Page 28 of Trust

“I can walk to the bathroom, Aleka.”

It was another few seconds before his brother-in-law came on the phone. “Hey, Jake. Thanks for telling her not to come over.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. We’ve just gotten to the point where she’s uncomfortable in any position. Her feet are swelling, and she’s been sad about not wearing heels.”

He rolled his eyes. His sister had a thing for stilettos. “No problem. Nicola said she was surprised the doctor was allowing her to travel.”

“That’s another thing. I found out yesterday that Dr. Lee told her it wasn’t a good idea, not even to Oahu.”

“That seals the deal. I’ll hop on the plane on Sunday.”

Maybe he could convince Lani to come with him. They could spend a few days decompressing.

“Jake, are you still there?”

“Sorry. Still acclimating to the time difference.”

“Yeah, it’s a bastard.”

“Is she truly okay? There’s nothing wrong with the baby?”

“Naw, Jules just cries a lot now. Since about week twelve, I’ve had to be careful around her.” He sighed. “It’s been tough, and she seems to be getting worse. Her blood pressure is a little high, so they’ve ordered her to take it easier, but you know your sister.”

“Yeah. I have some news I was going to wait to tell the family, but maybe I should tell Jules.”

“Good news.”

“She’ll think so.”

“Love, Jake wants to talk to you.”

There was a muffled response.

“No, he has some news he wants to share.”

Again, jostling of the phone, she was on the line. “I’m back. Can you get my tea, love?”

“Of course. Sit down,” he heard his brother-in-law’s order.

“Such a bossy bit of goods.”

“But he’s wrapped around your finger.”

She laughed, and the tension in Jakob’s gut loosened. “Yeah. He is. So, what is this news?”

“How would you feel if I moved over here full-time?”

“Here? As in. Hawai’i?”

“Yeah. I just inked a deal to be the lead in theTask Force Honoluluseries.”

There was a beat of silence. “That’s brilliant.”

“You’re the first one I’ve told but don’t say anything to Mother. I need to prepare her. She already misses you so much.”

“You’ve lived in LA for the most part in the last few years.”

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