Chapter 13

13

LEILANI

L eilani tried not to think about Adaze's strange behavior when she'd left, but alone in her car, there wasn't much else to focus on. Adaze hadn't said anything was wrong, but she just seemed…off. Leilani hoped she didn't upset her too much by forgetting to tell her about her lunch plans.

She sighed. Last night had been so incredible. Why was it that whenever it was just the two of them it was perfect, but then sometimes, whenever other people were involved, Adaze just acted weird?

She could only hope Adaze would let her make it up to her when she got home. Well, she could only hope she'd still be there when she got home.

But she didn't have time to think about that as she pulled into the parking lot and headed inside.

Veronica was already seated when Leilani entered the local diner. She greeted her with a smile. Leilani couldn't help but notice Veronica looked stressed. Her hair wasn't quite as neat as it was when they'd met before and the casual sundress she was wearing looked a bit wrinkled.

"Hey, how've you been?" Leilani asked her, taking her seat.

She just let out a sigh. "If I'm honest, I've been better."

"That doesn't sound good. Why? What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"No, it's nothing like that. Nothing happened, and nothing is even really wrong, per say. I just haven't had a chance to check out any of the trails you told me about. I feel bad for poor Sebastian." Then she sighed. "Actually that's not right. He's driving me up the wall. He has so much energy and he wants to play so badly, but there's just not enough room where they've got us staying. He barely lets me get any sleep."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Have you just been busy with work?"

"That's part of it. This assignment is definitely more demanding than a lot of the ones I've been on, but I'm also a little worried about getting lost. The parks here seem a lot bigger and less populated than I'm used to."

Leilani lit up. "I think I can help with that! Why don't you give me a list of days you're free and I'll invite a few people, we can go out as a group!"

She blinked in surprise, a smile slowly coming to cover her face. "You'd really want to do something like that?"

"Of course, besides," her grin turned smug. "I've got a few people I've been hoping to get a chance to introduce you to." Maybe even one in particular , she thought to herself.

"Then, yeah, I think I'd like that."

"Hello," the waitress interrupted. "Are the two of you ready to order?"

The pair placed their order then got back to their conversation.

"I'm so glad you want to meet the others," Leilani gushed. "I'll get something put together as soon as possible."

"Sounds good to me. Thanks for doing all this."

She shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm happy to do it. After all, Sebastian deserves nothing but the best."

"Sounds like the two of you have been talking."

The pair laughed before Leilani said, "Other than that, how have you found Phoenix Ridge? Have you been enjoying your stay?"

She shrugged. "I can't complain too much. Aside from not getting a chance to go for a hike with Sebastian, it's one of the better places work has sent me."

Leilani frowned, taking a sip of her water. "Well that's good. Do you have to travel for work a lot?"

"Almost constantly," she groaned but was smiling brightly. "Don't get me wrong, it's got its drawbacks, but I love it. I've seen most of the country at this point."

Leilani sighed. "That must be nice. I sometimes wish I would have traveled more before settling here."

"So go. There's nothing stopping you."

Leilani shrugged. "Maybe at some point. I just can't imagine taking that long off work. Speaking of, I've been meaning to ask, what do you do?"

"It's complicated, but to put it as simply as I can, I handle consulting for various academic institutions. Basically, they pay me to come in, tell them what they're doing wrong in their architecture program then leave."

"You're an architect?"

"I was, but I didn't like all the pressure that came with it, so I stepped back. This is much more my speed."

"Do you like it?"

She shrugged. "It's a job and I make good money. They also only need me thirty-five hours a week, which is amazing. If I'm honest, I just like getting to travel so much most of the time."

"Does it ever get lonely?

"Sometimes, but I think it's good for me. Sometimes you need a little time to yourself, you know?"

"I can understand that."

Then their food arrived. They thanked the waitress and began to eat.

"What about you?" Veronica asked. "What do you do?"

"I'm a firefighter specializing in sea and water rescue."

Veronica's jaw dropped. "Wow, that's impressive."

"Thanks," Leilani shrugged, looking away. "But it's really nothing special. I just want to help people where I can."

"No need to humble brag. Own it. You should be proud. I'm sure you've got all kinds of awesome stories!"

She shrugged, looking away. "I might have a few."

"Go on. You have to tell me at least one or two."

Leilani couldn't help but smile. "Well, it's only because of my job that I met my girlfriend. She was on a sinking yacht, and we got the call. When we got there, it was worse than we were expecting. We didn't have time to put our usual rescue procedures into place, so I jumped into the water and swam to save her."

"Oh my god!" she gasped. "That's incredible!"

"I was just doing my job."

"Sounds to me like you did a little bit more than that."

Leilani shook her head. "Anyone in my position would have done the same thing. Like I said, water rescues are my thing. I'm a super strong swimmer and I know the ocean so well."

"It still sounds like you aren't giving yourself enough credit. It sounds like you saved her life. You should be proud of yourself."

"I am, but I was still just doing my job. Even if it was a good job, anyone would have done it."

"Whatever you say."

Leilani rolled her eyes.

The pair enjoyed the rest of their meal in pleasant conversation before heading their separate ways.

When Leilani got back to her house, she was happy to see Adaze was still there, sprawled out on her couch with Jaspurr curled up on her legs looking quite cozy. Adaze was wearing her casual wear, no makeup and her hair was loose and messy. She looked super cute, and Leilani felt herself swell with warmth. She couldn't help but light up at the sight of her. It was good to see her so comfortable, so at home in her house.

It made her hope that maybe someday, someday soon even, they could move in together, lives twisting around one another like the threads of a yarn. Could that be possible when they lived such different lives?

Adaze looked up when she came in, face carefully neutral.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey," Leilani echoed.

Leilani crossed the room to press a kiss to her cheek. "I'm glad you're still here. I wasn't sure if you still would be."

Adaze shrugged, looking away. "Yeah, well, you said you wouldn't be out long and I'd already planned on spending the day here."

"And I wasn't, was I?"

She smirked. "I don't know, that was an awfully long lunch. I almost got bored and left hours ago. The only reason I'm still here is because Jaspurr asked me to stay. Make sure you thank him."

Leilani hummed. "Oh I will, but first, let me make it up to you." She thrust a bag at her. "I brought you lunch."

Adaze froze, visibly stunned before a smile made its way onto her face. "Thank you, but you didn't need to do that."

"I know, but I wanted to. Especially since I kept you waiting for so, so long. I wanted to make sure it was something you would eat, so I just went with a cheeseburger, toppings on the side to play it safe, and some fries."

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me." Leilani smiled, before coming to join her on the sofa. She flicked on the tv while Adaze started eating.

"Did you do anything fun while I was out?" she asked, shifting so their legs rest against each other.

"Not really. It was weird being here without you," she admitted.

"Sorry," Leilani winced. She still couldn't believe she forgot to tell her. "I hope you weren't too lonely."

"It was fine. Jaspurr kept me company for most of it." She hesitated. "I don't want to keep you from your life or your friends."

"You won't. I wouldn't let you, but you're allowed to be disappointed that I forgot to tell you I had plans. I know I would be if the shoe were on the other foot."

"Yes, well, we're together again now, and that's what matters."

"I couldn't agree more."

"Besides, maybe it's a good thing for me to get used to being comfortable here. Especially if I'm going to be here more often."

Leilani lit up. "I'd like for you to be."

Adaze just grinned, eyes still on her food.

"Do you want to do anything today?"

Adaze shook her head. "Just spend it with you."

"I think that can be arranged," Leilani grinned.

Adaze couldn't help herself. She leaned in and pressed their lips together in a sweet kiss.

By the time the pair was able to pull themselves apart, her burger had long since gone cold.