The Candy Bar Complete - 4 book box set: Candy Bar Series

by Patrice Wilton

  “Sexist.” I snorted. “I’m writing a new song. Maybe I’ll run it past you once it’s done.”

  “Do that. And as a word of advice for the big audition. Practice and perfect just a couple of songs. Popular hits always do better than something no one knows.”

  “Good advice. I’ll do that.”

  I hung up and spent the remainder of the night going over my music, trying to get a feel for what popular music did the most for my voice.

  John called wanting to get together, but I was tired from all the recent activity and told him I’d take a rain check.

  “You okay?” he asked. “You must have been scared out of your wits this morning. If you hadn’t woken up when you did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  “That’s true. A noise woke me up, although I couldn’t say what it was. And I smelled gasoline. He must have been in the room. Scary.”

  “You’ve a brave soul.”

  “Thanks, John. So how did the calls go? You ex must have been extremely upset hearing about Casey’s arrest.”

  “Yeah, she was. She couldn’t believe it at first when I told her he’d been setting a string of fires in the neighborhood. Called me a liar until I told her the police had him in custody, then she just broke down and cried. I felt sorry for her, and offered to take her to see him, but she said she’d prefer to go with Mel, her partner.”

  “What will they do to him until the trial?”

  “Well, it’s no longer an arson charge but attempted murder, since we were both in the house at the time it was set. Likely he’ll be considered a flight risk, in which case they will keep him locked up.”

  “He’s dangerous, that’s for sure.” I asked about his sons. “How did Stephen and Sean take the news?”

  “They were good and pissed. Hope he’s put away for life. Stephen said when they were kids he knew Casey had been poisoning animals in the area, and had confronted him. Casey laughed in his face, and told him if he said anything, it wouldn’t be just animals that died.” John let out an expletive. “Stephen was nine at the time.”

  I got the shivers. “Geez. He is freaky scary, isn’t he?”

  “I didn’t know the half of it.”

  “Well, I’m glad you and your boys are back talking again.”

  “Me too. I have you to thank for that.” John added, “I followed your suggestion and asked if I could come and see them sometime. Come watch a game.”

  “Wonderful. What did they say?”

  “Said anytime. They want me to bring you too. Thought it would be nice to meet the woman who saved my life.”

  I felt a warm glow. “I didn’t do anything special.”

  “Well, considering I’m not in a morgue, I’d say you did plenty. What do they say when you save someone’s life? That you’re responsible for it? Is that it?” John chuckled. “Not sure that I go along with that, but I do think it connects us on a deeper level.”

  “Are you getting all romantic with me?” I said it in a teasing voice, not sure how I felt about that. I wanted him to love me, but not because he figured he owed me something.

  “I’m just saying we could hang out a little more, see where it takes us.”

  “I like that idea. You’re one smart guy.”

  He laughed. “So when do you want to go to North Carolina to see the boys?”

  “Well, Jay has asked me to sing with him next weekend in Tampa, and then there’s the wedding next week.”

  “Oh, I see.” John was silent for a long moment. “Well, you won’t want to pass Tampa up.”

  “No. I can’t. I’ve got to be ready by next month for the Idol competition. Jay’s agreed to help me with that.”

  “I’m sure he will.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” I couldn’t keep the hurt out of my voice. “This is a huge opportunity and I’m lucky to have a professional like Jay take an interest in me, and be willing to help me break in.”

  “Guys like him don’t do anything for free. He’ll expect payment in one way or another.”

  “You are so wrong. I’m hardly his type.”

  “You’re a beautiful, sexy woman. Why wouldn’t he want you?” John cleared his throat. “I saw the way he looked at you on stage, when you two were practically swallowing the mic.”

  “That was all for show. He’s hooked on Candy.” I hoped what I was saying was true. Why did Jay want to help me? What was in it for him?

  “You’re naive, you know that?”

  “This is pointless. I will be busy next weekend, but I could take a few days off during the week. I’ve been working there for 10 years, and never took a sick day. It’s time I did.”

  “I’m off next Wednesday and Thursday.”

  “Book it. The office can manage without me. We’ll go meet your kids.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  FRAN

  We left Thursday morning. During the two hour flight out of Miami, John filled me in on the Tar Heels, the university’s star baseball team. I learned that the coach, Mike Fox had led his team to five World Series in the past six years.

  “They’re playing Virginia Tech in a three game series.” John released a deep breath, and wiggled his big frame in his seat. “I love baseball, and haven’t seen my own boy play since his freshman year.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. The boys didn’t know about their mother and I didn’t have the heart to tell them. Carol insisted she would when she felt the time was right.” John squirmed. “It was awkward all around.”

  I covered his hand with mine. “When did they find out?”

  “Last summer. She couldn’t keep it a secret any longer. I think her partner was pressuring her about making a commitment. She wanted Carol to move in with her.”

  “I can see why it’s been a difficult couple of years.”

  “Yes. You could say that.” He rubbed his chin. “I don’t blame my ex. Not completely. She couldn’t live a lie any longer, and in fairness to her, our marriage had never been all that good. She’s happy with Mel and I’m happier without her.”

  “Right. I get that.” The flight attendants stopped their cart next to us and offered us a beverage. We both had a coffee, effectively ending the conversation.

  I looked out the window, wondering what I could do to help John. He was kind of messed up, if you asked me. Had he been married to a loving, wonderful woman, I’m sure he’d be more open to taking a chance again. But spending twenty years with a person, and then discovering they were never really into you? What an ego deflator.

  Problem is, I only recently decided that I want to live and love and laugh without restraint, and make up for all the years I’d spent sleeping. John is guarded with his emotions, preferring the life he knows and playing it safe. This was a big move for him, inviting me to meet his sons. It should give me hope and yet I’m so afraid.

  I feel that we’re stepping on a precipice where anything might happen. We might tumble in love, which I was voting for, but if things went awry, it’s likely we’d take a step back and go our separate paths. Being with John has made me realize I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I want a full life, a family of my own, and a singing career. I want everything.

  John’s arm was on the armrest, his big frame taking up too much of his seat. I brushed up against him, and he gave me a smile. I sighed, feeling very emotional all of a sudden. If he could only meet me half way, I’d make him so damn happy he wouldn’t be able to stand it.

  He took my hand and kissed it. Had he guessed where my thoughts had drifted?

  “It’s pretty out there, isn’t it?” He leaned close to me and glanced out the window. The sky was blue and filled with huge puffy clouds that looked enticing enough to jump into. I always though it might be where angels came to play.

  “It is.” I breathed in his familiar scent, and my heart ached for a moment. I wanted so much to be loved by him.

  “Will your sons be there to pick us up?”

  �
�Stephen will. Not sure if Sean can make it, but we’ll see them both tonight for an early dinner.”

  “I guess they have classes this afternoon.”

  “Classes are over, but they have things to do. We can grab a bite to eat, then go back to the room and rest up.”

  I smiled. “I’ve never been to Chapel Hill. I hear it’s very beautiful.”

  “It is. If you like I’ll show you around.” John drank from his small coffee cup. “We’re staying at Carolina Inn. It’s an old historic hotel right on the campus, a short walk away from the town. I like to stay there so I don’t need to drive.”

  “Perfect. This will be fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

  He squeezed my hand. “Me too. I’m proud of you.”

  My head whipped around. “You are?” My heart raced with excitement. Surely, this meant that he cared for me too. Not cared, but cared deeply, a prelude to love.

  “Yes. You’re so different from Carol. Soft and pretty, and funny too.”

  “Thank you.” I put my head on his shoulder and nuzzled up to him. “I hope the boys like me.”

  “They will, and even if they didn’t it wouldn’t change a thing. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you. Not that I want to get married, you understand. But I don’t mind having you around.”

  “Wow-thanks so much,” I said with equal amounts of affection and sarcasm. I turned so I could look him in the eyes. “You know something? I like being around.” It was enough, I told myself. He didn’t need to marry me, or love me the way my husband did. I had that kind of love once. Some people never find it.

  He took his Catch and Reel magazine out of the seat pocket, and I took that as a sign that he’d had enough mushy talk. John was not the kind of man who liked to talk about feelings.

  I took out my romance novel, and was completely drawn in. Steamy romances had been my bed partner for years. I read each chapter quickly, devouring it in one greedy gulp. I enjoyed the pull and tug between the characters, their sexual attraction too strong to be denied even though they were at war with one another. I sighed, eager for them to reach their happily-ever-after and find blissful peace.

  “You all right?” John asked, taking his eyes off his fishing magazine.

  “Better than all right.” I blinked back tears. “It’s so romantic. I feel it in my soul.”

  John shook his head. “Don’t talk like that in front of the twins. They’ll be rolling their eyes and gagging,” he said with a fond smile.

  I lifted my chin. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll be cool as a cucumber, and just as emotionless.”

  He smiled. “You couldn’t if you tried.”

  “Wait and see.” I’d show him. I could be anybody I wanted to be. Fearless Fran.

  * * *

  We had carry-on bags and were seated near the front, so we deplaned the aircraft only minutes after arriving at the gate. The moment we stepped though security, John’s son stepped forward and gave him an awkward hug.

  “Dad! Glad you came.”

  John patted his son’s back. “Good to see you.” He glanced at me. “This here is Fran.”

  “I know.” Stephen offered me his hand. “I’m Stephen, and you’re the lady who caught crazy Casey, and saved my dad’s life.” He smiled warmly at me. “It’s great to meet you.”

  My heart turned to mush. What a dear, sweet boy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

  “Can I take your bag?” he asked politely. Without waiting for my reply, he grabbed the handle and was off to the races. He wheeled it in and around the other travelers and through the outside doors, moving so quickly it was hard for John and me to keep up.

  “Sean’s at a team meeting this afternoon but he said he’d like to have an early dinner, around 4:30. He needs time to digest it before his game.” Without taking a breath, he added, “I have a golf practice at two, but I’ll come by and get you around 4:15. We can walk. The restaurant’s on Franklin Street. It’s Italian, is that okay?”

  “Fine with me,” I said quickly, feeling slightly out of breath from the fast walk to the parking lot. The air was cool compared to Florida, but already I felt sticky and needed a shower.

  “We could have taken a cab,” John said. “There was no need to pick us up. You boys have busy schedules.”

  “Hell no. I wanted to see you both, and I have plenty of time to deliver you to your hotel and get to the practice range. I feel bad that we can’t spend the full day together. What time do you have to leave tomorrow?”

  “It’s a late afternoon flight.”

  “Good. We can have an early lunch, then I’ll drive you back here.”

  Stephen stopped walking, and used his remote to unlock his Honda Civic, opening the trunk. He grabbed both bags and tossed them in.

  “I’ve never been here before,” I told Stephen. “We’ll tour around this afternoon, so you don’t need to worry about us.”

  “It’s a great town and there’s plenty to see. Just wished you two could stay for the weekend.”

  “Can’t.” John said. “Fran’s got to go to Tampa. She’s singing at a country fair.”

  “That right?” Stephen glanced at me. “You’re a singer?”

  I blushed, wishing that John hadn’t mentioned it. “I’m hoping to be. I’ve always loved to sing and next month there’s an America Loves Country audition in Florida, so I’m going to give it a shot.”

  “She’s got lungs like Adele,” John said proudly.

  I laughed. “Jay Carpenter said that. He’s letting me sing with him in Tampa and has offered to help me choose my material and prepare to audition.”

  “Jay Carpenter? That’s cool.”

  “You know him?” John asked.

  “Sure. I have one of his songs on my I-Phone.”

  John’s face turned a dark purple. “Well, I’m sure he’s an okay singer, but I don’t like the guy and wish Fran would stop hanging around with him.”

  I smiled sweetly. “That’s just because he beds every pretty girl he meets.” I winked at Stephen. “But I’m not one of them.”

  He laughed. “Sounds like you might be jealous, Dad.”

  “Me. Naw. If he can help her career, Fran would be foolish not to take him up on it.”

  Oh really? “Enough about me,” I said firmly. “Stephen, I want to know all about you. I hear you’re a great golfer. Do you plan to turn pro?”

  “I can dream, but I don’t think I’m anywhere near that good.” He pulled a face. “Meanwhile, I’m getting a business and economics degree so I’ll be able to make a living.”

  “What about a girlfriend?” I asked. “Your dad said he didn’t know.”

  “I see a few girls. No one serious.”

  “See?” I said to John. “All you had to do was ask.” I turned back to Stephen. “What else do you enjoy? I know you like golf, girls, and country music. What else?”

  He laughed. “Reading, chess, and sci-fi movies. I’m not bad at tennis.”

  “And your brother?”

  “Wait until tonight. He can tell you.”

  I smiled. I’d only met one, but I knew I was going to like his sons. I sat back in my seat and looked out the window and dared to dream. How nice it would be to be a part of this family. Stephen and Sean could come home to Thanksgiving dinners. I’d cook the turkey, and John would carve. Simple pleasures, long denied. For me to have a family of my own.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  FRAN

  We checked into the lovely hotel, and I oohed and awed at the entrance and inside lobby. It was elegant and perfectly charming. The pretty lady at the reception desk couldn’t have been nicer, and she told us our room was not quite ready but should be by noon. She suggested we take a short walk around the grounds, and the bags would be delivered to the room.

  John was eager to show me the campus, and I marveled at the beautiful historic buildings, the big oak trees, and the lovely shaded paths leading from the main buildings to the dorms.
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  “The boys are lucky to be here,” I said, with genuine admiration. “You must be very proud of them.”

  “I am but I forgot how much.”

  “Stephen is very nice, not as reserved as I expected. He actually seemed chatty.”

  “He might have been nervous. He’s usually less out-going.” John smiled. “On the other hand, you’ll have a hard time getting a word in with Sean around.”

  “I look forward to meeting him.” I grabbed John’s hand and swung it playfully, feeling years younger than middle-aged and light hearted. I had a good feeling about this evening and hoped it would bring John and me even closer.

  “You hungry?” he asked.

  “Sure. I could use a bite.” We exited the campus and walked the one block to town.

  “I have a favorite place for brunch. Their food is great and they serve breakfast until two, as well as soup, salads, sandwiches.” John disengaged his hand, but I didn’t mind because my palms were damp. “We can’t eat too heavy since we’re having an early dinner, but you’ll like this place.”

  We walked into the Caroline Coffee Shop, which John said was the oldest original restaurant in Chapel Hill. It was nothing from the outside but the brick walls and wooden booths gave it a warm, comfortable feel.

  At eleven in the morning, the place was hopping with students, faculty, and visitors like us. We sat in a large booth, and from across the table I played footsie with John. “So what’s good here?” I asked as he carefully pursued the menu.

  “Everything.” He glanced up to smile at me. “Pecan waffles, eggs benedict. Not good for the diet but worth the calories.”

  We drank iced teas, and I ordered the eggs Benedict while John had pancakes with strawberries, pecans, and bananas on the side. The food arrived shortly thereafter and true enough everything was delicious, and we left nothing on our plates.

  “Wow. We are definitely going to have to walk this off. Can you show me the town?”

  He paid the bill, and we strolled up and down Main Street and through the mall. We spent a leisurely few hours browsing the shops, peeking into art galleries, until we’d had our fill, and decided to head back to the hotel to rest and freshen up.