One Bossy Dare

“Hula dancing then.”

“...which is usually on the beach.”

“Um, golf? Fore!” She yells it, her hands cupped over her mouth.

I try not to laugh.

“You find golf boring.”

“Ugh, okay. Then I can just sit around sipping mocktails and Instagramming and watching the sunrise from Mauna Kea? How about that?”

“You’re going to climb a volcano?” I stare at her incredulously. “Also, they get snow up there. Unless your mocktails are the campfire kind in a thermos, they’ll freeze faster than you.”

“Dad, you’re ruining my whole vibe,” she hisses. “And I bet you’re going to Hawaii to stay in an office. Don’t judge my extracurriculars.”

Fair enough.

“There’s plenty to do that’s not on the beach and you know it. You’re just being a dad.”

“Well, I am a dad.” I give her a lazy smile.

“Ugh, I know, but it’s okay. I’m okay. I just—I can’t hide from the beach my whole life because Mom died a long time ago, all right? I like sea creatures. Remember, marine biology? Seals?”

“You’re right. I’ll have to check what islands the Monk seals are on.” I inhale slowly, knowing full well the rare seals are the least of our worries. “Destiny, I hope you understand I’ve been trying to protect you. I also know you’re right. I have to let you move on in your own way—if you’re ready.”

She studies me for a long minute.

I’m sure she can’t believe her own ears.

“Dad...are you sure you’re okay? If—” She stops and sighs. “If you don’t think you can do this, it’s fine. There has to be someone else who can close the deal for you.”

Do I look that forlorn?

She might be onto something.

What if it’s not Destiny I’m worried about?

What if I’m not ready to face old ghosts?

I shift my weight restlessly on the bed, pushing down the bile at the bottom of my throat.

Aster and I had so many issues. We never got a chance to work through them when her life ended so abruptly. Who the hell knows how it would’ve gone down in the end.

But if Destiny can handle this—if she’s ready and she’s not too broken—so can I.

“I’m fine, little bee,” I whisper sharply.

“For real?” She lays a hand on my shoulder, her slim fingers pressing into my skin.

“Yeah. Let’s do this.”

“Right on! I bet we’ll both have an awesome time.” She offers me a determined smile.

I want to believe her so badly.

We’ll be spending time in Hawaii for very different reasons. I’ll be working my dick off the whole time, running after sourcing and logistics and hopping on conference calls with people from Winthrope.

I shouldn’t even have time to dwell on Aster’s lifeless body—or how nasty, brutish, and short life can be, in the immortal words of Hobbes.

Still, I know one thing.

This isn’t a happy homecoming to a vacation place I’ve avoided for ages.

I can never look at the Kona house the same way again, even if I can’t let rotten memories keep me from revisiting paradise.

It’s been ten goddamned years.

Also, I should be inspecting the farms myself where our Kona beans are harvested—the crown jewel in our operation since Wired Cup was Noble Bean—rather than trusting everything to agri-management.

I have a strong team of the best people, but a personal touch never hurt any CEO.

“Dad?” Destiny’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“Huh?”

“When do we leave?” she asks, practically bouncing on the bed.

“Soon. I’ll forward you the flight schedule. Go ahead and start getting packed. I need to throw a suitcase together and email my team so they can be ready, too.” I stand and stretch my legs, ready to leave.

“Hey, wait...if I wanted to try the beach, do you think I could?” she asks in a small voice.

I turn back to face her.

“Absolutely. The Kona house is right off a fantastic stretch of shore. If you want to go swimming, be my guest.” I pause. “Though I’d rather you go when I can be there with you the first time, Destiny. Just to make sure you have everything you need.”

I hate how my stomach curdles.

The idea of Destiny going to the beach by herself and being run over with a rush of memories is more than I can stand.

“Well, I may not go at all. We’ll see. Just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t freak if I did.”

“We’re good. I promise. I’m glad you’re ready for this,” I say, shooting her a warm smile. “Life’s too short to let fears keep robbing us from a good time.”

For some reason, as I’m saying it, Miss Angelo stuffing that cookie into my mouth flashes through my head.

She’s essential on this trip.

The campfire coffee is hers, and she’ll be involved with producing a special derivative drink for the high-end resorts. Still, I need to be cautious.

It’s all too easy to lose my head when I’m with her and turn into an overgrown bear rather than a professional.