Marbella came over to us, “I’m so happy for you two. I hope all your dreams come true. Ashton, you’ve made a brilliant choice.”
“Thank you, Marbella,” he kissed her on the cheek.
Sofia kissed Ashton, “Son, you are truly happy.”
“Mother, I’m the happiest man in the world, and Candice is the reason for that.”
“Candice, my darling,” she kissed me with sweet venom, “Best wishes to you.” I could hear in her voice that she didn’t mean it.
“Thanks, Sofia. I know how much you mean it.”
“Mother, I asked Victor to come, but of course, he was too busy.”
“You know your brother, Ashton. If he says he’s busy, he is. Would you get me some champagne, Ashton?”
“Yes. Mother, My Wife to Be,” he smiled at me, “I will be right back.” I knew it was time for the snake to strike.
“Candice, I hope you haven’t filled my son’s head with a lot of nonsense.” I could see Marbella, watching from across the room. “You see, Candice, if you ever told Ashton he would never forgive you, and neither would I.”
“I would never hurt Ashton, but the truth about Victor will come out.”
“What truth? There is no truth in what you say.”
“You know it’s the truth, or why else would you be protecting him like this?”
Brenda chose that moment to walk up. “So this is Ashton’s mother? I’m happy to meet you.”
Sofia smiled at us with that icy glare, “Lovely to meet you,” and walked to the other side of the room.
“That’s one cold bitch, Candice. You better watch her.”
“Believe me, Brenda, she’s always in my focus.”
“This was nice of Ashton to give you a surprise engagement party.”
“He is one of a kind. Always up to something.”
“That ring says it all. That’s a lot of love, Candice. You picked yourself a winner.”
“Brenda, you also have a winner in Lance, you just wait and see. This is Mrs. Marbella, Brenda.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Mrs. Marbella.”
“Nice to meet you, and Marbella will be OK. Candice, is there going to be any way possible to meet with you later? I won’t be leaving New York until tomorrow. I’m staying at the Waldorf, suite1258. You can meet me there.”
“That was strange. What’s going on there, Candice?”
“Yeah, I agree, Brenda. I don’t know, but I’m sure going to find out.” Too many secrets in that family and where there are secrets there are lies. Maybe tonight would end some of them.
Ashton was talking to Maxwell, he waved me over. “Candice, Maxwell and I were talking. His house is up for sale and he thinks we should take a look.”
“Really, where?”
“It’s on Long Island, a truly great place. It’s on about five acres of the most beautiful land, it’s a must see. All our kids are grown and it’s just too large for me and the wife. She wants to move back to the city. Just let me know when and my realtor will make it happen. Congratulations on your engagement. I’ll see you two in the office tomorrow.”
“What do you think, Candice?”
“We will have to see it and then make up our minds.”
After everyone left, Ashton and I headed back to work. We didn’t have to stay, but I needed to close on my reports. I couldn’t stop looking at the ring on my finger. I was soon to be Mrs. Ashton Williams.
It was only four months until the wedding. I really needed to get busy planning. I wondered what was pressing Marbella. I would need to make my excuses to Ashton. I was growing tired of hiding things from Ashton.
I walked into the Waldorf. This was a beautiful place. I went to Marbella’s suite and knocked on the door. “Marbella, I got here as soon as possible.”
“Thanks for coming, Candice. Can I offer you something to drink?”
“I’d like some water please. Marbella, what’s going on?”
“Just have a seat. What I’m about to tell I should be telling Ashton.” And Marbella began to tell the story of how she and Sofia had become friends. And how Ashton was actually her son.
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Why haven’t you told Ashton that you’re his mother?”
“Like I explained, times were different back then and I wanted the best for Ashton.”
“So you thought it would be best for him to be with Sofia? She is an evil woman, Marbella.”
“She’s not evil, but she can be misunderstood.”
“That’s an understatement. She’s an over protective bitch.”
“I didn’t ask you to come down here to talk about Sofia. She doesn’t want Ashton to know that I’m his mother.”
“Marbella, we have to tell him.”
“I think Ashton knows something. We had a conversation about this not long ago, about how his father treats him and Victor differently. Alexander knows that Ashton is not his son, even though he raped me. Sofia didn’t bother telling him until after the adoption and soon after that, they divorced.”
“Marbella, why didn’t you tell Sofia about the rape?”
“Because she loved Alexander and she wouldn’t have believed me. Sofia is a demanding woman. She actually stripped Alexander of his manhood. I have forgiven Alex for what he did to me. And you should do the same with Victor. Not for him, but for yourself. Holding on to the hurt just makes you the victim and him the victor. I just wanted Ashton to know before something happens to me.”
“Are you sick, Marbella?”
“No, but I’m getting up in years, and I want him to know that I’m his mother.”
“What about his real father?”
“His father was a delightful man. He was killed by a drunk driver before Ashton was born.” I could see the sadness in her eyes when she spoke of him. “I know he would have wanted Ashton to have the best life had to offer.”
“Well who’s going to tell him? Don’t you think it should come from you, Marbella?”
“We’re never alone. Sofia is always an ear shot away. He loves you, Candice, and you could reason with him. I just want you to let him know I had no choice.”
“I will talk to him tonight, Marbella. Maybe you can talk to him before you leave tomorrow.”
“That would be my lifelong dream, Candice. If you could do this for me, I would always be in your debt.”
“You owe me no debt. Ashton needs to know who his mother is. I’ll leave now and talk to him. You’ll hear from him soon. I promise.” I hugged Marbella and headed home.
Ashton was waiting on the sofa, “Hey, Babe, have you eaten yet?”
“I haven’t had anything since lunchtime, I’m famished.”
“I’ll just order something from the Chinese place.”
“There is something I must tell you right now.”
“I’ll just order, and then we can talk.” I was a nervous wreck, walking back and forth. “What’s so urgent and where did you go?”
“I went to see, Marbella. Ashton, you might want sit down.”
“I’m ok, right here. Please, tell me what this is all about and why you went to see Marbella?”
“Ashton, Marbella is your mother, she told me tonight.”
I watched as Ashton turned white as a sheet. “What?! This is a this lie you’re telling! That’s a lie! Marbella is just my mother’s friend!”
“Ashton, she told me that Sofia adopted you when you were a baby.”
“Why would she tell you and not me? So who did she tell you my father is?”
“Your father was killed in an accident before you were born. I think she said his name was Nathaniel. Ashton, haven’t you ever noticed the difference between your brother and you?”
“What are you saying? That you believe this nonsense? Marbella is not my mother and I’m going to get to the bottom of this! If I find out this is the truth, somebody’s going to pay.” He left the apartment in a rage and I knew he was heading straight to his mother.
When Ashton hadn’
t called, I figured things were intense over there. I decided to just leave well enough alone until he called me.
~~~
It had been two days since I’d told Ashton Marbella’s story. He hadn’t been at work and his phone just kept saying out of range. I was so worried. Why didn’t he at least call me or leave a text? Something. When I got off today, I was going to call Marbella. Even if it was bad news it would be better than no news.
I couldn’t concentrate on work, not knowing where Ashton was. I told Brenda to fax any papers that needed signing to me at home. As soon as I got home I called Marbella. “Marbella, I’m sorry to call you, can you talk?”
“Let me call you back in about ten minutes,” she hung up. Ten minutes seemed like ten hours, but maybe she had to get away from Sofia.
My phone finally rang, “Marbella, if you don’t tell me what’s going on with Ashton…”
“Sorry it took so long, Sofia was here. Ashton is here, he’s finally calmed down.”
“What happened and why hasn’t he called me?”
“Candice, this was a lot for him to take in. He was mad one minute, crying the next. Sofia was so mad at me. I thought this would end what was left of our friendship. But I was willing to take that chance because Ashton needed to know. I’ve loved him from afar for long enough. If only I hadn’t let my mother talk me into this he would have been with me.”
“Marbella, you can’t be too hard on yourself. You thought it was best for Ashton. I know how you feel. I have some family issues I have to deal with myself. Marbella, I do have some good news, you’re going to be a grandmother.”
“What? You’re pregnant? That’s the greatest news. Why didn’t you tell us the other day at the engagement party?”
“I wanted to keep it quiet until after the wedding.”
“Candice, this is too big to keep quiet, we need to celebrate.” I could hear her smile.
“Not now, Marbella. Let’s wait until things are better with Ashton.”
“You're right, but this is a hard secret to hold, I just want to burst. I’m sure Ashton is going to be alright Candice. He just needs some time. He talked a lot to his father this morning, I think things went ok with that because he’s flying in tonight. I haven’t seen Alexander in many years.”
“How are you going to handle that, seeing him?”
“Like I told you in the hotel, I forgave him years ago.”
“You’re a lot stronger than I would be, Marbella.”
“You have strength that you haven’t even tapped into, Candice.”
“I love Ashton and I’m going to pull on that strength to help him get through whatever.”
“He loves you. I have no doubt about that. Sofia tried every way she could to blame this all on you, but Ashton wasn’t having any of it.”
“Marbella, why does she hate me so much?”
“She doesn’t hate you as much she hates the fact that Ashton loves you. Candice, Sofia has always wanted her way when it came to her relationships. That’s why she loses the ones that genuinely matter. Don’t worry, Honey. Ashton will be home to you soon, to the woman he loves.”
“Thanks, Marbella, for everything.”
“I hope you and Ashton can have the relationship you deserve.”
I felt relieved after the conversation with Marbella. I hoped that he and his father could mend the rocky relationship. I was just going to let him do what it was he needed to do to get through this.
It took about a week for Ashton to come home, and then he was distant. I knew that with time he would come around.
Chapter 21
I needed to talk to Aunt Sally about her upcoming wedding plans. When I had talked to Sabrina, she and Sandra had already agreed to pay for it all. I wanted to contribute somehow. What did she need or want? What could I give her that would last? I had some money stored away for occasions such as this.
I called Aunt Sally to check on the date. “Hey, Candice, how have you been? Haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“I’ve been ok. Just wanted to talk to you about your wedding date. Congratulations to you by the way, Aunt Sally. It’s about time.”
She laughed, “That’s what I keep hearing.”
“I wanted to give you and Uncle Tee a surprise wedding gift.”
“Candice, don’t go through a whole lot of trouble, we have everything we need.”
“I know that, Aunt Sally, I just want to show you how exceptional you are to me.”
“I already know, Candice.”
“Well, let me do this anyway, it will make me feel better. Sabrina’s sending you on a honeymoon trip, Sandra’s paying for the wedding. I’m going to buy you a new house, right there in Brownsville.”
“No, Candice, you can’t do that. It’s too much.”
“Nothing is too much for you and Uncle Tee. I know you love where you are, but this will be nicer. I know how Uncle Tee likes to tinker in his garage, so he will have one of those. I’ve already talked to the realtor, so don’t worry about a thing it’s being taken care of.”
“You girls are too much. This is a dream come true.”
“I’m just glad you’re happy about it. Aunt Sally, there is something else I would like to talk to you about.”
“Anything, Candice. What’s on your mind?”
“I know you know who my father is. I don’t want you to be upset with anyone for telling me. I think I knew all along, but I wanted to think otherwise.”
“Baby, I never should have opened that can of worms.”
“It’s ok, Aunt Sally. I’m glad I know. But James Robinson will always be my father. Daddy doesn’t know that I know, so just let me break the news myself.”
“Your father will be upset that you know.”
“There have been too many secrets. It’s time we let them all go. When is the wedding, Aunt Sally?”
“October 5th, it’s Tee’s birthday. I figure he’s less likely to forget that way.”
“That’s clever,” we laughed. “I’ll see you then.”
“Talk to you later.” October was only a few weeks away; I had to get that realtor on the job. I wanted make sure Aunt Sally’s house was squared away when she got back from her honeymoon.
It was time I got my own wedding together. Lucy had one of her top designers working on my dress. I needed to go in for a fitting since I was going to have a little extra waist line. I had called Caroline Stetson, one of the best wedding planners in New York. She was coming over this weekend to go over the details.
Ashton stayed at his apartment for a few days, trying to come to grips with what had happened. We were meeting up for dinner at the Pines. I just wanted him to snap out of his blues, but I was determined to give him as much time as he needed.
At work today Brenda had been up in arms about Lance’s visit. I still hadn’t let it go. It had only been a few months ago when Lance had told me how he loved me. I wanted to talk to Lance, but I didn’t want to come between him and Brenda. They were both my friends. I picked up my phone and called him. “Hello, Candice.”
“How did you know it was me?”
“I have your number in my phone, remember?”
“Brenda tells me your coming to New York this weekend.”
“Yes, when I was there last, we hit it off. Look, Candice, I know you and Brenda are friends, so if it’s going to be a problem…”
“Oh no, it’s not a problem, I just wanted to talk to you.”
“How’s the wedding going?”
I was shocked he knew, but I guess Brenda had told him about it. “Things are going well. Aunt Sally’s getting married.”
“That’s what my mom told me. It’s about time they got married.”
“That’s what I told her.” This was awkward.
“By the way, I checked on your father the last time I was in Brownsville.”
“Thank you so much. He’s going to live in Memphis with Bryan and Sandra. Daddy wants to spend as much time with his grandkids as possi
ble.”
“That’s what he said. He said Bryan found him a job. I’m glad for Buck, he deserves a break. Maybe it will change some of his habits.”
“I think living there with Bryan might just rub off.”
“Your father is a terrific man. He just needs the love of his family.”
“You’re right Lance.” Everybody needed and deserves love, I thought.
“Tell me, how do you feel about Brenda and me getting married?”
“What?! You’re moving a bit fast, don’t you think? If this is about me and you…”
“What makes you think this is about you at all?”
“Lance, it was only a few months ago you told me you loved me.”
“And that hasn’t changed, but the facts are you’re going to marry that Williams guy.”
“So you’re using Brenda to get over me?”
“Candice, I know you would like to think that, but it’s not true. I have feelings for Brenda. She is fun loving, intensely honest and a beautiful woman. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like her. So you see, Candice, it’s not about you at all. I think I’m falling in love with her. Being with her makes me feel like a new man.”
“Lance, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
“It’s ok, Candice, she is your friend and you were concerned.”
“That’s right, you’re both my friends and I just want the best for both of you.”
“I wish you all the happiest this life has for you, Candice. I better get off here. I have an early flight tomorrow. I’m meeting with Maxwell and your fiancé, Ashton.”
“What about?”
“I’m going to sign the final contracts. This is a multimillion dollar deal and I want to be awake.”
“I'm glad you found someone, Lance. I’m glad things are going well for you.”
“Me, too. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Lance. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” That was a hurtful and happy moment. I was losing my first love to my best friend.
I heard Ashton’s key in the lock. “Hey, Babe, are you ready to go? Our reservations are for 8:30.”
“Just give me a few minutes,” he kissed me. “I’m going to shower and change.” He was in a better mood, thank God.
Black Lies White Lies Page 18