Page 39 of For Better or Hearse
“Why Hawaii for your hotels, Grandpops?” Nathaniel asks. He’s heard bits and pieces, but never the entire story.
Augustus’s eyes twinkle. “You, Nathaniel, ask the good questions.”
“It’s because of Mom.”
Nathaniel’s eyes slide to his mother.
“That’s right, Claire. Your mother and I spent our honeymoon here.”
At Ash’s sharp intake of breath, Nathaniel glances over. She dips her chin, then turns away, her focus suddenly fixed on the far side of the crater.
Augustus continues, nostalgia staining his voice. “We loved it here, so when we saw a listing in the local paper, we decided to check it out on a whim. When I saw the land, I knew I wanted itto be home base for my hotels. To bring out that sense of peace, of paradise for our guests. But…after Rosalea died, I moved the company to LA. I couldn’t bear to come back.” He inhales a hard breath. “But now…it’s time. Some of the happiest moments of my life took place here, and I’d like to share them with you.”
Despite her smile, his mother’s hesitation is palpable. She’d never admit it, but Augustus has never been the father she needed. He missed birthdays and he hired nannies to cart her around. Nathaniel’s own father missed more birthdays than he can count. He’s experienced that stinging, lonely feeling that settles in a person’s gut and refuses to leave.
Maybe she should open up to Augustus. Maybe that’s what his grandfather wants, what this trip is for.
“Is it true Carlo Giacomo was an investor on the down-low?” Ash asks. She’s once again affected her go-to expression, a look of fearless cool. “That he had a key that opened any suite when he needed it?”
Augustus’s sharp laugh echoes around them. “That, my dear, is a story for another day.”
“I don’t know why you keep humoring them,” Claire says with a smile.
The group stops at the base of a set of stairs.
“Oh god.” Ash stares at the steps, her shoulders slumped.
According to his pamphlet, there are seventy-five.
He peers at her. “What’s wrong, Bigfoot? You look scared.”
She turns in his direction. Arches a brow. “Scared of a mountain? Please. I used to practice math with my dad.”
“You two go on,” Augustus orders. He looks from Ash to Nathaniel and back, like they’re in cahoots. “Claire and I will meet you at the top.”
“Are you sure?” Ash says as they’re hit with a gust of wind. She frantically grabs the brim of her hat to keep it from being sacrificed to the volcano. “I can stay.”
“No. You two have fun.”
Ash frowns, probably doubtful of the promise of fun, but they continue on.
Another brisk breeze flows past, bringing with it scents of plumeria and salty sea air. Nathaniel inhales, his muscles burning, relishing the exercise.
Beside him, Ash huffs. “Why do people over six feet always walk so fucking fast? Do you have something to prove?”
“Only that I’m the master of the universe.”
She snorts.
His lips twitch at the extra-long strides she takes to keep up with him.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you hike like an injured animal?” Nathaniel asks, nodding at her unlaced boots.
“Oh fuck off,” Ash says, but her laugh is husky. “I didn’t realize everything would be a contest. Well, I have news for you. I’m the least competitive person you’ll ever meet. Especially when it comes to a hike.”
He arches a brow, deciding to stop battling his curiosity. “How so?”
“If I don’t care about it, I don’t care. If there’s nothing in it for me, forget it. Now a hike with a bar at the end of it? Sign me the hell up. A beautiful waterfall that may or may not be haunted by the spirits of vengeful lovers? Sure.” She breathes a laugh. “A hike where you find a dead body at the end of it…mwah.” She kisses the tips of her fingers. “It’s like spaghetti in Italy.”