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“Have you been there recently?”
“Not for a...” Not since he’d been to Oahu on that last vacation with Carrie, six months before she died. He stilled, expecting a wave of grief to hit him, but instead felt a lingering, sweet sadness at what he’d lost. “It’s been a while.”
“And was it as beautiful as everyone says?”
The wistful tone in her voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Definitely. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.”
She started tapping her phone screen as he drove, then looked up. “I don’t see any open time slots until next Wednesday at nine. Is that all right with you?”
“Sounds good.” If he had anything else planned it didn’t matter. He wanted to be there to see her enjoy the spectacular fish and crystal clear water. To be part of a memory she would never forget.
The thought was sobering.
She’d literally burst into his life and knocked him off balance, upending his solitary existence and making him think.
And now her time on the island was slipping away.
* * * *
NICK STOPPED AT ONEbeautiful spot after another during their drive, pointing out stunning white sand beaches for her to visit. Good places to snorkel in addition to Hanauma Bay. One trail after another that offered spectacular views.
Now and then he pulled over so she could take Sniper for a short potty walk, though the pup had slept all the way.
Lucy rifled through her purse and withdrew a small guidebook, then flipped to a page with its corner folded. “Do you ever look for whales? I read that they come back to Hawaii from December to April to calve.”
“The turnout for the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is just ahead on the right. It’s about a two-hour hike, but the views are supposed to be incredible. I hear it’s a good place for whale watching without needing to go out on a boat tour.”
“I’d love to hike up there one of these days.”
“Let’s do it, then. Plan for an early start. We could pick up lunch at one of the food trucks around here and make it a day.
“We’ve already passed some other places where you might be able to see whales, though. You don’t need a long hike for the Halona Blowhole or the Diamond Head overlook.”
“Have you been to any of them?”
“No. There’s a lot of good whale watching around the Hawaiian Islands, though. I’ve seen whales along the North Shore when I’ve gone up there to surf. You can even see them off Waikiki Beach, sometimes.”
She stared at him, awestruck. “You surf the North Shore? Isn’t that where it’s really dangerous?”
“Shark’s Cove and Waimea Bay can be, but I’d never attempt surfing there when it’s rough. Any waves over four feet and I pack up to go home.”
Just the thought of the power of those waves was frightening. “And I suppose there are sharks and jellyfish and other creatures out there that I’d rather not meet?”
“It’s possible.”
She shuddered, imagining all sorts of terrible things that could happen to him. Surprised by how much she cared. “I loved my taste of surfing at Waikiki Beach, and I’d love to do it again. But I can’t imagine ever tackling anything more.”
“Do you snow ski?”
“Cross country and downhill, but only in the Midwest, and no Black Diamond runs for me. I go often, but I’m just not that good.” She thought for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I guess I’m not very impressive.”
“Really?” He shot an amused look at her. “There are many ways to be impressive. But in my book, recklessness isn’t one of them. And knowing your limits is just plain smart.”
“Why, thank you. I’m definitely a know-my-limits kind of gal.”
They drove further north in companionable silence until she spied a huddle of food trucks parked on a grassy lot facing the road. Cars and SUVs were jammed into the neighboring parking area. The overflow was parked on both sides of the road for as far as she could see, given the next curve in the road.
Nick parked on the shoulder. “Needless to say, this place is no secret. I hope you’re willing to wait.”
