Page 13 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

As many times as I had been to Lee’s mansion, I marveled at the beautiful modern architecture and the grandness of the structure every time I drove up the curvy cobblestone driveway. Plus, the home was nestled on a private beach. It must be nice to wake up to a breathtaking ocean view and swaying palm trees.

I inhaled the salty, fresh ocean breeze, temporarily distracted by a couple strolling on the sand. Dogs on leashes trotted beside their owners, and families built sandcastles. Some people paddled on surfboards and kids ran away from the water, gushing over their feet.

“Can I hold the dessert for you, Mom?” Tyler asked as we walked together to the front door.

Sometimes Tyler acted like a child, as he should, but he never failed to offer to hold things for me and was quick to help others.

Yellow, white, and red hibiscus bloomed on either side of the walkway, their sweet scent spiraling around me.

When Tyler pressed the doorbell, I inhaled a deep breath. Why did I feel so nervous?

One of the double grand doors opened to reveal Mona—the nanny, housekeeper, and do-it-all woman. She greeted us with the warmest smile, her blue eyes gleaming. She wore an oversized flower print dress that brushed against her ankles, and her hair was tied back into a tight bun. Kate had said Mona was in her late fifties, but she looked young for her age, aside from the stark-white hair.

“Come in. Come in.” Mona ushered us inside and hugged us under the dancing light from a crystal chandelier. “Let me take those off your hands. They’re in the backyard. Go ahead.”

She grabbed the dessert from Tyler, but I held up a hand to stop her when she reached for my bag.

“I can carry it.” I smiled.

I felt uncomfortable letting people do things for me, and I certainly didn’t want someone older carrying things I could easily manage. And I also wanted it to be a teachable moment for Tyler—take care of yourself and help others. Kids learned from actions and not just by words, so I always knew how he’d see me.

“Don’t swim in the deep end,” I hollered after him when Tyler ran off. He had taken swimming lessons and was a good swimmer, but I still worried.

I padded across the beige marble floor. The high ceiling and grand sweeping staircase always made me feel so small after the coziness of my house. To get to the backyard, I passed the family room, which was three times the size of mine. Over the mantel hung a portrait of Lee, Bridget, and Kate.

I went through the dream kitchen—complete with white cabinets and cream granite counters. Not a spot stained the stove. I wondered if they had a side kitchen, as if this one was just for show.

All the appliances were stainless steel and state of the art, top quality. They reminded me of my apartment in New York where Steve, Tyler, and I had lived for a year. Our first home.

Steve had purchased a top-of-the-line brand while I’d wanted to save money. He had gotten his job as a financial analyst and wanted to provide the best for the family. He had been a proud man.

Nostalgia hit me so hard, I almost forgot where I was.

“Mom, this way.” Tyler peeked in from the sliding door.

When Tyler took off without me, I didn’t expect to see him again until I went to the backyard, but he had gone to get his aunt. My sister waved through the glass. She looked cute in a cream sundress and matching sandals.

I went out through the glass double doors. Palm trees lined either side of the walkway. Upbeat music blasted from the outside speakers. A three-tiered gray stone fountain gurgled in the center.

The front yard was breathtaking with the view of the ocean, but the backyard was an island oasis on its own. I followed Kate past the firepit and under an awning that shaded a set of sofas.

“Abby, welcome.” Lee waved with a stainless-steel spatula. He was cooking at the built-in barbecue, wearing khaki shorts and a gray tank top.

I rushed over with Kate and hugged him. “Thanks for inviting us and for cooking.”

“It’s my pleasure. I don’t do it that often, so enjoy.” He chuckled and wiped the sweat beading on his forehead with his arm.

The aroma of steak and chicken on the grill made my stomach rumble. I hadn’t eaten much for lunch. Kate and I had agreed we would take today off, but I had gone into the gallery that morning.

“Relax by the pool while I finish up here,” Lee said, and flipped the steaks. Fat sizzled, sending a fresh wave of enticing smells my way.

Kate went around the barbecue to a minibar and came back. “Here. Lee made this for us just before you arrived.” She handed me a tall, cold glass with a straw and a little colorful umbrella. “It’s a piña colada.”

“My favorite. Thank you.” I raised the drink to Lee, took a long, sweet sip, and walked past a garden filled with a somehow-tidy riot of rose bushes, orange plumeria, yellow hibiscus, and birds of paradise. The swimming pool lay just beyond it, already ringing with children’s shouts and splashing.

I placed the duffel bag on a wooden lounge chair covered with a bright cushion. As a soft breeze lifted strands of hair to caress my back, I took another sip of the fruity drink. The wind left me to whisper in the tops of coconut trees and amid the tall pampas grass behind the pool.

“Walk the plank, mate.” I heard Bridget’s voice.