She was short and pretty, with a curvy little body, and long shiny dark hair. Something in her expression warned me, I was stepping on her territory. “Hi, honey,” Brett whispered and slid an arm around her slim waist. “You getting off soon?”
“I wish. You know what Friday nights are like. It’ll be at least two o’clock before I can get out of here.”
I saw her glance at Joe, and then shrug Brett’s arm off. “Why don’t you give me a ring in the morning? I’ll be too bushed tonight.” Joe was eyeing Samantha, and she avoided his eye contact. Her cheeks were flushed, and I’m not usually the most observant person on the planet, but I had a hunch that Joe might have stronger feelings for Samantha than he should. They both looked guilty about something.
CHAPTER NINE
I nodded at Samantha. “I’m Susie, a friend of Candy’s.”
“Yeah,” she said, giving me the once-over. “I’ve seen you around.”
“Likewise.” I turned back to Brett and Joe. “Thanks for the champagne, guys. I enjoyed it.” I winked at Joe. “I guess it’s time for me to buzz off.” Leaving the three, I went in search of Candy to say goodbye, and to retrieve my purse. I caught a glimpse of her near the restrooms talking on the phone. As I drew closer I could see she was in tears. She waved me over. “Susie…Susie, wait a sec.”
“What is it, Candy?” My heart was thumping as I looked at her. She looked so scared. Billy. Something had happened to her son. “What?” I mouthed the words.
She covered the phone, and drew in a shaky breath before she could speak. “There’s been an accident. Billy’s okay, thank God, but he’s banged up pretty bad. I have to go.” Her voice broke, “Will you cover for me? Please?”
“Sssh. Of course I will.” I put my arms around her, and took the phone out of her hands. “Go, gather your things. Everything will be all right. I’ll take care of the Candy Bar. You take care of Billy.”
After she left everybody pitched in. The bartender managed to keep the drinks flowing, and the waitresses, Samantha and Tara, worked extra hard. Although I’m no Candy, and got more than a little flustered by the craziness, it went exceedingly well.
I closed down the bar that night, counted the till, locked up, and congratulated myself for a job well done. The following morning I called Candy, telling her to take her time and not to rush back. I had it covered.
* * *
That afternoon I was working at the shelter when Brett showed up. He brought in a hamper full of food and some toys. “Hey, what’s all this?”
“The fire-hall collects all this stuff and we give it out as we see fit. I know you provide meals for the kids but I thought they might like a change.”
“Really?” He was smiling at me again and it was driving me crazy, so I grabbed the hamper as an excuse not to look at him. “Cool. What did you bring?”
I started rummaging through the tins of tuna and chicken, and found some better treats at the bottom. Gourmet popcorn, boxes of chocolates, Oreo cookies, teddy bears, and tons of toys for the children to curl up with at night.
Tears filled my eyes. “That’s sweet, Brett. These kids have no one to hold close. They might have outgrown toys, but maybe hugging a bear will help them sleep alone at night.” I held one up to my chest. “It helps me.”
His eyes were warm on me, and I could feel myself blush.
“What?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking how adorable you are.”
I laughed. “I’m not adorable. I’m a joke.”
“You’re not a joke, Susie. Stop saying things like that. I don’t know why you like to put yourself down. You’re talented, and kindhearted, and drop-dead gorgeous. Shit.” Now he looked embarrassed.
“Thanks, Brett.” I touched his sleeve. “This was great. We’ve had more than three hundred children pass through this year, and the damn government keeps cutting our budget. Whatever you give will be appreciated.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
* * *
Within a few days, I found my comfort zone running the bar. I wasn’t in a constant state of panic expecting a catastrophe to happen any second, and I enjoyed the challenge.
There was only one problem as far as I could see.
Jamie Jackson.
I went out of my way to avoid him, but he wouldn’t leave me alone.
I’m sure he wanted to prove something, that all the girls in the bar were hot for him, and he expected me to drop my panties too. Sex between us had been hot, but I’d only been eighteen, he’d been my first lover, and it’d been a turn-on watching him perform.
I’d stand in the front row with all the other girls who’d be screaming and going wild and know he was mine. Tonight he was wearing jeans that were faded and snug, riding low on his hips, and his shirt was half undone. He wore his brown wavy hair down to his collar, his strong jaw was slightly unshaven, and his lips were full and sensuous. Looking at them, I couldn’t help but think they were made for only one thing. Well, maybe two.
Wailing out a tune, and creaming the pants off a woman. He had mass sex appeal, but I didn’t like him, and I certainly did not want to go to bed with him. I could see him from where I was standing at the bar.
In front of a bunch of drooling women, his hips moved suggestively, and he was eyeing me. Why me? Of all the hot chicks in the room, he was making it clear that he wanted me. I turned away and got back to work. The last thing I needed was to get hot and bothered by a guy I didn’t even like. It would be a lot easier, and far less trouble, if he found somebody else to satisfy his itch.
Especially since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had an orgasm, or even a partial one.
He headed my way during his break and my stupid pulse began to race, and my stomach did a cartwheel. I didn’t want any part of him, his libido, or stroking his ego. I didn’t want him at all.
“Hey.” I played cool. “You sounded good. The crowd’s lovin’ it.”
“Always liked to be a crowd pleaser.” He winked at me. “You’ve been handling things like a pro since Candy’s been gone.” He gave me a slow, sexy smile, and I tried hard not to let it get to me, but I’m a weak woman, what can I say? Without warning, I felt heat between my thighs.
“Stop right there.” I gave him a look that should have frozen him on the spot.
“Where? I haven’t gone near you yet.”
“Yeah, and you’re not going to.”
“Wanna bet?” That knowing look, and the smile, should have made me run for my life, but I stood rooted to the floor.
“Tonight?” he asked, as if I’d agreed to something.
“Ha! As if.” I let out my breath, unaware that I had been holding it. “You really have one hell of an ego.”
He grinned. “Not really. There’s plenty of girls who would want to be in your shoes, but I’m asking you.” My blood warmed and tingled. I think it was the fact that everyone else wanted him that got my juices going.
Because I sure didn’t.
“Remember how good we were together?” he whispered in my ear. “There has been nobody even remotely close.”
“Yeah, right. You ditched me for a stupid, young backup singer.”
“You ditched me. I didn’t want you to go. You were my dream girl, and I wanted to take care of you always.” His words were laughable. I knew it was just a line, and one he hoped would persuade me to get into his bed, but even with my defenses up, it snuck underneath and got to me.
“Come on, J.J.” I tossed my head. “You can’t expect me to believe that.”
“Then believe this.” He dropped his head, and before I realized his intention, he was kissing me. It was a full-out, serious, no holding back kind of kiss. The kind that left a person shaking and wanting a whole lot more.
“No.” I swiped the back of my mouth. “Don’t ever try that again.” I stepped back, but my legs were wobbly.
His lip curled in a sexy grin. “The band’s waiting for me. I’ll catch up with you later.” I watched him
walk away, angry, but slightly dazed. I shook my head as if to clear it.
Samantha sidled up to me. “Be careful. That guy could get a habit off a nun.”
I nodded. “Don’t I know it, but trust me, I have no intention of going back for seconds.”
Her eyes opened with new respect. “Seconds?”
My cheeks burned. “Long story, but yeah, I knew him once.”
“Aha. Well, looks like he still has a candle burning for you.”
“I seriously doubt it. I know what he wants and it’s not a commitment.” I pursed my lips. “Speaking of which. Are you and Brett serious?”
“Pretty much. He’s a great guy.”
“Yes, he is. Joe too,” I said, hoping for some kind of reaction.
“You think? For some reason I didn’t get the feeling that you were interested in Joe.”
I’d been cleaning up the bar area, and now I stopped. “You’re right, Samantha. He’s not my type.”
“Must be because you’re hot for J.J.”
She said it teasingly, but I flushed. “Not a chance.”
* * *
I found Helga in the back of her yard planting a row of impatiens. We sat down under the shade of a large umbrella, and drank iced tea.
“Helga, you remember me telling you about J.J., the guy I toured with years ago? Well, he’s back, and not only is he here in Miami, but he’s got a gig at the Candy Bar, and I’m forced to see him every night.”
“Well, it was a given that he would come back sometime. This is his home too.”
“Yes, but why did he have to show up at my bar? So many to choose from, and he happens to pick mine.”
“Don’t hang around the bar if it bothers you so much.”
“Helga! Candy is my friend. Her son ran away and I’ve been managing the bar for her. Remember?”
“Oh, of course. I do remember now you saying something about it.” Her eyes looked lost in thought. “I am forgetting so much these days. Getting senile, I suppose.”
“You are not. I just run on at the mouth, and sometimes you lose interest and drift into la-la land.” I smiled at her. “Only once in a while.”
“I’m sorry, dear. I do try to pay attention.”
“That’s all right. I have something else to discuss with you, anyway.”
“Go right ahead.” She fixed her eyes on my face, and seemed to perk up. “You have my full attention.”
“I have this heightened awareness lately, and I’m able to see colors brighter, and my senses are sharper. It’s a wonderful thing, but I don’t know why it’s happening.”
“Neither do I, but give me some examples.”
“Well, for one, my paintings are much better than ever before. I sold the two paintings I did down in the Keys. I got a check for $700. That’s a first for me.”
“Congratulations.” She squeezed my hand. “That’s wonderful, Susie. You’ve always been a very talented artist, you just didn’t believe in yourself.”
“Thanks. I’m starting to.” I looked into her kind, gentle eyes. “I’m also sensing things about people, intuitive things, and that’s never been one of my strong points.”
“You’ve always had a lot of empathy. Sometimes, too much, in fact.”
“Is it possible to care too much?”
“Only if you’re caring for the wrong people.”
“Yeah, that’s usually my problem. Like J.J. I know he’s nothing but trouble and yet I feel this pull, something building inside of me, like I’m going to burst.”
“You probably need to get laid.”
I choked, and coughed. “Helga. Really.”
“Really, what? It’s perfectly natural. I just wish you could find a nice man to take the edge off. You simply can’t resist the bad boys, can you?” She smiled like a wise, old Mona Lisa. “I knew one or two in my day. Good fun.”
“You did?” I grinned. “Way to go, Helga!” Then I told her about Brett and the annoying little fact that he was dating Samantha.
“Too bad. He might be the ticket.”
I grinned. “Ticket to what?”
“Happiness, my dear.”
“I’m perfectly happy.”
She shook her head. “Some people are naturally happy, Susie. You are one of the unfortunate people who is not.”
“That’s not true. I’m very happy. My glass is not only half full, it’s usually all the way to the top.”
“Only your margaritas, my dear.”
I left her to do her own gardening. To hell with her. I was happy, I was upbeat. There was only one tiny aspect of my life that was not to my liking. I could get no respect.
CHAPTER TEN
Although the Candy Bar was jammed and things were hopping, I kept watching the door, waiting for Brett to arrive.
He didn’t come every night, but two or three times a week. I hadn’t seen him since he dropped the gifts at the shelter, so I figured he was due.
My stomach jumped when I saw him, and I smiled and waved. He sat at the bar so we could talk.
“You look a little wet. Is it coming down hard?”
“A storm is on its way. When I was walking from the parking lot the wind really began to pick up.”
He tossed his head and his hair sent sprinkles of moisture into the air. “I almost made it in before the sky opened up.”
“Yeah, listen to the rain beating against the roof.” I could feel an energy charge and my toes began to tap. “I like storms, as long as I’m inside and somewhere safe.”
I happened to glance over at J.J. and could see that he was really into his music. The band had never sounded better, or the music sweeter. I would have to ask him about it later, see if it was a new song.
“So, you’re here to see Samantha?” It really wasn’t a question, so I didn’t wait for his answer. “She called to say she’d be in an hour late. Something came up.”
Suddenly I thought of Joe, and had one of those female intuition moments. “I spoke to her around five o’clock and she didn’t say anything.”
He gave me a long look that I couldn’t interpret, but it got my heart rate up. “Well, at least you’re here to keep me company.”
“Yeah.” I smiled at him. “Good thing. I would hate to see you sitting here all alone with all these pretty, single girls on the prowl.”
“You better stick close so they don’t ambush me.”
The lights flickered for a moment. “Geez, I hope we don’t lose our power.”
The candles on the tables glowed brightly, then dimmed. I remembered Candy telling Lydia, Fran, and me that the Candy Bar was an old Spanish mission, situated on an ancient Indian burial site. She swears magic happens during certain tropical storms. According to her, lights flicker, and a brick wall sweats.
I turned around to see the brick wall behind the rows of bottles, and sure enough, moisture was running down the face of it.
“Don’t think I’m crazy, but make a wish right now.” I grabbed Brett’s hand. “Make it good, and make it quick.”
I closed my eyes, wondering what I should wish for. I didn’t have a career, or a husband, or children, or a good relationship with my family. There were so many things in my life that I’d like to fix that I didn’t know where to start.
I felt Brett’s warm hand beneath mine, and I wished I had a man as wonderful as him to love me. It was a stupid wish and it came right out of left field, but I let it stand.
A second passed, and I didn’t feel anything. No smack in the head, not even a little tingle, so I peeked at Brett. He had his eyes closed, but his mouth was moving as he silently asked for something. What did he want that he didn’t have? He glanced up, our eyes met, and I saw deeply into him.
I mean I didn’t look into his eyes—I saw through them, beyond where it was dark and hidden. So deep, perhaps as deep as his soul. It felt weird being there, but I knew it was a safe place. I virtually sank into his goodness, and I knew I would never look at him the same again.
Perhaps Cand
y was right about the bar having some kind of magical power, and I’d been zapped. The fact that I was seeing things with unusual clarity and had such positive energy should have been my first clue.
I remembered running out of the bar the night of my art show, and feeling a tingling sensation. During my week in the Keys I’d had a richer awareness of my surroundings, and my paintings took on a life of their own. I’d also been on a wild emotional ride lately, and the Indians, or whoever was responsible for this magic, probably had some fun arranging that.
I smiled, feeling ridiculously happy. I just knew I had been touched by magic, and why not? What was magic anyway? It might be some sort of electrical charge. Same as being hit by lightning—a thunderbolt—changing you forever.
Strange occurrences happened in the universe, and nobody, except probably God, knew the answer. Certainly not me. I couldn’t tell fiction from reality at the best of times. I whispered to Brett, “Do you feel any different?”
“Should I?” he answered.
“I don’t know.” I looked at his face again. He had this beautiful aura around him and I swayed in his direction, needing to be as close to it as possible.
“You okay?” he asked with genuine concern.
“I think so. Yes, I am. I’m wonderful, in fact.”
“What was that all about?”
“What?” I played dumb, and it wasn’t that big of a stretch. “Oh, that. It was nothing. Just a little magic.”
He shook his head, laughing. “You are some wacky chick.” He took a sip from his beer. “I thought it was a special moment, like wishing on the first star, or seeing a meteor, or something.”
“Do people wish on meteors?”
“Hell if I know.”
My lips twitched. “Do wishes come true when magic is in the air?”
“Magic is for fairies and movies.” He grinned and raised an eyebrow, “And little girls.”
“I’m not sure about that.” I told him the myth about the sacred burial ground, and the Paleo Indians. “Candy can explain it better, but she firmly believes it.”
The Candy Bar Complete - 4 book box set: Candy Bar Series Page 33