“We could postpone,” Everett whispers to me.
“No,” I reply in a harsh breath.
“He’s trying to make amends, Lizzie. Let’s take the chance.”
Everett did something I never imagined he would do. “Sir, we would love to join you for supper tonight. Lizzie was just saying how wonderful the casserole came out.”
“Why, I never!” My exasperation is uncontrollable in response to this uncomfortable “peace offering.”
“Something seems awry with your father. I’ll make it up to you. I promise, doll-face.” It’s hard to say no to his big green eyes when they’re staring at me like that, but he can clearly see how furious I am that he jumped at my father’s first invitation. It’s the least he deserves now—the very least. The only thing that’s off about Dad is the rude plan he probably has up his sleeve to trap Everett and threaten him to stay away from me.
“Just wonderful,” I mumble, swiveling out of the car. “Tomorrow morning, we’ll go up to Puu Ualakaa Lookout to have breakfast at sunrise like we’ve been discussing. How does that sound?”
It sounds like an enchanting distraction from this infuriating moment, but we have been talking about a sunrise picnic for weeks now, and I would love the opportunity with him. I all but groan before responding with cordiality. “All right, Mr. Hollywood. You win this time, but next time—”
“I can never win more than I’ve already won, gorgeous,” he says, reaching out to take my hand. He’s unashamed to walk into my house, claiming me as his even with my father inside.
Once inside, Dad pulls out the two extra chairs at the table. “Your brothers won’t be home in time for dinner. They had a drill to tend to.” I suppose this could be the reason Dad wanted us to eat with him. No one wants to dine alone. I can’t blame him, I guess, but he made his bed in this situation.
“A drill?” Everett asks, removing his cap while brushing the soil from his shoes on the entryway mat.
“Yes,” Dad responds.
Everett and Dad exchange a look I can’t decipher and one I don’t care to see. “Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Of course,” Dad says without skipping a beat. His eyes tell a different story, one he doesn’t think I can interpret, but there’s something on his mind, and he’s nervous about whatever it might be.
Everett doesn’t appear to be the slightest bit nervous, and yet I feel the need to go powder my nose because of the perspiration creeping up my neck. With a deep inhale through my nose and a slow exhale out my mouth, I do what I can to calm myself. I go to the cabinets to gather enough plates for the three of us, but as I place the china down onto the table, Dad stands up. “Elizabeth, sit down. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“I’m happy to help, Sir,” Everett offers.
“No, no, I’m all set. Thank you, son.”
Son.I smell a rat.
It doesn’t take long before we’re all sitting across from one another at the table, preparing to take our first bites. “How are things going here for you on this base, Lieutenant Anderson? I’ve heard nothing but wonderful feedback on the Army Air Corps program so far. It seems you men have everything in great working order.”
Small talk. Is that what this is? A way to waste time while we eat our meals so Dad can speed up to the part of the night where he sends Everett home. “The men in my squadron are super. We all get along just fine and have made a lot of progress with training over the last few months.”
“Good, good, I’m glad to hear it.” Dad takes a few bites of the casserole, and Everett follows his every move as inferior rank will do no matter the situation. “It’s a relief to know this base is becoming well rounded with expertise and support. Are you enjoying Oahu so far?”
This chatter is the most I’ve heard Dad speak in weeks, and I wish I could figure out the meaning behind this ploy.
“Oh yes, I’m very fond of the island. It’s much different from the last couple of places I trained. The scenery is unsurpassable here.” Everett throws me a spry glance and wink as Dad peers down to scoop up another bite. This charmer doesn’t miss an opportunity to make me blush. It’s as if he has a goal count set for the day. After spending months with Everett, my feelings, desire, and yearning to be with him has only grown.
“It is a wonderful place to live, isn’t it, Elizabeth?” Ah, Dad’s intention is crystal clear. This unexpected supper is his opportunity to discuss the decision I have less than a week to make. The hospital in Boston and the hospital here offered me a position to join their staff after the new year which is a month from now. However, I owe my decision to the chosen hospital three weeks before a start date.
“Of course,” I reply, taking my turn to fill my mouth with food.
“There aren’t many places in the United States where you find perfect year-round temperatures. In fact, I’m not sure I could settle down elsewhere after living here for so long. To imagine a life where the beach is more than a few minutes away or the temperatures fall below thirty degrees, I often wonder how people live in those conditions.”
The temptation to clear my throat in response to the amount of bologna coming from Dad’s mouth is astounding. We have gone on vacations to see snow-covered mountain-tops, and he hates the beach. In fact, he would be much happier if I never went to the beach here at all, and I don’t have a clue why that is.
“Oh, it’s not all that bad, Sir. Every part of this country has its pros and cons, I suppose. Though I might agree that Hawaii is hard to compete with in terms of perfect weather and scenery.”
“Precisely,” Dad says.
“Imagine wanting to move to New England in the dead of winter. Only a fool would be—”
