Page 44 of The Billionaire's Paradise

Every Islander at the table turned to glare. Some slowly lowered their forks. One auntie made the sign of the cross. Even the fire seemed to flicker with judgment.

I couldfeelCal cringe beside me. His whole body contracted like he was trying to fold himself into a beach napkin.

Across the table, Uncle Manu dropped his fork. “Fair of skin?”

Mrs. Mulroney’s head wobbled like a plate spinning on a stick. “Oh, don’t be like that! I’m Irish—I celebrateallthe shades of skin. Fair skin, freckled skin, sunburnt skin—it’s called diversity. Look it up.”

Nobody laughed.

I wanted the sand to rise up and consume us whole.

Cal was visibly mouthingoh my Godinto his plate.

Undeterred—and seemingly determined to dig her hole deeper—Mrs. Mulroney took another gulp and added brightly, “Besides, who doesn’t want a baby that’s got just atouchof leprechaun? Strong thighs. Good at puzzles.”

“Okay,” I said, standing halfway up. “We’re going to take a little walk—”

“No, no, I’ll fix it,” Mrs. Mulroney said, waving me off. Then, raising her cup to the table, she proclaimed, “To all the colors of the rainbow!”

“Please stop,” Cal whispered, now sliding slowly under the table. “Matt, make it stop.”

Thankfully, before Mrs. Mulroney could toast the entire Pantone catalogue, a loud whoop echoed from the dunes.

“YEEEEEW!”

Everyone turned.

A barefoot blur was racing toward the luau—shirtless, tanned, wild-haired, and glistening in a post-surf glow. He was carrying a longboard over one shoulder like it was a sacred artifact and had a ukulele strapped to his back.

Leilani lit up. “There’s Kimo!”

Kimo skidded into the gathering, scattering sand into the fire that sparkled briefly as it ignited then fizzled. “Sorry I’m late,” he announced. “The ocean asked me to stay a little longer. You can’t ignore her when she’s flirty.”

Thankfully, the entire gathering laughed, the tension easing once again.

Kimo beamed at everyone like he had just returned from blessing the tide with his energy.

Leilani took his arm and pulled him toward us. “Kimo, you remember Matt and Cal?”

“Who?” Kimo squinted dramatically, then broke into a grin. “Haha! Just kidding, daddy-os. Of course I remember you. Matt is like the cute little jellyfish and Cal is all excellent forearms. Aloha, legends.”

Cal grinned. “Thanks, bro.”

“I’m a cute jellyfish?” I uttered.

Leilani turned to the rest of the group. “This is Rashida—she handles logistics, emergencies…”

“And untraceable flights out of the country,” Rashida finished for her. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Kimo blinked. “You’re beautiful and terrifying. I respect that.”

“Correct answer,” Rashida replied.

Leilani turned and gestured across the table. “And over there… sitting next to Tutu… that’s Mr. Banks.”

Kimo followed her gaze. “Okay, but… why is Tutu smiling at him like that?”

“What do you mean?” Leilani asked, trying to pretend nothing was going on.