It's All Relative(67)

Looking relieved that he finally had someone, Gran would often switch the conversation to her second favorite topic—Kai’s job. She always asked him how he was fitting in there, if he liked it, if he got along with his boss. And she always gave him an odd look when she asked about Mason. With a bright smile, Kai always told her things were great and he was very happy. True, his boss still hadn’t warmed to Kai, and he really wasn’t sure what he was doing wrong, but he didn’t need to worry Gran with his work woes.

She always looked even more relieved after he told her that, like a weight had been lifted from her frail shoulders. When he thought to ask her why one evening, she shifted the conversation again, but this time to Kai’s dad. “He misses you so much, dear.” Lifting a gray eyebrow, she softly added, “You know, if you ever did become unhappy here, he would surely find a spot for you at the research reserve. You could work with your father every day…and with Leilani, of course.” Her lips twisted after mentioning Kai’s mother.

Her suggestion surprised Kai. For one, his father hadn’t sounded like he missed Kai all that much the last few times they’d talked. The sudden distance between them bothered Kai. He didn’t know why it was there. He was hoping it was just that his dad wasn’t dealing with the separation as well as his mom. If calling him at all hours of the day and sending him care packages that included things like deodorant and shaving cream was handling it well. But Kai didn’t like the edge he’d heard in his dad’s voice recently, and he didn’t know what to do about it, especially from here. Maybe when he went home for Christmas they could have a sit down, talk things out.

Focusing on his grandmother’s second statement, Kai raised an eyebrow. “You want me to go back to Hawaii? Are you trying to get rid of me?”

The old woman gave him a loving smile as she shook her head. Placing a wrinkled hand over his smooth one, she said, “No, dear, I love having you here.” She sighed; it was a much sadder sound than the conversation warranted. “I just want you to be happy.”

Looking down at the ground, thinking of his cousin, Kai whispered, “I am happy here.” Even if being around Jessie was torturous at times, it still filled Kai with a feeling that could only be described as happiness.

That happiness lasted right up to his date night, then it became muddled with uncertainty. As he rode his bike to April’s place, he started wondering if Jessie would be there or if she would go out, to avoid the strangeness of him picking up another woman right in front of her. He hoped April wasn’t too hands-on if Jessie did happen to be around, but he couldn’t ask her not to flirt, and Jessie couldn’t ask her not to flirt. Neither one of them had a good reason to tell April to be respectful of Jessie’s feelings. There was just no way to bring up what was going on between them without grossing everybody out and embarrassing them both. It was best to stay silent.

Taking his helmet off once he stopped the bike, Kai took a moment to appreciate the clear, beautiful, early afternoon sky. The mountains in the distance created the perfect backdrop for the looming city spread out around him. The bustle of human life reached his ears along with the singsong of birds and the occasional yap of a nearby dog. It wasn’t like Hawaii, but Colorado was growing on him. Once he adjusted to the temperature, he thought he could be right at home here.

Smiling at the thought of sharing Jessie’s hometown with her, Kai lifted the messenger bag slung across his chest, and laid it on the ground next to his bike. That was one of the downfalls of driving a motorcycle—no trunk space—but he’d managed to finagle everything he needed for a decent meal into the bag, even a bottle of wine.

Letting out a quick exhale, Kai worked on calming his nerves as he walked to the front door. Jessie’s truck being in the drive wasn’t helping. She was here. She would come out to say hello, to be polite to her cousin, and then she’d watch him drive off without her. Kai imagined that was going to hurt, and as he knocked on the door, he wished Jessie had stayed away for this. She shouldn’t have to see this.

The door opened wide, and Kai smiled at seeing April standing there. She was very pretty. Given a different set of circumstances, Kai probably would have enjoyed going on a date with her. Having taken his advice, April had layered a couple of long-sleeved T-shirts over a pair of tight, stretchy denims. Her hair was perfectly styled, every strand in its place, and her makeup was meticulous. While she looked amazing, Kai was worried that she wouldn’t approve of a helmet potentially ruining the smooth, low ponytail she had her hair in.

“Kai! Hello!” Leaning forward, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Kai looked down for a second, conflicted. He didn’t want to be attracted to April, but he was a man, and her attention was enjoyable. And that made him feel guilty. He felt even guiltier when he looked up and saw Jessie, a few steps behind April, watching them. As April pulled him into the house by his arm, he locked gazes with Jessie. Not able to control it, he stared at her longingly. If he hadn’t agreed to this, he would tell April that he really wanted to go out with his cousin tonight, not her. But this was what Jessie wanted, what they both needed.

He watched Jessie swallow and give him a slight nod. “Hi, Kai.”

Trying to keep the wistfulness in his face out of his voice, he told her, “Hi, Jessie.” By the way Jessie’s eyes watered, he wasn’t quite sure if he’d succeeded.