I have to hand it to Cash. He knows the best spots and tons of stories I didn’t know. He’s also interactive, making us look over the side to admire the shipwrecks and the sea turtles. I’m equally impressed when he pulls out lunch and feeds us, all the while maintaining his tour.
He’s fun and engaging. Easy to understand. Cash makes the boring parts fun and I’m definitely impressed. By the time we head back to shore a few hours later, Cash not stopping hishosting duties until we’re tied in, I know a lot more about the islands than I had and I’ve been living here for almost twenty years.
“Did you learn all that at your job?” I ask him.
Cash shakes his head and shrugs. “Some of it, yeah. But the library has a whole section dedicated to Kala’s history. Not just from the time when the Calloways had acquired it, but prior to that. I’ve asked my bosses why they didn’t go to some of the places we visited today, and they said it was ‘too hard’ or ‘off the well-traveled path.’ My favorite is, ‘no one will care about that.’ What they’re really saying is that they’re all too lazy to try something new.”
Onyx nods. “I can tell you that none of the drive was hard.”
Cash gestures at him as if saying, see!
“Thank you,” I tell Cash. “I appreciate being your guinea pig. I’ve already paid the boat and fuel bill and transferred you some cash.”
“Thanks,” Cash says with a smile.
“I think you should consider being your own boss and opening your own tour company.”
Cash beams at me. He looks at Lie with excitement. “Thanks. That’s what I’d like to do. I think I can do better than the ones we have, but it’s so much money.”
“You’ll get there. I’m happy to vouch for your business or offer whatever support I can.”
Cash remains smiling as Lie and I head back to the island. We have a while before the sun sets for the fireworks, so we wander around the beach and shops and see what else there is to do. I’ve visited all the islands somewhat regularly for work over the years, covering shifts and whatever.
But that’s different from simply exploring. We sample food and talk to guests. We play a disastrous game of volleyball on the beach, in which I think I bruised a hip.
Then we remain on the beach as the sun goes down, and the guests gather on the sand to watch the show that’s about to light up the sky. It’s just minutes now before we’ll be watching the first show of the year.
There are bodies everywhere. Pressing in and jostling. I hold Lie’s hand tightly in mine so he’s not caught up in the crowd and pulled away.
The fireworks begin as soon as the sun is fully down, and the sky is inky blue. The first and last shows are always the best. Always.
I let go of Lie’s hand and wrap my arm around his shoulders, tugging him to my side. I’m thankful that we can be surrounded by strangers, and for this moment, we’re an anonymous couple. Just two guys on the beach, sharing a romantic evening under the fireworks.
“This is beautiful,” Lie says, laying his head on my shoulder. “The green ones that fizzle are the best. It looks like fiery green rain falling.”
“They’re definitely a cool addition to the show,” I agree.
Lie looks up at me with a smile. The fireworks reflect in his shining eyes. “Thank you for today. It’s been amazing.”
I cup the side of his face and pull his lips to mine. The fireworks lighting up the sky feel reflective of what’s going off in my chest. Boom. Boom. Boom. I kiss Lie deeper, trying to tie my soul to his. Fuse it in the heat of the fireworks.
I’m disoriented when we’re yanked apart. I’m about to lose my shit when Nason turns on me with fury in his eyes. “What the fuck? Did you seriously lie to me so you can kiss my son?”
“Dad!” Lie says. “It’s not?—”
Nason doesn’t look at him. His anger is solely for me. Which is how I prefer it. “I’m sorry. Yes, I lied to you, but it’s not what you think.”
“What do I think, then? Please fucking tell me.”
I look at Lie, and I know there’s no getting around this tonight. “We’ve been seeing each other for a few months,” I admit.
“Are you fucking kidding me right now? How dare you touch my child! I trusted you with the most important person in my life and this is what you fucking do—seduce my son?! It ends now.” He turns and grabs Lie’s arm to haul him off.
Lie looks at me with panic before he pulls his arm away from Nason. “No, Dad. You need to listen.”
“I’ve heard enough. I’m sorry he seduced you. I thought he was my best friend.”
I wince.
