White Ginger

chapter 2



Amelie painted a background wash of pale blue on her canvas. The penciled curve of beach sweeping across the lower third of her work captured the point just outside the town, reminding her of the luau. Arne said there would be Hawaiian dancing and music. How much more vibrant her work would be if she better understood the community and experienced for herself the tastes and sounds of the local culture. But, if she was honest with herself, any time she spent with Arne was the real pleasure. His presence was quickly becoming the highlight of her days, his disturbing maleness, so very desirable.

In the months since her breakup with Victor, she’d shunned parties and gatherings. Seeing other couples and families happy in each other’s company and not belonging twisted her stomach in knots.

Had she imagined the tender feelings for Victor in her need for company after the death of her mother a few months earlier? Victor’s driven classic A-type personality had kept her sorrow at bay.

But Arne’s company was easygoing, entertaining and attentive.

Friendly. Nonthreatening.

She relaxed with him, except when his arm accidentally brushed hers in the car. The sensual shock of his lightest touch set her nerves tingling. What woman with breath in her body wouldn’t enjoy that strong physical attraction? He was beautiful. And he hadn’t made a wrong move.

Do I want him to?

Sighing, she paused, loaded brush poised above her landscape. She was the one fantasizing about running her hands over his powerfully muscled chest, or brushing back the dark curl that flopped to one side of his forehead, about him kissing her. A single look from his dark eyes, bedroom eyes, set her stomach fluttering, as though he saw into her soul. What would his kiss be like? But he remained the perfect gentleman.

Since fate had thrown them together that first day, they had enjoyed a couple of outings. A shopping trip to town to collect further art and grocery supplies, followed by a movie, and on another day, Arne took her with him on his delayed trip to check the weather station on the tip of the island.

She replayed the trip to the weather station in her memory. Awed by the isolated beauty of her surroundings, she stood beside him on the low cliff as he recorded readings.

“I thought these stations would send remote readings to a central computer.”

“Most do. This is one of the last to be read manually.” He locked the box and slipped his keys into his pocket.

The sea breeze blew his hair across his brow. Fingers itching to smooth it back, Amelie folded her arms behind her back and faced him. “So you’ll be stuck behind a desk more of the time?”

“I guess so. I’ll miss the drive out here when it’s updated.”

“It’s incredibly beautiful.” She paused, a wicked thought occurring to her. “Maybe this station will conveniently malfunction and need your personal attention sometimes. What do you think?”

“I think you ask intelligent questions. It is a pleasure sharing my island with you.” A kernel of warmth grew in her at his response, and she hugged his approval close.

“You know so much–the history, the legends, the fish.”

He laughed. “Perhaps I talk too much about the reef–”

“Oh no. I didn’t mean that. What I meant was…” His grin widened and her lips twitched before she laughed with him. “So, do you learn all this stuff in school or are you just naturally curious?”

“My grandparents and parents taught me the legends and history of the Islands. I am a… bitsa too, French-Hawaiian ancestry.” A shadow passed over his face and his jaw tightened. Quietly, he added, “I’m proud of my history.”

“As you should be. So tell me–”

He grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to face the bay. Startled, she turned back to him.

“Look!” He pointed to two dolphins at play in the lazy waves. They jumped and swam on their sides, never far from one another. Diverted by their antics, she was still intensely aware of Arne’s hand still resting on her shoulder, the intimacy of his body so close to hers. His warm breath tickled her right ear as they stood without speaking, watching the dolphins play until, with a final leap, they vanished.

Amelie sighed. “How beautiful they are. I think they’re my favorite sea creature…and I think they must have a sense of humor too because they’re always smiling.”

Arne grinned at her. “When dolphins are around you know you’re safe. They’ve been known to attack even large sharks. And over the centuries, mariners have claimed dolphins have guided them to safe harbor. Come on. I want to show you more while we’re here.”

He pointed out natural features and good photo opportunities and shared stories of the islands. Passionate about his Hawaiian heritage, his voice and hands wove tales from long ago, bringing to life legends as old as time. As he spoke, she could almost see the lost lover, the vengeful Pele, the shark slyly stealing the young daughter.

“You’d be a great personal tour guide if ever you want to change jobs.”

“Ah, but I only do this for special people.”

Her heart flipped and, despite her promise to herself, her fascination grew. There was an honesty about him, a strength and an integrity that went to his core. She knew instinctively he wouldn’t walk out on a woman like Victor had. But there was a reserve about him that intrigued her, and she wanted to break through it.

Slowly, she warned herself.

Don’t push it.

Despite the thrill that ran through her when he looked at her with his compelling eyes and the compulsive jolt of her nerves at his touch, he’d not made a move on her.

Frustrated desire was her problem. She’d lost her gyro where men were concerned. Arne was the sexiest man she’d ever met but maybe he simply wasn’t interested in getting involved with anyone. Or just with her?

What an idiot I am, daydreaming over tight abs and bedroom eyes. Dreams don’t pay the rent. Try concentrating on painting instead of Mr. Irresistible.

She focused on her canvas.

Her fabric patterns were developing with an intensity that came from the vivid life around her. Brilliant tropical flowers and birds, stylized to suit the latest market trends, leaped to life under her brush.

Stepping back from the easel, she considered the newly finished painting. This was definitely her best work. Madeline would be delighted.

She set the canvas up to photograph, and clicked off several images on her camera.

Now, how am I going to email these to Madeline?

“Anyone home?”

Amelie jumped at the sound of the voice. She hadn’t seen anyone other than Arne since her arrival several days ago. The midday brightness left the woman just a silhouette as Amelie opened the screen door.

“Hi, I’m Lili.” The woman extended her hand.

“Hello.” Amelie shook her hand. “Come in. Did you walk?”

“Arne was right. You don’t hear anything when you’re working, do you? My pickup’s engine roars at like a hundred decibels.”

“Arne?”

This must be Arne’s sister. The resemblance was uncanny; the same deep brown eyes and bone structure, the same slightly imperious tilt to her head, but her features were finer.

“Big bro asked me to look in on you if I was passing. Said your rental car had broken down and that you might need to go into town while he was away. I think he’s appointed himself to keep an eye on you.” She grinned. “I must say, you’re as lovely as he said you were.”

Unused to compliments so boldly stated, Amelie’s cheeks warmed. “He did mention that he’d be away for a few days. Where has he gone?”

“To the outer reef. He’s often gone for three or four days at a time doing his research. He takes readings from monitors and collects samples for the lab back in Honolulu.”

“He mentioned he’s a marine biologist.”

“Only the best damned one in the whole Pacific. Bet he didn’t say a word about that.” Lili relaxed onto the sofa. “He’s the big kahuna that the major universities in the States and in Australia come to when they have a problem or a design brief for reef management strategies.”

“You’re very proud of him, I can see.”

Lili grinned, so like Arne it was as though he was there.

“Yup. Big bro is the man. So, do you need to go into town today?”

“Actually, I do. Is there an internet café there?”

“Sure is, and they brew the best coffee outside of the capital. Game to try it?” Lili obviously had a similar enjoyment of life as her brother. “Sounds good to me. Can you give me five minutes to clean up and change?”

A couple of hours in Lili’s company and Amelie trusted her as though she’d known Lili forever. Like her brother, she was great company, a good listener and a funny storyteller, especially about her family.

“And then Arne tried to mount this massive parrot fish he’d caught but he was impatient. Didn’t let it dry out first. Mom sneaked it out to get it properly stuffed or it would have stunk up the house.”

Amelie wiped her eyes, chuckling at the image. “He must have been a handful for your parents.”

Lili was quiet for a moment. “We lost them when I was five and Arne just seven. They were killed in a diving accident and our grandmother and grandfather raised us.”

Amelie touched Lili’s arm. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard for all of you.”

Lili shrugged. “We had each other. Family is always there for us. What about you?”

Bitterness surfaced. “My father deserted us when I was two. I’ve never seen him since. It was just Mom and me until she died a year ago. Now, just me.”

It had been a long time since she’d made a new female friend, but Amelie surprised herself, opening up to Lili’s gentle questions. As they sat sipping their coffee, she spoke about Victor leaving, something she hadn’t even shared with Madeline.

“Mom hadn’t been gone long and I guess I sort of closed down when he left. I couldn’t go out, or concentrate on anything harder than cleaning my teeth. Thinking back, I was probably too needy for such an independent man.”

“If he loved you, he would have stayed. That’s what real love is.”

Amelie shrugged. “I’m starting to wonder if I just convinced myself I loved him because I was lonely. Maybe he did me a good turn by leaving. Here,” she smiled at Lili, “I feel alive again.”

Lili’s gentle eyes held understanding. “It’s awful when someone you think is going to be your life partner turns out to be such a jerk. Or a bitch,” she added with a dark look across the road.

At that moment, Lili’s cell phone rang and she excused herself without following up on her previous comment.

Turning to Amelie, she said, “I have to pick up my daughter from school. She’s been to dancing class and I need to talk to her teacher about the performance at the luau. I’ll be back in about an hour to take you home. Will that be enough time for your internet work?”

Amelie nodded. “Perfect.”

She Skyped Madeleine and happily prattled on about the fantastic scenery and the inspiration of this tropical paradise. Strangely, when she related the car breakdown she relegated Arne to the role of helpful passerby. It was irrational, superstitious even, but if she didn’t speak of him, maybe things would work out. She hugged the knowledge of him to herself and uploaded her images.

Madeline was rapt and demanded more. “Amelie, they’re fabulous! But how about some reef fish? Find a hunky Hawaiian to take you out to the reef and go diving.”

Amelie knew exactly which hunk she would choose, for any activity. Although diving was one she would strenuously try to avoid.

“Maybe.” Even Madeline didn’t know the extent of her phobia. “It may be difficult to get out to the reef, but the scenery on land is out of this world. You should see the volcano.”

When she finished on the net, she checked her watch. Lili would be a little longer. It wouldn’t hurt to browse in the couple of nearby shops. In fact, she was sure she had noticed a lingerie and beach wear shop across the road. She had no great expectations of what might be found in such a small town, but it wouldn’t hurt to look.

Crossing the road quickly, Amelie was pleasantly surprised by the window display. One bikini caught her eye, sea blue with white-outlined hibiscus flowers. Beautiful, as long as she didn’t intend to do any serious swimming. She’d keep her old black and white costume for that. She needed to add more color to her life. Spurred on by the knowledge that Lili would be returning in a few minutes, Amelie hurried inside.

A cool, green-eyed blonde in a jade green sheath dress so tight it looked sprayed on sashayed up to her. Gold belcher bracelets and rings adorned her fingers and arms, jingling lightly as she moved, and a seriously heavy-duty gold chain swung from her neck.

“Can I help you?” The assistant’s smoky-voiced offer grated as she looked at Amelie from head to toe.

Is it possible to take an instant dislike to someone?

Straightening her shoulders, she pointed at the window display.

“Yes, I’d like to try on that blue and white bikini.”

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” gushed the blonde. “Just in from Paris and of course the cut makes it very appealing to…that special someone. You’ll be irresistible. Size eight I think?” Her eyebrow arched up inquiringly.

“I think so. I’m not sure if our sizing in Australia and yours here is the same, but eight sounds like a good place to start.”

“Australian, are you? Nobody comes to such an out of the way place like this hole. Are you on vacation?”

Nosy and nasty.

The hair on her neck rose.

“Yes. I must hurry or my ride will arrive before I’ve had a chance to try it on.”

As long as it fitted her she would buy it and get out of this shop. But the sight of her reflection in the changing room mirror stopped her short. The bikini accentuated her curves, drawing the eye to her femininity in ways that had her wondering how Arne might react when…if he saw her in it. Her cheeks warmed as she imagined his response. Maybe she would go swimming with him, just for the pleasure of watching his face as she shed her sarong.

Brought back to the present by the sound of Lili’s engine revving nearby, she scrambled back into her clothes and carried the bikini to the counter.

“I’ll take it.”

“I thought you would,” the blonde purred. “Some lucky man will enjoy seeing you in it.” Amelie paid a truly outrageous sum, but she knew it was the right decision. Some things a girl just has to have.

Lili’s pickup was parked a few spaces down from the lingerie shop. Amelie climbed into the front.

“So, now you’ve met the bitch.”

“What?” Amelie was taken aback.

“Tell you about her later,” Lili said in an undertone, jerking her head in the direction of the shop Amelie had just left. More loudly, she introduced her daughter. “This is Lani, short for Leilani. Say hi to Amelie.”

Amelie turned to face a curious nine-year-old, the image of her mother. A cheeky smile caused two dimples to appear on her cheeks.

“You sure are pretty, just like Unca Arnie said you were. Are you gunna come with him to the luau and see me dance? He’ll be back tomorrow night. The luau’s not till the end of the month and I’m dancing in it. You’ll come and see me, won’t you?”

“Hush, you babbling brook,” her mother complained as she sped out along the highway to Amelie’s cabin and then grinned. “She’s irrepressible. But you are coming to the luau, aren’t you?”

“I’d like to, very much.” Lili sounded as though she genuinely wanted her company. An unfamiliar feeling of optimism flared in her stomach.

When they got back to her cabin, Amelie offered Lani milk and cookies, and a glass of wine to Lili. Lani wandered off to explore and Amelie turned to Lili.

“Well?”

“The bitch’s name is Marita. She and Arne were an item for several months. Arne thought he was in love with her, but she had an eye to the main chance and dumped him as soon as Jimmy Sanderson came onto the scene. Him and his millions. She told Arne that she would never marry a Hawaiian. That cut Arne, badly. He’s proud of his heritage.”

“How could she say something so hurtful? What did Arne do?”

“He took off to the outer reef islands and stayed away for two weeks. She was never good enough for him, but he wouldn’t see that.”

“So did she marry this Sanderson character? Who is he anyway?”

“They aren’t married yet, but it’s only a matter of time. That cleared land down on the harbor front is Sanderson’s latest investment, a huge hotel development.”

“Oh no. That’s vandalism. This is such a lovely place–how can he spoil it?”

“Not only that–he wants freehold rights to the beach and exclusive sea rights for his guests. But Arne is leading the fight against his application. Arne says Sanderson’s plans will affect the coral reef and there’s no way he’ll let that happen. He’ll take it all the way to the Supreme Court to beat Sanderson. In the meantime, Marita and Sanderson flaunt his wealth and talk big.”

Amelie couldn’t resist commenting. “It sounds like those two were made for each other.”

“Believe me, I don’t trust that man at all and she’s a perfect match for him. Shark meets barracuda.”

Amelie tapped her thumb on her lower lip. Could she ask Lili about Arne? The answer meant more to her than she dared believe. She sipped her wine and looked over the garden, neatly avoiding meeting Lili’s eyes. “Do you think Arne is still…in love with Marita?”

Lili paused before answering, her tone thoughtful. “I don’t believe so, no. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that he never was in love. Just infatuated.”

As Lani ran back up the track, Amelie thanked Lili again. “I’ve had such a pleasant day, and I’m delighted that we’ve met.”

“You’ll come to the luau, won’t you, Melie? Unca Arnie can bring you. He promised me he’d come. You’ve gotta see me dance.”

“I’d love to come and see you dance. Perhaps you’ll show me how to dance Hawaiian some time?”

“Course I will.” Lani waved goodbye and Lili called out as they took off, “See you soon. Come over for coffee and a chat anytime when you’ve got wheels.” In a swirl of dust, they were gone.

Amelie poured herself another glass of wine and carried it to the swing seat, curling her bare feet under her. So Arne had loved and lost the blonde woman? What pain he must have endured. She remembered hers clearly, the overwhelming numbing loss. She would tread carefully around his bruised heart. Maybe they would find mutual consolation in one another.