CHAPTER FORTY – FISH OUT OF WATER

"Charlotte, darling!" Her mother's shrill voice cut through the murmur as Lillian swept forward, air kisses brushing both cheeks. Her perfunctory smile morphed into an arched brow as she coolly took in Kai's appearance. "I see you remembered the dress code this time." Kai opened his mouth to respond, but Charlotte swiftly cut him off. "Of course, Mother, I wouldn't dream of disrespecting the host's wishes." She pivoted smoothly, gesturing to where a cluster of her oldest friends huddled nearby. "You all remember Kai, of course? Kai, this is Bianca, Jade, and Sienna." A chorus of overly bright "Hello"s and "Lovely to see you again"s followed, the women regarding Kai with a mix of curiosity and mild disdain. Sienna, ever the peacemaker, was the first to break the awkward silence. "Charlotte tells us you're from Hawaii, Kai? How perfectly exotic! Do regale us with tales of your...adventures in paradise." "Uh, well..." Kai floundered for a moment before finding his footing. "It was a