“But your beaches are better.”
“True. I got a property right on the beach in Haleiwa. Bit of a drive to get to Honolulu, but worth it.”
“Heleiwa. That's on the north shore of the island, right?”
“Yup. You been there?”
“A long time ago.” As in fifty years ago.
Or was it longer? I had gone to see Elvis in concert. Let's see, that would have been 1957, I think. Most people know about his concert there in the 70s, but I saw his first performance in Hawaii. Elvis arrived in the islands on a Navy ship out of L.A. and he performed at the old Honolulu Stadium. It was the last concert he did before enlisting in the Army.
“Ms. Hermokrates?”
“Huh?” I lifted my brows.
“I think I lost ya for a sec.” Mr. Chang chuckled. “Thinking about Hawaii?”
“Yes, actually. I should go back.”
“Well, if you do, give me a call.” He pulled out his wallet, then fished out a business card, and handed it over. It read: Kaleo Chang, Restaurateur. Then he handed over a black American Express card.
“Thank you,” I said as I took them both. “You own restaurants?”
“Yeah, several. We've done well. I'm actually here to look at a restaurant for sale.” He paused. “Hey, uh, you wouldn't want to join me for dinner tonight? It would be partially work for me. I'm checking out the dining service and the food of the place I'm thinking about buying, but I promise not to be a boring date.”
I stared at him.
“I'm sorry.” Mr. Chang held up his hands. “I didn't mean to be creepy.”
“No, not at all. I was just trying to remember if I had anything planned for tonight. I don't think so, but can I check my book first?”
“Yeah, of course.” He followed me out of the storeroom.
“Jenny, could you wrap this up for Mr. Chang, please?” I passed the mask to Jenny.
“Absolutely.” Jenny hurried back into the storeroom to box the mask.
“One moment, please, Mr. Chang. I'll ring you up and check on my schedule.”
“Call me Kaleo.”
“And please call me Lora.” I nodded and went into my office. I already knew I was free that evening. I just needed some time to think. And get past my insane infatuation with Rune Demos. It had been a week, and he had made it clear that he didn't want to share. He wasn't coming back. Now, here I was, handed a handsome opportunity on a plate. Kaleo could help me move on.
I ran his card, got the paperwork together, and made a show of checking my date book because I knew he could see me through the office window.
“Kaleo?” I called to him from the open door.
“We good?” He came over.
“Yes.” I waved at the seat before my desk. “Please. And here, let me take your mug.”
Kaleo gave me his coffee mug and sat down to sign the receipt and the paperwork. I folded his copies up and placed them in an envelope before handing them over. With business over, he stood up and grinned.
“You busy tonight?” he said with a knowing grin.
“No, actually. I'm free. What time is your reservation?”
“Really? Great! Uh, it's for 6.” He winced. “I'm an early eater. Is that all right?”
