He went to his cell phone and dialled Solange once he was sure that Candasee was in the shower.
Her sleepy voice answered the line,
“Hello?”
“Solange, it’s me Nathan, I know it’s early and I apologize ahead of time but I really need you to execute our plan today! Is it possible for you to visit Darius sometime this afternoon and get him to go out with you? If so, I can arrange it so Candasee sees you together with him.”
“Nathan, this harebrained idea of yours is going to get us hurt! I have been thinking this over since last night and I think my end of it is pretty futile. Trying to stop Darius from following Candasee last night was like trying to stop a bullet train with a feather, and guess who the feather was?”
“Okay, I know he’s distracted now by Candasee, and I can’t blame him there, but if we can at least make Candasee think he’s moved on, I can keep things together on my end for the next six days,”
“This is important to you isn’t it?” she asked.
“You have no idea Solange! In fact, you owe me. It’s your fault in a way that I have to deal with this ex-husband mess at all, you are the one that put them back together,” he said with a laugh so she wouldn’t take his last statement too seriously. Although he was beginning to wish that she’d found somewhere else indeed!
“Hey, I didn’t build the roof on the Meridian Hotel. I just manage the place and I really did not have any other option besides asking Darius!”
“Okay I know, I’m just trying to make light of this situation, but we are in this pickle now. Let us just help each other out! Have a little faith dear Solange, I can’t have you backing out on me now.”
“Okay Nathan, I can be off work around three o’clock, so I will be there by four o’clock, I will go to his office and you find a way to get her to be up there at that time too okay?”
“Thanks Solange, I will arrange for Candasee to be there when you are as well. I hope that seeing you for the second time will be all she needs to see to forget any ideas of rekindling anything with her ex!”
“Nathan, I am only going to do this one time. If it backfires, I am out! Okay! I don’t like to play these games, and not even for an old friend like you!” she said.
“I understand and I sense that if we can play our cards right today, we will both get what we really want.”
“So, Mr. Brogan you have been featured in so many magazines around the world and this hotel was nominated last year for hotel of the year on Trip Advisor, what is your secret to managing such a delightful property?” asked Sally with a broad smile.
“Well Sally, there is a desire for luxury and for a sense of opulence in every person and I envisioned this hotel as a place where visitors could indulge that to the fullest. I also have an excellent staff who share the vision and are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that happens every day!” he replied.
They were seated on one of the expansive lawns outside the hotel and so far the interview was going well. She was sampling one of the most delectable items on their breakfast menu as they spoke and the executive chef had also joined them on set.
“Mmm, you are right about that because these crab cakes simply have the richest flavour I have ever tasted anywhere!” said Sally after chewing a bite. “Any hope of finding out the secret recipe?” she joked with Chef Alexander.
“Not a chance madam, not a chance!” laughed the chef.
It was a really light and relaxed atmosphere on set that morning and Darius wished he could focus longer than a minute at a time to truly enjoy it. Not only was he looking forward with anticipation to his mother’s visit but he was hoping that Candasee would come to see him this evening as well. Things were beginning to look up since last night.
Sally was thoroughly impressed with the grounds and with the beautiful layout and she described the property in glowing terms on the recording of the tour they had earlier.
The morning hours managed to pass without incident and when he was satisfied that Sally was able to see the best of the hotel and the interview was concluded, he left her in the capable hands of his management team.
Trying to stay clear of the conference hall where Candasee was working was going to be impossible. He had to see her even if it was only a brief glimpse and even if it meant risking that she thought he was crowding her. As he approached he heard a commotion in the room and when he reached the door he saw one of the delegates sitting on the floor holding her ankle and wincing in pain.
“Hey, do you need any help, we have a medical team on staff here!” he said walking quickly toward the concerned group.
“Yes we know and thanks, Miss Maxwell has already gone to get them, one lady replied!”
The girl who was sitting looked like she was about eighteen years old and although she was injured she was still trying to flex her swollen ankle. She kept insisting that if she got it bandaged she would be just fine. He could see from her tears how important this scholarship opportunity was to her and how she was willing to even suffer pain to see it through to the end. It reminded him of Candasee and her insistence on pursuing dance even though it meant she had to walk away from him.
He had come a long way since then, now believing that she’d done the right thing then, basically to choose herself in the moment and he felt a renewed respect for her that she’d never allowed him to snuff out her dreams.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay! The medics will take good care of you!” he said stooping down to eye level to encourage the girl.
She looked up at him and nodded, fierce determination still shining in her eyes.
“Where are you from?” he asked.
“I live right here on Derrien Island,” she replied.
“Yeah, that fits, I can see you are a fighter!” he told her smiling.
“That’s right! I am not going to let this slow me down, this opportunity is too important to me!” she said.
“I wish you all the best then!” he said before standing again.
The medical team arrived at that moment and right behind them was none other than Nathan! They noticed each other immediately and Darius did not miss the offence simmering beneath this man’s eyes at his being there. Did Nathan not realize that he was the one who was on his property and not the other way around? He made it look as though by visiting the conference room that he was somehow trespassing.
Nathan was caught off guard to see Darius and was a little disgusted with himself that he was unable to conceal his disdain for his host especially after the kindness he had shown his academy with this event. This situation of uncertainty with Candasee was driving him crazy and he needed to have it resolved as soon as possible so that he could return to his normal easy-going self. He knew that he could not compete with Darius’ money or what he could offer Candasee but he could compete for her love, and all was fair in love and war. He also wanted the opportunity being offered to him with the travel show so it would do him well to at least be civil.
Darius finally walked over to him after they regarded each other intensely for a few moments.
“You have one determined delegate over there,” said Darius gesturing to the girl on the floor who was now being attended to by the medics.
“Yes, they all are! This intensive will change one of their lives forever,” replied Nathan struggling to be diplomatic.
“I think it is great that you are trying so hard to help these young people advance in their chosen careers,” said Darius knowing that Nathan was shocked by his sincere compliment. He’d always believed in giving a man his due even one who was determined to be his enemy. He never allowed his enemy to see his weakness and he knew from experience how to keep things professional and business-like when necessary.
“Thank you, Mr. Brogan, I was not aware that you knew of the full benefit of this intensive,” replied Nathan with surprise.
“I always make sure that I know almost everything about person’s with whom I conduct business. It reduces the event of unex
pected surprises that could hurt our association,” said Darius analysing Nathan’s response to being told that he had been researching his background.
Nathan looked furious but he maintained his cool and detached tone despite that.
“Naturally, and I agree that it would make good business sense to do that!”
“Oh by the way, I am sure that the events team explained to you the importance of us having a preview of the entertainment on the final night of the filming?”
“Yes, we are holding a screening call tonight to complete putting together a programme with the talent we have here. These people are some of the most talented young people in the Caribbean,” replied Nathan with pride. Only the best were selected to attend this intensive through a gruelling audition process.
“Good, I am having a meeting with my events team tomorrow morning at nine, concerning this. I believe that one of your instructors informed my team that you would be having auditions this evening around six o’clock?”
“Yes that is correct!”
“Good, I wanted to be sure of the time! When do you expect to be finished?”
“The auditions should take about two to three hours to see what everyone is offering and then the instructors will need to meet during the night to decide on how to sequence the best pieces,” replied Nathan.
“I did not realize it would take that long!” replied Darius wondering how that would affect Candasee’s ability to come and talk to him that evening.
“Okay, you can send Candasee to represent the academy at the meeting in the morning then and she can liaise with the events team concerning any costumes needed for the dancers while she is there.”
“Candasee? Why her, I am the CEO of this academy so I would think that you would have me attend the meeting instead!” replied Nathan extremely offended by Darius’ omission and furious at his obviously veiled attempt to be alone with Candasee.
“Under normal circumstances, yes, but I have always appreciated Candasee’s perspective on my business affairs and she is the one directly involved with the dancers, isn’t she? I believe the equipment for the singers and instrumentalists are already available through your company.”
Nathan bristled at the thought of being excluded from the meeting concerning his academy’s involvement. Yes, he knew he got this opportunity by accident and although he wanted it, Darius also needed him and what the academy had to offer too.
“I am going to have to insist on attending the meeting as well in the interest of the academy Mr. Brogan. I realize your familiarity with Candasee but she is just the artistic director of the modern dance program and not a member of the academy’s executive management team. I think you know as well as I do that we are helping each other out here!”
Darius admired the shrewd and calm way in which Nathan responded to him. In a business deal, he would take pleasure in this game of cat and mouse but Candasee was involved and Nathan had a power of influence with her that he did not have again as yet. Perhaps allowing Nathan to come to the meeting would serve a dual purpose after all, thought Darius. The more he got to see how he and Candasee interacted the more he would realize just how shaky his relationship was and perhaps he would stand aside.
“Okay, as you wish,” Darius conceded with a slight smile. “I expect you to be there on time for nine o’clock, he said before nodding briefly and walking away.
Nathan watched his retreating figure seething with anger at the veiled insult that had been levelled at him. This man obviously thought he ruled the world and everything happened at his beck and call. Before today was over, he would have that snooty confidence of his in tatters after he and Solange executed their plans.
On her way back to the conference room after calling the medical team, a familiar voice called out to Candasee and stopped her in the lobby!
“I know that my only daughter-in-law would not just pass by without talking to her mother!” exclaimed Marianne after recovering briefly from the shock of seeing Candasee here at the hotel. She was slowly beginning to get an inkling of what might be troubling her son now. He had never gotten over the divorce and she knew that better than anyone. What was Candasee doing here?
Candasee whirled around and ran back toward the sound of the voice she dearly loved. They were both about the same height and size but Marianne’s hair was cut in a short chic style that suited her dashing clothing. Today she was wearing a shell-pink pantsuit with a matching inner camisole and beaded sandals on her feet. She was the picture of relaxed island elegance.
“Mom!” cried Candasee as she ran to embrace the older woman, “I missed you so much!” she said sincerely feeling tears stinging the backs of her eyelids and rolling down her cheeks.
When Darius introduced her to his mother years ago, they also had an immediate mother-daughter connection. Her own mother had died when she was very young and she was raised by her father and her step-mother. Although they did not hate each other, there was never a close bond that connected her to Stephanie, her father’s second wife. Marianne was the first and only woman she’d felt that motherly bond with and leaving Darius behind also meant that she was leaving Marianne’s love and understanding behind as well and that broke her heart too.
“Come stand back and let me look at you,” said Marianne smiling and holding Candasee’s shoulders at an arm’s length. “Oh daughter of mine, I am so happy to see you! This has more than made my day!” she said pulling her back in for another hug!
“Oh Marianne, you have more than made mine too!” echoed Candasee.
“What are you doing here on Derrien Island?” asked Marianne. “Should I be getting my hopes up here?” she asked.
“I am working with an eight-day arts and media intensive here. Today is just day number two so we still have some time to connect with each other!”
“Six days is not a lot of time! I find it strange that Darius didn’t mention to me earlier that you’d be coming!” she quipped with an arched eyebrow.
“He didn’t know either! Our hotel had to be changed at the last minute due to damages sustained in the recent storm and Darius agreed to grant us some concessions to host it here.”
“Did he? Well that’s my son, always helpful. I knew that I raised him well,” she said smiling proudly. “So I take it then that you two have talked to each other?” she inquired leaving the question open-ended.
Candasee knew she could not hide anything from Marianne; the woman was as sharp and as intuitive as they came.
“We have talked but I...
“I hope that I am not interrupting anything!” said Darius as he approached his mother and Candasee. Seeing her with Marianne reminded him of the close connection they shared and he was pleased that by all appearances it was still there.
“No, you aren’t Darius,” said Candasee as she turned to look up to him. He was dressed in a navy blue suit with a light grey shirt and matching tie and he was simply mesmeric to behold. Her eyes drifted from what he was wearing and back to his face and to his eyes as he regarded her intensely. The memories of what they shared on the beach only hours earlier came flooding back into her consciousness.
“Uh, besides I have a class which I am supposed to be teaching now and I am sure they are wondering where I am,” continued Candasee making the motions to leave nervously. All it took was one look from Darius to remind her of their flaming encounter that morning and to set all her insides fluttering wildly.
“Wait, Candasee” said Marianne, when can I see you again before you leave to go home? Six days isn’t giving me much time to see you!” she said quickly looking from her son’s face to Candasee’s eyes. Their mirrored expressions told her all she needed to know. Six days would never be enough for either of them now that they were here together again.
“Uh, I am not sure, but now that we have met I will definitely call you to make plans!” replied Candasee avoiding looking in Darius’ direction at all cost.
“You’d better! I will be holding you to that promise�
��, said Darius’ mother.
Candasee walked quickly across the lobby to get back to her class before Marianne had her confessing all of her feelings in front of Darius. She felt as though she was constantly running from him. As she neared the room she could see Nathan outside panning the grounds and she called out to him and waved knowing that he must probably be looking for her.
Nathan released the breath he had pent up in his body as his thoughts came up with all kinds of scenarios of what could happen if Darius met her along the path. Just the thought of her alone with her ex-husband was sending his pulse into stress and overdrive and he felt so unfocused that he thought at one point he needed to go and find her.
Maybe Solange was right, this was crazy. He was the successful CEO of this academy and he was here pining over his girlfriend and the possibility that he could lose her to her ex-husband while on the very trip that he wanted to convince her that he was the one for her. So far, things seemed to be falling into place and if he could just get Solange to cooperate and keep Darius busy, he would have the freedom to sweep Candasee Maxwell off her beautiful feet.
“Hey, where were you?” he asked, “Your class should have started about ten minutes ago?”
“Oh, sorry about that, I ran into a close friend of mine that lives here on the island and we just talked for a little while. I am going to make arrangements to see her later. Don’t worry I did not forget my class!” replied Candasee.
At the mention that it was a ‘her’ who delayed Candasee’s return, Nathan felt his body relax and the tension which was mounting inside of him drained away. He gave her a brief hug and let her pass by him and began counting the minutes till four o’ clock when Solange would arrive. He was still working on what he would tell Candasee to get her to go up to Darius’ office at that time. It all had to be synchronized perfectly. Perhaps he would play Darius game and get her to take a copy of the auditions sheet up there. She would go and find Solange looking all cosy and romantic and all her thoughts of reconciling with Darius would be gone.
Hidden Love (Derrien Island Trilogy) Page 11