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letters from Hawaii, but when I asked my mother about them, she said they were from an old friend. My mother was very secretive about her youth.”
    “Will you go and see the woman while you’re here?” His soft dark eyes seemed to glow at her from inside the mirror.
    Without an ounce of hesitation, she answered. “Why, of course!”
    Leilani’s interest had been roused. Truth to tell, she couldn’t wait.

Chapter Two
    Leilani again leaned forward to see the beautiful scenery they were passing. Her hand reached out and her finger pointed toward the window on the right side. “What a beautiful beach, sir?”
    “Yes, the water along here is very pleasant. It’s called the Ala Moana beach. Oh, and none of that ‘Sir’ for me, young lady. Piʻilani is my name, but please call me Pi. It’s slightly easier to pronounce.” His chuckle worked its magic, and she patted his shoulder.
    “I’m pleased to meet you, Pi.”
    “Leilani, the pleasure is all mine. You are a breath of fresh air for this old Hawaiian sourpuss.”
    A silly giggle escaped, and she winked at him in the rearview mirror. “You’re no sourpuss. You’ve been wonderful to a frightened girl who dreaded arriving here alone. Pi, is it possible to stop here for a few moments? I just want to breathe in the wonderful fragrance, take my shoes off, and walk for a short time on the beach.”
    The car instantly slowed as Pi pulled into a drive, which took them directly to a road that led to the water. This late at night, the sand resembled a creamy carpet of temptation. The beach, patterned with glowing golden streaks from the setting sun, made Leilani itch to get her toes buried in the softness. I’m so glad I came . A sob caught in her throat, and Leilani knew it was either get out and walk, or end up in an emotional puddle of tears.
    Before she could even touch the door, Pi had it opened and reached in for her hand to help her out. Goodness, for an old man he moved surprisingly quickly. Funny thing, he seemed to change like a kaleidoscope, younger one minute, and an elderly man again in the next.
    It was hard to believe she felt so comfortable with a stranger, a man she met today. Not only did she feel relaxed, she felt as if she were spending time with a very close friend.
    “You don’t mind if we walk for a little while?” Leilani asked.
    “You want me to accompany you? It would be my pleasure.”
    “I’m sorry. I took it for granted.”
    “Leilani, Beauty and I are at your disposal for the next couple of days to go wherever and do whatever you wish. Besides, I get to walk with someone who looks like a Hawaiian princess, and you expect me to complain? On the contrary, I’m delighted you’d want me tagging along.”
    “You think I look Hawaiian, Pi?” His remark delighted Leilani, who had always been rather proud of her heritage and the looks that went it.
    “Yes, of course. Without any doubt, you resemble one of our lovely island girls.”
    Leilani smiled her thanks and without another thought, she kicked off her pretty jewel-encrusted sandals and reached out when Pi moved to assist her. The moment their hands clasped, calmness surrounded her. She’d never been in the presence of another who made her feel so totally at peace.
    The sand massaged her toes delightfully. Moonlight brought the iridescent granules to life, and the ground looked like a magical crystal carpet. Compared to the gravelly beach back home, the texture felt soft and pleasing, and sinking into it brought a bubble of fun rising inside her. She closed her eyes and inhaled the wonder of Waikiki. Nothing had ever prepared her for this delight.
    Eventually they’d reached the end of the sandy area, and the rocks ahead forced them to turn around and go back to the car. Once there, she rested against the hood and watched the water. Her companion hadn’t said a word all this time, and for once, Leilani’s mouth didn’t run away on her. She felt no need to put the other person at