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

by Bonnie Engstrom

  ~

  She heard sirens. Why were sirens so close? She prayed for them to help whomever they were coming for. She couldn’t move her legs. Her beautiful lavender Maid of Honor gown was crumpled under her, getting dirty. Actually, dirtier, after the hem dragged on the ground in the Garden Room. She chuckled to herself thinking about how embarrassing it will be to carry it into Newport Hills Cleaners and explain what the stains are. Ow, her arm hurt. Trying to move it, she couldn’t. Maybe it was hindered by the bunched up gown. So sleepy. Gotta close my eyes.

  Angels? Who was calling her name? Were God’s angels male or female? Sounded like both.

  “Candy, Candy. Open your eyes. Smile at me.” Was that Dev’s voice? She hated Dev. He almost destroyed her life. And her faith. The female voice sounded like Natalie. Even though she hurt, she smiled. She barely focused through slit eyelids, but the man who lifted her onto some kind of flat bed-like thing was gorgeous. What Connie would probably call a hunk.

  ~

  “Wh … where am I?” She could barely hear her voice. Why was she asking? The wedding reception wasn’t over yet. The cake hadn’t been cut. She tried to see what was happening, but her eyes wouldn’t focus. Images of people moving around her upset her. “Get away from me! Leave me alone!” She twisted and struggled, but they kept touching her, then lifting her. She wanted their hands off her, but she had no control.

  She was sure she heard her mother and Natalie whispering. Their voices were so faint she could only catch a few words. What were they talking about? Broken? What was? He … changed … healed. Who?

  Two gentle hands touched her left arm. With effort she got their owners’ faces almost in focus. “Mom? Nat? Why aren’t you dancing at your wedding? Where’s Bill?” Both women smiled and Mom shrugged. Suddenly, Candy remembered loud arguing. The Bills,

  Junior and her brother. Then Devin, her ex, calm. Why wasn’t he frightened by them?

  Mom’s voice competed with the ringing in her ears. “Later, dear. We will explain later.”

  “When you’re up to it,” Natalie said. At least that’s what Candy believed she said. She tried to shake the cobwebs out of her head, but there was a stiff obstruction around her neck. And, she couldn’t twist her right arm. Trapped! She was trapped. But, why would Mom do that?

  “Good afternoon, lovely ladies! Sorry to interrupt, but I need to wheel this gorgeous girl to X-ray.” Who was this man? She could see through her blurry vision he must be handsome, and he wore a wrinkled green top.

  “She still a little foggy?” he asked. Mom and Nat nodded. She could see that much. “Might be the pain meds,” he said. “Plus the trauma. This may take a while,” he explained. “X-rays, maybe a CT scan, definitely a cast if the bone is broken.” He looked at Vivian; Candy could see that. “You the mom? She have any broken bones as a child? Any head trauma?”

  Mom shook her head. Why were tears on her cheeks? This was her wedding day, special to Big Bill. Where was he?

  Mr. Handsome suggested Mom and Nat go home. “This may take several hours. By the way, Madam, you look beautiful. You, too, young lady. Special occasion?”

  Nat choked through tears. “Wedding.” Then she pointed to Vivian. “Hers.”

  The young man’s eyebrows shot up about two stories. Then, he grinned.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Candy used her card key in her left hand to open the big red gate and shuffled into the preschool office. Miss Lorrie grinned at her and winked. A parent came in with a child clutching her jeans. She heard the mother speak to Lorrie about how Aaron was scared to come to school today. Candy was about to enter Ms. Dana’s office in hopes to get out of teaching today. Her arm really hurt, and she was embarrassed about the bruises on her face. Before she knocked on the director’s door a small voice spoke more loudly than usual and tiny arms wrapped around her leg.

  “Miss Candy, Miss Candy!” She felt the tug of his hands on her pants.

  “Good morning, Aaron! How are you today?”

  “I good, now you here. Where you been, Miss Candy? I missed you.”

  Aaron was one of her favorite students. He was so adorable with his tousled black hair and pouty little mouth. She learned that until she became one of his teachers, he had cried every day. He was a small child for his age, and Dana had comforted him enough every day that he had gone back into class. The school policy was to never force or insist a child return to class, but in Aaron’s case his parents both worked long hours, and he would have been subjected to a babysitting service if not at the preschool. So, everyone tried to make Aaron comfortable and feel welcome and special. Until Candy came, it had been a daily trial.

  Candy bent down and hugged the child as best she could with the clumsy cast on her arm.

  “What that?” he asked pointing to her pink cast.

  “Broken.”

  “It hurt?”

  “Sometimes. But, you made it feel better.”

  “Good. I go to class now. See you.” He skipped off ignoring his mother and running to Room Three.

  Candy changed her mind about asking for time off.

  ~

  Devin had bought her a car.

  The man was full of surprises. The new Dev.

  Her emotions were all mixed up in her heart, and her memories were scrambled like a kaleidoscope, jumbled and constantly changing. Her thoughts jumped from questioning why she had been so attracted to Bill Senior, older like Devin, to why did she even listen to Dev’s explanations of how he had changed. She desperately wanted to believe him, and if she did, would she even want to go back to him? She simply didn’t know. She had been so young when they’d married, yet felt ancient when she struggled through the divorce process. Confused? You betcha, as Gramps used to say.

  She opened the silver car door and slid into the passenger seat. With effort she lifted her cast-wrapped arm and waved a finger over the ignition button. Such new-fangled stuff! As long as the actual key was on her person, the door lock opened and the car started. Shifting gears was the biggest problem. But, it had that new gearshift that only required a touch to go from drive to reverse and a slight touch between them for park. Dev had spared no expense, and according to him he could afford the luxurious coupe. She was still mystified at herself for accepting it. He had begged, and she believed it was a way he felt he could redeem himself. When she finally nodded through tears, he looked so relieved, and so proud. And, she desperately needed a car.

  Mom had been appalled and angry. But Bill calmed her down and explained how important the healing process was for Dev’s male ego. Rob described the AA steps to her on the phone, too. Finally, she quietly accepted that Dev was back in Candy’s life. For how long no one was sure – not Candy, not Mom and not even Dev. Mom also said sarcastically, “He at least owes it to you.”

  One day when Vivian was checking her bank account online, which she only did occasionally, she discovered huge cash deposits during the last three months. She called the bank’s 800 number, but since the money deposited had been cash there was no way to trace it. She, Candy and Bill surmised it was from Devin. He seemed to be constantly trying to make up for his sins, as Mom called them. Candy reminded her Dev had never hurt her physically, just her heart, and of course himself. He had been so unhappy within himself that he tried to drown in alcohol. Now, he was sober and extremely successful. He was, as he put it, blessed.

  The architectural firm he had worked for took him back. His creativity was outstanding according to his former manager, Jeremy Cox, who was now a partner in the company. Immediately assigned to design several city buildings in Northern California, actually an entire complex that included retail businesses and a hotel and a public library, he was back on the map again. His concept for the project was innovative and unique and gained acclaim for the firm. And him? He made a lot of money. But, would all that last? That was Vivian’s big concern, as well as how Candy would deal with a new and revised Devin. When he started showing up in church on Sundays and joined th
e men’s group with the Bills, she was more accepting. What really clinched it for her was when he invited Billy to the Wednesday evening group, and Billy accepted. Her son had shied away from anything faith based for years, mainly because of Devin and his behavior. Now he was signing up to be a greeter before services. Vivian could be caught mumbling “Praise the Lord” while making dinner, or even when doing laundry. Bill would put his arms around her and squeeze, pecking her on the neck.

  Candy was grateful for her mother’s happiness with Bill. Why had she ever had an attraction to him? He was kind and caring, and best of all comfortably wealthy. They often socialized with the Lovejoys and the Days since the men were old friends. Life had finally been good to Mom. It was the younger generation that seemed in limbo.

  Candy struggled constantly about her feelings for Devin. Natalie confided in her that she found Bill Junior extremely attractive – who wouldn’t? – but her heart didn’t flutter when she was around him. He still met his dad at the gym several times each week. “A little father, son, bonding,” Bill Senior said. Bill Junior just laughed.

  “Who does make your heart flutter, girl? Anyone?” Candy was sitting in Nat’s office as they read Cindy’s last email together. When she asked her friend the question, she noticed Natalie turned crimson. The color crept up from her jawline to her nose. What? There must be someone. “You embarrassed to share? Do any of the other Candy Canes know?”

  Nat shook her head. “Secret,” she said. “He doesn’t know I exist.” Nat was blinking rapidly.

  “Nat, I can keep a secret. Honest.” Should she pressure her friend? Of all the Candy Canes they were the closest. Cindy was in another country, Connie was so involved in the design firm and now had her own line Winning Designs, Doreen was modeling for Connie, Noelle was married, even Melanie was so involved in teaching now at the preschool she seldom socialized with the other girls.

  “Too personal.”

  “Let’s see,” Candy started to tick off on her fingers whom would be too personal to her that Nat wouldn’t share. “Not Bill Junior. We’ve already established that. Not Dev, certainly not him, I hope. Not that cute barista? He’s way too young for you, but he is a looker. Maybe the paramedic who rescued me? Or, the grinning guy who took me to X-ray in the hospital? He was pretty special, but I think he wore a wedding ring.

  “Oh, one of Rob’s surfing dude bros? Nick or Brad? They are both AA and very successful in business. I want you to be matched up with someone who is successful and can take care of you. Financial success is important I’ve learned. Also, age.” She paused and screwed up her rubber face, the one the other girls always made fun of. “I know I’m not the best example of that. If I decide to leap with my heart, I may be pushing Dev’s wheelchair in twenty years. The growing old together baffles me, but it’s definitely something to consider.”

  Natalie shook her head no at every suggestion. Finally, she said, “He’s my age. Or close. Close to you, too.”

  A light bulb exploded in her brain. Mom had even mentioned the possibility. She took Natalie by the shoulders and turned her from the computer screen to face her. “Oh, my gosh! Billy? My bro?”

  Natalie looked miserable, but she nodded, and a single tear rolled down a rosy cheek.

  “Well, we have to rectify this,” Candy exclaimed with a gleeful voice. “The man is an idiot, even though he is my brother. He is extremely successful, he is just a few years older than you and me, he’s handsome … at least I think so. But, he is dense. He lives in La La Land. What can we do?”

  “Don’t know. Don’t even think he notices me. I have given up.” Poor Natalie sounded so downtrodden. What had she tried? Candy asked.

  “You know me,” Nat said. “I try not to be too forward. But, I did ask him to dance at your mom’s wedding. Then, you know what broke lose when the Dev situation happened. And,” she paused, “when you took off on your wild ride.”

  “Yeh, I messed everything up, didn’t I?”

  “Not your fault. Things happened you had no control over.”

  “I should have had more control. I reacted when I should have stood my ground and addressed the situation. If I had, I wouldn’t be wearing this pink cast now. I am so sorry.”

  Natalie blinked and shrugged. Candy figured she was forgiven, but she needed to help her friend. And her clueless brother.

  ~

  “Mom, here’s the deal. Any ideas?” Candy was so frustrated with Billy she hoped Mom would come up with something to get him and Natalie together. At least for one date.

  “I’ve given up,” Mom said, “but, maybe Bill has an idea.”

  Bill did. He loved being presented with the latest romance dilemma. He was a romantic at heart. “I will put on my thinking cap and pray. God will give me ideas.”

  Candy laughed gratefully. She was absolved, maybe.

  Since Bill was a major investor in Nat’s Gym, he had an excuse to promote it. Candy wondered if his idea would take hold. The next morning instead of jumping on the treadmill, he rapped on the glass insert of Nat’s office door. She was sending out group reminders to pay this month’s membership. “Yes? Hi, Bill. What brings you?”

  “I’ve been thinking we need to offer a special promotion, something optional, a bonus members can pay extra for,” he said. “I have an idea.”

  ~

  Natalie liked the idea, but she was scared. She was still a strong swimmer. But, surfing? The balance thing and catching just the right wave without being pulled under frightened her. Could she learn? Bill said he would find a teacher for her, a perfect teacher. She had to trust him. Swimming in a pool wasn’t scary, but swimming in the ocean was.

  “Got your lessons all planned.” His voice sounded excited. “You need to get fitted for a wetsuit and meet him Thursday morning at five.” He told her where to go for the fitting. It was all paid for. She was to meet the instructor at The Point, the most notoriously difficult surfing in Newport. She reminded herself she had to trust.

  She showed up at the designated time. Hovered by her car. Who would the instructor be? She half expected some forty-year-old guy with tattoos and a lecherous grin. Then, she heard her name.

  “Natalie? That you?”

  Billy? Candy’s brother? No. Couldn’t be.

  “Hi. Didn’t know it would be you. Not my idea,” she said as an apology.

  “I didn’t either, but so nice it is.” He lugged two surf boards and grinned at her. “Let’s get started.”

  He smiled, he actually smiled, and didn’t hesitate that his student was her. Natalie adjusted the new wetsuit over her old striped Candy Cane swimsuit and followed Billy into the water.

  ~

  “Where has she been?” Billy asked Candy during dinner at Mom’s and Bill’s house.

  “Been there all the time.” She glared at him over the dinner table. “You clueless?”

  He shook his head in denial. She was sure he didn’t want to admit his attraction for Natalie. But, once a long time ago, he had mentioned her. After all, he did take her to the prom.

  “Maybe you should join Nat’s Gym.” Candy couldn’t believe the words were spoken by Mom. Bill nodded his head. What was going on?

  “Maybe I will,” Billy managed to say with a mouth full of pot roast. “Need to have a place to work out some of the kinks. I hate those big crowed gyms.”

  ~

  Candy knew she was in denial. Her heart beat faster every time Devin was near, but she refused to admit it. She had heard of couples divorcing, then remarrying years later. The ones she knew of were mostly Mom’s age. She reminded herself she was still young, and there were a lot of fish in the sea. Still, her heart wouldn’t obey.

  The short amount of time she had spent attending Al-Anon during the strenuous divorce had given her insight. Not forgiveness, just more understanding of Dev’s problems. She really wanted to believe he had changed. She had burdened Natalie way too much already. Could she trust Melanie? Of course she could. She had taken the Candy Cane oat
h. Maybe a chat over coffee would help.

  Now that both had reached teacher status, neither had to stay regularly for aftercare. She offered to drive, not thinking about how her luxurious new car would affect the other girl. She had gotten so used to it after several weeks she almost took it for granted. “But, how can you drive with your arm in ‘that thing’?” Melanie’s eyebrows raised forming little pyramids. Candy realized since she always parked around the side of the building Melanie never paid much attention. Probably thought Mom was still chauffeuring her.

  Candy laughed. “You’ll see.” She patted the outside pocket of her shoulder purse just to be sure her remote key was there. As she approached the car door she barely touched the handle and it clicked open.

  “Wow! Cool!” Melanie slid into the passenger seat and ran a finger along the wood detail on the door. “You strike it rich, or something?”

  “That’s what I want to talk with you about.”

  ~

  Candy drove to Riverside Avenue. She was craving a chocolate croissant. The women settled at a small table with their treats and piping hot coffee. Melanie had a raisin brioche. C’est Si Bon never seemed to change, just get better. Candy dabbed chocolate from the corner of her lips with a paper napkin, then cleared her throat. Melanie said, “Well?”

  “No, I didn’t strike it rich, Mel. The car was a gift, a guilt gift, for years of hurt and anger.” She filled Melanie in on her former marriage to Dev the Drunk, although she didn’t call him that to Mel. She told her about the several years of divorce proceedings and how expensive they were, draining what little funds she had, and the financial burden on her parents. She’d always wondered if the travesty had contributed to Dad’s heart failure. No, she couldn’t go there. She needed to get advice about what to do now that Dev had changed. Hopefully.

  Melanie’s delicate hand rested on Candy’s. Her eyes filled with sympathy and moisture.

  Finally, she spoke. “You know, don’t you, that I used to party a lot?” Candy tilted her head and shrugged. “That’s partly why I ran into Doreen. I was beering it up with some friends. I don’t think I was drunk, or maybe I was. Anyway, I got distracted, made an illegal left turn, and rammed into the front of her little car, and … ruined her life.” She stared deliberately at Candy. “I know I’m forgiven, both by Doreen and God. It’s me I can’t forgive.”