A/N: This is probably my favorite chapter that I have written so far. Things are finally starting to happen with Thomas and Higgy, and I hope you like how this chapter goes!
Waikiki Beach was a bustling hub of activity as Juliet wormed her way through the festival crowds. Thomas had texted her that he and his friends had secured a table near an outdoor bar under some palm trees.
"Higgy, over here!" she heard someone shout over to her left.
She spotted Thomas and two other men who must be Rick and TC waving to her as she made her way to their table. The butterflies in her stomach were swarming in full force.
"I'm so happy to see you, Juliet! And I'm really glad you could join us for this festival. We've all heard that it's one of the best things in Waikiki all year." said Thomas with the biggest smile on his face. He looked like he wanted to give her a hug, but Juliet figured he wasn't going to because he thought it would spook her. Truth be told, she kind of wished he had given her one since she was still feeling too nervous to give him one herself.
"It's great to see you as well, Thomas, as well as to meet your infamous friends," Juliet replied.
"Higgy, these are my best friends, Rick Wright and TC Calvin. We've been through pretty much everything together as you've heard."
"Pleased to meet you both," Higgins told them, shaking each of their hands with a smile.
"Great to meet you, Higgy," TC said with a laugh. "Is it ok if Rick and I call you 'Higgy' too? Or is that just Thomas' special name for you?"
Juliet blushed a little. "You may call me Higgy if you wish. I wasn't too fond of that nickname in the beginning but it's grown on me a little."
"Thomas has told us what a great detective you are," Rick added, "He told us that you're the reason why he got such a lenient sentence. You're awesome for helping him out with that."
Juliet waved that off with a laugh, "Well you gents certainly helped him as well! Someone had to pay his hefty bail!"
TC and Rick exchanged a look and then glared at Thomas a little.
"She's right, bro. When are you going to pay us back for that? You promised that you would a couple weeks ago!" complained TC.
Thomas raised his hands up in defense, "Hey, hey! Don't gang up on me guys! I'm getting the cash together, I promise. How about this, I'll buy the next round of drinks and some food as a start. What would you like, Juliet?"
"I'll have a Mai Tai. Thank you, Thomas."
He gave her a small smile as he picked up the guys' empty beer bottles and headed towards the bar.
Juliet turned back towards Rick and TC, "So, what do you both do for work? All that Thomas has told me was that you all were in the military together."
Rick spoke up first, "Well, last month I took out a loan and bought the last original tiki bar on Oahu. It's called La Mariana. So far it's been pretty great. It's a ton of work, but I'm having a great time with it and the TC and Magnum hang out there a lot. You should join us sometimes! I promise the food is good and you'll get free drinks!"
"That sounds lovely, Rick. I'm sure I'll take you up on that offer," she smiled, "What about you, TC?"
"I'm also starting out my own business," he chuckled. "I was a marine chopper pilot when we were in Afghanistan, so I figured I would stick to what I know how to do. I run my own private helicopter tour business, Island Hoppers. So far that's off to a decent start as well."
"Well, I'm certainly happy that you lads seem to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Good for you both."
Magnum returned to the table bearing a tray of drinks and some snacks. "See? I'm a generous guy! Look at this impressive spread!"
"Great job, buddy," said Rick sarcastically, "Now you only owe us another 10K."
Thomas rolled his eyes, "I hope you guys didn't gossip about me the whole time I was gone."
"You'll be happy to know that you weren't even mentioned," replied Juliet. "Your wonderful friends were telling me about their respective business ventures. Quite impressive if you ask me. Didn't you tell me on the phone yesterday that you were going to tell me about your new job, Magnum?"
"Oh yea, I did, didn't I? Well, I think this is going to impress you even more, Higgy. I've become a P.I.!"
Juliet raised her eyebrows in disbelief, "A P.I.? Since when has becoming a private investigator been a stable form of income? Especially for someone just starting out?"
"I'm building up my clientele," he assured her. "I'm not cut out for a 9-5, Higgy. I think you know that. I needed a job where I can make my own hours, have some fun, and change things up often. Being a P.I. lets me do all of that stuff! Plus, I'm pretty good at finding things and helping people."
Juliet sighed and took a sip of her drink, "Well, at least it's legal, and much more acceptable than your previous occupation."
TC and Rick laughed at that comment, holding up their beers so the group could toast.
"To Magnum's new job, in all of its craziness!" Rick exclaimed.
The group laughed and clinked all of their glasses, beginning to dig into some of the food that Thomas had brought over.
Rick started talking to TC about something that had happened at La Mariana, so Juliet turned to Thomas.
"So, when is the music and performance going to start?" she asked him.
Thomas looked at his watch, "It should be in about ten minutes. I think it'll be pretty cool."
Juliet nodded and then looked down at her feet, "I must admit that this is probably the first festival that I've been to since I moved to Hawaii. I've been wanting to get more involved in the culture and everything, but I guess I just haven't had the time or the friends to go with."
"Hey, that's ok, you're making up for that now," he smiled, "We all have to start somewhere. I know it can be a little scary to go out and get involved in a new place, especially if you don't already know people. That's why I'm so grateful for Rick and TC. We've all been able to explore a lot of great places on the island together."
"Have you all hiked to Rainbow Falls?" Juliet asked. "I've seen pictures of it but I'd really like to see it in person. It's absolutely breathtaking."
"We have actually, and it's amazing. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world that I've been to. I would love to take you there soon."
"Well," Juliet started shyly, "I'm actually cashing in some vacation days for the next two weeks, so we could go whenever you'd like."
Thomas beamed, "Great! It's a date then! Is Monday ok?"
Juliet's heart pounded at his mention of a 'date' as she returned his grin, "Yes, that's fine with me."
Their eyes met, and Juliet's face flushed again. She was positive that she was going to look as red as a beet at the rate things were going.
"Guys! Look! I think the Luau is starting!" announced TC, pointing at the stage.
"Let's move our chairs to the other side of the table so we don't have to turn around the whole time," Thomas suggested to Juliet, standing up to move their chairs.
He made sure his own chair right was next to Juliet's and took a seat. "Come on, hurry up and sit down so we don't miss the beginning!"
Higgins sat down and watched the stage on the beach as the Hula dancers were beginning to come out.
Thomas readjusted himself in his seat, and Juliet noticed that his right arm was now resting across the back of her chair.
Butterflies swirled in her stomach as she glanced over at him. Thomas met her gaze and gave her a shy smile as if to ask if his arm around the back of her chair was ok.
Juliet couldn't hide the huge grin that erupted over her face as she gave him a little nod before turning back towards the stage.
The dancers and music were great. Juliet regretted not experiencing some authentic Hawaiian culture sooner, but she was proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone with Thomas and her other new friends.
She looked over towards Rick and TC and saw Rick give her a knowing smile. She felt pretty confident now that Magnum returned her feelings, at least to some degree, and she hoped that as time went on, nights out with Thomas and his friends would become a regular occurrence.
As the sun went down, some fire dancers came out onto the stage to perform with fabulous glowing wands. Juliet was amazed at the incredible precision and skill of the men that were tossing and twirling sticks of fire.
Thomas leaned in and whispered in her ear, "These guys are amazing don't you think? Maybe if this whole P.I. thing doesn't work out for me I can try out to twirl fire for a living!"
Juliet laughed, "Something tells me you'll have more luck with your cases, Thomas. I don't know how much you can be trusted around open flames."
Thomas let out a dramatic sigh, "I guess I should stick with what I've found right? It's been paying the bills so far. Would you like anything else to eat or drink? I'd be happy to go get you something."
"I'm fine, Thomas, thank you though." she said as the fire dancers finished their brilliant performance.
The entire festival erupted in applause and cheers for them, and TC made a comment about how he wanted to learn how to throw fire.
"I think you'd be excellent at it TC," Higgins told him. "It requires great precision, just like flying a helicopter."
"Hey!" Thomas laughed, "How come he can learn and I can't?"
Juliet rolled her eyes at him and laughed some more, before the MC announced that the finale performer of the evening would be a singer playing the ukulele.
It was the perfect way to wind down a great evening, and the ukulele music was so calming and peaceful that Juliet couldn't help but let out a yawn.
Seeing that, Thomas leaned down to whisper to her again, "You know, if you're tired, you're welcome to lean on me if you'd like."
Juliet turned to face him. He looked so confident and relaxed, and his arm had never moved from its spot on the back of her chair.
Juliet had never let herself get so close to someone so quickly, but something about Thomas just made her feel completely at ease and taken care of.
"Alright," she said quietly, leaning into his side and snuggling up to him. Feeling bold, she wrapped her right arm around his stomach as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Thomas moved his arm from the back of her chair to wrap around her shoulders and pull her closer to him, while his other hand rested on her arm that was across his middle.
Juliet felt like she was floating on a cloud. Between the beautiful music, the feeling of Thomas' arms around her, and the wonderful smell of his cologne, this was the closest she had felt to being truly happy in a long, long time.
"I'm having an unbelievable time with you tonight, Juliet," Thomas whispered, "I'm so thankful that we can finally spend time together and get to know each other more. I think you're really special."
Higgins sighed deeply, "Thank you, Thomas. I'm grateful to you and your friends for inviting me tonight. This is probably the best night I've had in a long time. You are—you are a special man yourself."
She felt Magnum smile at her last comment as he rubbed her shoulder gently.
They stayed just like that until the music ended a half an hour later, and the festival started to clear out. TC had offered to buy everyone a final round of drinks, and the group laughed and chatted for an hour more.
While Juliet was no longer leaning on Thomas, they were still sitting so close that their knees were touching.
If Rick and TC had noticed, neither of them had said anything, nor had they commented about the little snuggle session earlier, and for that Juliet was extremely grateful. They had sensed her shyness with the whole situation and not wanted to embarrass her.
These are all really good men, she thought to herself as she laughed at a story Rick was telling about a drunk patron from La Mariana, This is a group of people I can count on…
After the group had finished their drinks, Thomas checked his watch.
"Geez! It's almost midnight! Where has the night gone?"
Rick yawned, "Time flies when you're having fun, brother. I'm ready to head home though, what about you guys?"
The rest of the friends agreed, and seeing that Thomas wanted a moment with Juliet, Rick and TC said their goodbyes.
"It was really great to meet you, Higgy," said TC giving her a hug, "Come hang out with us at La Mariana this week! I want to hear all about how you first met Thomas and how pouty he was in the interrogation room!"
Juliet laughed, "I assure you that he was a complete drama queen. I will stop by the bar this week! I'd love to see it!"
"Looking forward to it, Jules," Rick told her, hugging her as well. "And remember, drinks are on the house!"
"See you guys tomorrow," Thomas said, clapping both of his friends on the back as he hugged them both, "Tonight was awesome!"
Rick and TC waved as they walked to their cars, and Magnum turned back towards Higgins.
Thomas beamed at her and held out both of his hands for her to take. "I hope you had as much fun as I did tonight. I almost wish it wasn't as late as it is so we could go somewhere else," he laughed.
Juliet smiled at him as she held his hands. She didn't want the night to be over either, but fatigue was catching up with her. She was almost positive that Thomas would be completely on board with her next idea.
"Let's have brunch tomorrow," she suggested. There is a wonderful crepe cafe near where I live. It will be my treat," she promised.
"That sounds amazing, Higgy. I can't wait."
"Splendid. I will text you the address then. Is 11 o'clock tomorrow ok with you?"
"Perfect," Thomas replied, using their joined hands to pull her into a warm hug.
Juliet stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his hug earnestly. They hadn't talked about how they were both feeling yet, but Juliet had a wonderful feeling that Thomas returned her feelings in spades. The last remnants of doubting thoughts about starting something with him had left her much earlier that evening, and Juliet was committed to using her time off from work to figure out if she and Thomas actually had a chance.
"I'm gonna miss you," Thomas whispered quietly into her hair.
Juliet laughed loudly and rolled her eyes as they broke their embrace, "Oh please! You made it over a month without seeing or hearing from me; surely you can make it another 10 hours or so!"
Thomas let out another dramatic sigh, "If I must. I'll see you tomorrow, Juliet," he said, squeezing her hands one last time.
"Tomorrow," she confirmed, waving to him as she started to walk away.
"Goodnight, Thomas."
"Goodnight, Juliet."
As always, let me know what you think!