Janie felt a light tapping on her shoulder and realized that she had been standing in the same position for a few minutes, staring out into space. She turned to see Wyatt standing there. “The day’s done,” he said gently.

Janie exhaled and felt her exhaustion weighing heavily on her. It was almost dark now. She had been working in the dusk for some time. “Thank God,” she said, giving him a weak smile.

Wyatt looked down at Janie. Her body slumped. “It’s always hard at the beginning,” he said. “But you’ll get used to it in no time at all.”

“I actually like the feeling of being so physically tired. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.” Janie yawned. She put her hand up to her mouth, but it was a little too late. “I guess I’m sleepy tired, too,” She said apologetically.

“That’s understandable,” Wyatt replied. “The traveling, the hard day’s work, not to mention all this fresh air. I bet you’re not used to it, either.”

Janie looked up at Wyatt. He didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the hard day’s labor. She yawned again. “Would you mind if I didn’t make dinner tonight?” she asked.

Wyatt smiled. How come she hadn’t noticed that dimple before? Janie wished Wyatt smiled more. He looked a lot like Cary Grant that way. “Of course, Janie,” Wyatt said kindly.  “Besides, we’re going to Keiko’s tonight. That’s pretty much where we go every night.”

“Yeah. Sam told me. I can’t wait. I hope she has pizza.”

“You never know what Keiko will have. She never gives us much choice in the matter, but it’s always good. Come on,” Wyatt said. He gently turned Janie towards the house and led her down the path.

They walked side-by-side. “Out of curiosity, what’s your favorite kind of pizza, anyway?” Wyatt asked.

“Anchovies and pineapple. Yum.”

“Blech!” Wyatt blurted out.

“I usually get that response, but it’s really delicious.”

“I’ll take your word for it. I’m a pepperoni, sausage, mushroom man, myself.”

They walked into the house. “I can deal with that.” Janie’s eyes drooped. “Would you mind if I went upstairs to take a bath before we leave? I need to recuperate a little.”

Janie went for the stairs and started to climb. Wyatt watched her from the bottom. “No problem, but just one more thing.”

Janie stopped her climb and turned around. Her hair was a tangled mess swirling around her head. Her hands were dry and cracked. Despite generous amounts of sunscreen throughout the day, her shoulders and nose were sunburned. There was dried salt from the ocean water on her face. Wyatt thought to himself that he had never seen a more beautiful woman. In fact, she seemed to grow more beautiful each time he saw her, and it was all he could do not to give in to his feelings.

Instead he asked, “Thin crust or pan?”

Janie looked down at him and without missing a beat said, “Wyatt, you are just going to have to get used to it. I’m a thin crust woman.”

She turned and went up the stairs.

“I can deal with that,” Wyatt muttered, lifting one eyebrow.

In her bedroom, Janie noticed that her equipment needed a little organizing. One thing led to another, and before long she was waist high in papers. "Wait a minute, what am I doing," She said aloud. "My day is done. I can do paperwork this weekend." She took off her clothes and dropped them in a heap in the corner. Then, she put on her robe, grabbed her toiletries bag, and walked to the bathroom.

She opened her bag and rummaged through it until she found what she was looking for. She had thought it was little extravagant when she bought it, and then ridiculous when she packed it, but now she poured her scented oils into her scalding hot bath and was so grateful. The scent came alive when it hit the hot water, and Janie felt instantly better.

She took out her toothbrush and turned to the sink but then caught her reflection in the mirror. "Oh, my God," she gasped. Wyatt must have been horrified by her! Either that or amused, she thought a little bitterly. She never knew if he was honestly fond of her or not. She quickly brushed her teeth and then settled easily into the bath.

Her body relaxed totally, but her mind wanted to take stock of her day. She had to pat herself on the back because she didn't do too badly. She wasn't a nuisance, as she knew Wyatt had feared. She was even a competent scientist. Well, that was her opinion, in any case. Who knew what Wyatt thought?

The dolphins were truly inspiring creatures. She loved every moment she was with them, and she hoped she could be there the day that they were finally sent back off into the wild.

Janie snapped out of her thoughts with the realization that Sam and Wyatt were probably waiting for her, and she did not want to be late for dinner with the Templeton family.

Ten minutes later Janie came down the stairs cleaned, moisturized, lightly scented, and feeling refreshed. Sam and Wyatt were indeed waiting for her.

"Oh, hi, Janie," Sam greeted her. She stopped on her way out the door and stared at Janie. "Oh, wow," she grew serious. "You got majorly sunburned."

Janie put her hand up to her face. "I did? I didn't think it was that bad. I'll put some cream on it, later."

"I have a better hat you can use from now on," muttered Wyatt, as started the engine.

Janie shook her head in frustration. "You know, the pharmacist swore by this sunscreen. He said that the whole Olympic swim team uses it."

"Yeah, well," Wyatt said humorlessly. "The swim team must swim indoors."

Sam smirked but quickly changed the subject. "Hey, Janie, tomorrow I have a surfing competition over on Sunset Beach."

"You're in a surfing competition?" Janie asked, surprised. "You are awfully accomplished for your age. I'm more and more impressed with you every minute."

Sam blushed scarlet. She was obviously not used to such compliments. "Anyway," she said, still embarrassed. "I'd really like it if you'd come and watch. A lot of parents, um, I mean, adults will be there. Well, there are some adults in the competition, too. I'm competing in my age group section," she explained, fumbling over her words. "You know, eight to twelve year olds."

"And she'll probably win, too," Wyatt interjected, startling Janie. She had thought he wasn't listening because he hadn't engaged in the conversation, and he sure didn't look her way. "She's won her last six competitions."

Sam playfully punched her father's shoulder. "Oh, Dad." Sam turned scarlet again. "It's just that I was thinking you might enjoy seeing a surfing competition, unless you've seen loads of them, but still, Sunset Beach is nice, and…"

Janie looked over at Wyatt tentatively. He was staring straight ahead at the road, his hands gripped tightly on the wheel. "I would love to come, Sam," she said. "I've never been to a surfing competition, and I've never been to Sunset Beach, and I'm dying to do both. The only reason I'm hesitating is that I just got here, and I can't ask for a day off so soon."

"But Dad's coming! He doesn't even work on the weekends."

"Hey! I work!" Wyatt came alive and glared at Sam.

"Not really."

“Here we are,” Wyatt announced as they parked in front of a rundown shack. A little sign with faded, painted lettering claimed that this was Keiko’s Café. Three rickety steps led to the front door, which wasn’t a door, but rather a screen. How odd, Janie thought, since the windows were all open, and none boasted a screen. She could tell that the shack used to be blue. There were little patches of blue evidence here and there, but for the most part, the wood was flaky and falling apart. Janie was wondering about salmonella and other forms of food poisoning when she felt Wyatt touch her hair. The hair on her neck stood on its ends, as he leaned close and whispered, "We just have to feed the dolphins and do minimal socialization. You can go, if you want."

Janie took a big breath. She realized that she had been holding her breath the whole time Wyatt had whispered in her ear. She quickly took hold of her senses. “Sam! It’s okay. I’ll come! I’ll come.” Sam’s reaction was contagious. Pure joy oozed out of every pore, and they spontaneously hugged.

"Cool! And there's a luau afterwards and dancing and it's really wonderful and fun and…romantic."

At the word “romantic,” Wyatt took a tumble on the first step, leading to Keiko’s. His body flew forward a little like an Olympic diver, and he involuntarily made a large “Oomph” sound as his chin and chest made violent contact with the splintery wood floor in a loud thud.

It took a moment for Janie and Sam to get over their shock, but they ran to the now immobile Wyatt. “Are you okay?” asked Sam.

The screen opened, and a group of four Wyatts in various heights and sizes circled the Wyatt lying on the floor. “You sure know how to make an entrance,” said the biggest of them, dressed in a police officer’s uniform.

“Well,” said the long-haired one in surfer attire. “He knows how to make an almost entrance.” That tickled them all, and they guffawed.

“Yeah. Very funny. Help me up.” Finally, Wyatt began to move. As he stood, Janie took stock of the damage. His chin was bleeding, and his shirt was ripped, but the biggest bruise seemed to be his ego.

“You must be, Janie. I’m Morgan, and this is Virgil, James, and Doc. We’re Wyatt’s brothers.”  Janie was passed among them, and she shook everyone’s hands. Quickly she found herself escorted inside Keiko’s.

“But Wyatt,” she started.

“He’ll be fine,” Morgan interrupted. “Hey, Keiko! Look who we have! Janie’s here.”

Inside Keiko’s, the décor could be described as early tornado with splashes of roller derby thrown in. About 10 tables covered the worn, orange linoleum, which had peeled up in places. The chairs were every shape, size, and style, but they were all old and most definitely wobbly. Along the side of the restaurant was a long counter, where several people stood and behind were the usual coffee makers, toasters, and a window to what looked the kitchen. Every seat was taken, she noticed, and several flies were flying a regular route around, each taking its turn buzzing by her head. There was no back wall but only bamboo shades, which were pulled up to show the most magnificent view Janie had ever seen. Beyond were a narrow beach and an endless expanse of turquoise water.

Janie’s breath was literally taken away, and she knew why the Templetons ate most of their meals here. She was instantly willing to brave dysentery to enjoy Keiko’s Café.

A huge Hawaiian woman, dressed in a blue and green muumuu, shuffled over to her. She had a beautiful, wide smile and twinkling eyes. Her arms were outstretched, and Janie walked freely into them, and they embraced. “I am so, so, so happy you are here,” Keiko said. “We are going to be the best of friends. I know just what you are going to have for dinner,” Keiko snapped her fingers and disappeared into the kitchen.

Wyatt’s brothers put together a couple of tables, and they all sat together. Janie looked from one brother to another. The family resemblance was amazing. Their faces seemed to have been stamped from the same mold, and they all shared the same deep blue eyes and thick, dark hair. Observing closer, however, they were very different personalities, which were reflected in their appearances. Morgan with his dapper suit, James in his surfer clothes, Doc in his scrubs, and Virgil in his uniform.

“So, how do you like our little town?” asked James. “Or hasn’t Wyatt let you see any of it?”

Wyatt was busy holding a bunch of napkins up to his chin in order to stem the bleeding, but Janie could have sworn that she heard him growl.

“Janie is coming to the surfing competition tomorrow,” Sam announced gleefully.

“And the luau, I hope,” urged Virgil.

“Yes. There will be dancing, you know.” Morgan through a meaningful look over at Wyatt.

Wyatt’s father-in-law came to the table, took Janie’s hand, and softly kissed it. “Janie. So pleased to see you again.”

“Thank you, Miles.”

“You two have met?” asked Wyatt.

“This morning,” Miles explained. “When I came back late from my backgammon group.” He winked at Wyatt and re-joined his backgammon buddies.

Keiko brought over their meals. Janie looked down at her plate. Anchovy and pineapple pizza.

“When did you tell her?” She asked Wyatt, impressed and touched. He shrugged in reply.

Wyatt pointed at the pizza, changing the subject. “Doc, please explain to Janie that Anchovy pineapple pizza can damage your health.

“I don’t say this often, big brother. But you may be right.” The brothers broke out in laughter again.

Back at the house, Wyatt put on a pot of coffee. “So, are you going to drink your coffee right away, Janie?” Sam asked.

“There’s cherry pie, too,” Wyatt said.

Janie guessed that Sam wanted to tell her or show her something. “I can have the coffee a little later. No cherry pie for me, but thank you, Wyatt.”

 “Great,” Sam exclaimed excitedly. “Janie, could you come up with me to my room? I want to show you something.”

“Sure— “

“What? What do you want to show her?” Wyatt asked, spilling some coffee grounds. “What is all this secrecy?”

“Oh, dad,” Sam whined. Sam and Janie shared a look and giggled.

“I’ll help you clean that up when I get back,” Janie offered Wyatt.

As she climbed the stairs, Janie heard Wyatt, obviously exasperated, yell to no one in particular. “What are they always laughing about? What is so damned funny?”

Janie thought to herself that it must be horribly difficult for a man to raise a child by himself, and then she allowed herself to wonder where the mother was. Could she have abandoned them? How could any woman abandon her daughter, she thought, all of a sudden angry. Perhaps there was some nasty custody battle, and Wyatt won, and then Wyatt might be the bad guy, taking a child away from her mother. Janie stopped her brain. Guessing about the situation was only making her angry at everybody. She would just have to put aside her curiosity for a while.

“Sorry about the mess,” Sam said, her arm outstretched, beckoning Janie to enter. Janie went into Sam’s room and sat on the bed. Sam quickly closed the door.

Sam lowered her voice. “Can I tell you something, Janie?” she asked, very serious, taking her place next to Janie.

“Of course.”

“I mean, can I tell you something, and well, you know, and you don’t tell Dad?”

“Of course, Sam. Shoot.”

“Well, it’s about tomorrow.” Sam spoke into her lap. Her words were barely audible. “I’ve got this little problem, and,”

Janie held her breath.

“You see, there’s this guy,”

Janie cut her off. She grabbed Sam and gave her a huge bear hug. “Oh, my God,” she gasped. “I’m so relieved. I thought you were going to tell me something horrible about a drug problem or something.”

Sam broke away from her embrace and jumped up off of the bed. “This is much worse than that! I’ve got a serious problem, Janie!”

Sam looked like she was going to burst into tears. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” Janie said, trying to soothe her. “I understand that boys are serious business. Tell me what’s wrong, and I promise to help you anyway I can.” Janie thought to herself that she was not the most qualified person in the world to help with these kinds of problems. She wasn’t exactly experienced in this field. She had spent her teenage years in libraries and her adult life in one, single tepid relationship. But if Sam felt comfortable confiding in her, she wouldn’t let her down.

“Well, there’s this guy,” Sam began, cautiously. “His name is Cody. He’s older than me.”

Janie raised an eyebrow, but Sam spoke quickly to allay her fears. “Just 13, Janie. He’s not like, ancient. Not like Dad or anything.” Janie suppressed a chuckle. She wondered mischievously how Wyatt would react if he found out that his daughter thought he was, “ancient.”  “Anyway,” she continued dramatically. “He’s just about the coolest guy in school. Cool and smart,” she emphasized. “And well, he’s the best surfer in school, too, and,”

“And he’ll be at the surfing competition tomorrow,” Janie offered.

“Yeah,” Sam blushed. “And well, he doesn’t really notice me. At least, you know, like a girl or anything.”

“I doubt that, Sam.”

“It’s true! I’m just a surfing buddy. Nothing more.”

“And you like him,” Janie said, gently.

Sam looked down. “Yeah,” she murmured.

“So, we need to figure out how to get him to notice you…like a girl….or just to get over his shyness, which is probably all it is. No problem!”

Sam’s face lit up. “You mean it?”

“Sure, let’s think a minute, and we’ll come up with something.” Janie paused, briefly. “First of all, it’s good that you are buddies. He obviously likes you and is probably very impressed with your surfing skills. Now he has to see you in a different context. Something social.”

Janie thought a moment. “Well, obviously the luau will be perfect for that.”

Sam’s face fell. “Naw, we’ve been to tons of luaus together. It’s all family. It’s nothing big.” She looked up at Janie, thinking twice. “But you’ll have a great time!”

Janie patted the little girl’s knee. “I’m sure I will, Sam. Well, is there anything happening at summer school or around town you could meet him at?” Sam shook her head. “O.k., then, there’s only one solution, and it’s easy and fun.”

“What is it?”

“We’ll just have to throw a party here. We’ll work on a dress. He’ll see that you’re a sophisticated hostess and all girl. I’m sure it will work!”

The glimmer of hope on Sam’s face went out. “What is it? What have I said?” Janie asked, concerned.

“Dad,” Sam said in explanation. “Dad would never, ever allow me to have a boys and girls party here.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be chaperoning. He can’t refuse.”

“Oh, Janie,” Sam had tears in her eyes. “It won’t matter. He doesn’t even like me to have friends over. He says this is a scientific refuge, not a daycare.”

Janie tenderly took Sam’s face in her hand and looked earnestly into her eyes. “Sam, let me work on him tonight, and we’ll see what happens. But I remain optimistic. For now, let’s just plan on having it next weekend.” Janie looked up at the ceiling.  “Oh, my, we have lots of planning to do.” She yawned and stretched. “But not tonight. I’m bushed. I’m not used to so much fresh air.” She turned to Janie. “Tomorrow your job is to go around inviting your friends to your party, including Cody, of course. You will have other friends there, tomorrow, right?”

“Yes,” she said, her tears spilling out onto her cheeks. “Some will be there. I guess I can call the rest.”

“Great. Now get some rest, and I’m going to go for that coffee.”

Janie stood up to go, but Sam grabbed her waist from behind and gave her a big hug. “Thank you so much, Janie,” she said.

Janie ran her hand through Sam’s hair. “No problem, sweetie. Anytime…for you.”

Janie was a little amused at her new role as matchmaker and confidante. She had no sisters or brothers, no extended family, a pretty distant mother, and no children. This was all new to her, and she rather liked it, she realized.

She walked into the kitchen to see Wyatt busy washing up.  As his hands did the work, she watched his back and shoulders move. He was so finely muscled that she had to admire him. Usually, physical appearances didn't affect her, but somehow Wyatt's body got her blood rushing a little fast, making her head swim in a not altogether unpleasant way, but nevertheless, troubling.

Ah, well, she thought, just ignore it. She took her place next to him and began to sponge down the counters. He turned to her, a little surprised to see her. "You don't have to do that, you know," he said.

"I know," she said and moved onto the kitchen table.

"Don't you have reports to fill out or something," Wyatt pressed, his voice strained.

Janie looked at him questioningly. Was that sarcasm in his voice? Why? Why was he aggressive towards her? She decided to ignore it like she was ignoring so much of what he said, lately. "Not just, yet. How about that cup of coffee? I hope its decaf because I'm going to go to bed early. Although, caffeine would probably have no effect on me at this stage."

"It's decaffeinated," He said. "Take a seat, and I'll bring it to you."

"A little milk. No sugar," she reminded him.

"I know," he said.

They both sat, facing each other with a cup in hand. Wyatt had a piece of cherry pie on a little plate and cut into it with a fork. He took a bite and then looked at Janie. "Are you sure you don't want a piece? It's really good for store bought."

"I'm sure it's delicious, but the pizza covered my allotted fat grams for the next week."

"Are you one of those women who counts everything that goes into your mouth?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I let my defenses drop for a second," She snapped her fingers to illustrate her point.  "And my hips double in size."

"I think I would shoot myself if I had to think about what I could and couldn't eat."

"To tell you the truth, I've thought about it," she joked. "But speaking about eating, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's luau. Will there be the pig on a spit with an apple in his mouth and everything?"

Wyatt sighed. "Yes, it's going to be the real thing, not a tourist luau. I'm sure you'll love it." He seemed resigned.

"You don't seem too happy about it."

"Oh, sure I'm happy. It will be fun."

"Uh, speaking of fun," Janie decided this was a good time to broach the subject. "Samantha and I would like to plan a little party for next weekend."

"What do you mean, a little party?"

"You know, Wyatt, Sam invites a few friends, they come over, play some music, eat some chips, have a good time."

"No, way," he said, curtly.

Janie took a sip of her coffee. Good, she thought, it was decaf. "I don't want to brag or anything, but I was party organizer for my high school." It was a little lie, but Janie felt she had to pull out all the stops to convince Wyatt. "Six major dance events per school year, and I didn't lose a single kid."

Wyatt thought a second, boring a hole through Janie's head with his eyes. Janie didn't dare look at him. She took another sip of her coffee, hoping for the best. "How many friends are we talking about?" he asked, finally breaking the painful silence.

"I can assure you a very peaceful party of about 10 kids next Saturday," she said. "No destruction. No mess. I'll watch the whole thing."

Janie looked at Wyatt then, and she could actually see him mentally battling with himself. But then his lips curled up in a lopsided grin. "Fine," he said. "But I'll probably live to regret it."

"I knew you were a nice dad," she said, tapping his hand. Wyatt looked down at her hand on his, and she quickly withdrew it.

A tense silence fell on them. Janie tried to fill it. "I did want to tell you, actually, that I think you are doing a wonderful job raising Samantha alone. I know it must be very hard."

"I've been doing it so long that it seems like second nature. When Sam's mother died, I was still in shock, but I seemed to instinctively know what to do with Samantha. I hope she's not too messed up because of me."

So, Sam's mother died. Janie never thought of that. She scrunched down a bit in her chair in shame and embarrassment for her thoughts earlier in the evening. She hoped he couldn't read her mind. "I'm sorry that she died," she said, honestly.

"Oh, it didn't happen recently, you know," he said. "She died while giving birth to Samantha."

Janie couldn't hide her shock.

"Yeah," said Wyatt, reading the look on her face. "You never think that women die in childbirth, anymore, right?" He looked away. "Not with modern medicine and all," He spat out.  "Well, Tracy had handpicked her OB/GYN, but who knew that she would have to have an emergency C-section after 12 hours of labor and that the anesthesiologist, who was on call that night, was an incompetent bastard?"

"I'm sorry," was all Janie could think to say.

"Yeah, that's what he said, too."

Janie squirmed in her seat. "You must really miss your wife," she said.

"Well, I've never gotten over her death. We were high school sweethearts, you see. Everyone knew we would get married, and we didn't let them down. She was very supportive of my work," he added, looking askance at Janie. "And she was more than happy to live her life as a homemaker, wife, and mother."

"And you never remarried,"

"It never occurred to me, to be honest," he said. "Geez, I've never told this stuff to anybody." He ran his fingers through his hair.

"It will never get beyond this table," she promised him.

"I appreciate that. You know – and I really don't know why I'm telling you this – I think often about our marriage, and I'm not sure it would have survived. I've changed so much. I did love her. I did. But our dreams for the future were diverging even back then." Wyatt looked anguished.

"You never know," she said. "You might have grown together. For now, you can keep her in your memory as the mother of your wonderful daughter."

"Yes," he whispered. He looked down and noticed his watch. "Oh my, did you see the time? It's past midnight! We better get some rest."

They both got up and put their cups in the sink. They stopped and faced each other. "I'm really sorry I loaded all this on you," he said. "I don't usually talk so much."

"You didn't talk too much."

"Yes, well." He turned off the light and led the way up the stairs. They stopped outside Janie's bedroom. "Everything all right with your room? Do you need anything?"

"No, no," Janie replied, feeling awkward.

They stood there, facing each other for what seemed to Janie as an interminable length of time. She felt frozen in place, unable to make a move. She looked into Wyatt's eyes, trying to read his thoughts, but he seemed to be doing the same thing. Finally, she broke the silence.

“You’re face doesn’t look bad.”

“What?”

“Your chin.” Janie touched the scab that was forming. “I thought it would be worse. It looks like you have some chocolate cake there.”

Wyatt touched the spot where Janie’s finger left a moment before. It felt hot to the touch, as if she branded him, and the heat dissipated throughout his body.”

"Well, goodnight," She managed.

He looked at her with obvious regret on his face. “Yes, good night, then.”

Wyatt closed his bedroom door behind him and leaned against it. He congratulated himself on making it back to his room because that was not at all where he wanted to be. It took every ounce of his self-control to leave Janie outside of her room and not hold her against him and kiss her as she had never been kissed before.

Even now he could feel the electric current that ran between them as they stood facing each other at her door. He felt a tightening in his groin as he remembered. He had definitely never felt such a strong attraction to any woman. And this woman was out to destroy him, he thought bitterly.

Wyatt had to develop some plan to stay clear of her, he resolved. Tomorrow’s day at the beach would not help at all. He realized why Sam invited Janie. It wasn’t only because those two seemed to get along like a house on fire. No, Sam wanted to take advantage of the “romantic” luau. She figured that nature would take its course when the Hawaiian sunset began to work its magic, and Wyatt would have to ask Janie for just one dance. Sam definitely had her eye on Janie as a prospective stepmother.

Wyatt wondered how he could stop nature from taking its course. Perhaps Janie would stop it for him, he thought optimistically. He was sure that she shared the attraction at least on some level. Would she allow that attraction to go any further, knowing the job she had to do?

Meanwhile, it was time for Wyatt to take a cold shower and try to forget all about the woman who was sleeping on the other side of the wall.