Jamie's Encore
Chapter 28 Hawaii – JULY 4TH
Caitlin has been diligently preparing for her part in the July 4th ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu – the Punchbowl. This is something different; she has never done so much patriotic music before. She has always admired this genre, she just has never played, or performed it much. She is really enjoying it – so is Jamie as he listens to her practice!
And there is an added benefit; Erin, her sister-in-law, will be there. She will be enjoying a little vacation time. So Frank, Pops and Erin will be together with Caitlin and Jamie. Time to build some bridges, mend some fences. Right? Right!
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As they talked and planned, Jamie and Caitlin realized they had an opportunity. When Marty and Kensi of NCIS were staying with them while working on the Piano Lady case, Marty had talked up surfing. He had mentioned Hawaii as a prime surfing spot, high on his bucket list. He had offered to teach them to surf, if they ever got the chance. Now seemed like a golden opportunity!
FLASHBACK – EARLY APRIL
RING RING
"Marty Deeks here."
"Marty, this is Jamie and Caitlin Reagan. In San Diego."
"Yes, what's up?"
"Can you get Kensi on speaker, please?"
"Hi, Kensi here. Great to hear from you two!"
"And you," Caitlin speaks. "We're calling regarding surfing."
"Have you started?" Marty is excited.
"No, but we would like to have some lessons, in Hawaii!" Jamie inputs.
"Hawaii? Well, that's quite a trip; is there an occasion?" Kensi questions.
"Yes, I am performing at the July 4th celebrations at the Punchbowl. Do you know the place?"
"Absolutely, my dad was a life-long Marine. I've visited the Punchbowl several times." Kensi voices. "It's so beautiful and peaceful."
"Well, would you be interested in coming to Hawaii while we are there; attending the ceremony and then staying on for a few days and teaching us how to surf?"
"Oh, I don't know," Marty whines. "Ouch!" Kens swats him.
"YES," Kensi exclaims. "What are the details?"
"July 4th is Sunday, so we plan to stay the rest of the week after Caitlin performs. If we can coordinate lodging, we can have a good time. Can we discuss details now, or later?"
"We will need to check with our team. Can we arrange a call?"
"Sure, let's do that."
In a conference call 3 days later, it is decided that:
Hetty and Granger will come just for the ceremony weekend,
Kensi, Marty, Eric and Nell will come for the ceremony weekend and stay until Friday and enjoy surfing and other water activities; both Marty and Eric can be surfing instructors,
Attendees from Jamie's family include Frank, Pops, Erin, Nicky and Jack; and of course, Caitlin and Jamie,
Caitlin will arrange for tickets for the group.
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HONOLULU
To protect and support his wife in advance of her July 4th performance, Jamie has rented a condo 1 mile from the Punchbowl. It is on a secluded cove with beach access and a covered veranda. The rental includes a 2-person sea kayak; and he has arranged for a baby grand piano to be in the condo for her to practice. Only Kensi & Marty know where they are and have their burner phone number. Frank et al are not happy.
The rest of the Reagan party are at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in Honolulu itself. Jamie did this deliberately; he knows that several family members want to query Caitlin. He and she are prepared for this, but not until her performance is completed.
The NCIS part of the entourage is at the Ilikai, next door to the Hilton.
Monday through Saturday the surfers will be on Oahu's north shore. In winter the north shore surf is no place for beginners; in mid-summer that is not the case.
Saturday morning, Jamie & Caitlin got up early and spent 1 hour on the ocean in the kayak. Jamie had checked the surf chart, and had noticed calm seas; it was very relaxing. They agree that a sea kayak would be a welcome Christmas present. A letter to Santa is started. They did another hour in the kayak just before sunset. They watched the sun sink onto the Pacific from out on the ocean. What a sight?
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Sunday morning, they did some surf play. Jamie would have preferred another hour in the kayak, but since it was performance day, he couldn't risk it.
After a nourishing breakfast, they got dressed. Jamie wore a navy-blue pin stripe suit, a crisply starched white shirt and red tie. Caitlin wore a stunning crimson, floor length gown; sweetheart neckline and deep V back. Modest 2" white pumps and silver accessories. They were a stunning pair!
They got to the Punchbowl 2' before call time. After 10 minutes of getting comfortable with the Concert grand, she and Jamie retired to the "green room" to await performance time.
This is when Jamie's companionship really came into play. As good as Olivia's company had been, and others, having the man she loved by her side during these times was several steps above. He had become irreplaceable. And she loved him for it!
As her time approached, Jamie held her carefully and wished her luck; they both knew that luck had nothing to do with it!
"I love you, sweetheart!" Jamie whispered.
"I love you, Jamie!"
They parted and she entered from the left wing, to massive applause. She curtsied and took the bench.
Caitlin McKenna started the fireworks show!
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When the celebration concluded, Nicky and Jack passed out invitations to everyone in the group:
Post concert reception
Caitlin & Jamie's beach condo
Address _
Arrival to 8 PM
The group gradually gathered; Nicky and Jack circulated with beverages and hors d'oeuvre. At 5:30 a buffet was set up and guests gradually passed through the line and had a lovely meal. 2 varieties of Napa Valley wines were served to the amazement of some guests. No official announcement was made.
At 7:30 Errin Reagan cornered Caitlin; Jamie noticed and quickly came to her side.
"Caitlin, I must ask you something."
"What is it, Erin?" Caitlin responded.
Jamie pressed close, his arm around his wife's waist.
Erin noticed, and frowned. "The event that caused you so much angst when you were 20 years old; What was it?"
"Why do you need to know?" Caitlin replied.
"I . . . ah, am concerned for my brother. I don't want him to be hurt." Erin mutters.
Jamie looks to Caitlin; she nods, giving him the go ahead to respond.
"Erin, my wife has shared everything with me. I can assure you that there is no cause for concern. None."
"But, I-
"Don't you believe me, sis?"
"But, I'm curious-
"So, you feel the need to satisfy your curiosity?" Caitlin responds. Her arms folded across her chest.
"But it sounds so serious. Don't you think the family should know, Jamie?"
"No, I don't. I know that is the way our family has operated for decades. But our family – Caitlin and I, will operate differently. You will need to get used to it." He grins at his elder sister. "You know that I have pushed back against the demand from you and Danny, and Pops for total disclosure; on your time line. Right? Well, now I have a chance to form a different tradition. With the woman I love. So, that's it!"
Caitlin pulls him down for a kiss, "Thank you, love!" She whispers in his ear.
"Outrageous," Erin mutters as she walks away.
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LATER THAT NIGHT
All the guests are gone, Nicky and Jack have helped with the cleanup. The foursome is relaxing around a table, with a cold beverage.
"Did you see who was here for a bit?" Jack asks his uncle.
"Who?"
"Rafael Perez and his wife."
"What?" Jamie & Caitlin exclaim.
"Yes," Nicky reports. "He talked with Jack and me. He was very impressed with our poise as servers. He wants us to work the Shell for after concert receptions!"
"Really!" Jamie is impressed.
"That's fantastic!" Caitlin is exuberant.
"We get 2 tickets each to symphony concerts. And can watch from SRO at each event we are working!"
"Do you like that deal?" Jamie asks.
"Yes, who wouldn't?" Nicky exclaims.
"Good for you!" Jamie declares.
"Ready to go, Jack? I think our aunt and uncle have things to do," Nicky winks. Jack grins.
Caitlin blushes.
Jamie hangs his head, shaking it. "Get outta here," he mutters.
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The week spent on Oahu's north shore was fantastic. They found 2 beaches where the surf was moderate, and the combination of Eric and Marty as teachers worked out very well.
On Wednesday the group took a side trip and saw the Polynesian Cultural Center. The luau in the evening was stupendous, especially as it was topped off with authentic Hawaiian entertainment. Thursday and Friday they finished the week with some elementary tandem surfing.
Friday evening it was travel back home. What a fulfilling vacation. The three couples vowed to do something similar again. They all got info about Caitlin's concert schedule, and hoped to attend.
The west coast circle of friends was expanding!
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TBC