The next day was Friday, the day of the luau. Ray, by then had some idea of what to expect, but hoped it would be more than dinner and a show. He and Wes had talked about women and Ray was thinking that something more might develop with Sue.

Ray ate breakfast alone at the burger restaurant. The eggs, bacon and pancakes that morning gave him a bit of heartburn…too much grease. He chewed a couple of antacid pills and felt a bit better. The uneasiness in his stomach he thought was nothing more than nervousness about that night.

In early afternoon, Wes came over and suggested they go parasailing. Ray said “ok.” They drove along a road next to the ocean. The sky was without clouds, warm but not uncomfortable with ten mph wind gusts. They passed several places offering parasailing before pulling into the one to which Wes was familiar. After parking, they each took out their swim suits and beach towels. They paid the fee and went into the locker room to change.

After, he and Ray were each fitted with a life jacket and helped into the speed boat.  Once in the boat, a young woman harnessed them into their sailing seats and the boat sped off. When the boat reached 20 mph, they were released and lifted up to a height of eight hundred feet as the boat increased its speed. Although the engine and water were noisy, both Wes and Ray could still hear each other laughing and making comments: “Wow, what a view. Look at all the girls!.” “Wes, I’ve never felt anything like this!” When they were dipped back into the ocean, they couldn’t stop laughing and making more comments about what it felt like.

The ride lasted only 45 minutes, but to Ray it seemed much longer. He enjoyed it, but fear gripped him each time the boat slowed to dip them in the water. Finally, Ray and Wes came slowly down the tow line into the boat.

After the assistant had docked the boat, both men got out. They headed to the locker room, washed in individual showers, dried off and put their clothes back on.  Ray couldn’t stop talking about the ride. “Wow, man, I’ve never felt anything like that! I got butterflies in my stomach several times. I loved going up in the air, but the dips back into the ocean were kinda scary.” He paused. “But I loved it. I loved the whole experience. I’ll never forget it.” 

Wes nodded, “Yea, it’s pretty special. I also love it and it’s not really that expensive.”

They headed out to Wes’ T-bird and got in. 

“Ray, I’ll drop you back at your place so you can rest a bit before tonight’s luau.” He paused and looked right at Ray who turned and looked at Wes. “If you think this was fun, wait until tonight. Were going to have a ball! Sunny tells me that Sue is really looking forward to tonight. She hasn’t been to very many luaus.”

Ray chimed in “I’ve never been to any.”

In the room, Ray tried to catch a nap, but couldn’t stop thinking what might happen that night. A couple of time, he closed his eyes, but the power of anticipation and excitement popped them back open. He then got up and watched some soap operas on the television. He kept checking the clock, feeling like he should push the hands instead of waiting.

Finally, he got up and changed into white pants and a high-contrast white and navy print shirt featuring large tropical plants he’d purchased that afternoon in the hotel’s gift shop. When he looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, his stomach started churning again. 

Finally, at 6:30 Wes knocked on his door. “Ray, this is going to be a night you will never forget.”

Wes was right. Both Sunny and Sue were waiting in the car, this time the top was down. Ray got in the back and sat next to Sue. Wes, got in the front. “Hi Ray, so nice to see you,” Sue said. “Yea, me too.” he paused “I mean I’m glad to see you.” His stomach seemed to be doing somersaults. He looked briefly at Sue and turned to watch the shore line passing by. “Nice weather were having.” Sue nodded then added. “You look nice. That is quite a shirt you’re wearing.” He didn’t know what to say, then said “Yea, thanks.” He prayed that he would settle down. Otherwise, he might act like an idiot. A part of him was feeling guilty about being out with a woman who was not his wife.

The ride to the luau at “Miki Tiki Blue Waters Lounge” took only a few minutes. They were there early enough to participate in pre-dinner activities like viewing an exhibit of Polynesian hand made articles, cooking demonstrations and even hula lessons.  The girls seemed interested in everything while Wes and Ray watched. 

Almost an hour later, they were seated on the floor on mats decorated with large centerpieces made of native leaves.

It was a glorious feast! At each place was a paper Aloha dinner plate which they used to fill up with luau stew, a stew that is made with young taro leaves, chicken, and coconut milk. The highlight of this food feast was a whole pig slow-cooked in an earth oven. Beside eating new and different foods, there was the requirement that all food had to be eaten with their hands. This was really awkward for Ray who had to be coaxed by Sue.

While they ate, they were entertained by traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancers. Following dinner, there was more hula dancing with customers invited to join in after a brief demonstration of essentials.  After this, for a breathtaking finale, there were Samoan fire dancers.

After all the foods and entertainment, Ray asked Sue if she would like to take a walk along the beach. Her answer was wonderful, “Sure, let’s go.”

With that they both rose up and headed toward the beach only a block away. 

Ray showed interest in her work, asking her questions about how busy she was, did she get to use a computer, did she like her job, what were her bosses like.

After her turn to answer questions, it was his. She wanted to know if they were using computers at his company. He had to say they were a little behind the times. He did, however, go through what his responsibilities were when the financial reports were received. He went through ways he had to investigate charges and the need, from time to time, to question the legitimacy of items purchased which were not in the budget. He was laughing as he told about a few confrontations he had. As he was talking, he felt confident and relieved to be around someone who actually took an interest in his work and was able to understand his explanations 

After several moments of quiet, Ray finally said something he later wished he had not. He told Sue about the sudden death of his wife, April. As Ray shared this, he became aware again of the raw feelings from his still fresh wound. 

He stopped talking and silently released tears that washed his cheeks. He desperately wanted her to hug him. 

She finally did. It allowed him to release more of his hurt. She tried to let go, but he clutched her even tighter. Here was someone who listened, was understanding and full of compassion. Here was someone special. He knew he needed her.

He finally let go

They just walked on in silence.