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After a satisfying morning's work, I join Kai and Leilani in the roastery, where we meticulously roast the beans to perfection. The crackling sound of the roaster and the aroma of the freshly roasted beans are music to my ears. Every batch is a masterpiece of flavors waiting to be savored.
I spend the afternoons in their artisanal coffee shop, tending to the tourists, privileged to do the work I love most—creating coffee drinks and connecting with people.
In the evenings, there is still time to explore the island and immerse myself in its natural beauty. The days are long here. I take short hikes through lush rainforests, swim in crystal-clear waters, and bask in the warm embrace of the setting sun on secluded beaches.
Life in Hawaii is slower, more wholesome, and I've come to appreciate the simple joys it offers.
Despite the beauty of my environment and the fulfillment I find in the work, thoughts of Brando still linger. I mourn the loss of our relationship. The pain of losing him is like a constant companion, a shadow that lingers.
But he will become a father again, and I can’t stand in the way of his child’s happiness. It is best that I removed myself from his life, not only for his unborn child’s sake, but also for Addison’s.
I wish things could be different. But unfortunately, love is sometimes not enough.
In the evenings, I sit under a canopy of stars, sipping on a cup of tea and planning my next steps. I can't help but smile, knowing that this is where I belong.
With every passing day, I like this place more and more—its people, its culture, and its sense of community. There are no big corporations here, no reminders of the life I left behind in the city. It's just me, the coffee, and the freedom to start anew.
While working in Kai and Leilani’s shop, I've been thinking about opening one of my own, right here where the beans are grown. With the money from the sale of my building, I'd have enough capital to start a new shop and carve out a fresh path for myself.
The thought excites me. There is no better coffee bean than the freshly harvested one. Brewing it this close to the source gives the coffee a unique vibrancy and brightness, impossible to replicate otherwise.
I wipe down the last table in the coffee shop, preparing to close up for the day. The warm Hawaiian breeze drifts through the open windows, carrying the scent of the ocean air. The soft hum of the espresso machine, the smell of freshly ground beans, and the familiar faces of my regulars all weave together into a comforting atmosphere.
I remember the first day I started working at the farm. I was nervous and unsure of myself, but the friendly faces and warm atmosphere quickly put me at ease. Over time, I've come to know my repeat customers by name, and I've even learned some of their favorite drinks by heart. The tourists stay for a couple of weeks, and then they move on. But while they are on Kona, they are my regulars, coming for their coffee fix without fail. It's a small, but meaningful way to connect with the people in my community.
As I sling my apron over the chair, I wonder how long this sanctuary will last. The rain season is in full swing, and I've noticed a decline in customers over the past weeks. But I take pride in my work and the role I play in creating a welcoming space.
“See you tomorrow, Ana,” says my coworker, Nalani, waving from behind the counter. I give her a small smile and a wave before heading in the opposite direction.
As I turn around, I notice Brando sitting at a table in the far corner, his arms crossed over his chest, looking at me with those earnest eyes that used to make my heart flutter. His hazel eyes lock onto mine, and I feel like a deer caught in headlights. I don’t want to talk to him, especially now that I have regained a sense of normalcy, but there's something magnetic about his presence.
My heart flutters, the memories of our past flooding my mind. I try to avoid his gaze, pretending to be busy with closing tasks, hoping he'll take the hint and leave. But deep down, I know that won't happen. Brando has always been persistent, and he's come all this way for a reason.
I can feel him approaching me as I stand behind the counter, avoiding eye contact. “Ana,” he says softly. His heavy gaze prickles my skin.
I swallow, my heart scurrying like water over rocks. There is a sizzle in the air, and I force myself to smile and respond coolly, “Brando, it's been a while. What brings you to Hawaii?”
He hesitates for a moment. “Addison misses you,” he grinds out. His eyes darken as he rakes his gaze over my form. “And so do I.”
His voice is low and strained, like a lion waiting to pounce on his prey. His proximity makes me tingle from head to toe, and I step further behind the counter, hoping to create distance between us. He smiles at my sorry attempt to evade him and circles around the counter, his large frame casting a shadow over me.
“Things got complicated,” I offer weakly as I look up at him.
“Stop running, woman. Hear what I have to tell you.”
His voice is firm and demanding. I know he won’t take no for an answer, and I decide to hear him out.
“Fine,” I sigh and fold my arms. “But you shouldn’t have come all the way here.”
“And let you hide out on a coffee farm forever? It’s certainly your prerogative, but you should know that the paternity test came back negative,” he continues, searching for my eyes, which I keep glued to my toes.
“I don't want to hear about it,” I mumble impulsively, my heart thumping wildly.
He steps closer. “That doesn’t interest you?” he asks as he puts his hand on my waist, pulling me to him. “Now, listen to me. I won’t allow this to come between us. Yes, Veronica and I were lovers, but that was before I even knew you existed. Once you came into my life, I ended things with her. Even before I knew that you would have me.” He cups my chin, forcing me to look at him. His touch is warm and comforting, familiar, and I hate myself for liking it this much.
“When Veronica announced that she was pregnant, I was certain that the child was mine. The timing was right. But as it turns out, it is not my kid. I want you to know that even if the baby was mine, there would have been no future with Veronica either way, not like there is with you. We would have worked out a custody arrangement, and I would have been a willing father to my child. I would have made sure that Addison had a relationship with them. But I am not the man for Veronica.”
Tears are blurring my vision. He leans down and gently brushes his lips over mine.
