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“Yes! I’d love to help. Is she going to be okay with that?”
“I think so. She likes you and she thinks you have style. She actually said that to Alekenekelo and me the other day.”
“I’d be honored to help. I’ll talk with her and we will have a fun shopping day.”
“Good.”
My attention and Auntie Nani’s is pulled to the back door and the man carrying a folding chair coming outside. An almost unrecognizable Lani stands surveying the crowd. Gone is the jolly greeter with wild curls. His hair is pulled back in a ponytail and he wears what I am assuming are his nicest clothes. They look brand-new. Long linen tan pants and a white gauzy short sleeved shirt. He is wearing shoes, not sandals or Nike’s. Three bracelets stack. No other jewelry. His wedding ring is nowhere to be seen. Must have been hard getting it off. It always looked two sizes too small. There was effort put into this look.
“Oh my,” Auntie Nani says in a low tone.
Then he spots us. More to the point spots her. A wide smile lifts the corners of his mouth. Behind him, Alek walks out carrying a small round table. The men exchange words and a chuckle. They start for us. I lean in.
“I’ve never seen him look so together. Very handsome. Think it’s about you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
But her expression does not match her denial. Somewhere not so deep inside, she is pleased. Smoothing her skirt and taking in the outstretched leg, she sits taller.
“Well, hello!” I say, standing and giving my friend a kiss. “You smell great, Lani. What is that?”
“Just me, little girl.”
Alek places the table in front of his mother.
“Evening, ladies. Nani.” He nods and there is no mistaking the way he is greeting her. “You look especially lovely tonight.”
Is that a blush I see on her face?
“Hello,” she says. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Neither did I. Not until Paula mentioned you were.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“Because I wanted you to see I am more than a mud-washed farmer working the fields.”
Her lips press together, holding back a smile.
“Look what we found,” Alek says, moving his chair and mine next to each other around the table. “I borrowed it from Paula and Keanu’s entry.”
Unfolding his chair, Lani positions it right next to the person he is most interested in talking with.
“Thought it would be nice to share a meal together.”
Nani runs a hand through her hair and smiles. She nods like a Queen granting an audience. But I think she is loving every minute of the attention from a man.
“That would be nice.”
“The men will be serving the women tonight. Alekenekelo and I are going to show you how chivalrous we can be, right brudda?
“That’s the plan.”
“Can I prepare a plate for you, Nani? The buffet line is open and there are lots of choices. Poke, and teriyaki chicken, sashimi, sushi. Some poi, provided by me of course. Anything you don’t like, my beauty?”
Her expression sours.
“I don’t like you calling me your beauty. Other than that, just get me a little of the chicken and poke. And poi of course.”
