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“I didn’t realize my brother and his friends wouldn’t be enchanted with my company,” I chuckle with the idea.
“Well, I’m enchanted now.”
I don’t know what to say or how to keep the delight I am feeling hidden. A little escapes in a smile that cannot be held back.
“Please tell Akoni I’m here for the summer. I’d love to get together for a drink.”
That is never going to happen.
“I will.”
“What about your parents? Do they still have the house down the beach?”
“I live there now. My father passed away last year, and Mom died when I was thirteen.”
“I’m sorry to hear it. They were really nice people. Mark, and what was your mother’s name?”
“Brooke.”
“All the guys had the hots for her and her twin sister. Sixteen-year-old pimply kids with dreams of grandeur.”
He laughs and I want to bottle it.
“I still remember the chocolate cake she’d make. That frosting.”
“Yes! Oh, I’m so happy you remember. Small details about your parents’ lives don’t live long in others.”
“I get it. My father passed away too, and it’s thinking of the little quirks that make me happiest. It brings him back for a minute.”
“I loved seeing your mom and dad walking the beach all these years. They would always be holding hands.”
“Yeah. They had a love story.”
It’s touching how he said that.
“I’m sure they knew my parents, at least casually. So where do you live now?”
“California. Are you familiar with Napa Valley?”
“Only by reputation and armchair traveling.”
“I’m in a town called St. Helena.”
“What do you do there?”
“I have a restaurant.”
“How wonderful. Is it like Florenza’s?”
“No. We’re a Hawaiian infusion steakhouse. So you’ve been to my mom’s place?”
“Once. I thought I would try to meet her that way. My previous attempts had failed.”
Dark heavy brows come together in question.
“I’ve studied hula since I was a child. I’m in the show at the Hualalai Four Seasons, but so far I haven’t been able to connect with her and give her my respect. I guess she is tired of all the attention.”
“First of all, I am definitely coming to your show.”
