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“It’s beautiful here,” I say.
“Wait till you see where we’re going. Put your windows down. The scents are fantastic.”
We do, and she is right. This must be the entry to some hidden paradise.
About a mile in, the road widens and becomes an open graveled space. A flat-topped small house stands among empty wheeled carts, three cars and a filthy 4x4. It sits parked to the side.
“Park there,” Leilani instructs.
As soon as I pull up, the door to the little house swings open and a man walks out. His shorts and t-shirt are muddied. Dark skinned, big bellied, with a thick head of pure white long hair, he makes a dramatic impression of strength. Opening his strong arms he greets us.
“Welcome!”
A booming deep voice lifts to the sky in song.
“Sweet Leilani! Heavenly flowers!”
A final look in the rearview mirror confirms my suspicions. Nani Medina is not entertained. If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times. She cannot stand a showy man.
Chapter 6
LEILANI
“Lani!”
“Hello, little girl! Come give me a hug.”
He takes me in a familiar bear hug, completely disregarding the dirt on him is now on me. Happily, I ignore it too. Cheek kisses are exchanged.
“Lani, I want you to meet my friends. I’m sure you recognize kuma Hula, Nani Medina. And this is Alekanekelo, her son.”
He takes the rag from his belt and wipes his hands. Locking eyes with Auntie Nani, he nods in a show of respect. He says something to her I do not understand, with a softness I have never heard from him.
She answers in kind, like a Queen acknowledging the visitor to court.
I didn’t get every word, but the drift was something about royalty and respect.
Turning to Alek, he extends a hand. “I am happy to have you here.”
“Thank you for receiving us.”
When Alek takes his right hand, Lani covers it with his left. A strong shake seals the men’s greeting. From the doorway, comes Ino, smiling wide when he sees me.
“Here’s my youngest son. Ino, this is Auntie Nani and Alekanekelo.”
“Hello.” He barely gets it out before he turns to me. “And who is this stranger? I thought you forgot about me.”
“Oh, stop it!” I hit him on the arm. “Good to see you!”
Right away, I see Alek questioning the relationship. Never mind the kid is only twenty, if that, and I would never be interested in someone so young. I know what I know. Thirty-nine is my sweet spot.
“Alright people, let’s get to it. Everybody ready for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride?”
Auntie Nani looks as concerned as she should be.
“I would appreciate it if you take into consideration I am seventy-one. Please don’t go too fast.”
“It takes serious 4x4 power to reach the fields, Nani. There is going to be a little mud spray. But I will take your youth into consideration.”
