After Ellen explained the situation to the guests who’d arrived, she picked up the guest book and asked them to sign it. In the meantime, she found their name in Luana’s book, which also told what room the couple would be staying in. This wasn’t much different than the routine of the B&B where she worked back home.
“We’re sorry to hear Makaio’s been hurt,” said the woman, who identified herself as Sharon McIntire. “My husband and I stayed here last year and enjoyed getting to know him and his lovely wife.” Her sincere expression revealed the depth of her concern. “If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”
Ellen almost replied, “Danki,” but answered instead, “Thank you. It’s kind of you to offer.”
“You must be new here.” The man, who introduced himself as Carl, spoke up. “How long have you been working at the bed-and-breakfast?”
“I don’t officially work here. My friend and I are filling in for the owners today.” Ellen went on to explain how they’d missed the cruise ship and were staying here for the time being. “Luana and Makaio have been so kind to us. It’s the least we can do to help them out.”
They visited awhile longer, and then Ellen showed them to the Bird of Paradise Room. After leaving the couple alone to get settled in, she returned to the lanai.
Strange. I wonder where Mandy and Ken are. When Ellen peeked outside and saw Ken’s vehicle, she knew he hadn’t left. Opening the screen door and stepping into the yard, she spotted them crouched on the ground beside Luana’s bountiful garden. They seemed to be deep in conversation, so she turned and went back into the house. Ellen couldn’t help wondering how two people who barely knew each other could find much of anything to talk about.
“I can’t get over all this garden produce.” Mandy pointed to a head of butter lettuce. “It’s November. Back home, our gardens are done for the year. We don’t start planting again till spring.”
“Do you enjoy gardening?” Ken tipped his head.
She nodded enthusiastically. “I like all the fresh produce we get in the summer, but it would be even nicer if we could grow it all year.”
“It’s one of the reasons I like living on this island so much.” He fingered a cucumber. “Know what I wish?”
“What?”
“Wish I had my own organic produce business. I’d even like to try growing some things hydroponically.” Ken let go of the cucumber. “I’ve never liked working on my folks’ chicken farm that much. If my brother, Dan, was willing to take over the farm someday, I’d branch out and start my own business.” Ken’s eyes took on a faraway look.
“Isn’t he interested in your family’s business?”
Ken shrugged. “Dan’s a surfer and likes to run off to the beach every chance he gets. Course I like to surf too, but not till after my work is done each day. Speaking of the beach, have you had a chance to visit one of our beaches?”
“Not yet. Ellen and I have been busy with other things. But I would like to go when I get the chance.” When Mandy rose from the grass, she lost her balance and fell back. “Oh, my legs fell asleep.”
“Let me help you.” Ken held out his hand. Easily and quickly he stood, pulling Mandy to her feet. “Now about the beach, I’d be happy to take you there on my next day off.”
“It would be nice, but we’ll have to wait and see how things go with Makaio. Luana may need Ellen’s and my help—especially now, having guests at the B&B.” Mandy glanced at the house. “Speaking of which, I should go inside and see if Ellen got the new guests settled into their room.”
“Okay. I should get going myself. My folks will be anxious for a report. I called them from the hospital before the doctor came in and told us about Makaio’s injuries.”
“I still can’t believe he fell off the roof.”
“Accidents happen when we least expect.”
Mandy walked with Ken to his vehicle. After saying goodbye, she hurried into the house to find Ellen. It would be nice to go to the beach. I hope Ellen and I can make it there before it’s time to head home.
On the Cruise Ship
During dinner that evening, the woman who sat at Barbara’s left kept bumping her arm every time she reached into her purse to check her cell phone. Barbara tried to be patient, but then the woman picked up Barbara’s glass of iced tea and took a drink. “Oops. Sorry about that.” She set Barbara’s glass down and scooted her chair over a bit.
Barbara managed a smile. She was sure the woman hadn’t drunk from her glass on purpose.
Their waiter came by about that time and asked if he could get them anything.
“I’d like another glass of iced tea,” Barbara replied.
He nodded. “I’ll bring it with your dessert.”
The tea and slices of coconut cake arrived a short time later. As she and Sadie enjoyed their dessert, Barbara smacked her lips. “This was another delicious meal. Should we do some laundry when we’re done with dessert, or would you rather go to the lounge where the ventriloquist is performing?”
Sadie jiggled her brows playfully. “Now who would choose washing clothes over seeing a young man throw his voice?”
Barbara laughed. They’d seen the ventriloquist once before, but it would be fun to see his performance again. She and Sadie certainly needed a few laughs. Since Ellen and Mandy got left behind on Kauai, their conversations had been much too serious.
“Okay, it’s settled.” She placed her fork on the empty dessert plate and finished her iced tea. “Let’s head up to the lounge and prepare to have our funny bones tickled.”
After saying goodbye to the other people at their table, Barbara and Sadie headed for the lounge. Sadie took a deep breath and exhaled. “It’s hard to believe we’ll be in Mexico tomorrow. Our trip has gone way too fast.”
“At least we’ll be able to tour a bit before the ship sails back to Los Angeles.” Barbara paused. “It’ll seem strange, riding home on the train without our friends. We should get Mandy and Ellen’s things packed up this evening.”
“Jah. The only good thing about them not being here is we have more space to spread out in our cabin.”
“I’d prefer having Mandy and Ellen with us right now.”
Kapaa
When Luana arrived home from the hospital, she was surprised to see a car parked outside the B&B. She sat in her vehicle a few minutes, trying to recall if any guests were supposed to check in. After the ordeal she’d been through with Makaio, it was hard to make sense of anything. He would be out of commission for weeks—maybe months—making it difficult for them to run the bed-and-breakfast. But if they didn’t remain open, it would hurt them financially—especially with hospital bills to pay.
Leaning her forehead against the steering wheel, she shut her eyes and prayed. Lord, please help us through this difficult time.
She lifted her head, remembering some repeat guests were scheduled to arrive. A middle-aged couple from Canada.
Luana pulled the visor down, checking in the mirror to see if there was a red mark from pressing her forehead on the wheel. Thankfully, there wasn’t. I need to get inside and check on things. I hope they’re not sitting in the living room, waiting for me.
When Luana entered the house, she found Mandy and Ellen in the kitchen. Ellen was preparing a pot of tea while Mandy put some macadamia-nut cookies on a serving tray.
“I’m glad you’re back. How’s your husband doing?” Mandy closed the cookie container.
“Surgery was done on his leg, and when I left the hospital, he was sleeping.” Luana put her purse in the closet and leaned against the counter. She glanced toward the hallway leading to the living room. “Are Mr. and Mrs. McIntire here? I saw a car parked outside and remembered they had booked a room and would be arriving sometime today.”
“They’re here.” Ellen placed the teapot on the tray beside the cookies. “I had them fill out the guest book, then made sure they were comfortable in their room.” She gestured to the serving tray. “We asked them to join us in the living room for refreshments. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Luana sank into a chair, feeling a wave of relief. “I appreciate you taking over in my absence. I couldn’t leave before Makaio was out of surgery and settled into a room. The doctor was pleased with how the surgery went today. My husband will have a long road ahead of him, though.” She glanced at her watch. “Ailani should be home by now. Her husband, Oke, came to the hospital to see how Makaio was doing and take his wife home. Oke worries now that Ailani is expecting a baby.” Luana rubbed her forehead. “You two haven’t had the opportunity to meet them yet. Maybe after Makaio gets home from the hospital, we can have Oke and Ailani here for supper.”
“That will be nice. Oh, before I forget, Ken came by earlier,” Mandy said. “He told us about Makaio’s injuries and that he’ll need to stay off his feet for several weeks.”
Nodding, Luana forced a smile. “But we’ll get through this. The Lord will provide.”