September 1, 1994

**Iolani POV**

The ride back to my apartment was a long one indeed, mostly filled with Lo's excited chatter about everything she hoped to see here in Minneapolis during her short visit.  Thankfully, she was speaking enough for the both of us.  

Meanwhile, my brain was spinning back and forth between fond childhood memories back home with her and Alika, then forward to my first lonely days here...days that were rapidly filled with work, work...and then even more work...all the way up until the day I met my e ipo, sending my world in a direction I never would have expected...

I was so distracted that I didn't even think twice when Aloha asked if I'd mind stopping off at a grocery store before we headed back to my place as she wanted to pick up a few things.  

Now I know what you're thinking. What's so strange about that? Trust me though...Aloha and a grocery store aren't exactly a common occurrence. Besides, I'd just done my weekly grocery shopping so I had plenty of food...and the last time I checked, she'd never cooked a thing a day in her life.  Can she even cook?  Last I saw, I think she actually managed to burn water...

But since we were just starting to regain some of our former camaraderie, I decided to simply roll with it...even after she asked me if I minded waiting for her in the car, a twinkle in her eye.  "Please Lani...I promise I won't be long." she offers with a pleading look.  She's obviously up to something...but what?

Curious to see where she's going with this...I offer her a simple cursory nod and watch her face light up with excitement as she turns and sprints toward the store with a spring in her step.  Yep...something is definitely up...or should I say, rotten in Denmark...

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When she finally comes out of the store a few minutes later, struggling with arms overfilled with bags I dash out of the car in my rush to help.  

"No!!"  I hear Aloha yell, a frantic look in her eyes as I continue making my way toward her.  What the...?  She looks like she's about to fall over!

"There's no way you're making it all the way to the car like that," I respond softly, so as not to spook her.  "Come on, girl...let me help," I rush out softly as I finally reach her.  

"But...but..." Lo begins uncertainly, her wavering gaze finally catching mine before filling with panic as a couple of overstuffed bags teeter precariously from her fingertips.  

Reaching forward carefully, I manage to maneuver them carefully into my arms, preventing them from falling to the ground just in the nick of time. Whew...that was a close one!  Damn these are heavy!  What's she got in here...bricks?!

"What do we have here?" I ask teasingly, my curiosity getting the best of me as I start shuffling my way through the bags.

"No peeking!"  I hear Aloha peep, her voice a combination of panic and determination.  "...it's a surprise...a thank you for giving me, us, another chance..." she finishes in a rush before trailing off.  Something definitely tells me she's not talking about her and I...

My eyes meet hers with an uneasy expression, sensing there's more to this than she's letting on.  I take a quick glance at her sweater clad middle with a look of suspicion, but quickly wipe it from my face before she catches me.  I just hope it's not as bad as I'm thinking....

"I promise...no peeking," I agree amiably, clutching the bags to my chest tightly as we make our way back toward the car...a relieved Aloha chattering all the while.

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"So what should we have for dinner?" I ask as we pull into my apartment complex.  "After all that walking back at the museum, I'm starved!"  I exclaim as my stomach lets out a large gurgle, causing Aloha to start giggling uncontrollably.  

"Why don't you take a break and let me handle dinner?" she replies with an unexpected twinkle in her eye. Uhh...this can't be good...

"Are you sure...?" I start hesitantly, looking at her suspiciously.  

However, before I can add anything further I her soft voice plead.  "Come on...my cooking isn't that bad..."  Oh really?!  I beg to differ...

"I know what you're thinking..." she continues primly meeting my gaze with a mysterious look as we slowly make our way up the stairs, arms bogged down with her purchases.

"...but I since you left, I've learned a few things....and have a few tricks up my sleeve..." she finishes in a sing song voice, offering me a conspiratorial wink.  I'll believe it when I see it.  Better put the pizza place on speed dial just in case...

"Whatever you say girl..." I offer, giving her my best attempt at a side eye as we finally reach the front door of my apartment...and are unexpectedly greeted by these...

"Expecting flowers, are we?" I ask, turning to meet her gaze with a smug expression as I gently place my bags on the ground, rifling through my purse for the key to the door.  Those better not be from Alika...

"Noo..." I hear Lo's unsure voice respond as I open the door, bending to grab the bags before turning on the alcove light illuminating my dark apartment and then turning back to meet her inquisitive gaze.  

"It looks like these are for you," she replies from her place on the ground, making her way back to her feet handing me a card she's got clutched inside her right hand with a smirk.  "It seems you've been holding out on me, girl."  Huh?

When my eyes meet hers with a confused expression, she offers me a secret smile and continues in a sing song voice.  "Has someone got a secret admirer they haven't told me out?"
Uhh....
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**The Artist POV**

I've spent all day in the studio working on my little surprise for Lani, but it's only in the last few minutes that I'm feeling satisfied with the final result.  Now it's just a matter of getting it to her....

With a sense of completion I make my way over to end the recording, when just as my finger presses the stop button the phone rings.  Well someone's pay is getting docked this week.  The world better be ending, because I said no calls.  

I shake my head in frustration as I quickly discard the guitar still strapped to my chest before stomping over to the phone to bite out a curt sounding, "Yes..."

"Artist...?"  I hear a reluctant sounding young man's voice crackle over the line.  It's that kid from earlier.  This had better be good...

"You're speaking to him," I reply impatiently, tapping my foot as a large sigh escapes.  Get to the point already, I haven't got all day.  

"Uhhh...."  I hear him begin hesitantly.  "It's Joe...from Buchner Flowers..." he continues before trailing off.  Don't tell me...you couldn't place my order. What the fuck do I do now?!  

"Well uhhh...I'm just calling to let you know that your order was sent out this afternoon.  Our delivery man brought it to the address you provided us," he rushes out breathlessly.  

"There was no one home when he got there, but we followed your instructions to the letter..."  Oh thank God...

"Thanks kid," I say with a sigh of relief.  "You don't know how much I appreciate hearing that.  Someone will be over with a tip for the exceptional service you've provided today," I offer with a genuine tone of apology.  

Well...it looks like two things have finally gone right today. I think to myself, my eyes darting back toward the recorder with a smile.  A crisp $100 bill should do the trick...and make the poor kid's day.

"Why thank you sir!" he replies enthusiastically.  "I'm just so glad we could help..." he continues to gush, even as I abruptly end the call.  ...now if only someone could make mine....

I make a quick call to Steve, sending him out with my promised tip before finally making my way back over to the recorder with a sigh.  I pop the finished tape out of the machine and carefully slide it into my hand with a smile.  I just know Lani will love this...

I tuck it carefully into my pocket, making my way out of the studio for the first time today with a feeling of accomplishment and a spring in my step.

I hadn't even realized just how exhausted I was until now.  As a large yawn escapes me,  I reach inside my pocket to touch the tape gingerly; a wistful smile crossing my lips. I think this delivery can wait until tomorrow...

**Author's Note:  I know, I know, the chapter isn't finished.  I just thought you all had been patient long enough so I decided to give you at least the first half.  I'm gonna do everything I can to give you the second half before I leave for vacation.  In the meantime, thanks for your patience & for sticking with me.**