by Tina Martin
“Yes, it will.”
Candice smiled, closed her eyes and could swear she could feel his warmth touch her even though he was five hours away in another city. Then she said, “Listen, Kurt, go take a shower, get comfortable and have a good night’s rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Chapter 9
Candice passed on alcohol for the second time during girl’s night. She needed to have a clear head when she broke the news of her marriage but Kalina, the organizer of tonight’s girl’s night thought the opposite. She just knew Candice would need a drink to ease into the conversation and so the ladies met at one of their favorite spots on the boardwalk. Candice had been overcome with a feeling of serendipity from the moment she arrived. This place – the Wilmington downtown boardwalk – was the exact place where she’d met Kurt and right now, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. It was almost like he was here with her. But when you love a man as much as she loved Kurt, he was always there, even though he wasn’t.
“Earth to Candice,” Kalina said, then brightened her eyes at Candice, trying to snap her out of her reverie.
“Oh, sorry y’all. My mind is in a million different places right now.”
“We’ve noticed,” Calista said, “But I can’t talk about you. My mind is in a million places too, thinking about Bella—not that Barry doesn’t know what to do, but I still worry.”
“Aw,” Kalina said placing a hand on her heart. “Wait—this is your first girl’s night out since the baby isn’t it?”
“It is,” Calista answered. “I’m so in love with her I didn’t want to come. I never knew motherhood would zap the partying right out of me.”
“Oh, is that how it works?” Candice asked, amused.
“For me it is.”
“Then we better party all we can, ladies,” June said, knowing she didn’t have a partying bone in her body.
“Bella is so sweet, Cali,” Candice said. “And by the way, let me know whenever you need me to babysit.”
“Really, Candice? How are you going to babysit when you’ve been MIA, taking trips and whatnot? You don’t have time to babysit.”
“Who told you I’ve been MIA?”
“Barry said you’ve been hightailing it out of the office early most Fridays.”
“Did he really say that?” Candice asked.
“Yep, and inquiring minds want to know why,” Calista said.
Candice looked up at the girls to see all eyes beaming back at her. Kalina smiled and lifted her brows, subtly telling Candice to proceed with the news she wanted to tell them.
“Okay, well I’ve been seeing someone.”
June giggled. “We already know there’s a man involved. What I want to know is who is he and how long has this secret rendezvous been going on?”
Candice was all smiles when she said, “His name is Kurt.”
“I told you!” Calista said to June. “Didn’t I tell you?”
“Yeah, you told me,” June said.
“Wait, you already knew?” Candice asked.
“Yeah. I knew the moment you told us about how Kurt had approached you with his business card. Something about the way you told the story made me realize you liked him more than what you led on.”
“I think it was the fact that she was blushing,” Kalina said.
“I was not blushing, Kalina.”
“Oh yeah you were,” June said.
The women laughed.
“Anyway, how long have you been seeing him?” Calista asked.
“Six months.”
“Wow,” June said. “Kudos to you for managing to keep this quiet for six months.”
“Yes, and before I lose the nerve to tell you, there’s more.”
“Are you pregnant?” June asked. “Elowyn is always on the prowl for more grandbabies and I noticed you didn’t order a cocktail.”
“Oh my God! Are you pregnant, Candy?” Calista asked all excited, hoping Bella was due to have a new little cousin soon.
“No, I’m not pregnant.”
“Are you sure? You’re wolfing down those nachos like you’re eating for two.”
“I’m just hungry. Trust me. There’s no baby in this stomach.” Candice finished chewing then said, “I’m married.” She dug around in her purse to find the ring she was tired of hiding. When a person married their soulmate, what use was there in hiding it? It shouldn’t matter what anyone thought as long as they were happy.
“Wait, you say what now?” June asked, sitting straight up in her chair.
“I said, I’m married,” Candice repeated, sliding her ring onto her finger as she did so.
“You’re married!” Calista said.
“Yes, and keep your voice down, girl. You’re causing a scene,” Candice said.
Calista jumped out of her seat, ran around the table and wrapped her arms around her.
“Congratulations,” June said leaving her chair to hug her as well.
“Yes. Congratulations,” Kalina said, glad that Candice had finally let the cat out of the bag.
“So how did it happen?” Calista asked.
“Well, we were dating for five months. When the sixth month came around, we both knew we only wanted to be with each other. He gets me. I get him. We got married.”
“Where?”
“We went to this cute, quaint little venue in Asheville.”
June set her martini glass on the table. “Asheville? He lives in Asheville?”
“Yes, and I’ll be living there soon.”
“No! Ut-uh. Ain’t gon’ happen,” Calista said. “Tell Kurt he has to move here.”
Candice smiled. “See, that’s why I had to date my man in private. I knew how difficult this would be for everyone.”
“Did you tell your parents yet?” Kalina asked.
“I did. I went over there for dinner last night. Dad got up and walked out of the room. Mom wasn’t too thrilled either. I mean, I get it. They were blindsided, but at some point, they have to come to the realization that I have to live my own life and stop living behind the shadow of other people.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” June said. “I still don’t want you to leave, though.”
“I know. Anyway, it’s no longer a secret, so I don’t care if my brothers know. They’re going to have a stroke when they find out.”
“They’ll get over it,” Kalina said. “I honestly don’t think Bryson is going to have a hard time with it.”
“Please,” Candice said. “He’s the ringleader. Then Barringer gon’ add his freakin’ two cents. Everson and Gary haven’t really been on my back with the overprotective crap but you watch—as soon as they find out it’s gon’ be a problem, especially when they find out who the guy is.”
“Why’s that a factor?”
“Because Kurt works for The Champion Corporation—the company who now has Blackstone’s largest client. The company who also wants Blackstone to merge with them.”
“Oh. Wow,” Calista said. “When Barringer hears that, he’s going to flip.”
“I know, but I’m not hiding him anymore. I won’t do it, so however he reacts is just how he’ll react.”
“So how has it been working out?” Calista asked, “Is he here right now, or—?”
“No. He’s still in Asheville. Still working.”
“When is he due back this way? We definitely have to have a little get-together.”
“I’m not sure. I’ll find out when I talk to him tonight.”
“Too bad he won’t be here for the family dinner on Sunday,” Kalina said. “That would’ve been perfect.”
“Nah. I think it’s still too early, especially for dad. I’m telling you—he was livid. He walked out in the middle of dinner. I ain’t never seen him do that.”
“He’ll be okay,” Kalina said. “I think it’s sweet that he and your brothers care about you as much as they do.”
“I guess so, but at the same
time, it can be overbearing.”
June nodded. “I can see that. That’s why I think you need to set some boundaries. There are certain things they can do when it comes to looking out for you. Completely controlling your life shouldn’t be one of those things.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it,” Kalina said.
“I’m not,” Candice said even though she knew that wasn’t true. “Anyway, how’s everybody else?”
“Oh my goodness—life is so good to me right now,” Calista said. “Me and Barry have been through it but we came out victorious with a beautiful baby girl. And our marriage is stronger than ever. He still gets on my nerves, though.”
“Then all is well.”
The women erupted in laughter.
“Everything is fine on my end,” she added. “Bryson and I are fine. He’s all that and a few bags of chips. Y’all know how he rolls.”
“Has Everson been behaving himself, June?” Candice asked, especially since June and Everson had been going through a rough patch.
“Girl, yes. He’s home more and it actually feels like we’re a new couple again. Like you and Kurt.”
Candice smiled asking, “What is the new couple feeling?”
“You know—when you can’t wait to talk to that person on the phone. You kiss all day long. Whenever you see each other, body parts start to tingle just being in close proximity. That new feeling. When that feeling is lost, that’s when a marriage is in trouble, I think.”
Kalina nodded. “Not necessarily. You can’t expect everything will always be that way. Unfortunately, life is going to happen and cut right into those rosy moments and test your faithfulness to each other. That’s how it works. I see it all the time.”
“Have you and Bryson been through some of those times, Kalina?” Candice asked.
“Most definitely. There are so many factors that go into marriage. It won’t just be marital bliss all the time. No one should expect that.”
“Amen,” Calista said, throwing up her hand.
June raised her glass and said, “I second that.”
“I think that’s why a lot of people end up getting divorced,” Kalina said, “Because they think marriage is supposed to be all celebratory like the wedding and reception was. Then when problems come up, they don’t know how to handle it. I’m not saying this to scare you, Candice. I’m just being real.”
“Oh, I’m not scared at all. I didn’t get married to turn around and get divorced when things don’t go as planned. As it is, me and Kurt are starting out rocky only because of this long-distance between us. Then the family…ugh...”
“Well, it’s your marriage,” Kalina told her. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you to leave us girl, but you have to live your life. We can’t live your life for you.”
“I wish my brothers understood that.”
“I’ll talk to Bryson,” Kalina said.
“And you know I’ll talk to Barringer,” Calista added. “I’m not sure if he’ll listen. Knowing him, he won’t, but I’ll make an effort.”
“Okay. That’s better than nothing.”
“So how does it feel being married?” June asked. “Like do you still get butterflies in your stomach when you see him?”
“I do, but lately, I’ve been having this feeling like I’m sort of questioning myself if he’s the one when I know he’s the one. I don’t know why I’m so uneasy about this now.”
“It’s probably the distance,” June said. “Long-distance relationships will have you thinking all kinds of stuff.”
“Yeah. If you’re sure he’s the one, then I’m sure that uneasy feeling will go away,” Calista added. “Like June said, it’s probably the long-distance.”
“Yeah. You’re probably right. I’m so glad I get to have these discussions with y’all.”
“Yeah, so what are you going to do when you leave?” Kalina asked.
“Hey, there’s always the phone. Video chat. I’ll find a way.”
“It won’t be the same without you here, though,” June said fanning her eyes.
“Stop before you make me cry,” Candice told her. “Let’s have some fun.”
“Now you’re talking,” Calista said.
* * *
Later when she was back at her apartment after a couple of drinks and too many laughs to count, she kicked off her heels, relieved that she’d made another step in the saga that was the current state of her life. It was unnerving thinking about what was to come and all the heat she was sure her brothers would bring, so to ease her mind of the drama, she called Kurt.
“I didn’t expect you to call me,” he said.
“I told you I would.”
“Yeah, but I figured you’d be a lil’ tipsy after girl’s night.”
“Nah. I had two martinis and they weren’t strong at all.”
“You told them about us and you only had two drinks?”
She smiled. “Yes, and those came after I told them. I wanted to have a clear head when I told them about this man I married who’s stealing me away from them.”
Kurt grinned. “How did they take it?”
“They were surprised, but it was a good conversation. Kalina already knew, of course. Calista and June were shocked about the marriage, but they claimed they already knew I was seeing you.”
“How would they know that?”
“I don’t know. I think they were just pulling my leg.”
“Refresh my memory—which one is married to Barringer?”
“Calista. June is married to Everson.”
“Okay. I’m anxious to meet your family.”
“In due time, babe. In due time. Anyway, I’m exhausted. I need to take a shower and hop in the bed.”
“I’m already in bed, wishing you were here.”
“Kurt…”
“I don’t have on any clothes. No shirt, no boxers—nothing.”
“Oh my goodness…I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.”
“I thought I’d give you a little motivation to get here faster. So tell me, love—how long before this is over?”
“I’m not sure at the moment.”
“Have you begun packing?” he asked.
“Not yet. I’m waiting to get over the hurdle of telling everyone about us first.”
“Well, now that you’ve told the women, I’m sure your brothers know.”
“Yes, I’m sure they do.”
“You haven’t had any phone calls from them yet?”
“No. I literally just got home. If anybody calls me tonight, trust me—I ain’t answering.”
“Well, get some sleep and call me tomorrow.”
“I will.”
“In the meantime, just know I’m over here naked and wishing you were over here naked, too.”
“You’re such a tease, Mr. Hempstead. Put that thang away and go to bed. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, baby.”
Chapter 10
“Hey beautiful,” Kurt said stepping into his mother’s house. She no longer lived in his childhood home since she’d remarried. He doubted if she wanted to stay there simply because of the memories between those walls. They weren’t all bad. There were some good ones. Still, she needed to move on and so she did – moved right into her new husband’s house.
“Oh, hi there son. I didn’t think you’d be over here so fast.”
“I wasn’t doing anything,” he said then pressed his lips to her cheeks. “Now where’s this cabinet you need me to move?”
“We’ll get to that in a minute. Sit down and talk to your mother.”
He smirked and sat on the couch next to her. He wondered why she would ask him to come over to move something when she had a perfectly capable husband. Now he knew why. She wanted to talk. “What’s up, Ma? Where’s Carl, by the way?”
“He went out with a few of the guys.”
“Oh, so you conveniently call me over here to move something or is this about something else?”
“I
just want to talk to my son. Is there any harm in that?”
“No, Ma.”
“Good.” She looked at him from head to toe and asked, “So, what’s going on with you? How’s everything?”
He smirked. “By everything, I assume you’re talking about Candice.”
“Of course. How is she doing? I haven’t seen her since you two told me you had gotten married.”
“She’s doing good. She was just here this past weekend.”
“Then y’all ain’t living together yet I take it?”
“Not quite. We’re getting close.”
“But, son, aren’t you tired of all the back and forth?”
“Ma, it’s fine. We’ll be fine.”
“That may be true, but still—you need some stability in your life. Unfortunately, me and your father couldn’t provide that for you all the time, but I at least want to see you happy in your own life, son.”
“I am happy, mother. What makes you think I’m not happy?”
“Well, for one, you’re married to a girl who’s not here.”
“She’s not here at the moment, but she will be.”
“When?”
“Soon. I don’t have an exact date but we’re working on it.”
“Are you sure about that? Looks like you’re the only one working on it.”
“Okay, Ma, I’m going to stop you right there. Candice is going through a lot in Wilmington, trying to talk to her parents about us and make sure they’re okay and all that. It’s been stressful on her.”
“Look—all a mother wants for her son is for him to be with a woman who’ll love and care for him just as well as she does.”
“Candice does love me. I have no doubt about that.”
“I don’t doubt it either, but why isn’t she here? Something doesn’t feel right about the whole ordeal.”
“Mother, trust me. I know what I’m doing and I also know there’s no other woman for me. Candice is my wife. We’re making this work no matter how difficult it is at the moment.”
“Just tell me if my only son is moving away. Can you tell me that?”
“I’m not one-hundred percent sure what’s going to happen right now. One thing I do know is, I don’t want you over here worried to death about what’s going on in my life when you have your own life to live. I’ll be just fine,” he said, taking her hand into his. “You have to trust that the man you raised is capable of handling his own.”
