Janine checked her watch. They would be starting their descent into Maui in about an hour, so she handed out the Hawaii agriculture forms to the passengers. Hawaii was very strict about protecting their islands from non-native invasive species and checked all incoming bags and cargo. Janine referred to them as the Fruit Police. She walked up to the front of the cabin. “George, do the pilots need Hawaiian agricultural forms?”
“Yes, they do. Could you please take them to the cockpit?”
“Sure.” She rang the cockpit. “I have your agriculture forms. You guys need a restroom break before we start down?”
“Yes, Janine.”
Joe let her into the flight deck, and then he stepped out.
“Do you have any plans for your layover?” Kerri asked.
“Not really. I’ve never been to Maui before. I just want to explore a little.”
“You’ll love it. It’s just so beautiful. We all usually meet at the hotel pool bar after we check in. First round’s on me. I hope you’ll join us.”
“Thanks. I might. What do you like to do on your layovers?”
“Just walk along the beach or do some paddleboarding. The hotel where we stay is great. Lots to do there.”
Janine didn’t generally like to drink with the other crew members. She’d seen a few too many pilots drink too much, then get very flirtatious and handsy, but she might make an exception tonight.
After returning to the cabin to complete her before landing duties, butterflies stirred in Janine’s stomach, as they always did before each landing. The sound of the landing gear coming down and the rumble of the big wheels locking into position under the aircraft gave her a thrill unique to flying. Looking at her passengers as they descended into Maui, she saw exhilaration, excitement, and even joy on their faces. They were all ready for a fabulous vacation, and she could hardly wait to see what this new adventure would bring.
George had told her to expect a bumpy arrival because of the mountains and gusty winds at the airport. He’d also warned her to buckle in tight to her jump seat because the plane often made a very firm landing on the short runway. Janine was braced for a hard touchdown but was surprised when she felt a very smooth landing, followed by the roar of the engines in reverse thrust and rapid deceleration of the plane. Impressive, Captain Kerri.
After all the passengers deplaned and they cleared customs, the crew piled into the van and rode through the Maui countryside to their hotel. Janine was thrilled when she saw the beautiful grounds, tennis courts, and luau area. This is such a gorgeous place.
“Let’s all meet down at the main pool bar in fifteen minutes,” Kerri said.
Janine entered her hotel room at the resort, set down her suitcases, went over to the sliding-glass door, and walked out onto her lanai. She inhaled deeply, savoring the smell of the ocean. As she exhaled, tension left her shoulders, and she noticed a sweet smell in the air. It was the plumeria blossoms used to make the beautiful flower leis. Janine stood looking over the vast ocean and felt relief, even just for a few moments, from her ever-present stress and anxiety. I love this view. I could stay here forever.
She hesitated a few moments before deciding whether to join the rest of her crew down at the pool bar. She didn’t normally like to socialize with the other flight attendants, but she decided to make an exception in this case because the captain had personally invited her to join them. Janine changed into her white Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, and V-neck T-shirt, then walked down to the pool bar. Her crew was easy to find because they were sitting at a big table and already laughing and drinking.
Kerri waved to her and smiled. “You’re one round behind us. You’re going to have to catch up. What would you like to drink?”
“What do you recommend?”
“They make a fabulous mai tai here.”
“Then I’ll try that.”
Once her fellow flight attendants had a few drinks in them, they started telling stories about some of the crazy pilots they’d flown with.
“Do you remember that wacky guy from San Fran who used to cover himself in cloth napkins because he was afraid of solar radiation?”
“Yes. He was so weird. He’d ask me for hot tea in two cups, filled only halfway, and served on a tray. His hands shook so bad he’d spill any other kind of drink.” They all howled with laughter, remembering flying with him. Janine just listened but didn’t join in.
“Did you ever fly with this guy?” Kerri asked.
“No. I’ve only flown out of the West Coast for a few months.” She decided to try to join in on the fun and said, “We did have this one strange guy in Chicago that everybody talked about.”
“What’s the dirt on him?” one of the other flight attendants asked.
“Well, he was a swinger who liked to hit on everyone. Male or female, it didn’t matter. He was a short, bald guy, and no one liked to fly with him.”
They continued to laugh and regale each other with more funny stories of pilots and passengers. The beautiful Hawaiian sunset in the background, the delicious drinks, and the friendliness of her crewmates made Janine feel welcome and included. She surprised herself by actually enjoying the evening relaxing with them.
“Are you guys ready to go get some Maui tacos?” They all got up to leave.
“Coming with us, Janine?” Kerri asked.
“No, but thanks. I want to walk on the beach for a little bit. See you guys tomorrow.” Janine stood up and left the group, walking toward the shoreline, where the white sand beckoned her.
Kerri watched Janine leave the group and couldn’t help but stare at her shapely form in her white shorts. She was stately and walked with grace and poise. She’d let down the French twist of her blond hair, and the trade winds made it blow seductively. Kerri could sense that Janine was guarded when she first sat down, but she was happy to see her open up and tell stories with the rest of them. Not just her beauty caught Kerri’s attention, but something else about her was mysterious and alluring. She was very curious to know what it was.
* * *
Friday, May 2
Kerri woke up early the next morning. She loved mornings on the beach. Most of the tourists were still in bed, the Hawaiian birds were singing, the ocean looked smooth and calm, and the air smelled sweet. She couldn’t explain why the air in Hawaii was different. It just was. It felt soft and gentle, and she inhaled deeply. Then she put on her shorts and tank top and headed down to the beach, holding her flip-flops in her hand so she could feel the sand between her toes. The pristine white beach of Maui extended before her for miles. She could walk forever in this paradise. She was light and happy, lacking only a woman to share this with. Kerri glanced at her watch, then turned back toward the resort, because she had a reservation at nine a.m.
Walking by the palm trees near the pool, Kerri saw Janine lying on a chaise lounge on the beach. Wearing a navy-blue Speedo bathing suit, her long legs crossed at the ankles, she was reading a paperback novel. Kerri thought about leaving her alone, but then, on the cover of her book, she noticed a picture of two women holding hands. Before Kerri could decide whether to speak to her, Janine must have sensed her approach and looked up. “Good morning, Kerri.”
“Hi. Good morning to you too.” Kerri felt like she’d been caught stealing a glance at Janine.
“This place is so beautiful, I can hardly believe it.”
“I know. This is one of my very favorite layovers. What are your plans for today?”
“I’m not sure. Anything you recommend?”
“Well, I’d start with the hotel breakfast buffet. They have the most wonderful fresh fruit. I’m headed there now. Want to join me?”
Janine hesitated, then answered. “Yes, I would.”
“Great. I think you’ll really like it.”
Kerri made small talk as they enjoyed their breakfast together.
“So what is all the great stuff here? What are you doing today?” Janine asked.
“Snorkeling off the island of Molokini.”
“Where’s that?”
“Just offshore, a little south of here. If you come over here to the railing, you can see it.” Kerri led Janine to the edge of the breakfast area and pointed to what looked like a crescent moon of rock sticking up out of the ocean. “It’s a marine sanctuary in the crater of a small, dormant volcano. The water is crystal clear, and the fish are beautiful.”
“Wow. That looks interesting.”
“Care to come with me? It’s very reasonable, and the boat dock is just next door to the resort.”
“Well, I don’t know.” Kerri could hear hesitation in Janine’s voice. Even though she was very happy doing things by herself, Kerri realized she really wanted Janine to join her.
“Since this is your very first layover in Maui, how about if I treat you? I think you’ll really enjoy this.”
Janine looked at her for a moment, smiled, then said, “Sure, why not?”
Kerri smiled and gave her a fist bump.
* * *
Janine and Kerri walked toward a brightly colored catamaran resting in the sand on the shore. A few other people were already on board, and a big Hawaiian man waved to them as they approached the boat.
“Captain Kerri, aloha!”
“Aloha, Kai. Good to see you again.”
“You know him?” Janine asked.
“Yes. I’ve done this snorkel trip many times. I absolutely love it, and Kai’s the best.”
Janine was a little nervous, but Kerri’s snorkeling experience and friendship with the boat captain made her feel more comfortable. They climbed into the boat, and as they sailed across the ocean to the little island of Molokini, Kai handed out masks and fins. The ocean breeze felt cool on her skin, the catamaran’s sail snapped in the wind, and the water was smooth and beautiful. The sunlight danced on the water, making it sparkle. It was the most gorgeous day Janine had seen in a very long time.
As they neared the crescent-moon-shaped volcano, apprehension rose in Janine’s throat. She could swim, but she’d never snorkeled in the ocean before.
“Are you okay?” Kerri touched her wrist.
“Ah, sure. I’m fine. It’s just really windy out here on the water,” she lied. Heat flushed uncomfortably across her skin from her shoulders through her neck. Her reaction always betrayed her when she was trying not to look nervous.
“The water will be very smooth once we reach the marine sanctuary in about fifteen minutes.”
Janine was grateful they were nearing the small island.
“Look, everybody. Spinner dolphins off the port side,” Captain Kai announced.
She turned to her left and saw at least ten dolphins swimming right alongside their boat, racing the catamaran and leaping out of the water. As they jumped, they spun once or twice in the air before falling back into the water. Janine laughed out loud with delight. She could almost see them smiling as they performed their water show.
“Look, Janine. There’s a baby.” Kerri pointed to the back of the pod.
“Oh my gosh. It’s no bigger than a football, and it has a pink tummy.”
“They’re so beautiful. That’s why I like this trip so much. I always see something new.”
A big smile slowly spread across Kerri’s face. Obviously she loved being on the water. She looked happy and serene, a very different expression from when she was sitting in her captain’s seat.
“Oh, goody. We’re getting close.” Kerri jumped up, moved to the back of the boat, picked up a heavy rope, and helped the crew secure the catamaran to the mooring ball in the water. Janine could hardly believe her eyes. They were floating in the middle of a volcanic crater, the rocky edges rising from the sea around them. She looked over the side of the boat and spotted all kinds of colorful fish swimming in crystal-clear water. “This is amazing.”
“Okay, everybody. Come to the back of the boat to the steps. Rinse your mask in the defog solution, don’t put your fins on until you’re on the steps, and we have pool noodle floats if anyone wants one.” Captain Kai motioned them all over to the steps.
As she followed everyone to the aft steps, she felt her nervous flush move up her neck again. She really wanted to get in the water, but her anxiety made her hang back.
“Everything okay, Janine?” Kerri was standing right behind her.
“Um, sure. I just need a minute.” She was afraid her flushed skin made her stand out like a red beacon.
“Why don’t we go in together?” Kerri whispered, a kind look in her eyes.
Kerri sat on the bottom step to put her fins on, then glided into the water, looking back at Janine. When she hesitated to get in, Kerri swam back for her and reached out her hand.
“Come on. The water feels great. I’ve got you.” Kerri took her hand and gently led her into the ocean. She knew she was gripping Kerri’s hand hard, but she couldn’t help it. She was both scared and excited. “Hey, Kai. Throw me a pool noodle,” Kerri called back to the boat. “Stick this under your waist, Janine. Now you don’t have to swim. You can just float.” The buoyancy of the pool float eased Janine’s apprehension. “Why don’t you try putting the snorkel in your mouth and just breathing through it for a minute?” Janine put the big mouthpiece in and tried to relax her breathing. “That’s it. Now try your mask on.”
Janine placed the mask on her face, while Kerri held her hand and led her into the marine sanctuary. When Janine lowered her face mask into the water, she almost inhaled a mouthful of salt water at the spectacular sight. Bright colors exploded as thousands of tropical fish darted around her. The coral underneath her unfolded in a myriad of shapes and colors. She relaxed her breathing and took in all the fish swimming. The canary-yellow tangs, the rainbow-colored parrot fish, and the red-and-black sea urchins gave her a sense of calmness as she floated among them.
Or maybe it was holding Kerri’s hand as they swam together. Her hand was strong but also soft. Janine clutched it as they moved toward the shore where the water was shallow and she was close to the coral. She’d never seen so many different kinds of tropical fish in one place. She seemed to be inside a giant aquarium where she was on display, instead of the fish.
Kerri pointed to a long, slender, silver fish, then excitedly gestured toward the coral. She was pointing to a big Moray eel, black with white polka dots, slowly undulating in the current. She was mesmerized. Half of its body was in a hole in the coral, with the head and neck sticking out. It had a scary face, with a row of sharp teeth, and its mouth opened and closed as it breathed in the sea water. If she was on her own and not holding Kerri’s hand, she would’ve been terrified to run across this creature hiding in the coral. But she felt safe holding on to Kerri while she watched this fearsome, magnificent animal. Then Kerri pulled her in another direction. A dark shape loomed in the water ahead of them, big and slow moving. Kerri stopped them in the water, surfaced, and pulled her mask up to her forehead. “There’s a Honu over there,” she said as she pointed to the dark shape.
“What’s a Honu?”
“A Hawaiian green sea turtle,” Kerri said. “It’s protected, so we can’t get too close, but if we hang back a little, we can see it swim in the water.” She put her mask back on her face, laced her fingers through Janine’s, and they followed the Honu as it made its way to a sandy beach. They stopped short and watched the big turtle pull itself up onto the sand. It was such a graceful creature swimming in the water, but slow and cumbersome on land. “They like to sun themselves on the beach. Aren’t they gorgeous?”
“Yes, she sure is.” Janine felt like she was witnessing something unique.
“She? Do you know the difference between a male and female Honu?”
“No. I have no idea. It just looks like a female turtle to me.” She knew she didn’t make any sense, but she didn’t care. She was in the most beautiful place on earth, holding Kerri’s hand, and felt at one with the sea and the wild animals surrounding them. Janine took in the vista around her. The view under the water in this volcanic crater was amazing—the sky above, blue with a few puffy clouds floating by, the water warm. She felt happy and carefree for the first time in a very long time. She didn’t want this day to ever end. Just then, she heard the whistle from Captain Kai at the catamaran calling them back to the boat. No, not yet. I’m not ready to leave.
Janine continued to hold Kerri’s hand as they swam back to the boat and sensed Kerri was as reluctant to break their contact as she was. They were the last two to climb back into the catamaran. Kerri got out first and turned to assist Janine out of the water. As Kerri rinsed the salt water off with a hose, Janine couldn’t help but notice her shapely body under her rainbow-colored Speedo swimsuit. Kerri had long legs, broad shoulders, and muscular arms. A vision of her gliding through the water with her fins on came into Janine’s mind. Kerri swam like she was at home in the ocean and the sea creatures were her friends. She looks like a beautiful mermaid.
Janine was exhausted from swimming but so very happy. What an amazing day. I wish it didn’t have to end.
* * *
Kerri handed Janine a towel after she rinsed off. She was so beautiful it was hard not to stare at her. She put on her Ray-Bans so she could steal peeks at Janine undetected. She seemed to be a living statue carved from the finest marble. Her pale skin, blond hair, and ice-blue eyes made her look like Kerri’s vision of a Nordic goddess.
After Janine dried herself, she started chattering with other passengers, telling them all about seeing the Moray eel and the Honu. She seemed so happy, and Kerri’s heart warmed toward her.
Kerri watched Janine put succulent pineapple into her mouth and reflected on the day. She adored Maui but always struggled with some melancholy when she was here because she was alone. When she’d stumbled across Janine reclining in that chaise lounge, reading a lesbian romance novel, she’d looked like a dream that might transform into mist and drift away. But then Janine had changed everything when she’d said “Yes” to Kerri’s invitation, and gradually they’d grown comfortable with each other—swimming, touching, and holding hands.
The joy on Janine’s gorgeous face had kept the melancholy far away from Kerri today.