Didn’t happen.
“Please don’t fight,” I said to the two kids who loved each other and were now at odds, due to their overly zealous parents. The two of them fighting was exactly what Harrison and I had wanted. But not like this. The shame, the pain. Their bitter disappointment.
Harrison cleared his throat. “Come along, Katie. You can talk to Billy in the morning.”
Billy stepped between them. “She’s not going anywhere with you.” He put an arm around the fragile looking girl. “We’ll go to a motel for the night and leave in the morning for the Keys. Tell them, Katie. Tell them you want to stay with me.”
She wouldn’t look at him, which broke my heart even further. “I’m not sure, anymore. Not sure about anything.”
Billy lifted her chin. “Look at me. You love me, right? We’re in this together. No matter what our crazy parents did.”
She nodded, and wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “I do, but I’m going with Dad. I’ll call you. In the morning. I’m sorry,” then she turned and fled without a single glance my direction.
Harrison followed, also without a word, and Billy and I stared in silence as the door closed behind them.
“Don’t say a thing,” he said warning me, then he went to his bedroom and slammed the door.
No way could I sleep, so I poured myself a tumbler full of white wine and took it out to the balcony. The night was dark, no slither of moon to be seen. I could hear the lapping of the waves against the shore, and make out some white foamy tips in the dark, swirling water. I felt a chill in the air, although the night was still in the high eighties.
Tears rolled down my cheeks and I swiped at them viciously. Shame made me bury my head in my hands, and I swallowed my sobs, fearing that Billy may hear.
The kids were horror-struck seeing their parents making out on the living-room sofa. How much they’d glimpsed, I had no idea, but it was certainly enough that they knew precisely what we were about to do. We were planning on having sex.
Harrison had acted like a jerk. A sophisticated, educated, Ivy-leagued lawyer, whose earlier generation migrated on the Mayflower. Probably never farted in public, never cheated on his wife, or stole candy as a kid. Guy was like some clean, shiny penny, whereas I was like a dirty nickel.
Nothing polished about me. No wonder Katie thought I’d led her father on. I probably had. Without meaning too, of course. Me and my sequins and pink boots.
What a way for Billy’s girl to meet me for the first time. Or anytime. I had not only shamed myself, but shamed Billy too.
I can dress myself up, run around with clever, beautiful women, but inside I’m still Candy Thompson, whose father got liquored up and knocked his wife around, making my mother look old by the time she was thirty. Born and raised in a shack in Alabama, I played on old cars and broken refrigerators instead of a swing set.
No matter how much I want to belong to a different world, this is me. I might be able to disguise my roots for awhile, but at the end of the day you just can’t take the trash out of the girl.
CHAPTER SIX
I woke up to the sun shining in my eyes, and wondered how late it was. I could hear Billy padding down the hall, and the masculine rumble of his voice as he spoke on the phone.
I’d really messed up this time. Slipping out of bed, I put on a robe, and used the bathroom to wash the night’s misery from my face. I brushed my teeth, wincing at my reflection. My eyes were two pink rimmed, puffy orbs in a pale face. I’ve never been a pretty crier.
I felt like walking down the stairs, out into the ocean, where I’d keep going until I came to the end of the Atlantic. Next stop Cuba. I might be the only person ever to make that trip in the opposite direction. With my luck, I’d run into some illegals on an overstuffed rowboat and get hauled in by the authorities, adding a criminal record to my misery. Or I might drown, and be found by blackhearts who’d take my washed-up body and sell it for used parts.
Neither option had much appeal.
Instead I went into the kitchen, poured myself a cup of coffee, and stayed to listen to Billy’s conversation. It sounded heated, which clued me in that he was arguing with Katie. That was so not good. It was our fault—mine and Harrison’s.
I wondered how he was handling his daughter, and her recrimination for last night. I somehow doubted he’d beaten himself black and blue as I had done. As a lawyer, I’m sure he could twist the truth anyway that suited him.
I put a hand on Billy’s shoulder, to offer support, but he shook it off. Understanding that I was not his favorite person at the moment, I sat down at the table opposite him and waited until he put the phone down. He turned to me, circles under his eyes. “They want us to come to the hotel for breakfast.”
I swallowed a huge lump in my throat, knowing I had to face the music. “How do you feel about that?”
“I don’t want to see him, or you, especially together, but I guess I have no choice.” The muscle in his jaw flexed. “Katie wants to talk. With all of us.”
Tears stung my eyelids. “I’m so sorry about last night. I’d do anything to take it back.” I kept my hands wrapped around the warm mug for comfort.
“But you don’t even know him!” Billy gave a small shake of his head, coming to terms with what he’d seen. “How could that have happened?”
“It just did.” My face heated and I took a sip of coffee. “We got together to discuss you and Katie. We were—are—so concerned about you two getting married because you’re both so young and haven’t dated long. We wanted to figure out a way to be supportive, yet make you see reason. We didn’t plan on making out.”
“But you did!” His eyes flashed with anger. “I saw you. We both did. Your top was on the floor. Thank God, you still had some clothes on. A few more minutes, and you guys would have been screwing on the couch.”
“Billy,” I said softly, aching for him, and for myself. How could I ever make this right? Some role model I turned out to be.
“I’m ashamed as much as you are,” I said in a gentle tone, hoping that if he could see how contrite I was, he might have the heart to forgive me. “I don’t know what got into us, but you know as well as I do that the magic is real. Still, I understand nothing excuses our behavior. Once again, all I can do is apologize and try to make things right.”
“How are we going to do that?” His tone was surly but I didn’t blame him. At least he wasn’t telling me he hated me.
I got up and ruffled his spiked brown hair. “We are going to get Katie back. Win her over. Then you can take her to the Keys and have a great time. Maybe one day you’ll look back at this and laugh about us silly old farts.”
“That won’t happen.” He ran a hand over his face. “But do you mean it? You’ll help me with Katie? She just told me she wants to go back home with her dad.”
That would be Harrison, winning his arguments. “I’ll think of something to get you and Katie to the Keys. Promise.”
“Okay, then.” Billy got up from the table, his anger down a notch. “I’ll go shower and dress while you do something with your face. It’s a mess.”
Or not. I laughed, covering my cheeks with my palms. “Thanks for nothing.”
I grabbed some ice from the freezer and wrapped it in a wash cloth, then went into my small bathroom to bathe my swollen eyes. That and eye drops were my only hope.
After ten minutes I gave up and jumped into a warm shower to wash my hair. No time for my usual workout—a thirty-minute Zumba tape on TV—instead I had to rush to a breakfast meeting with Mr. Harrison Wolfe and daughter. Once again he was calling the shots.
Such an unusual name, I thought, and yet it suited him. He looked successful but hungry, like a man who could easily swallow his prey.
Sheesh, I had to stop thinking of him in terms like that. The hungry part had my stomach hopping like butterflies and my body parts tingling. Nobody had ever made me feel like Harrison. Wanting to do things I’d never even thought to do.
I p
ut on a slimming pair of white Capri’s and a loose fitting flowered top that I hoped would be conservative, but nice for a hotel breakfast. I took my time blow-drying my shoulder-length mane so it fell sleek and smooth—all the natural waves tamed. The one thing about Florida weather is that the humidity can make your hair curl and I relentlessly battled it daily with flat irons, hair dryers and sprays. When all else failed I relied on my straw hat.
I used a light hand with my make-up, except for the under-eye cover cream. I used a pink lip-liner that accentuated my full mouth, and finished with a quick spray of expensive perfume. I was as good as I could be, and if Mr. High and Mighty didn’t like it, all the better. We would never be friends after last night’s fiasco, and even if the kids forgave us, I’m not sure I would forgive him—the way he’d left me without a kind word or backward glance.
When I re-entered the living room, Billy waited impatiently near the door. “What took you so long? We only have ten minutes to get there. Her dad already hates me—we can’t be late.”
“We won’t be late. It’s a five-minute drive.” I grabbed my handbag and slipped into a pair of wedged sandals. “How do I look?” I put myself directly in front of him and patted beneath my eyes.
He studied me for flaws before saying, “Better.”
“Well, that’s a relief. And you look mighty handsome, my son.” He’d put on khaki shorts, a polo shirt, gelled his hair and was freshly shaven.
“Nice try, but you’re in my bad books.”
“Yeah?” I quipped, feeling a little more myself. Confident that I could meet any obstacle in my way—or my son’s way. “So what else is new?”
We took the elevator down to the underground parking lot, then drove the few blocks to the Hyatt. As soon as we entered the lobby, I spotted Harrison and Katie. They were sitting on a sofa chatting, and I could tell from her body language that she was still ticked off.
They stood when they saw us. Katie shot a quick peek at Billy, but didn’t greet him. Her manner was stiff and cool although she looked as pretty as a picture, with her long hair floating down her bare back, wearing a flowered sundress.
Harrison was in cream linen pants, and a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He had a bluish tinge under his eyes—the only evidence that he hadn’t slept so good either.
Billy stepped forward, looking like a big, awkward, unhappy kid. “Katie? You okay?”
She nodded, glanced at her feet, and didn’t speak. I wanted to nudge her, tell her that it wasn’t his fault. Instead I just squirmed and spoke to Harrison. “Good morning. I’m glad you suggested breakfast.” At his hotel, where he could have the upper hand.
“Obviously we need to talk—the four of us,” he said.
I touched Katie’s elbow, drawing her attention. “I’m so very sorry. Please, forgive me. And don’t take this out on Billy. He loves you.”
She jerked her arm away, put her head in the air and marched off. The three of us followed. Katie stopped dramatically at the entrance to the lobby café then turned to face Billy and her dad, excluding me. “Do we have to do this? Isn’t it awkward enough?”
Harrison answered with a tone of finality. “Yes. We do. It’s what adults do when there’s a problem. They talk things out.”
“There you go again—saying that I’m too young and don’t know my own mind.” Katie crossed her arms.
Billy stepped next to Katie, taking her side against her dad. “We’re in love and know exactly what we’re doing. We don’t need your permission. We’re both twenty-one.” He puffed his chest out. “I’ll be twenty-two in a couple of months.”
Oh man. Right move to gain the girlfriend’s support, wrong move to endear himself with Dad. I glanced at Harrison’s face and saw the tick in his jaw.
“We are here to discuss your engagement, Billy, not come between you and Katie. That’s not our intent.” I gave Harrison a meaningful look, hoping he’d play smart.
Billy certainly hadn’t. By voicing himself so aggressively, he’d made an enemy out of the father instead of an ally. He’d put Harrison in a defensive position. Katie moved away from Billy, obviously torn.
Harrison could have been in the courtroom as he said, “Let’s go in.” He put a hand on his daughter’s back urging her forward. She never once looked at Billy, and my heart broke for my son.
We were seated, the two Harrisons on one side, Billy and I on the other.
Harrison waited until our coffee was poured, breakfast ordered, and then broke the unnerving silence. “Last night was a calamity.” He looked at his daughter, and Billy. Avoided me.
“I understand how shocked and horrified you both were finding us as you did. We can’t apologize enough. I’m speaking for Candy as well as myself when I say we’re both very ashamed of our actions and hope you can eventually put this aside and forgive us.” He glanced at his daughter and covered her hand. “Forgive me?”
She kept her head lowered, but I could see a splash of tears on her cheeks. I softened toward her. This was so very ugly and awkward, and she must be embarrassed, as were we all.
I’d promised my son to win her over, which meant a sincere apology despite my annoyance at her treatment of Billy. And Harrison’s of me, but that was something I would address with him, later.
“I am so sorry,” I said to both our children. “Please understand that I would never, ever do anything to purposefully hurt you.” I smiled and batted back tears of my own, noticing that Katie’s shoulders were not quite as stiff.
I added a layer of temptation to my apology. “As a small token I would like to offer you my car so that you two can drive to the Keys today. I will also take care of your hotel stay while you’re there. I’d hate for you to miss out on your plans because of this.”
“Wow—that’s nice of you, Mom.” Billy looked hopefully at Katie. “She’s got a convertible, babe. It’d be fun.”
Before she could answer, Harrison interrupted, “You don’t need to bribe them, Candy.” His voice was cold and sliced right through me. “Katie is going home with me today.”
“No, I’m not!” Her head shot up. “You have to stop making decisions for me, Dad. I’m going with Billy.” She glanced at him for the first time, and I could hear Billy’s sigh of relief.
“Great,” Billy said, his face flushed with pride. “As soon as we’re done with breakfast, go pack. We can run Mom home and grab my suitcase. I never unpacked. We could leave here in an hour.”
Katie granted him a small smile. “I’d like that. Thanks Mrs. Thompson. That’s kind of you.”
“Ms.,” I answered automatically. “Actually, call me Candy. And you’re very welcome. It’s the least I can do.” My son’s happiness eased some of the ache from the fiasco the night before.
Harrison, however, looked like a man that had lost his first big case. He was getting ready for the second round. I saw him wipe his mouth, clear his throat, and open his mouth to debate.
“Katie…”
I interrupted before things went sour. He didn’t realize his daughter was growing up, whether he was ready or not. I understood that he was grasping at straws, which made me feel kinder toward him and his controlling ways. “Harrison,” I said softly. “This is between them. They need to figure this out together. We blew our chance.”
His eyes held mine for a few long seconds, then he nodded. His lip twitched with a half-smile. “Guess you’re right.”
“Well, that’s settled,” I spoke cheerfully. “And here is our food. Right on time.”
Breakfast was broken up with excited chatter from the two young lovebirds who were now sitting closer together, smiling and planning their days in paradise. Snorkeling, ghost tours and, of course, the bars.
I finished my scrambled egg and whole wheat toast and dabbed at my mouth with my napkin. The thought of bars made me think of a possible buyer for mine.
Thinking out loud I said, “I know someone in Key West, a bar owner who tried to bamboozle me with an indecent offer for the Can
dy Bar a few years back. I really should go see him, see if he’s still interested.”
Horrified, Billy said, “You’re not thinking about selling the bar?”
“Yes—it’s been a decision that I’ve been fighting for a while, but I feel that the time has come.”
He sounded worried as he scrutinized my face. “You love that place. It’s everything to you. Always has been,” he added with an unexpected touch of bitterness to his voice.
“I’m sorry you think that way, because nothing has ever been more important than you.” I shrugged off the hurt. “It’s time for me to move on,” I said, giving him a long look. “It’s not doing as well as it used to, and I’ve given half my life to the place. I want a change.” I covered Billy’s hand. “It’s okay.”
“Don’t do anything too quick, Mom,” Billy said. “We need to talk about it, before making big decisions.”
I laughed. “Like getting married?”
He blushed.
Katie interjected, “So you want to come along to Key West with us?”
“No, honey. But I might drive down in the next few days, meet with the guy and take you two out for dinner. Katie, I would love a chance to get to know you during the short time you’ll be on spring break. That’s if you don’t mind.”
“We’ll have your car,” Billy reminded me, still watching me as if unconvinced I was being level with him.
“I’ll drive yours. Not as reliable as mine, but I expect it’ll get me there.”
“I can drive you,” Harrison said. “I’ve never been to the Keys. And I’d like to get to know Billy better too.”
“I don’t think so.” I felt my face heat and wouldn’t look at anyone. My plate held my riveted attention. “Not a good idea.”
“You can say that again,” Billy said, giving Harrison a “don’t you mess with my mom” glare.
Katie, in the middle of a sip of water, choked. “That’s the worst idea. How could you, Dad? Sheesh! You are such an idiot sometimes.”
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