The Candy Bar Complete - 4 book box set: Candy Bar Series

by Patrice Wilton

  He glanced from my face to Brett’s. “Oh, I see. I didn’t know you two were seeing each other.” He looked Brett in the eye, “I thought you had another lady friend back at the hospital.”

  “Yes, sir, that’s right, I did, but she’s gone.”

  Dad stopped the inquisition, and turned on the charm. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. You were supposed to set up an appointment and you didn’t. Don’t delay this, boy. You need to come in as soon as possible. We don’t want any infection getting in.” He looked closely at the scar. “It’s healing nicely, I’m pleased to see.”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m happy with the work you’ve done.”

  “The work has only started. Give my office a call and set something up.”

  Brett nodded, and I led him away. “Let’s get a drink.”

  The evening went much better than it started. Brett and David had a common love of football and the Dolphins, and Leanne and Mom were happy to see me with somebody sane. I didn’t bring too many men around, and the ones I usually brought home were mostly for shock value. Like, a flamboyant hairstylist with green tips, and a bodybuilder who could easily bench-press me, and proceeded to do just that.

  Sometimes I just can’t help myself.

  Leanne had a large table with white tablecloths and candlelight set up around her patio and pool. A uniformed waiter served up drinks, and we helped ourselves to a buffet dinner. She had it catered, of course, but still it was a lavish affair. The table was laden with an enormous golden turkey, a baked ham, sweet potato casserole, sautéed green beans, a sausage/apple/cranberry stuffing, a spicy chutney, and fresh herb rolls. The desserts she had made herself. Leanne had baked a chocolate bourbon pecan pie and a pumpkin cheesecake.

  I brought a cheese and fruit plate and a couple bottles of wine. We had been told to dress casually since the weather was in the mid-eighties, and so Brett wore khakis and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He looked handsome as sin, and I looked pretty enough in a flowered sundress.

  I watched Brett talk with the men and I could tell he was comfortable until my dad joined the group. Dad takes over, and once he opens his mouth no one else can take the floor. Somehow, over the years, he’d come to the conclusion that he was not a doctor, but a god.

  Leanne caught me watching the men and slid up beside me. “So, is he another one of your people projects, or could it be that you really like this guy?”

  I looked at her. “What do you think?”

  “I think,” she eyed him curiously, “that he is very special in your eyes, and he’s hot.”

  “You do?”

  “Of course. I like him, Susie, and more importantly, I think you do too.”

  “Yes, I do. Very much.” Brett glanced over at me and winked.

  Leanne sighed dreamily. “He is sweet.”

  I blushed. “Yes, he is. Things look good between us, but it’s too early to say. We’ll see.”

  Leanne nodded, “Well, he’s certainly a big improvement over Randolph.”

  Randolph was the hairstylist with the green tips. He swore he wasn’t homosexual but bi, but I never found out for sure. Clue number one—he knew more about women’s fashion than I did. “Maybe, but he’s not nearly as wicked as Spike.”

  He’d been another one I’d brought around to “shock and awe” my dear family. I’m not sure if it was the tattooed snake around his thick neck or the leather pants and studded vest over his bare chest that appalled them into speechlessness.

  I do know they lost their well-bred manners completely. Father was so rude we didn’t stay for dinner, and rode off into the sunset together.

  Mother came sidling over. “Susan, I am so glad you brought your friend. He’s charming.” She smiled in his direction, and then turned back to me. “We discussed your art, and he was telling me about your plans to go to Italy. I must say I never expected you to go through with it! But it sounds divine, and I’m quite envious. How long will you be staying?”

  “I’m not sure, Mom. The courses run a month at a time, and I’ve set myself up for two in January and quite possibly another two the following month.”

  “That would be lovely. Maybe we could all come over and visit.”

  “I’d like that. I really would.” After a few more minutes of conversation I excused myself, seeing the need to rescue poor Brett. “You ready to leave?” I quietly murmured.

  “Whenever you are.”

  “Good. Let’s start our goodbyes.”

  After thanking Leanne and David, and chatting for a moment with the other guests, we went back into the house to find my father. I suspected he’d gone to his office to make some calls. Sure enough, we heard his voice as we drew near. He was talking to someone, and I was about to knock on his door when I heard a woman’s laugh.

  My hand stopped midair. Brett looked at me and covered my hand with his. I leaned my head closer to the door, not caring that I was eavesdropping. He was my father, after all. “Oh, Chuck. Stop that.”

  Chuck? My father was Charles or Charlie Jensen. Dr. Jensen to most people. Never Chuck. I heard a giggle and a growl. Who in the world was in that room besides my father and that strange lady? My hand was on the door handle. I didn’t want to open it. Wait a minute.

  Yes…I…did. I needed to know.

  My father was with a divorcee who lived down the street. He had her backed up against the wall, they were kissing madly and his hand was on her ass. I noticed, with an air of detachment, that she was wearing a black lace thong.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  “Susie, are you all right?”

  I noticed my hand was still on the door. “What just happened?”

  “You don’t remember?” Brett asked.

  I thought I did, but I wanted to be sure we were on the same page here. “You heard your father talking to somebody, and you were about to barge in, then stopped. You looked funny, like you were in some kind of trance.”

  “We didn’t go in there?”

  “No.” His eyes studied mine. “Did you think we did?”

  “Yes. I saw them.” I turned quickly, and marched away. He followed me outside, and held my shoulders because I was shaking. “Dad and another woman. He was…he was…making out with her.”

  “It didn’t happen, Susie. You just imagined it.”

  “I don’t think so. I saw it.” I stopped walking. “God dammit! I’m going in there.”

  Before he could stop me, I ran back inside the house to my father’s study, and pushed open the door. I didn’t stop to consider what I would see. My father and the neighbor lady were chatting like old friends. They were both standing and fully dressed. “Susie? Did you want something?” Dad asked.

  “Yes.” My voice was shaking. “I know what you did. I saw you.”

  Marcia narrowed her eyes and her mouth looked pinched. “What on earth are you talking about? You saw what?”

  “I saw you two making out.” I choked on the words, “He had you against the wall, you’re wearing a thong…”

  “That’s enough,” Dad barked. “What an accusation! How could you think up something like that? You’ve always had a vivid imagination, but this is taking it too far.”

  “I saw you,” I hissed.

  Brett came running in. “Susie? You okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, but these two are so busted.”

  Marcia looked at me suspiciously. “How would you know what I’m wearing? This is so very odd.”

  Dad harrumphed. “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

  “I do too, and Marcia just admitted it.” I turned, and walked out.

  Brett followed. “What was going on?”

  I quickly told him what happened. “But I did see them. It was so horrible. My own father.” I shuddered. “It’s disgusting!”

  “But when you went back they were standing around having a normal conversation, fully dressed?”

  “Yes. I see things before they happen, but they do happen. Like the fire that you w
ere in. I saw it in flashes, like an old black and white movie.”

  He looked at me strangely. I shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m not crazy, but why am I seeing things? What’s wrong with me?”

  “I don’t know. How long has this been going on?”

  “Not long. Since the magic happened.”

  “Susie. There’s no such thing as magic. This is probably something neurological, and you should see a doctor.”

  “I talked to Helga, my therapist, but she doesn’t take what I say too seriously. She thinks I’m loopy at times.”

  He smiled, and touched my cheek. “You’re just a little eccentric.”

  “Do you think my mother knows he’s having an affair?” The idea of it made my stomach churn.

  “We don’t know if he is for sure, but, hon, don’t get involved. Let them sort it out.”

  “You think? If it were me, I’d want to know. I’d want to kick his ass to Timbuktu, and spend all his money on cabana boys.”

  Brett laughed. “You probably would.”

  “Damn straight. So as long as we’re together, don’t even think about cheating on me. If you meet somebody you like better, I want you to break up with me first.”

  “I’m not going to break up with you. I’ve never met anyone as adorable as you, or as sexy, or cute and funny and feisty. Other women pale in comparison. I’m planning on making love to you every night, and every day, until you get sick and tired of me.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah. Got a problem with that?” He kissed me thoroughly, until I had no thoughts in my head.

  “When can we get started?”

  I went home with him that night. We laid on the bed and he kissed and caressed me for a long, long time. I felt as contented as Merrybell and almost purred with satisfaction.

  “You have a tiny scar, right here.” He touched the spot on my upper lip.

  I froze. I’d told him about my cleft lip, but we never talked about it again. Nobody in my family ever talked about it. “It’s the cutest mouth I’ve ever seen.” He traced it with his fingers. “So kissable.” He kissed it. “So delectable.” He licked my bottom lip, then slid his tongue inside my mouth. And then we stopped talking, and started doing what we had come here for, to get our fill of each other and forget Melody, forget everything but our need for each other.

  * * *

  I had to make more room in my studio so Melody could have a little space. She was trying so hard to please me and I enjoyed her company. It was like having a younger sister who looked up to me.

  Nobody had ever looked up to me before and it was a nice feeling. She loved to wear my old clothes, and was wearing a lot less black makeup and leather cuffs. She still did her dog walking and used her hard-earned money to buy groceries and stock our fridge.

  As a favor to Candy and me, she also took care of Billy at night since he was still laid up with a bum leg. When she walked the dogs, she’d wear shorts and T-shirts, but when she visited Billy she’d put on her old stuff. The two kids seemed to be getting along well and Candy was thrilled with the arrangement.

  After I’d cleared out the studio, I had dozens of paintings I needed to store. I approached Candy at the bar and asked if I could bring some down and try to sell them to her clientele.

  “Are you kidding me? I’d love it. I have a couple of your paintings left, but I could use a lot more. It will definitely brighten up this old place. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.”

  “We could start with a few and see how they go.” I was excited about the idea. I needed to make some extra pocket money for Italy, and allow me to buy Brett something nice for Christmas.

  I also didn’t want to work too many nights, since I’d do much rather spend what time I had left, with Brett. The idea of leaving him filled me with dread.

  We talked about Melody and Billy for a while, both of us delighted at how well things were working out. “She’s really a good kid, Susie. She just needs someone to give her a chance.”

  “I know. She wants to do the right thing, but she has no money and no education. It’s not easy.” I had heard her cries during the night and had a darn good hunch that she’d been molested for years.

  “She’s been wonderful for Billy. He’s more like his old self—not so angry or defiant. What an improvement over the past year.”

  “What a difference a girl makes,” I smiled. “Think there is a little flirtation going on?”

  “Probably. He’s a couple of years younger, but he’s a big kid for his age.” She grinned. “And a damn good-looking one, too.”

  “Of course he is. Look at his knockout mom!”

  “Hardly.” Candy patted her hips. “If I get any wider I won’t be able to fit behind the bar.”

  “Don’t be silly. You’re not overweight. You’ve just got womanly curves.” I changed the subject. “If Melody isn’t settled by the time I leave for Italy, would you do me an enormous favor, and look out for her? You’d be such a good influence, and I know she thinks highly of you.”

  “Of course I will, and I’m glad you’re still going. I was afraid you might not, now that you and Brett are an item.”

  “I don’t want to leave him, but I have to do this for myself. Right? I do have to do this?”

  The entire idea of leaving tore me up inside. I’d probably never forgive myself if I didn’t go, but if it meant losing Brett in the process, the positive I got from the experience wouldn’t outweigh my loss.

  “Sure you do, honey. It’s something you’ve always wanted and the exposure will be good for your career. You can have an exhibit here when you get back and tell everyone that you trained at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. Did I get that right?”

  “You did. Not only that, but you made it sound awfully impressive.”

  “This trip is going to be so good for you personally.” She touched my chin and forced me to meet her eyes. “I’ve seen a lot of emotional growth in you this past year and studying abroad is going to give you that extra confidence boost you need. You’re going to be a star, Susie Jensen, don’t doubt yourself. I can’t wait until I can say I knew you when.”

  Being a star wasn’t that important to me. Not anymore. “Do you think Brett will wait? It would kill me if he didn’t. The pain wouldn’t be worth the gain.”

  “Of course he will. You won’t be going away forever. A couple of months, that’s all. If your relationship can’t stand a temporary absence, then it’s got more serious problems.”

  “Hey, speaking of relationships. How’s Hank?”

  She smiled. “Hank’s great, thanks for asking.” Her eyes shone. “Who would have thought? Not me, that’s for sure. I wasn’t going to date until Billy left the house and went away to college.”

  “What? You were going to stay celibate for eighteen years? Come on, Candy. That’s ridiculous.”

  She lifted a brow. “No, I had men. Mostly when Billy was younger.” She flicked back her hair. “When he was about ten, I dated a guy for nearly a year. He wasn’t a very good father figure for Billy, so I cut him loose.”

  “And nobody since?”

  “No. Not a one. I didn’t want men coming in and out of Billy’s life. The two of us have always been a team, and we were doing just fine. Figured I’d wait until he was all grown up and out of the house, and then I’d take a chance again.”

  “Then Hank came along.”

  “Yes, and I’m so glad he did.” She sighed like a satisfied woman, then changed the subject. “So do you have your flight booked yet?”

  “Yes. January fifth. Only five weeks away. It’s sneaking up fast.” I slid off the stool and picked up my purse, not wanting to have this conversation. “I’m flying Delta to Rome. I’ll spend a couple of days in the City of Light and see all the sights. Be a real tourist.”

  “Sounds great. Wish I could join you.”

  “Yeah. Me too.”

  * * *

  “Helga, I know what you are going to say, but please hear me out be
fore you denounce me as an idiot.”

  “I’ve never called you that, Susie. Impulsive, yes. Silly, maybe, but an idiot? Never!”

  I smiled. “Good. Then I won’t mind telling you about Melody, a girl who’s gone through a rough road and has lived on the streets. I befriended her a few years ago when she came to the shelter, and then she went to live with her grandparents in Orlando. Well, she’s returned, and now lives with me.”

  Her jaw dropped. “I’ve changed my mind. You have now given me the right to call you that, and anything else I deem appropriate.” Her pretty blue eyes clouded over, and if I were painting them, using emotion as I do to capture the mood of the painting, I would use a dark purple for disappointment and a navy for dismay. That would just about color it.

  “You haven’t given me a chance to explain myself,” I said as calmly as I could.

  “Please, by all means, go ahead.”

  “I see something in this girl, Helga. There is goodness in her heart, but she’s had a rotten family life, drugs, violence, and I believe there’s been incest. She’s had to move from one foster home to another. It’s not her fault she lived on the street and sold herself for drugs and a meal.”

  “And how are you going to help this poor child?” Her teacup rattled. “I think you are a very kind, sweet person, but I don’t see you as someone who can mentor this young troubled girl and give her good advice. Dear me, no!”

  My eyes pricked, and I felt betrayed. Helga, of all people, should believe in me. If my therapist didn’t, how could I believe in myself? And I did. At least I was starting to.

  “Brett thinks I’m crazy to take a chance on this girl, but I have to. She has no one but me. I can’t turn my back on her.”

  “Would you like to bring her here next time you visit?”

  “Oh, Helga. I would love to, if she’ll come. That’s a wonderful suggestion.” I told her how Melody was helping out with Billy, and she smiled and nodded but I could see her drifting away.

  We were sitting in the garden and it was a lovely day. I tried a different subject, hoping I might find something to stimulate her.

  I told her about the Thanksgiving dinner with my family, and how I had inadvertently seen my father with another woman. Then I explained I hadn’t actually stepped into the room.