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“Do you need anything else?” I ask.
“Yes, I'd like you to sit.” My father gestures to the chair in front of his desk. I hold in a sigh, sitting down without saying a word. I look at him and wait. My father's hair is still black with no visible gray. I have no idea if he's vain enough to dye it.
“Simon, I know you think your talents are being wasted.” He pauses and takes a drink from the glass tumbler on his desk.
“Do you have a point you're trying to get at, Father?” I'm really not in the mood to hear my father's voice or his reasoning.
“You didn't grow up in this life. If you're going to lead thisfamigliaone day, you need to respect the men. The only way you're going to do that is if you get your hands dirty,” my father reasons.
“Well, I'd love to hear about how you got your hands dirty, but it's late, and I'd like to go to bed.” I stand, so he understands that I'm not open to entertaining a bonding session.
“Son, before too long, I want your undivided attention. We've not had time to properly talk since you've come to the islands.” I notice my father's eyes have a hint of pleading in them. I'm not sure what's gotten into him.
“Yeah, I'm good,” I say as I walk out. There were many years we could have properly talked, but I was in New Zealand, and he was God knows where.
Chapter 10
Leilani
I'm not sure I'm ready to admit it, but I've been having fun with Simon. He took me up in his helicopter, and we headed south toward Molokai, then headed north to check out the views on the south side of Kauai. Seeing a part of these islands from the air brings back memories of my father's surprise at taking us on a Na Pali Coast State Park trip. I might have been ten years old, and my brothers were all teenagers. We hiked and camped for a few days. It was magnificent. The heaviness in my chest makes me pause for a second. Missing my parents feels just as fresh now as it did when we lost them. I’m not sure I’ll ever not grieve their loss. I wonder if my brother’s miss them as much as I do.
We’re just above the sandy beach of the north point at Ka'ena Point State Park. Simon and I just hiked the two miles around and plan to eat whatever he has in the backpack he brought with him. The sound of the birds and the ocean water hitting the point is magical, and I'm glad we came out here today. Maybe before we leave, we can walk around the rocks a bit; sometimes you can see sea lions. I remember this place from a school trip.
“You look happy.” Simon smiles at me.
“You think so?” I can't resist saying.
He motions toward the beach. “Shall we?”
We walk a bit onto the sand, and Simon stops to open up his pack. He has a blanket which I grab and help him settle. When I plop down, I take off my shoes and shake out the sand away from the mantle. I'm wearing a T-shirt and shorts underneath my bathing suit. I don't plan to go in the water here, but I wasn't sure where we'd end up today. I'm happy just to watch the water.
Simon goes to his knees and takes out an insulated bag. He hands me a bottle of water that is cool, and I guzzle it down. He puts several containers in the middle of the blanket and a few baggies. I almost laugh when he hands me a small bottle of hand sanitizer. I didn't expect him to be so prepared. I'll have to ask him if they have Boy Scouts in England or wherever he's from.
When I open the containers, I notice hummus, cheese, olives, salami, crackers, carrots, and apples. He's even brought paper plates, napkins, and utensils.
“Wow, this isn't quite what I was expecting,” I say honestly.
“Oh, what did you expect?” Simon quirks his brow.
I laugh. “I don't know, maybe bologna sandwiches.”
“I don't think I've ever eaten a bologna sandwich. Are they good?” Simon asks, smiling.
“Not really.” I smile back.
“So, does this mean you can cook?” I ask.
“Yes, I can cook,” Simon confirms.
“Full of surprises, I see. I don't cook at all. I've never had to, and I guess I never bothered to learn either.” I put some hummus on a cracker and take a bite. It's smooth with a hint of something tangy.
“What was it like growing up in paradise?” Simon asks.
I look at him as he takes a drink of his water. His dark hair really accentuates his green eyes. Well, I suppose the dark blue of his shirt is helping.
“Mostly good,” I say, non-committedly.
“Where did you grow up?” I'm suddenly curious about his life story.
