“Mahalo, Makana, Nali,” Leo smiles. “It’s always a pleasure being here.”
Makana waves a key card across the sensor on the door behind her and pushes open the double doors to the room. “Please, comein.”
The spacious suite is a tropical retreat, featuring rich, darkKo’awood furniture accented with woven rattan and bamboo details. The cushions are patterned with hibiscus, plumeria, and lush foliage. The walls are adorned with vibrant, original paintings of the Hawaiian waters with the sun setting. On the private lanai, there are teak chaise lounges.
To the left is a small kitchen with open cabinets for easy access to dishes and glassware. A variety of small appliances sit on the countertop. A basket of fresh tropical fruits, adorned with a big red bow, welcomes guests to enjoy a taste of Hawai’i.
Victor walks further into the living room, over to the large window. Looking out the window, he can see the beach. A couple of dozen blue and white beach umbrellas are placed neatly next to each other with a set of chairs under each. Further in the distance, he can see Molokini Crater.
“We’re in Maui,” Victor says with amazement. “How did you know this was one of my favorite places in Hawai’i?”
“You mentioned how you enjoyed your layovers here. Lucky for you, wealsohave a hotel here,” Leo replies.
Nali walks over to the kitchen. “We have the kitchen fully stocked for you, and your massage appointment has been scheduled for later today on the lanai.”
Makana walks over and opens the double doors to the bedroom. “Your belongings will be here shortly, and your suits can be picked up at the cleaners in an hour.”
Nali and Makana walk to the front door. Makana turns around and says, “Please let us know if you would like anything else.”
“The luau is at 7 p.m. I made sure you got your favorite seats, Mr. Oliveira,” Nali mentions.
“Mahalo,” Leo says as the women leave the room. “So, what do you think?” he asks Victor.
Victor looks around and notices there is only one bedroom in their suite. “Are we sharing a room?”
“Yes. Will it be a problem?” Leo questions.
“I mean, we’ve always had two rooms everywhere we went. You don’t think it won’t be tempting to sleep together?” Victor asks.
Leo shrugs his shoulders as he puts his hands in his pockets. “I mean, yes, it’s a considerable risk. However, we’ve slept in the same bed many times already. Also, it’s a massive king-size bed. And, if I have to, I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“I’m not going to let you do that,” Victor remarks.
Leo walks past Victor to the bedroom. “Fine. Then you can sleep on the couch.”
Victor’s jaw drops. “Ouch.” He follows Leo into the bedroom.He stops once he walks in, amazed at the size. “I didn’t realize how large this room is. It’s almost as big as my apartment.”He looks out the window with an unobstructed view of the sapphire waters below. Victor walks over to a small silver suitcase. “Is this one mine?” Leo nods in response. Victor opens it and examines its contents. “Looks like you packed light. There’s no swimsuit.”
“We don’t need one,” Leo responds as he draws back large curtains on the other side of the room, revealing a balcony with a raised hot tub, perfect for soaking in. A set of chairs and a small table sit in the corner.
“But what if we want to go snorkeling?” Victor inquires.
“If we have time for snorkeling, then I’ll get us some swimsuits,” Leo comments.
“So, are we just here on vacation, or is this a business-slash-pleasure trip?” Victor asks as he unpacks.
“Well, practicing your magic with a large source of that element is best,” Leo explains. “And Hawai’i sits in the middle of the Ring of Fire that circles the Pacific. Plus, I enjoy feeling that the goddess Pele is helping provide the source.”
“Is Pele real?” Victor asks with skepticism.
Leo looks back at Victor. He gives him a wink before walking back into the living room.
Victor follows a few steps behind.
Leo walks into the kitchen and collects some fruitfrom the welcome basket and a knife from the counter. “Today, and maybe tomorrow, we will just relax, my young empath. You have been through a lot, and I think you deserve a break.” Leo starts cutting up fresh pineapple. “Would you like a drink?”
Victor plops down on the couch and turns on the TV. “Sure.”
There’s a knock at the door.
