“Oh, no doubt, beautiful. Without a doubt, I’ll be here for you. Men like Kai are weak and lacking in a lot of areas of their lives. They try and mask their weaknesses and pose as an alpha male when they’re nothing but a pussy—excuse my language.” We completed our first block. I stopped in front of Elmo’s frozen yogurt shop and held the door open for her. She smiled like a kid in a candy store.
“Why did we stop here… not that I’m not grateful?” she asked, wandering quickly over to the toppings case.
“Well, seeing as we left your party early, and I noticed you have an obsession for frozen treats, I figured I could treat you to your favorites.”
“You are so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you so much, Pryde!” she stated excitedly and hugged me.
“You’re welcome, beautiful.”
We strolled around the store and placed a few different toppings on our frozen yogurt. I paid for our frozen treats; then we continued to walk and talk the rest of the way to her place. Creek’s smile was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Even the most sought-after diamond couldn’t compare to it. The Sun God, Tayo, agreed she was a thing of beauty. I trusted his opinion because his wife, Dreya, was absolutely one of the most beautiful women in the world. We walked up the two stairs that led to her small, cottage-like house, and she unlocked the door. Creek turned and faced me as we gave each other goodnight hugs.
“Goodnight, beautiful. I’ll pick you up from here tomorrow at seven just in case you try and stand me up,” I announced. Taking a chance, I stepped forward, invaded her space, and kissed the side of her cheek. Her skin was so soft and supple. It was evident she never missed a day in her skincare routine. Creek’s body was plush and toned in all the right areas, revealing to me thatI'd never regret a day of waking up to her in my arms. When I stepped back in place, a girlish grin revealed her deep dimples.
“I wouldn’t dare, handsome. Goodnight, Pryde, and thank you for being so thoughtful. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She paused, then questioned, “Before you leave, should I dress up or dress down?”
“Hmm.” I smiled at her and playfully teased her like I was in deep thought. “Dress down, baby girl. Prepare for a night of fun.”
“Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow, love,” Creek sang. She closed and locked her door behind her, and I walked back to the hotel with a pep in my step, looking forward to tomorrow.
Chapter 3
Creek Waters
The next day, when I woke up, I was too excited for my date with Pryde to sleep the day away. Plus, I had a surfing competition coming up in a few weeks, so I needed to get some practice in before our date tonight. I got up and took a quick shower, then placed my hair in a high bun before I pulled on my white, short-sleeved, one-piece short suit with pink flowers and green leaves all over. When I was all zipped up and liked what I saw in my full-length mirror, I slipped into my designer slides Healani’s parents got me for my birthday last year, then headed to my car. While I drove to the beach, I thought about spending quality time with Pryde outside of work. I couldn't help the Christmas morning smile that raised the arcs of my mouth when I thought about him. He really was a sweet and thoughtful guy.
Pryde was the distraction I needed from all the bad memories and irritation from Kai’s creepy ass. I appreciated his attempt last night to make me feel better after Kai ruined my birthday. It was the little things and effort that women appreciated—I know I did, for sure.
Vibing to the music, I strummed my fingers on my steering wheel as I pulled into the beach parking lot and parked. Igrabbed my phone, locked my car, and then moseyed inside of Healani’s parents’ store.
“Hey, baby girl! How are you?” Dad greeted me. He made his way from the stock he stacked on the shelves and wrapped me in a bear hug, as he’d done for years.
Mr. Kane was one of the biggest Hawaiian men on the island. He wasn't as muscular as when we were teenagers, but he was still solid with a small belly. Gray hairs had infiltrated his curly fade and mustache, and time had produced small crow lines by the corners of his eyes and mouth, but his love for me had never changed. He was the father figure I deserved.
“Hey, Dad! I’m feeling okay. How are you?” I asked him as I placed my phone and car keys in the drawer under the register like I always did.
“Pissed the hell off! As soon as I get my hands on Kai Jr., I’m going to wring his thick neck. I can’t believe what he did to you yesterday. Baby girl, how come you didn’t tell us he was bothering you all this time? You know, Mom and I would’ve been put a stop to it.” He went back to stocking the shelves with more snacks.
“That’s what I want to know?” my mom, Kelani, queried behind me.
“Hi, Mom.” I gave her a tight hug and rested my head on her shoulder.
“As great as it is to see you, my darling… I’m mad that you didn’t tell us what Junior was doing to you. How long has this foolishness been going on?” she asked, looking me in my eyes.
I chewed on my bottom lip because I knew this was about to shock them. “The truth?”
“Yes!” they shouted in unison.
“Since she first arrived at our house,” Healani stated as she walked into the store.
“That was fourteen years ago!” Dad shouted as he smacked the top of the counter. He made all three of us jump.
“I know this is upsetting and very serious, but calm down some, baby,” Mom pleaded.
“I’ll calm down some later.! You girls know better than to keep something like this away from us. Creek, when we took you in all those years ago, it wasn’t out of charity. We love you just as much as we love our biological kids. We’ve always kept an open-door policy for you all. What Junior did last night, and what he’s been doing is unacceptable and wrong. So, how do you want to go about this, baby girl? Do you want to file charges against him or not? I support your decision either way,” Dad voiced.
Everyone looked at me, but I didn’t have the heart to press charges against Kai. We were raised like sisters and brothers, and I didn’t want to bring any problems to the family.
“Sweetheart, if you’re worried about how we feel, then don’t. Junior made his bed, and he will have to pay for the consequences. Don’t let us or anyone in this town make you feel or think you were in the wrong because you’re not. I wish to God you had told us sooner. That way, we could have nipped this shit in the bud, but that’s okay, baby girl. We know now. Did you place your phone and keys in the drawer?” Mom questioned.
