Page 39 of The Billionaire's Paradise

I hesitated for a second, then typed—

Would it be okay if we brought… our family too?

The reply from Leilani came back almost instantly.

Yes! Bring everyone! The more the merrier! Tutu Makani is already making extra poi.

I looked up. “Well, looks like we’re all invited. Tomorrow night. Family luau.”

Mrs. Mulroney clapped once. “God help them.”

Angus raised a coconut in toast. “To our future gayby and our extended Hawaiian family!”

CHAPTER 16

Leilani had textedus the location of the beach where the luau was being held.

As we followed the noise of laughter and loud, happy chatter, the sun dipped low, golden light flickering through palm fronds and the scent of roasted pork already curling into the sky. We followed a winding path strung with hanging lights and woven torches, each flickering flame daring me to turn around and run.

“Do you think we overdressed?” I whispered to Cal, pulling at the hem of my shirt for the twentieth time.

“We look fine. We’re fine.” He glanced back to see Mr. Banks in a tuxedo and a top hat. “Well, maybe.”

We stepped onto the sand just as a chorus of ukuleles struck up a lilting tune. A large open space had been set with long tables, banana-leaf platters, and flickering lanterns. Dozens of people—Leilani’s people—were already gathered. Children darted between tables. Aunties stirred things in large wooden bowls. Uncles stood around the fire pit, arguing lovingly over pork.

“Remind me again why we thought this was a good idea?” I muttered.

“Because we said yes,” Cal replied. “And because you typed the words ‘our family too’ and hit send.”

Right on cue, Doug the rooster strutted across the path in front of us, feathers glossy in the torchlight. He paused, tilted his head, and gave a single lowbok.

Cal blinked. “It’s only bad luck if a black cat crosses your path, right?”

Doug gave us a look that suggested otherwise, then walked on.

We hurried past the unnerving rooster.

From across the firepit at the center of the gathering, Leilani spotted us and waved, her whole face lighting up. She wore a flowing green dress and a plumeria tucked behind one ear. Standing beside her were at least five family members, all varying shades of beautiful and intimidating.

“This is it,” I whispered. “We’re crossing the threshold.”

“And into what?”

“Judgment. Or paradise.”

The gang filed in behind us. Mr. Banks straightened his bow tie. Angus was already fanning himself dramatically with the palm-thatched fan from the market. Rashida looked like she’d stepped out of a fashion shoot. While Mrs. Mulroney was already wavering on her feet, wearing a recently purchased hat covered in fake hibiscus flowers and thinking nobody had noticed the hipflask she kept sneaking out of her bra.

“Well, this looks like fun,” she slurred. “There’s nothing like a bonfire and extended family to stir up a few secrets. I can’t wait to find out whose uncle is really their cousin’s wife.”

“I don’t think it’sthatkind of family,” I said, before worriedly murmuring, “At least, I hope not.”

Leilani hurried over with a radiant smile and pulled me and Cal into a hug before we could even say hello.

“Matt, Cal,” she said. “I’m so happy you’re here.” She quickly glanced past us to the group trailing behind like a parade of oddities. “Are these…?”

“Our family,” I said. “Good luck.”

We stepped aside so they could meet her one by one.