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“You can’t look crazier than Tina,” Jaz says.

Tina turns her head slowly and makes murderous eye contact with Jaz.

“Wait until she breaks out her Cupid’s bow.” Jaz laughs but then swims to the opposite side of the pool. Based on Tina’s reaction, it’s probably for the best.

I roll my lips inward to avoid smiling as the two spar.

Tina clears her throat. “What’s his name? He live around here?”

“He used to, but I’m not sure anymore. It’s been a long time.”

“He could be dead.” Then Amelia coos in a baby voice to the animals, “Yes, he could. That’s right.” She strokes the goat’s fur.

Now I give her a murderous glare.

“Either our online sleuthing skills suck or he’s dead. I said what I said.” Amelia aggressively hugs a goat.

“I know everyone,” Tina says helpfully.

Jaz laughs. “Or at least someone who knows someone, who knows someone. Instead of six degrees of separation in Kauai, it’s two.”

Tina jiggles her head like she’s weighing the truth of this statement.

“His name is Adam Nice,” I say.

“Adam Niiice.” Tina stares at the stars like she’s trying to recall. She inhales. “You have a photo?”

“I do.” I race to dig out a set of photobooth pics we took at the movies and return. I unfold it and hand it over.

With her phone flashlight, Tina looks closer. “Oh, yeah. That Adam.”

“Is he dead?” Amelia nibbles on a cracker.

I toss a pillow in her direction. When it hits her head, the goats take off running. Their hoofs tip-tap the deck as they look for cover. One passes out and tips over, legs ramrod straight in the air. The animal teeters on its spine, tipping back and forth.

“Goat murderer!” Amelia screams.

For a second, I believe I am. But then Jaz steps out of the pool and gently taps the animal with her toes. It rouses back to life with a frantic, “Baaa.”

“Lars passes out when he’s scared,” Jaz says.

“Adam lives near Wailua Falls. I’ll give you directions. It’s easy to get there,” Tina says.

“Really!?” I could bounce out of my seat. “This is the best news I’ve had all week.” My gaze flips between Tina and Amelia. My smile beams.

“Do you have someone who wants to rent me a car?” I press my hands between my knees and lean closer, hoping for a miracle.

“The good news is yes.” Tina’s smile brightens.

Jaz sits on the arm of the couch beside me. “The bad news is it’s the farm truck.” She pats me on the shoulder like she’s sorry.

8/

giovanni

Meddling Aunty

Tonight’s opening event was a disaster. I forgot half of my speech, the presentation video glitched, and the audience checked their phones during the hype video my team spent months creating. My normally energetic fans were anything but hyped.