Nothing On You

Chapter Twelve

Izzie's POV

The sun was a golden arch on the horizon, streaking the crystal blue water with fiery oranges and yellows and coloring the sky with brilliant hues, pinks and purples. The afternoon is perfect—completely cloudless and filled with welcoming warmth, Hawaii's usual ambiance, bringing forth the excitement for the Luau party.

One small spot on the beach is equipped with a small stage and dining tables decorated with native flowers of every color and tiki torches. The flames lick the afternoon air.

People are everywhere, dressed in hula skirts with strings of flowers around their heads and necks, and there are plenty shirtless guys walking around. Bruno, his family, and I are seated at one of the tables, chatting and laughing. With my peripheral vision I see Bruno keeping his head low, even though he was wearing his signature Ray Bans and fedora, he can't help but try not to meet the eyes of bystanders, not wanting to ruin the family moment. I slip one hand under the table, Bruno laces his fingers between mine. I give them a tight squeeze, our eyes meeting for a split second before returning to the conversation. 

"I'm just going to the store to get more cups, it looks like we're almost out." I gesture to the refreshment table with my free hand. Bruno takes off his Ray Bans resting them on the front of tank.

"You sure? I thought we had plenty..." Bruno's voice trails off as he leans away from me to get a better look at the table, about 15 feet away. He realizes the small dilemma.

"I'll be right back." I slip my hand out of his and grab my wristlet with my other hand. I politely excuse myself, stand and push my chair in. 

"I'll go with you." Bruno grabs my hand gently and stands.

"No, you don't have to," I squeeze his hand lightly. "Stay enjoy the party, enjoy your family. I'll just be a few minutes." 

"You sure?"

"Yes, yes. I'll be fine." I put my lips to the apple of his cheek. "Fifteen minutes tops." I whisper before I turn to leave. 

"I'll be here." He waves we he sits back down. Shaylie climbs down from her chair on the opposite side of the table. She trots right over to Bruno and climbs onto his lap. I smile at this and continue up the beach.

The sun pours down over me showing me in its light and warmth, I catch the scent of fresh pineapples, salty sea water, hibiscus blossoms and the pig roasting on the fire as a breeze blows through the tropical trees. I close my eyes for a moment as I take it all in, it's been a while since I've been in a place like this. Surrounded by such beauty. A quote I found once comes to mind.

At the beach life is different. Time doesn't move from hour to hour but from mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun. 

It feels like the time I've spent here with Bruno and his family has passed so quickly, but slowly at the same time. Time here doesn't feel like it's passing hour by hour but moment to moment. The ocean is a part of everyone whether they live by it or not, everyone finds beauty in it no matter where they are from. They see its fierce power and strength but also its calmness and gentle nature. It could gently carry rose petals out to sea and in its next movement it can create a monster wave that can take out a house on the coast. 

I cross the street the local supermarket nearing in the distance. I walk in to the store and quickly discover the utensil section, after glancing at the different brands for a while I settle on some "special occasion" clear plastic cups. I grab two 200 cup packs and head to the counter.

Bruno's POV

"I made these for you and Izzie." Shaylie says as she shifts in my lap, pulling two objects out of the pocket of her dress. She cups them between her palms. She looks back up at me, her brown eyes sparkling in the evening sun. "Close you're eyes."