“Yeah.” Kelsey picked up her burger, then studied him like a sudden science experiment. “I think you’d like her if you didn’t act so ... dad about it.”
He raised a brow. “Dad about it?”
“You know.” She smirked. “All serious and business-y. Acting like you’re judging her lessons and her lifestyle. She’s showing me all this new stuff that makes me really ...”
She trailed off, and Everett practically leaned in with anticipation. “Really what, Kels?”
A half shrug. “Happy. I like it here. Maybe you should learn surfing, too.”
Her words were like an explosion he didn’t know how to protect himself from. Knowing he was missing all these changes while the space between them widened was like a slash of a knife.
His hotel was back on schedule, but he’d missed something so much bigger.
Before he could respond, she began chattering again. “Rowan said we’ll start practicing at Threes, but eventually, if the wind’s clean, we might go to the North Shore. Real waves, Dad. Not just the kiddie ones. I’ll totally wipe out, but it’ll be epic.”
He stared at her, caught between pride and panic. “The North Shore, huh?”
“Yeah.” She bounced up and down on the stool, eyes blazing. “It’s where the big sets live. And I wanna see if I can catch just one.”
“I don’t think—”
“But first I need to cut my teeth on Threes before North Shore. Brie said if I extend my practice time I can get to North Shore faster, so I’m going to do that.”
“More surfing? That’s all you do. Don’t you want to, uh, go shopping and touring or something else?”
The light dimmed. He literally sensed her retreat as she focused on her plate. “No. Surfing is all I want to do. You should understand. Just think of it as your work.”
His breath almost left his lungs but Everett couldn’t scold her. She’d said the words like fact, not like an insult. If he kept this routine up, they’d return to the city destroyed rather than closer, like he’d imagined. “Maybe I can come watch you again,” he offered. “See all these amazing moves Rowan’s teaching you.”
“You’re too busy. Remember last time?” She ate her burger while his phone shook and buzzed. Her glance was full of a wary expectation he didn’t like.
Everett knew he had to do something different and show up for his daughter. “Well, I have a surprise for you. I’m booking tickets to go to a luau.”
She looked up with interest, but not outright excitement. Her expression made his heart sink a few notches. “But I wanted to go with Rowan so we could see her cousin Howie. I can go just with her if you’re too busy.”
His temper spiked. Was Rowan filling his daughter’s mind with stuff that made him the villain? Who knew what they talked about when they surfed! He and Rowan had been forming a deeper bond, he thought, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe she was simply playing him while she talked shit to his kid.
“No. I’m going with you, Kels. And I’m inviting Rowan to join us for Saturday night.”
Kelsey paused, obviously surprised. “For real? No canceling last minute?”
His chest ached but he deserved the doubt. “No. I promise. I’m looking forward to it.”
Her smile was tentative but real. Everett clung to it and swore no matter what happened, he’d be at a hundred percent on Saturday.
And he’d have a chat with Rowan. It was time to get more information from the woman stealing his daughter’s heart.
Chapter Fifteen
Everett walked into the luau, overwhelmed by the colorful chaos that hit from all corners.
Drums rolled across the night like thunder over water. Torches spit fire into the descending shadows of sunset. A roasted pig smoked under banana leaves, and the scents of salt and spice filled his nostrils. People dressed in vivid floral patterns gathered in various groups.
He spotted a circle of kids and adults weaving fronds and fresh flowers. Cocktails of fruity punch were offered by servers, some spiked with rum and some nonalcoholic. Temporary tattoos were being bestowed by two young men with massive bare chests. Women with grass skirts and flowered bras lectured tour groups on the history of the luau and the food they’d sample at the feast.
Kelsey bounced from station to station, sipping her punch and clutching Rowan’s hand. Everett followed with amusement. He enjoyed watching them together, but he needed to have a serious conversation with Rowan and make sure she wasn’t overstepping boundaries.
He wished she didn’t look so beautiful tonight.
