I see clouds in his eyes. He isn’t overjoyed by my answer, but it’s so much so quickly. I have to give myself time to be smart about this.
He nods. “I won’t push—at least not yet. But I want to spend the day with you tomorrow before you go. What do you want to do? We can go wine tasting. We can become tourists in our own city. Go for a boat ride. It’s a little cold to go to the beach, but we can do that. Or we can just be naked in bed. You tell me. What do you want to do?”
He just makes it impossible to fight him. “I’m kind of liking that last option for at least part of the day.”
“Then we’ll need another box of condoms.”
Chapter 25
Corrine
On Monday morning, the plane takes off as planned, and I settle back in my seat. I’m still happy, confused, scared, and concerned. So much is happening so fast. In some ways, this is what it felt like when my mom went away. It was crazy around the house, and then it changed forever.
Yesterday with Jackson was nice. It wasn’t forced. We went out to breakfast, with Ben close by. Then we walked down the hill to Pier 39 and wandered in and out of all the stalls on the wharf. It was mostly full of tourists, and it’s easy to forget it’s there, but it was quite fun. The office was still closed for cleanup, so we both did some work from the apartment in the afternoon. He gave me a list of things I’ll probably need once I get to Maui. I packed, and then we made love all evening until we collapsed. Then what seemed about ten minutes later, my alarm went off.
Matt, the pilot, could only get a landing time for just before nine, so that meant an early departure for me, but at least I’ll be online on the plane and working as everyone comes into the office back in San Francisco. Jackson will work with HR to get the temp up and running today, and maybe with her handling the phones and keeping him on his schedule, he might be okay.
The flight attendant puts a small glass of orange juice in front of me. “Would you like some breakfast?”
“Just some fruit and yogurt, if you have it.”
She nods. “We have both.”
My email is quiet, but my cell phone pings.
Jackson: I miss you already.
I miss him, too. I debate telling him and decide, why not?
Me: Miss you, too.
He probably won’t be able to visit as often as he thinks, but I’m hopeful—we have to spend time together if we’re going to see if we actually have a future—and we did agree to talk every day. Gabby and Damien are talking about coming next weekend, which would be a blast.
I lean back in my chair as the morning news plays, and before I realize it, the flight attendant is telling me we’ve landed.
Just after we touch down at the Kahalui airport, Brian pulls up with a Range Rover. He’s relaxed, in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt.
“Welcome to Hawaii,” he says.
“Thank you.” I smile. “You look like you’re enjoying the Hawaiian life.”
“We are. Thank you for allowing my wife and sons to join us.”
“Of course. I suspect you’ll be bored with just me overseeing the renovations.”
“I have plenty to keep me busy. I have a long list of things Jim and Jackson want done at the house.”
“I’m meeting with Jason Crier…” I look at my watch and subtract the three-hour time difference with San Francisco. “In about an hour and a half.”
He nods. “We’re doing some background checks on some of the candidates for the majordomo position. We have a few that look interesting.”
“Good. I look forward to those. How are the renovations coming from your perspective? I know it’s only been two weeks, but they seemed a little slow.”
“You know how Hawaiians like to take it easy,” he says. “I tell you, they’ve got it figured out.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure I disagree.”
We arrive at the estate, and Jason and Leilani come out to greet me. “Aloha! Welcome back!”
“And you thought you wouldn’t be coming back,” Leilani teases.
“If Jason hadn’t received such a spectacular job offer from the city, I probably wouldn’t be here.”
“Well, I, for one, am delighted you’re here. It’s much more fun having you around.” Leilani pulls me into a light embrace.
“You’re very sweet.” I turn to Brian. “Can you have the houseman put my bags in the same room as I was in before?”
He looks at me, startled. “Of course. But you are welcome to stay in the master.”
“Well, I suspect Mr. Graham will be staying there when he comes.”
He exchanges a look with Leilani. “Of course. Good thinking.”
“I need to check in with the office. They have a temp taking over my position today, but I’d also love your scramble, if you have time.”
“I’ll make that right up.” Leilani immediately begins to move around the kitchen, pulling things out. “The chickens have been generous lately, so we have lots of eggs.”
I head to the library, which I will use as my office while I’m here, and call San Francisco.
The phone rings three times. I’ve always tried to answer in one ring, but there are times the phone is just crazy busy. “Hello? Jackson Graham’s office.”
“Hi there. This is Corrine Woods. How is it going so far?”
She seems reluctant to give me much information. “Fine…”
“You’re sitting at my desk while I’m working on a project.” I offer as a subtle reminder.
“Oooookay. Did you need something?” She isn’t putting together my name and my desk.
