Dallas sat down on a bench. “I know you miss him so much. I hope you two can work it out. You really seem to love each other,” she yawned. Candy shrugged and looked aimlessly out into the distance.
“Girl, it’s been a long day,” Dallas said as she fanned herself.
“Yes it has!”
“Look, don’t consider me a party-pooper, but do you mind if we go back to the hotel? I’m so sleepy!” Dallas laughed.
“I need to go lie down anyway. Let’s go back,” Candy said as she hailed a cab.
* * *
“That bed felt like a cloud,” Dallas said as she paraded around the hotel brunch buffet, popping a slice of mango in her mouth and looking inquisitively at the pastries.
Jasmine took a drink of her apple juice. “It sure did.”
“Ladies, thank you so much for getting up a little earlier,” the head of the book club announced. “I know some of you still have a bit of jetlag from that twelve-hour flight, but I hope your bodies are adjusting well. We have two books that we’ll be discussing this trip. I’ve handed out the questionnaires. Look them over while you finish your meal, and we’ll discuss the answers later this afternoon.”
“How was your date?” Candy whispered to Jasmine as she placed the novel “Midnight Marauders in Cairo” on the table.
Jasmine grinned from ear to ear. “I think I finally met my match. Funny how he lives all the way across the world,” she laughed. “He said he wants to pay for me to fly back out here next month. He’s quite the charmer, and smart.”
“You forgot drop-dead gorgeous,” Dallas chimed in.
“That too,” Jasmine laughed. “He said he wants to come to America to visit me, too. He said some bullshit about how he’s gonna marry me. I think he’s full of shit, but regardless, he wants to see me again tonight. I’m excited,” Jasmine smiled.
“But we’ve got a group dinner,” Candy said.
“I’m gonna have to come up sick!” They all laughed. “Check this out. He owns a chain of music stores. We’re goin’ to eat dinner, then he’s gonna take me one of ’em. Too bad he doesn’t believe in premarital sex. I’ll see if I can talk him into it,” Jasmine laughed. “I wouldn’t mind gettin’ some Egyptian love before I leave!” Jasmine put her hands up in an Ancient Egyptian pose and swayed.
Candy shook her head and grinned. “Jas, you’re a mess. Something tells me he won’t need much coercin’. He looked at you like you were the last meal he’d ever have. I’m glad you’re enjoyin’ yourself.”
“I am. You know, even though you were here to get away from Quentin, I’m glad you came. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.” Jasmine grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“I’m glad I came, too. I would’ve been missin’ out. Quentin will have a restrainin’ order waitin’ for him soon. Speakin’ of which, I’m so afraid to talk to Gabriel, but I know you two were right. I hope that after he hears what I have to say, maybe we can at least be friends.”
“I hope so, too. Better yet, he’ll understand, and you two can get back together,” Jasmine said. Dallas nodded as she heard her own words from the previous night being repeated.
“It would be nice, but that’s probably just a pipe dream,” Candy smiled painfully.
“Well, at least this fabulous hotel will help take away your worries. This place is gorgeous!” Dallas said as she took another sip of her iced coffee.
“It sure is. Anyway, I’m finished eating. I’m gonna go back to my room. I’ll meet you two later on, is that cool? I wanna finish this last chapter so I can answer these questions,” Candy said as she stood up and returned her dirty plate and cup.
“Fine by me.” Dallas waved good bye.
* * *
Candy sluggishly walked out of the dining area and stepped on the elevator. She looked through the glass at all the hotel guests mulling about in the lobby as she went higher and higher. Her eyes fixated on a beautifully adorned Egyptian woman dressed in red and gold, holding a newborn baby. The doors opened to her floor. Candy stepped out and looked at the intricate pattern of the rug as she approached her room. She looked up, gazing out a large window next to her door, admiring the Giza pyramid. “Maybe I’ll go for a swim later in that gorgeous pool,” Candy said to herself.
Taking out her hotel key, she unlocked the door and entered. Before she could hit the light switch, she stopped in her tracks. She heard light music playing in the background.
‘I know I didn’t leave the radio on,’ she thought as she closed the door slowly behind her. Looking down, she noticed enormous rose petals strewn about. They were white with pink edges. Her heart thumped. She put her hand up to her mouth and continued to walk tentatively into the room. As she got closer to the bed, she distinctly heard the lyrics to the song “You” by Jesse Powell. She looked down at the bed which was covered in golden flakes and more white rose petals. There on the pillow was a black velvet gift box with a large, white satin bow. She cautiously picked it up and beheld it. She looked around the room hesitantly.
“Who’s here?” she asked timidly. She received no answer. Under the box was a note that read “Open Me.” Candy slowly removed the bow and opened the lid. Another note lie inside. She unfolded it, reading it aloud. A familiar scent wafted from the pale yellow stationery.
Here I am.
Your treasure is hid.
Walk directly towards the pyramid.
Candy looked around and walked towards the window where the pyramid could be clearly seen. On the window sill she spotted a gold charm bracelet with two hearts. She smiled and picked it up. As she brought it closer, she could see a bell between the two hearts. There was something protruding from it – a small, rolled piece of paper. Candy removed it and read the message inside:
You can now see my heart is truly yours.
You never have to hurt, not trust, nor worry.
Find one more declaration of my love.
This is not a fairytale or fable.
I am your shining knight.
Walk to the table, and you shall see.
Candy’s eyes darted quickly around the room as she tried to see which table the note referred to. On the other side of the bed was a table. On it was a box of chocolates with a sealed silver envelope on top of it. She ran over to it, tearing it open.
Don’t ever doubt my love for you. Nothing hurt me more than your not being in my life. Because you loved me, you hid from me the reality of your new-found prison. You consistently try to soothe the wounds of others while neglecting yourself until the pain becomes so great that you withdraw. I love you anyway and always will.
You hurt me with your “good-bye,” but you had me at your first “hello.” On your second interview, I was asked to listen in since you would be working directly under me. I didn’t realize that you would literally be under me in the future. (I had to add a bit of humor to this letter because laughter is healing.) I remember exactly what you wore: a navy-blue skirt, crisp white shirt, and three-inch heels that were nearly too sexy for an interview. Around your neck hung a small silver heart. The bracelet you have found matches it exactly. Your beautiful dark-brown hair was pulled back from your face, exposing one of the most elegant necks I had ever seen. You sat there, nervous, hoping you would get the job. Your experience and charm won everyone over. You beat out eight other candidates. I remember what you wore because I was married, but not dead. I didn’t lust after you or pursue you. I was more interested in your performance. I simply admired your beauty and went on with my day.
Over the years, I tried to salvage a marriage that just wasn’t meant to be, not realizing you were enduring the same tragic situation. Our lives were mirror images of one another. The day I realized I was in love with you was one of the most liberating days of my life. I recall it distinctly. I realized your heart was breaking, and I couldn’t comfort you the way I wanted to. I wanted to hug and kiss you, wrap you up in my arms, and tell you how I felt. I went back and forth asking myself why I’d jeopardize
everything just to tell you how I felt about you. I knew I had to eventually, or I’d never be free from the grip you had on my heart. And now, here we are, a couple no more. You may have left me, but I have not left you.
Candy looked all around the room, tears streaming down her face.
“Gabriel!” she called out, her voice shaking. “Gabriel!” she walked into the bathroom, back in the bedroom, then out into the sitting area. There Gabriel stood, holding a bouquet of bright yellow wildflowers, looking down at them solemnly. His light-blue V-neck shirt clung to his tapered figure. He stood there barefoot, his blue-jeans covered in gold flecks. Candy raced over to him, throwing herself into his arms. He held her tightly as she cried out in joy. He just held her, rocking her as she smashed the bouquet against his body.
“Oh, my God!” she screamed, wiping her tears with her hand. “At first I thought…” She stopped herself. She had thought that maybe Quentin had found her. “How did you find me?”
“Eric,” Gabriel answered, his voice cracking. “He’s been a friend to me during this. I have some important information to tell you, but first I want to…”
Candy interrupted him and smiled as she shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re here! How did you know where I was? I didn’t tell anyone.”
“I had Samantha call every single five-star hotel in Cairo. I knew Jasmine wouldn’t stay anywhere less.”
Candy laughed. “You’re so right. That’s her.”
“And before you ask, I bribed my way into your room,” Gabriel laughed. “I paid a pretty penny. They stood and watched to make sure I wasn’t stealing your belongings. Thank goodness you took a while at breakfast.”
“So much for security around here!” Candy laughed. She hugged Gabriel tightly once more, nearly leaving bruises around his neck.
He got on one knee. He took the engagement ring box out of his pocket. Candy spun around and gasped. “This isn’t happening! This can’t be happening!” she squealed.
“It’s happening, trust me,” Gabriel grinned as he looked up at her. “Candy Benet, will you do me the honor of being my wife?” Gabriel took her left hand.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Candy screamed. “I said ‘yes!’”
Gabriel burst out laughing. “I heard you, Baby.” He slid the ring onto her finger. She looked at it closely, admiring how brightly it sparkled. Gabriel stood back up and kissed her hand.
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Gabriel,” Candy said sadly. “I have something to tell you. I need to tell you the truth, the real reason I called off our relationship...” She took his hands into hers.
Gabriel smiled and quickly looked over his shoulder out the window. He stood in awe of the pyramid in the background.
“Why are you smiling?” Candy asked, concern growing in her voice.
“I already know. I know about Quentin and what he was did to you. That’s what I was trying to tell you before. Everyone knows now. You won’t believe what happened the other night.” Gabriel proceeded to inform Candy of every detail. When he was finished, Candy slumped down into the chair and rubbed her throbbing head.
“I’m so sorry. I’m too old to be keeping a diary. This is so humiliating. What about your career? We have to fight for your job!”
“Candy, calm down,” Gabriel said evenly. “I have everything taken care of. What’s most important is that we’re back together and Quentin won’t be bothering either of us for a long time. We’re getting married!”
Candy smiled as the tears continued to stream down her face. They was silence for a moment as they both took in the moment. Gabriel put his finger up to his chin as he contemplated. “I have an idea, but let me know if it isn’t to your liking.” He knelt down close to her.
“What is it?” Candy asked as Gabriel leaned in closer to her.
“It goes a little something like this…”
* * *
Dallas and Jasmine tried to control their smiling faces to no avail. Wrapped in beautiful fabrics, they spun around and hummed.
“Look at them in the air on those chairs!” Jasmine yelled. “This is so romantic! I never thought we’d be bridesmaids today! This is unreal! Thanks, Abdul, for recommending a place for them,” she said to her new friend who stood off to the side. He smiled and nodded quietly.
Candy looked around as she was bounced in the air in a formal chair across from her soon-to-be husband. Both were dressed in traditional Egyptian wedding garb. Candy’s hair was covered with a long, cream-colored shawl that matched her heavily decorated gown. Henna art curled up and down her arms and hands, and the dazzling engagement ring shone brightly in the sunlight filtering in through the parlor windows.
The Zaffa played the drums and belly danced. Candy held back tears that threatened to ruin the makeup Jasmine had taken so much care in applying. Candy looked over at Gabriel who was smiling at her dreamily. Dressed in cream and white linen, he looked like one of the locals. He winked and blew Candy a kiss as the ceremony continued. A Christian minister spoke in English. The vows were repeated in English and Arabic for everyone to hear. Their chairs were lowered to the ground.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” he said in conclusion. Gabriel stood up from his chair and approached Candy. He knelt down on one knee, unwrapped her head scarf, and cupped her face with his hands. He looked deep into her eyes, and then planted a long, soft kiss upon her full, lustrous lips. Everyone clapped and cheered. Music began to play as the couple embraced.
“I’m so happy for both of you,” Dallas said, wiping a tear away from her eye.
“Thank you, Dallas,” Gabriel said. “We’re going to have a really nice reception back in Cincinnati for everyone. My daughter will kill me if I don’t.” Dallas and Jasmine laughed.
“I want to thank you two for loving Candy so much and taking care of her all of these years. She’s fortunate to have you,” Gabriel added.
“Yes, she is!” Jasmine agreed. Everyone laughed. Jasmine took Candy by the arm and swiftly led her a few feet away.
“So,” Jasmine said as she leaned in close to Candy. “What do you have planned for your wedding night – whips and chains?”
Candy pushed Jasmine away and giggled. “Wouldn’t you like to know! I can’t believe you asked me this – well, actually I can.” Jasmine hugged her. Candy walked back over to Gabriel, rose on her toes, and kissed his cheek. Gabriel took Candy’s hand and led her to a waiting driver, ready to return them to the hotel.
“What are you up to?” Candy asked suspiciously as Gabriel opened the hotel room door.
“Your room’s connected to Jasmine’s. We can’t have a proper wedding night with her holding a glass up to the wall.” They both laughed. Candy saw her bag packed up on the bed. Gabriel walked over and grabbed it. “I ran in here and packed up your clothes right before the ceremony. Gabriel felt his cell phone vibrating. He took it out of his pocket and saw he had received a new email on his Blackberry. He opened it up and read it.
From: Justin Daniels
To: Gabriel Justice, HR Board, Kevin Hardy
Subject: HR Board Ruling
After much deliberation, the HR Board has unanimously decided to waive all disciplinary action against Mr. Justice. This decision is based upon the preponderance of evidence that supports the claim of no sexual activity or conduct on company premises. Mr. Justice will remain Chief Executive Officer and will resume his duties effective immediately.
Ms. Candace Benet will incur no disciplinary action nor be contacted regarding this matter. Investigation of her activities is deemed unnecessary. She shall remain Director of Finance.
Furthermore, the HR Board recommends that the content of Policy 78.A be modified to align with the current direction of Blue Sun officers.
Best regards,
Justin Daniels, National Director of Human Resources
Gabriel beamed as he read the message over and over.
“We’re still employed,” Gabri
el smiled as he handed Candy his cell phone. She read it and jumped up and down, kissing him all over his face. “When we return, be prepared for the stares,” he grimaced. “Everyone knows all the intimate details of our business, thanks to Quentin.”
“I know. It’s gonna be pretty awkward.”
“We’re married now, so, we’ll see how it goes. Let’s not worry about that right now. Let’s just enjoy our first honeymoon,” Gabriel remarked.
“First honeymoon?”
“Yes, do you really think I wouldn’t plan a second honeymoon? You were here to run away from someone. I want you to run to someone on our real honeymoon.” He kissed her cheek as they left the hotel room. Candy followed Gabriel to the elevator. After going up two floors, the elevator doors opened.
“Oh, my God,” Candy gasped. Gabriel led her to a deluxe suite. Dark-red rose petals covered the floor in the shape of a huge heart. Next to the gold and white round bed were two fluted glasses and a bottle of chilled champagne along with a box of dark chocolates. Dusk began to set in, causing the sky to turn shades of deep pink and purple. Gabriel opened the curtains further apart, exposing more of the large, eye-catching pyramid that was nearby in the desert landscape. A large heart-shaped hot tub was off to the side. Atop the warm water floated lily pad leaves, calla lilies, and golden rose petals. Gabriel slid off his shoes and walked over to the CD player.
“Candy” by Cameo started to play. Candy burst out laughing as he ran over to her and took her hand, spinning her around. They fast-danced until Candy was dizzy. She laughed and fell onto Gabriel’s chest as the music continued to play. Soon the sun disappeared, leaving a star-filled sky in its place. Candy watched as Gabriel’s hazel eyes darkened. They were partially closed, yet he continued to stare down at her with a slight smirk.
I Want Candy Page 37