Making Waves: A Perfect Kisses Novella by Ophelia London

right.
    “Juss.” Ellie’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You just got a text.”
    Justine cracked open her eyes to see Ellie pointing at her phone.
    “Want me to find out if anybody died?”
    “Go ahead.” She leaned back and closed her eyes.
    Well, all and all, I suppose it’s been a good trip, she thought . Oahu is gorgeous, the weather’s been perfect, I ate a delicious fish taco—
    “It’s from someone named Ron.”
    “That’s my boss,” Justine said.
    “He said, and I quote: Get to the Otani Kaimana, pronto. Chase Ryder press conference .”
    Justine’s eyes flew open. “What?”
    “That’s what it says.” Ellie displayed the phone. “Does he mean the hotel?”
    “I don’t know.” She took the phone and reread the text. “He must.”
    “Wasn’t that the hotel…last night…”
    Justine swallowed and nodded. “Why would Will give a press conference? He’s spent the last decade refusing interviews.”
    “Until you,” Ellie said. When Justine looked at her, Ellie was smiling, but not at her. Her friend was gazing wistfully at Charlie washing their convertible. “You’d be surprised what men will do outside their comfort zones when it’s important.” She glanced at her. “Remember our tango on live TV?”
    Justine couldn’t help smiling. “I don’t think that’s why Will’s doing this. He was so angry.” Her stomach churned like she was trapped on a rocking boat. “I really need to talk to him, but I’m sure I’m the last face he wants to see. I’ll try to stand in back or something.” Just then, another text pinged from Ron. “And apparently, my career depends on covering this.”
    “Good luck,” Ellie said.
    “Thanks.” On shaky, unenthusiastic legs, Justine stood and grabbed the keys to her rental, ready to do her job.
    …
    It wasn’t at all like the previous morning at the Eddie. There were no cars lining the beach road in front of the Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel. In fact, Justine was able to park in the same spot from last night. In the few minutes it had taken to drive to the other end of Waikiki, the weather had really taken a turn. Her flimsy sundress was whipping in the wind as she walked across the sand, clutching her notebook.
    She spotted a group of people down by the water. They were the only ones on the beach, so they must’ve been setting up Will’s conference. Or Chase’s.
    Well, it really doesn’t matter what anyone calls him now…all thanks to me.
    “ Aloha ‘ auinala .” Someone waved, breaking from the group. “About time you got here.”
    Justine frowned when she recognized the kid she’d met yesterday, Will’s surfing buddy. “Hi. Anton, right?”
    The kid grinned, showing white teeth. “I should be flattered you remembered my name, but I don’t think Chase would dig that.”
    She glanced around, confusion growing. The group with Anton was a bunch of teenagers. “Do you know where the press conference is? Was it moved inside because of the weather?”
    “No.” He smiled and nodded at her. “You’re it, ku‘uipo .”
    She didn’t have time for this. “Look, I really need to talk to Chase. Where is he?”
    Anton grinned and hooked a thumb over his shoulder, pointing at the ocean.
    “Huh?” She took a few steps toward the water, but saw nothing but gray waves, rougher than yesterday’s because of the wind. Then she spotted him, bobbing about thirty feet out. “What is he…? Will!” she called. “Come in! Let’s talk!”
    He waved an arm overhead like a greeting, or maybe he was in distress. “Does he need help?” she said to Anton, trying to ignore the panic building in her chest. “What’s going on?”
    “Like I said, press conference for two.” He chuckled, cupped his hands, and called something out to Will she didn’t understand. More Hawaiian. When Will answered back, Anton laughed and slapped his thigh. “Yeah, my boy says he wants to talk to you, too. Out there.” He lifted his chin as the first raindrop