Candy's Wild Ride (The Candy Cane Girls Book 3)

by Bonnie Engstrom

  “Gosh, Dad,” young Bill said, “nothing has changed here since I was a kid.”

  Bill remembered this had been a fun restaurant to bring him to because of the cans on the ceiling that slowly moved above them while they were eating.

  Both Bills led the girls to the cycles. Both girls hesitated. Bill couldn’t understand why since they’d had such a fun ride. He asked Natalie.

  “I guess I’m still a little shaky. First time,” she confessed. “I’d rather ride horses.”

  “Really? Why? Horses scare me.”

  “They don’t vibrate,” she said. “And you can bond with them. Lovely creatures.”

  She had looked him square in the face. “Why don’t you go riding with me? Sunday afternoon. After church, of course.”

  Now he was stuck. He was terrified of horses after the one time he’d gone trail riding with Marsha, at her insistence. Apparently, the big mare didn’t like him. He still remembered eating dirt and Marsha laughing. “She sensed your fear, Bill. Don’t let her win. Dust off, stroke her nose, give her one of those treats in your pocket, talk gently to her, and hop back on.” Marsha was a horse woman; it was her first love. After him.

  Fear overtook him again. He was a grown man in his fifties he reminded himself.

  “I don’t know. Had a bad experience once. Got thrown.”

  “Did you get hurt? Badly.”

  “Not really. Just scared.”

  “Like I was riding the cycle?”

  “But,” he said with conviction, “I can control the cycle.”

  She clapped her hands together and laughed so loud he almost walked away. What was it with this woman? Was she a vixen in disguise? Until this evening he thought she was sweet and kind and sensitive. And, what about the church thing? Would he have to attend, too? Before the horrifying, bloodcurdling task of riding.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Billy called.” Candy sensed the hesitation in Nat on the other end of the phone.

  “Which one?” Nat asked.

  “Bro.” Candy reluctantly explained. “He saw me, us, on the cycles the other night. Wanted to know what I was doing acting like a teenager with a low life. He has always been judgmental.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Ow! Striker!”

  “What was that about?”

  “I walk when I talk on the phone, as you probably know, and I tripped on one of the stupid dog’s toys.”

  “And, you don’t look where you are going!” Nat chuckled.

  “There are too many Bills and Billys in my life.”

  “We need to sort them out.”

  “But, how?”

  “Maybe a code? Like one, two, bro?”

  “Did you know Dev’s middle name was also William?”

  “This is ridiculous, makes it even more complicated,” Natalie replied. “Have you heard from either of the two motorcycle Bills? It’s been at least two days. Should I be worried? I mean about Big Bill, aka Old Bill, investing? Or, do you think he’s backed out?”

  “Have either been to the gym lately?”

  “Not when I’ve been there. But, I do take breaks for coffee and lunch. Especially after doing a class. Still, everyone has to sign in, and I haven’t seen either name.”

  “I think you should call him. Or, one of them.”

  “That seems forward.”

  “No, Nat, not if he was, still is, sincere about a deal for your gym.” Candy gripped the phone harder. “Natalie, you have to be realistic. You need the money, you need the support. Don’t pass up this opportunity.” Candy was so frustrated with Natalie she almost pressed the red button on the phone. Finally, she shouted, “Get real, girl. Please!” Then, she put down the receiver.

  ~

  Candy stared at her email inbox. Pushed the inbox line again to be sure. Yes, it was from Cindy pleading. From Costa Rica. She felt guilty she hadn’t written to Cindy and Rob lately. They needed support, if only moral. They had assumed a huge responsibility, left everything behind and started a new life – on faith. She noticed Cindy had sent the email to several others in Cc – carbon copy. Guess she was pretty desperate.

  Dear Friends,

  This is a hard post to write, but we need support. Rob has had several ‘incidents’ with his MS and some days can hardly walk. He takes his medication daily, does the prescribed exercises and even runs a small support group. Three other people in the housing complex have MS, so it’s an intimate group. Rob also attends two AA meetings every week, most of them conducted by Brian who is the manager of the bungalow rentals. Brian has been sober for over ten years, so he is a great mentor for Rob. Since Rob can still swim in the community pool, his legs seem to work well in water, Brian thinks he should surf. Frankly, that frightens me. Still, Brian would be with him, and he is a strong swimmer and used to surf all the time in Newport.

  As for me. I have not had the interest and success I hoped for to start a church. Some of the people I approach are very kind, but others look at me as if I am an alien with five heads. I wonder sometimes why God led us here. I cling to Jeramiah 29:11 as my hope. It has always been my favorite Bible verse. But, right now I feel so empty.

  I am not asking for financial support, although since we are depleting our savings, that would be very helpful. But, I trust God and you. He will provide. I just need to have each of you tell me you are praying for us, and that you believe in us and love us.

  Your friend in Christ,

  Cindy

  Candy laid her head down on the computer keyboard and cried. Her friend needed her, and she didn’t know how to help. Had Natalie gotten the same message? She called her and asked.

  ~

  “Yes,” Natalie said, “sadly I did.” Candy wiped her eyes again. “What can we do?” Nat asked.

  “I know I’m not good at this organizational stuff like you,” Candy offered, “but could we organize a prayer vigil for them? Like on a weekly or even daily basis?”

  “Don’t people who do that look a little desperate?”

  “Nat! What are you saying? It doesn’t have to be public. And, yes,” she yelled, “it is desperate.”

  “We could certainly send a small amount to them, even give our tithe to them instead of church. But, will that help?”

  “Check out Malachi 3:10, Nat. Yes, it will not only help, but it will fill the needs to overflowing.” Candy almost slammed down the phone, she was so frustrated. Did Natalie not have the same concerns she did for Cindy and Rob?

  Finally, Natalie asked, “Do you think a vigil would do any good?”

  ~

  They announced a vigil prayer time for Cindy and Rob to take place every Friday morning at Nat’s Gym from six to six-fifteen. Not a long time, but enough to start. Notice went out to all clients. Nat and Candy wondered who would respond.

  Would some feel intimidated? Would some feel Nat’s Gym was only for believers? Would some cancel their gym memberships? This coming Friday would tell the tale. It was a big risk for Natalie.

  ~

  Bill opened his email inbox and scratched his head. What? A Candy Cane prayer vigil? Starting tomorrow? He knew the girls were Christians, but wouldn’t this stamp a big cross on Natalie’s business? He read the email again.

  Dear Members,

  Many of you know I am a member of a special group of women called the Candy Canes. We have been close friends for over ten years, and we support each other in many ways. One of us, Cindy, and her husband Rob Lovejoy are serving as missionaries in Costa Rica with plans to plant a church, and for Rob who has multiple sclerosis to form support groups for others with MS.

  The other day all the rest of us got a sad email from Cindy. Although Rob’s first support group is small, only three others besides him, it is steady and has been very helpful to those involved. However, Cindy said Rob has had several MS flare-ups causing him to have difficulty walking sometimes. Yet, he remains upbeat and dedicated. The man is a trooper.

  Unfortunately, they have had very l
ittle success interesting people in starting a new church. Cindy says people are either kind or look at her like she has five heads.

  She is not asking for financial help. She is asking for prayer. We want to give it to them.

  She and Rob have some financial support from their home church in Irvine, CA. As dedicated missionaries, Mariners Church pays their rent and a small stipend for living expenses. Cindy, whom all the Candy Canes have always designated Leader of the Group (she swam freestyle, starting off every swim meet and taking the lead for the rest of us), is very discouraged. This is so unlike her.

  Two of us, Natalie who owns Nat’s Gym and Candace, have decided to give her what she asks for – prayer.

  We will be holding a prayer vigil for Cindy and Rob every Friday morning in Nat’s Gym from 6-6:15 a.m. This is not obligatory. We ask that only believers attend. No names will be taken. It will be as anonymous as possible. No need to reply. Just show up.

  Thanks for your attention. We hope we haven’t put anyone in an uncomfortable situation.

  Natalie and Candace

  PS ~ Please feel free to bring friends.

  ~

  Bill scratched his head again, then called his son. “What do you make of this, Billy?”

  “I think it’s great, Dad. Those girls are go-getters, and they have a lot of faith and bravery.”

  “But, won’t this put her gym on the line? Especially, the part about my investing in it?”

  “Maybe, Dad, you should call Natalie’s mentors, the Lovejoy and Day men.” He paused, and Bill could hear the frustration in his son’s voice. “Since they are both very successful and both Christians, I think they could give you a lot of insight. And comfort,” he added. “You did some kind of deal with them before, didn’t you? So, you know them, and they should both be open to your concerns.”

  Bill pondered his son’s advice and scratched his head again. What was wrong with him, with his faith? He would show up tomorrow for the first prayer vigil, keep his head low and arrive from his car parked two blocks away. No noisy motorcycle.

  ~

  Candy and Natalie walked into the gym at five-thirty. Both were anxious. Would this be a good thing, this prayer meeting? They stood together holding hands and prayed for God’s will. When Natalie opened the doors to the gym at five-fifty-five, they saw a small crowd outside.

  Twenty or so people rushed to the door. Bill Senior was first in line.

  Natalie hugged him, as she did to all the people coming to pray for Cindy and Rob. When he released her she felt funny sensations in her tummy. Maybe it was just because he was the first to appear.

  She had asked Candy to take over. She was so much more confident than Nat.

  Natalie gestured for everyone to crowd into the small seating area in the gym where some older members often waited for their rides after a workout. Although most had to stand today, everyone had a beaming face. She was amazed.

  “Thank you all for coming,” Candy said. “I know this is unprecedented, very unusual. And that,” she continued, “is what makes it so special.

  “Let me tell you a little about the Candy Canes, so you will understand why we are here.”

  Everyone clapped.

  She briefly explained about the high school swim team and how they had gotten together in the beginning, when Coach Douglas had singled each of them out. How they had won four state championships, and especially how their faith had brought them all together for so many years.

  “We are sisters,” she said. “We will always support each other, always be there for each other. And, that,” she concluded, “is why we are here today. To support a sister.

  “So, if you are here to support our sister Cindy, let us pray.”

  ~

  Bill had passed around a basket. Candy and Nat were appalled, but it was his thing, not theirs. They didn’t want to stop it because it really could help Cindy and Rob. But, it was not what they had intended, so it was somewhat embarrassing. At least Bill made it clear it was his idea, not theirs.

  Nat and Candy were blessed when many of the people who attended prayed out loud. Bill had also had the foresight to record the prayers on his cell phone. Candy would send them to Cindy later.

  Just before the prayer vigil broke up with many Amens, Claire, the often difficult member of Nat’s Zumba class, spoke up loudly.

  “This,” she announced, “is a golden opportunity to bless. May we pray daily for this couple, and I would like to make a suggestion for them.”

  Everyone either gasped or looked to her skeptically. Some turned away and left. What would she suggest?

  Claire suddenly blossomed. Who was this take over woman, Nat wondered? Until she heard her.

  “I am a mother. I have never publicly professed my faith before, but I am now. Because of Rob Lovejoy, my son Nick is now sober.”

  A few women grasped their hands together and held them against their hearts. Heads nodded and throats cleared.

  “I would like to set up a GoFundMe account for Rob and Cindy. As Candy said, it is not about money. But, realistically, money wouldn’t hurt, and it can help.” Claire looked around and Natalie and Candy saw several nodding heads. She passed out a list for people to sign up on with their email addresses. She asked they pass on the information to others. Then, she said, “Thank you Natalie and Candy for having this special meeting for your sister.” Claire walked to her car, opened the door and slid inside with a wave.

  Natalie and Candy hugged with tears in their eyes. Both Bills enveloped them with strong arms.

  “I think this calls for a very special motorcycle ride,” Bill Senior said. Bill Junior nodded.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “What crazy scheme have you gotten yourself involved in now?”

  Candy’s brother, Billy, was shouting at her. She put her phone down on the sofa next to her. She could still hear him, even though she hadn’t pushed the speaker button. She had been trying to rest and make sense of the morning and, especially, the afternoon. The motorcycle ride had set her on edge. What had happened there? Somehow, she had ended up sitting behind Big Bill, as she mentally dubbed him, and not Little Bill where she had hoped to be. She had wrapped her arms around his torso and clung digging fingers into a soft leather jacket. Her nose ended up at the base of his neck, a neck that smelled so good. Something happened to her body then. It quivered, and her knees got weak and rubbery. But, her arms that clung to his body got stronger, and her own body seemed to melt into his back. She hadn’t wanted to let go.

  “Sis, are you there? Will you talk to me?” Billy’s voice boomed over the cell phone. “Please explain what you are doing.”

  Candy sighed and reluctantly picked up the phone. “What do you think I’m doing? What do you care? And, if you don’t stop shouting at me, I’m going to hang up.”

  “Sorry. I worry about you, and I worry about Nat.” He paused to make a tch sound clacking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Her gym is going to be labelled. You know what I mean.” Candy heard disgust in his voice.

  “So? Suddenly you care about Nat’s gym?” She heard the disgust in her own voice. “What has come over you, Billy?” Then it hit her. Billy has a thing for Nat. Yep, that was it. Had to be.

  He did take her to his senior prom, but that was over eight years ago. When they were kids. Had they been secretly dating since then, or even lately? Surely, Nat would have told her. There weren’t many secrets between Candy Canes. Except the one she had kept about Dev the Drunk, her ex-husband. Now, since Cindy and Rob’s wedding, everyone knew because she had shared. She decided to change the subject.

  “So, big bro, how’s the used car business?” She always got a kick out of calling Billy a used car salesman. Actually, he was. He made tons of money reselling exotic cars like Lamborghinis, Lotuses and vintage Porches. She knew how to push his buttons, knew he couldn’t resist telling her about his latest coup.

  “Sold a 1960 Porche Speedster in perfect condition yesterday. Not a scratc
h on it; convertible, silver. Guy said he’d had one in college, brought back his youth. Nice guy with silver hair. Paid cash.” She could hear the thrill in his voice, the pride. She imagined he closed shop for about a half hour after the sale and ran right to the bank. She knew Billy didn’t like to keep large sums in his office. Too risky on the Coast Highway.

  “Good for you. Congrats.” She hoped he had been distracted from his reason for calling. She hoped wrong.

  “Now,” he said. “Back to your crazy antics. You and Nat.”

  “They’re not crazy, Billy. They’re sincere. We are praying for support for Cindy and Rob who have run into a hiccup, so to speak.”

  “Rob’s health giving them problems?” He did sound concerned. They had been old friends who drifted away from each other when Rob went into real estate and Billy into the car business. An investment group had financed Billy somewhat anonymously. They called themselves The Memory Men, but their names were top-secret. Somehow they kept their identities hush-hush, even from Billy. A representative of the bank acted as the go-between. Candy wasn’t sure if that person actually knew whom he was representing – just did the paperwork. She pulled her thoughts back to Billy’s question.

  “Cindy said he’s had a few incidents with his legs; trouble walking. He is fine swimming, though, which is recommended to MS patients. Might try surfing again. But, that scares her.”

  “Aw, shoot! Poor guy.” She could hear the anger in his voice. Years ago he and Rob had surfed together. It was their one bond. But, life and success had gotten in the way and led them down different paths. Suddenly, she had an idea.

  “Do you miss surfing?” She heard a sigh on the other end.

  “Yeh. I still go out occasionally, like a few times a year. I went out with Stevens about a month ago. But, he’s more into boarding – trying to teach his son.” Another pause, then a sucked in breath. “Yeh. I miss it, a lot. Just no time anymore.”