Follow Chris Johansen's journey of self-discovery and love in the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii. From an unexpected encounter in Huntington Beach to embracing his sexuality in Honolulu, Chris navigates the complexities of coming out while pursuing his dreams as a competitive swimmer.
As Chris builds a new life in Hawaii, he experiences the highs of newfound freedom and the lows of heartbreak. He forms deep connections with a diverse cast of characters, including the charming but troubled Koa Kalani. Their relationship takes Chris on a rollercoaster ride of passion, betrayal, and ultimately, enduring love. Against the backdrop of 1970s Hawaii, Chris faces challenges both personal and societal, from homophobia to the emerging AIDS crisis.
Will Chris find the strength to overcome his fears and fully embrace his identity? Can his love for Koa withstand the storms of addiction and secrets? Dive into this poignant tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of love to transform lives in paradise.
Eager to break out of my shell and mingle, I realized that simply observing from the corner wouldn't cut it if I wanted to meet new people. With determination, I decided to venture out and introduce myself to as many folks as possible. I spotted Lori again, but this time, she was with a few friends at the bar, the outdoor section under the massive banyan tree.
This segment of the club was nestled under the tree's sprawling branches, turning into the trunk itself. The outdoor bar had a canopy covering the seating area, surrounded by tables adorned with large umbrellas. Lush vegetation graced the surroundings, including red ginger, ornamental banana trees, heliconias, and other tropical foliage. As you moved into the fully covered part of the bar, it led to the dance floor bordered by mirrors on three sides, featuring the iconic disco ball and other trendy light show machines that created the total disco dancefloor feel.
I noticed that Lori was hanging out with an incredibly striking guy in the group. He exuded a Hawaiian model vibe, captivating everyone with his appearance, demeanor, and piercing aqua-blue eyes framed by long, dark hair. He was seated with a gorgeous blond girl hanging onto him, yet his gaze locked onto mine, and he gave me the warmest smile, silently mouthing, “Hello, handsome!”
Was I reading this correctly? Though accustomed to attention as a lifeguard/swimmer, nothing had ever stopped my heart like this guy. Lori noticed me and called me over to meet all her friends.
Playing it coy, I refrained from smiling too much, overly conscious of my braces. With just a few more months before they would come off, I despised the way they made me look. As Lori introduced me to everyone, she came to the last person and said, “And this here is Koa Kalani. Like you, he loves to surf and, as you can see, is as fit and athletic as you.”
Extending my hand for a shake, I said, “Hi, I’m Chris, Chris Johansen. Originally from California, but I've made the islands my new home.”
Koa's eyes remained fixed on me as he curiously asked, “So Chris, do you just board surf, or do you body surf as well?”
I replied, “Well, I love both! I started out body surfing, then got into knee-riding, and eventually, board surfing.”
Koa quickly interjected, “Have you ventured to try windsurfing or kite surfing?”
While I hadn’t yet, the idea intrigued me, so I said, “No, not yet, but I sure would love to learn, and I’m a quick learner!”
Koa smiled at my enthusiasm, saying, “I bet you are ... Well, I’ll have to take you out to see how quick of a study you are.”
I grinned, nodding in agreement as I mumbled, “I would love to have you teach me.” Stumbling over my words, I added, “I mean, teach me how to windsurf or kite surf.”
Suddenly, a favorite tune, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston, filled the air, and the group of Latin Hustle dancers, including Koa, made their way to the dance floor.
“Come on, Chris!” Koa shouted, “We can all dance together!”
However, I opted to stay on the dance floor's edge, focusing on Koa.
His dance moves were hypnotic, gyrating his hips and executing some Saturday Night Fever moves from the new hit movie, but with a passion that surpassed John Travolta's. Koa's long, dark hair swirled around, catching the silky glow of the disco lights, and his blue eyes twinkled as he spun. Dancing freely without a partner, he waved for me to join him. Despite my self-consciousness, the magnetic attraction drew me out of my comfort zone, and I was drawn to him like a moth to the flame.
