“Thanks for waiting. Mind taking us back to the hotel?” I ask the driver.
“No problem, kalani.”
“That means ‘chief’ in Hawaiian,” Aya schools me. She’s learned most Hawaiian words in school and knows I’m not well versed, so she feels the need to teach me whenever necessary.
“I know. Thank you.”
“Are we not getting that house?” Aya asks.
“It doesn’t look that way. I guess we’ll have to go find something on our own. I’m worried that the truck wasn’t there, though.”
I pull out my phone and see a missed call from Noa. Of course. I didn’t feel the damn thing vibrate. I call him back, and he picks up on the first ring.
“Dude, I am so sorry. They are having a legal issue with the house you were supposed to rent, and I don’t think that option is going to pan out. First, the realtor I was working with needs to find a new career. She didn’t tell me about the situation until an hour ago. Second, she had your stuff sent to storage and your truck sent to the hotel. I’m so sorry. I don't even know what to say. I’m friends with this woman, but I’ve never worked with her before, and I won’t be working with her again; trust me.”
“Yeah, we just showed up at the house, and there are some really classy inhabitants still there who weren’t very welcoming. It’s fine, though, but do you know where the storage unit is? I have to get some stuff out of there. We were each traveling with just a bag full of crap.”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s like a mile down the road from the hotel, so it’s close by. I’ll totally help you find another place. I know you’re not familiar with the area yet.”
“Noa, don’t worry about it. I have it under control. I’ll be fine, but thank you for trying to help.”
“You know what? I’ll see if Lea can get you a room for a few nights at the hotel. It’s the least I can do, seeing as this is my fault.”
“That would be really great. It would give me time to look around a bit, so I find a good spot for us.”
“Plus, spending more time with Kai wouldn’t be the worst thing … hint, hint. Right?”
I clear my throat and look over at Aya, who’s gazing and daydreaming out the window, probably about the same thing Noa is teasing me about. “When did I become prime bait for everyone to play matchmaker with?”
“After you turn twenty-five, you have to throw your hands up.”
“That’s insane,” I tell him.
“I know, but she’s hot, and I’m marrying her sister, and … just think … we could be brosephs for life, dude!”
“Bye, Noa.”
“See you tonight, broseph.”
“Bye, Noa.”
“Good news,” I tell Aya.
“You’re marrying Kai, and she’s going to be my new mom?” Holy shit. She’s seven, but even at that age, why would she think life moves that quickly?
“Who has gotten into your head?”
“What are you talking about? Someone can get in my head?” She wraps her arms over the top of her head, taking me literally.
“Never mind,” I laugh.
Chapter Twelve
Kai
“Kai … Kai,” I hear Lea shouting from across the pool.
I pull my sunglasses down the bridge of my nose to find out what she wants and why she needs to yell it. I put my hands out to the side questioningly, and she holds her pointer finger up while jogging toward me. She knows I can’t leave my chair while on duty, though she forgets daily.
