Page 77 of One Night in Hawaii

“Ryder told me you had a meeting the other day about your whale trip,” I said. “What was that about?”

“It’s a company I’ve done some work for in the past,” she answered. “They’ve offered to sponsor the trip.”

“That’s cool,” I said. “Why don’t you sound more excited?”

“I have this big plan in my head about what I want this project to be. I envisioned me alone on my boat, watching the whales and documenting what I saw. I guess I kind of saw it as a solo journey. It was supposed to be my project without a bunch of rules and demands.”

“They have rules?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said, sighing. “And I wouldn’t be alone.”

That got my attention. “What do you mean?

“They want me to have a partner. Another marine biologist. I don’t dislike many people in this world, but I don’t like him. He’s arrogant. The company wants him to share hisvast knowledge with me.”

“Who is he?” I asked.

“His name is James. He’s kind of a big deal in the marine biology world. However, I think he’s a hack. He doesn’t really believe in learning. He thinks he knows everything already and only he can teach people like me. They are making these grand plans to promote the excursion but it will be James that’s the star, not the whales.”

“Let me fund your trip,” I said.

“No way. I am not interested in your money. I don’t want you to think that’s your value to me. I like you for you. I wouldn’t care if you’re penniless.”

I smiled, touched by her words. “I know that, but I want to help you realize your dream. You deserve to have the experience you envisioned, without anyone else’s demands or restrictions. Let James figure out his own expedition.”

She looked at me, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I replied. “Just promise me that you’ll let me join you on this journey.”

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I love that you want to help me and I am so grateful, but I can’t take your money. I’ll just have to swallow my pride and do what’s necessary. If I don’t do this trip, James will. They’ll buy him a big fancy boat and he’ll take my ideas and run with it. This is one of those situations that I can’t beat them, so I have to join them.”

“Bullshit,” I muttered. “What if we call it a loan?”

“Thank you, but no.”

“What happens if he takes your idea and follows the whales to Alaska? Is there only the one group of whales?”

“No, not really,” she answered. “But James will use the research and sell it. He’ll get speaking engagements. He’ll write a book and publish articles.”

“Is that what you would do?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Yes and no. I’m not doing it to make money. I will be able to sell myself, but my research will be handed over to the people that need to see it and learn from it.”

As she spoke, my mind raced with potential solutions. I couldn’t bear to see her dreams crushed by James and his greed. Then, an idea struck me. “What if we both go on this trip together?” I suggested. “We can split the cost. I’ll be the stowaway along for an adventure. You’ll have the freedom to explore and document the whales as you see fit, without worrying about James stealing your ideas. And I’ll have the opportunity to support you and learn from you.”

She stared at me, her expression unreadable. “Are you serious?” she finally asked.

I nodded. “Completely. I want to be a part of this journey.”

She burst into laughter. “That is a wild idea, but don’t you have to go back to New York?”

“I do.”

“Then you can’t possibly take months off.”

We arrived back at her boat and walked down the dock. She needed to pack an overnight bag. We dropped the conversation about the Alaska trip but I wasn’t done with it. I wanted to help her. I wanted to make sure she got to follow her dreams. I had a feeling I understood why she didn’t want to accept my money. We had yet to discuss what we were really doing.

“Can we talk for a second?” I asked her.

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