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I frantically unpack my main bag before I walk around the estate.
Southern California might be lovely, but it has nothing on this island.
I want to take it all in before I can worry about minor details like work.
Walking through the coffee trees, I try to get my pictures done early, snapping strange, fragrant flowers I’ve never seen before and silvery waves lapping against the beach. I haven’t made it far when I hear footsteps approaching and turn.
“Hey, Destiny. I thought you’d be at the beach?”
Her goofy teenage smile fades. “Um, beaches and I don’t quite vibe...”
That gets my attention. My head tilts, and I notice the tension taking over her face.
“But you came to Hawaii?”
She shrugs, her bare shoulders rippling in her tank top and already soaking in the sun.
“I just wanted to get some sun and see some cool animals. Plus, I didn’t want Dad coming here alone.”
Why does it sound like she’s protecting him?
I stare at her, bewildered.
Cole must have flown tons of amazing places without her and survived—hasn’t he?
“That’s considerate of you,” I say gently. “Looks like he’s brought the whole crew, though. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
The idea of this tiny fifteen-year-old protecting her billionaire hulk of a father is both adorable and unsettling.
“Can I walk with you?” she asks hopefully.
“Sure!” I nod, gesturing her to follow me along a big line of palm trees.
It is a little dark and jungle-like here, so maybe she’s uneasy. Thankfully, the Hawaiian islands are one tropical hotspot where you don’t have to worry about dog-sized lizards or snakes looking for a two-legged snack.
“It must be awesome being back here, no? Your dad said this place was in your family for years. I figured it would be like a second home for you...”
She shakes her head, biting her lip.
Why does she look so conflicted?
“Neither of us have been here in a really long time, actually,” she says quietly.
I wait, but she doesn’t elaborate. Dess just swings her head around, not staring at anything long enough for it to register. It’s more like she’s looking for a certain something in the landscape.
Odd.
The guy swears this breathtaking place is family property and he spent whole months here when he was young, but he never brings his daughter? What gives?
We walk through a breezy nirvana while she tells me about her classes coming up next year and how pissed her friends are that she’s in Hawaii and they’re not. The trees only get lusher, and I see several overflowing with bananas.
“Oh my God, do you harvest those for breakfast?” I point up at the trees. “This place is so beautiful. I can’t believe you guys don’t come more often,” I say, somewhat giddy.
Destiny offers a smile that’s too worn out for any normal teenager. “The bananas, maybe. I think most of the plants are decorative. They help with shade and nice views because they’re so pretty. You should see the coffee trees Wired Cup owns.”
“There’s more?” My mouth is hanging open.
“I’ll show you when we get back, Eliza.” She grins, her nose scrunching up adorably under the sun.
We take a few more steps, working our way down a hill and exploring our surroundings in a friendly silence.
Destiny stops as we near a rocky path that looks like it ends at the beach. She releases a long sigh.
“I can hear the waves. We should go back...”
“You don’t even want to see it?” I look at her.
Her jaw is clenched like she’s about to pop bone through her cheeks.
No, she mouths.
“Destiny, I don’t mean to be nosy but...are you okay?” I lay a hand on her shoulder.
Her weak nod tells me she isn’t.
“I’m fine. Sorry if I’m ruining your fun...”
“Dess, no. I’m the one who’s sorry. If I can get you anything, just let me—”
“Can we just head back to the house?” She says it quickly, which tells me again how not fine she is.
I follow her back the same way we came.
Good thing she was paying more attention than me. I’ve lost my sense of direction and I’d never make it back to the house without a guide.
But I can’t stop thinking about the way she tensed up the second she said she could hear the water. Like it was some kind of shock to her?
I don’t understand.
We’re on an island. A gorgeous one she’s visited before. Surely, she remembers these dazzling beaches and the ocean?
I know I shouldn’t keep pushing, but I can’t help it. I’m worried.
“If you weren’t okay, you’d tell me, right?”
“Eliza—I’m fine.” It’s the closest she’s come to snapping at me since I met her.
O-kaaay then.
I drop it for the rest of the walk to the big house.
About halfway up the hill to the huge porch, we see Lancaster—and I’ve never seen him like this.
He’s changed into black shorts, showing off those tall legs that look like they could kick someone’s ass to the moon and back.
