The Ohana Cottage

“You really don’t have to do this,” Mia tells me as I help her lie down and pull the covers over her. She lies on her back, eyes still closed, and she raises her hands to her forehead.

“Is it normal to still feel like I’m on a boat? Like the world is still moving?”

“Yeah, that’s normal,” I tell her regretfully as I sit on the side of the bed.

“I’m so sorry, John. I feel so bad. Today was a big deal for you, and I went and ruined it by puking everywhere. If I hadn’t gotten sick, you would still be out there.”

“Don’t apologize. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” It’s true. Screw fishing... as much fun as it was today, it was only that enjoyable for me because Mia was there.

“Please apologize to Brian and Matt for me.”

“I will… you did that several times already, though.” I hand her a cracker, and she takes a tiny nibble.

“Ugh. Will you talk to me? It’ll take my mind off being nauseous.”

I think for a second, and then say the thing that’s been on the tip of my tongue for the past couple days. “Um, well, I'm just throwing this out there, but… nobody’s booked the cottage after you. It’ll be empty for three weeks after you leave. Just letting you know in case you were interested in extending your stay.”

Her eyes fly open, search immediately for mine, and then she moans, shakes her head and closes them again.

“Just think about it. No pressure.”

Her lips curve up into a small smile, eyes still closed, “I knew you liked me.”

I chuckle. I grab her hand and stare at her, taking advantage of her closed eyes. I’ve never considered myself a lucky person, but I just might be changing my mind. I wonder how I got so lucky that out of all the Airbnbs in Hawaii, she chose mine.

“Yes, you did.”