Groovin' 'n Waikiki

"Miss? Can I get you anything?"

I snapped out of my reverie. "Ah, yes. My sister and I would like something to drink and maybe some appetizers, but there's no one to wait on us."

He glanced in the direction of Jessie, then back. "I'm sorry. We're short a waiter today and the remaining two servers are very busy with the patrons at the pool and along the beach. I guess you're stuck with me."

Oh, that's too bad.

Just then, a couple took a seat at the bar. Kino glanced at them. "As soon as I finish with them, I'll come over. Go back to your table. I'll be with you shortly."

I nodded and headed back to our table. Jessie looked at me and waited for an explanation as I sat. "The bartender will serve us. They're short a server today."

"Okay. Tell me, what did you think of the bartender?"

"He was pleasant."

"Is that all."

"Yes, why?"

"Because, I've been watching you. The only times your gaze wasn't following him was when you turned your back to come back here."

All of a sudden, the subject of our conversation showed up, handing us appetizer menus. My pulse quickened when he asked, "Do you need a few minutes or do you know what…you want?"

Jessie opened her menu. "There aren't a lot of choices. I think we're ready. I'd like the crab & mac nut wontons, the wild shrimp cocktail and iced tea."

"Very good, ma'am." Turning to me. "And you, ma'am?"

"Her name is Gloria."

I could have crawled under the table. I looked at Jessie with what I hoped were daggers in my eyes. "I'm sure Kino…I mean, the bartender, could care less what my name is."

Jessie wagged her eyebrows up and down and mouthed, "I'm doing this for you."

Kino smiled. "Actually, it is nice to know the customer's name. Let me help you, Gloria." He pointed his pen at the opened menu. "My favorite is this one right here. It is fit for a queen, or ladies as pretty as you and your sister."

I slid a little lower in my seat.

Jessie continued her little game. "Why, thank you, Kino. I think my sister is curious, but too shy to ask, are you're involved?"

I interrupted. "Yes, thank you, Kino. I will take your advice. The coconut shrimp sounds delicious. I'll have lemonade to drink. Please hurry, I'm starved, so the sooner you get that order in, it may save my…life."

He smiled. "As you wish. Do you know you are beautiful when you're agitated?" Before I could say a word in return, he turned and walked away.
"Why didn't you let him answer?" Jessie stared past my left ear. "Oh, my God. Check out his ass."

I turned and looked, and felt the flutter of imaginary butterfly wings in my stomach.

"Glor, baby. No wonder you couldn't take your eyes off him. He is seriously beautiful. And he likes…" she pointed right at me, "you, girl, I can tell."
A short time later, Kino returned with our drinks. "Here you are. Iced tea for you." He set the glass down in front of Jessica. "And lemonade for you. Your appetizers will be ready in ten minutes. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Jessie raised her hand to her face. "There is one thing."
I rolled my eyes, wondering what would be coming next.

"Gloria and I are looking forward to going out tonight. Would you know of any clubs where we could go?"

"Of course, what are your interests?"

"Well, I'm separated and theoretically getting a divorce, so I'm just tagging along with my sister, Gloria."

Here it comes.

"But, I know she is interested in meeting men."
This is mortifying.

His beautiful brown eyes stared into mine. "Ahh, you are looking for love?"

I shook my head exaggeratedly. "Hardly. More like fun."
He nodded as if he agreed. "All the big hotels have clubs or club-like bars, but before my last girlfriend moved to the mainland, we liked to go to a club in town called Rumours. It would be my pleasure to show you."

Jessie's eyes widened perceptively. "You mean take us there? That would be fabulous."