further contact with you.” I stepped to the side, but Teo stepped in front of me.
“I don’t want to have to use unnecessary force,” Mrs. Harper intoned. “But it can be arranged.”
I looked from Teo to Mrs. Harper. “You’re insane. I’m going to my room. Get out of my way.”
“Not until you change the time for your luau. I have an agreement with the hotel, and I’m not going to take no for an answer.” She flicked her hand toward Teo. He took another step toward me.
I screamed. It kind of hurt my throat—I probably should have used my stomach muscles to support the shriek but something in me snapped. “Help! Security! Help me!”
Mrs. Harper blanched, and when Teo looked to her for the next command, I dodged out of his reach and ran for my room. Several hotel guests had witnessed the scene, and a few called after me, but I kept running. The elevator was just closing as I approached and I dashed inside, startling the young couple leaning against the back wall. When I reached my room, I was out of breath, and the adrenaline pumping through my veins made me want to keep sprinting. The door slammed shut behind me. It probably wasn’t the best idea to escape to my room alone. What if they broke in and attacked me?
While sliding the extra lock in place on the door, I punched 9-1-1 into my phone. I didn’t care if Mrs. Harper and her thugs were mostly bluffing. It was time to put a stop to their aggressive tactics.
I explained to the operator that I was being harassed and was scared for my safety. She said that she would send someone over right away. I ended the call and fell back on my bed, covering my face with my hands. A tremor passed through my body as I struggled to slow my breathing from the fight or flight response I’d just experienced.
I was surprised when I opened my door fifteen minutes later to see Officer Kinau standing there. His dark blue uniform looked freshly pressed, and I noticed the concern in his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
My breath came out in a huff. “It isn’t actually, but I hope you can help me.”
He nodded. “I heard the report and offered to come over because I wanted to check on you anyway, see how you were doing. Why don’t we go down to the lobby? The staff is concerned, and I’d like to take your statement.”
“Okay, let me just get my sandals.” I stuffed my feet into the leather straps but then I remembered the message. “First, you should hear the message Mrs. Harper left for me.” I pushed the message button and watched Officer Kinau as we both listened.
His brow furrowed and he took a few notes. When the message ended, he held up his hand. “Save that message. I’m glad you thought to have me listen to it. Are there any more?”
“No.”
“Okay, let’s head to the lobby.”
As we walked, I related the incident with psycho woman and her thugs to Officer Kinau. He asked me a few questions about my run-ins with Mrs. Harper and then assured me that he would issue a warning for no further contact from them.
When we reached the front desk, Officer Kinau talked to a few members of the hotel staff. Some of them had witnessed the incident and corroborated my statement. I couldn’t really press charges because all Mrs. Harper had done was threaten me, but Officer Kinau assured me that they weren’t taking the situation lightly. I made sure to mention PFI and that they had planned some kind of rally which was why I was being targeted.
“That is serious,” Officer Kinau said. “We try to keep an eye on these organizations but they’re pretty secretive.”
“They know that the owner of Tri-C is involved with this wedding because it’s his son, Kyle Connelly, who will be married Saturday,” I explained. “I don’t know if that’s why they’re being so aggressive.”
He adjusted the volume on his radio when it started chattering. “Could be. We’ll have a talk with the hotel security staff. It’s best to steer clear of those people, but if they do try to approach you again, please call us immediately.”
“Oh, I definitely will do that.” I pressed my lips together. I wouldn’t let Mrs. Harper ruin my reputation as a wedding planner.
Officer Kinau rubbed a hand through his short black hair. “Have you remembered anything else regarding the woman you found at Tunnels?”
“No, I haven’t.” My insides churned with questions that I wanted to ask, so I voiced the most pressing one. “What about her identity?”
He shook his head. “We’re close on that. We’ll see if I get a chance to tell you before the media gets hold of the info.”
“Oh, okay then.” I made a mental note to check the news later on.
“You mentioned that there was something you might have seen but couldn’t recall at the time.” Officer Kinau looked at me, his gaze intent. “Has anything come together since Friday?”
“Sorry, but no. I’m beginning to think that maybe it was nothing.” I folded my arms and then worried that the gesture looked defensive so I let my hands rest at my sides. “I mean, I want to remember and it seems important, but then there’s nothing that really stands out.”
Officer Kinau pulled out a card. “Even if you think of something that appears to be unrelated, don’t hesitate to call and run it by me. Sometimes it’s the little things that point us in the right direction.”
I took the card even though I still had the one he’d given me Friday at the beach. “Thank you. I’ll do that.”
He stepped back, glancing at the hotel staff moving about. “Take care of yourself, Ms. Pyper.”
I nodded and watched him walk toward the security desk. I secretly wished that he was on his way to arrest Mrs. Harper. But I wasn’t going to wait around for them to find her or her henchmen.
By then it was almost noon. I had about twenty minutes to decompress and get ready for Malia’s bridal shower. Was every day here going to be this crazy? Putting a hand over my heart, I took a deep breath reminding myself that I could be strong. After I touched up my makeup, I sent up a silent prayer for safety and exited my room. Thankfully I met up with Malia and her family and walked with them down to the beach.
Her bridal shower was scheduled to start at one o’clock, so we were a few minutes early. The resort’s food service had prepared chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh pineapple, and a delicious chicken salad for the luncheon. There were fourteen women in attendance, and everyone appeared to be in the mood to celebrate. Malia hugged Jenica and when the maid of honor glared at me I just waved and smiled back. I hadn’t heard anything else about a bachelorette party or fire dancers. I’d have to thank Heather again for her help.
Most of the women seemed relaxed, and everyone enjoyed their food. It was my first time in a beachside cabana and the atmosphere was perfect. Malia was flanked by her mother on one side and her future mother-in-law on the other. The three chatted easily. It was nice that Malia didn’t need to worry about mother-in-law jokes because she seemed to have a good relationship with Heather.
Jenica had a little game prepared where each guest held a seashell up to her ear and then whispered some marriage wisdom they had “heard” from the ocean. Malia blushed dark red a few times, and everyone laughed and begged her to share the advice, but she refused.
There was also a photo book that Malia’s mother had made and passed around for everyone to sign and include more words of advice. When the book was placed in my lap, I glanced at some of the sage wisdom imparted, along with the common pieces of advice I’d heard many times as a wedding planner. I tapped the pen on my cheek, thinking of something unique I could add as a single person who hadn’t had much luck with relationships. Finally I decided on something that Malia would appreciate and wrote in careful script:
Always give him the benefit of the doubt and look for the best in his intentions. Laugh together and remember why you fell in love with him.
I passed the book to the next guest, wondering what kind of advice people would give a wedding planner when she was ready to take her vows. Marriage had always been a dream of mine but it couldn’t be forced. I decided not to dwell on my past. My mother definitely did enough worrying for the both of us. With a glance at Malia, my worries fled. Her happiness was contagious and everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
The best part was when Malia handed out favors for the party. She held a wicker basket and bounced up and down on her toes. “I wanted to thank all of you for celebrating this special time with me so I put together a little something special with the help of the hotel.”
I grinned because I knew what was coming and these ladies were going to be pretty excited. Malia handed each guest a small drawstring bag made of silk in the same beautiful coral shade that she’d picked for her wedding colors. A card printed on a sea foam green paper reminded me of her accent color, and I was impressed by what a great eye she had for details. Each card was attached to a pair of flip-flops.
I gave Malia a knowing smile when she handed me the favor, and she nodded. I pulled on the drawstrings and saw two bottles of finger nail polish clinking together. One bottle was coral and the other was silver with flecks of glitter. While I examined the polish, I heard excited voices so I hurried to read the attached card on my silver flip-flops. On the front of the card it said:
I’d flip without friends like yo
u.
Thanks from the bottom of my toes!
On the inside of the card, Malia had printed up a rhyme and signed each one.
For friends of the dearest kind
A gift from Malia you’ll find
In the resort spa today!
Enjoy a deluxe wedding guest package at the spa, any day during your stay.
With love and thanks from the happy bride-to-be,
Malia
Everyone looked happy. Malia hugged her friends and family and the chatter grew louder as the women laughed and made plans for the premier spa services at the resort. The bridal shower had been a success. I stood to check on a few things and was pleased to see the service rendered at our little beachside bridal shower. Malia hugged me a few minutes later.
“Adri, thank you so much. That was so wonderful. Wasn’t it great to see how happy everyone is about their little gift?”
I nodded. “They were pretty excited. I am too. I’m just so glad it worked out.”
“A few of us are going down to schedule right now,” Malia said. “Do you want to come along?”
“Actually I have some things I need to do first, but thank you.” I opted not to mention my date with Luke. Malia would be just as thrilled over me dating her cousin as she was with the dates I’d been on with her future brother-in-law, but I didn’t want the extra attention. “I’ll make sure I get my massage scheduled.”
“Okay, I hope you’re planning time for fun in that little book of yours.”
I laughed. “I am.” I felt a tad guilty. Maybe I shouldn’t be going on a date with Luke. There was surely some work that I could do, and I had just been out with Jon yesterday.
Most of the guests had left, but I lingered for a few more minutes and walked along the beach. The crashing of the waves drowned out the conversations of other people so it made me feel almost like I was alone staring out over the vast ocean. I thought about what Malia had said—making time for fun—and decided that I wouldn’t chicken out from my earlier decision— I would go on the date with Luke. How many people could say their first date was in Hawaii?
Then I thought of Jon. My first date with Malia’s future brother-in-law had also been in Hawaii. I recalled advice from my friends to date a few different men this time around and not feel like I had to commit to anything serious yet. It made me feel better when I thought about the possibility of dating both Luke and Jon. I found myself looking forward to another chance at seeing Jon, and I wondered if part of that was my own hesitancy about feeling anything for Luke.
Veils and Vengeance Page 12