Pretty Candy
Chapter 5
The next day, was the day before last. They were eating at the table having breakfast. Candy was wearing a bathrobe and her hair was help up in a loose pony tail on the top of her head.
- It’s my day before last, he said.
- I know, she said sadly.
- I loved what we had and I would like to see you again…
Candy looked at him surprised. He wanted to see her again? Strangely, instead of making her happy, it made her sad…
- Really? She said with a little smile.
- Yes, I would like to get you an apartment, a car and I would open accounts for you in all the boutiques you can dream of…
- And then what? You’re going to leave an envelope between two planes?
- It’s not going to be like that…
- Then how is it going to be?
- First of all, you won’t be in the street anymore…
- That’s just geography, she said leaving the table.
She walked to the balcony which doors were opened. Terry stood up to follow her.
- Candy, what do you want? What do you happening between us?
“That you fall in love with me and marry me?” She said to herself in her head.
But she said out loud:
- I don’t know… when I was a little girl in my orphanage, when I was a bad girl, Miss Pony would lock me up in the attic, which happened a lot. So I would imagine that I was a princess locked in a tower by a mean queen and prince would come on his white horse to rescue me and after that we would get married and have lots of children… But I never imagined once that he would tell me: “Come with me, I’ll get you an apartment…”
Terry looked at her. He thought she would’ve jumped at the occasion, but Candy continued surprising him. The phone rang interrupting their conversation. He went to answer, it was Archie.
- Terry? MacGregor wants to see us, I think he’s giving up… he wants to meet us this after-noon…
- Tell him I don’t want to wait to this afternoon, tell him we’re going to meet this morning…
- All right…
Terry hung up and walked to Candy who was still on the balcony.
- I have to go… and I would like to tell you that what I offered you is all I can do for the moment and it’s a big step for me.
- I know. It’s an exceptional offer for a girl like me.
- I’ve never treated you like a prostitute, he said.
And he walked away to leave the suite.
- You just did, whispered Candy sadly.
Candy didn’t know what to think. Should she follow Terry and become his paid mistress? While she was thinking about it, the suite phone rang, it was the reception: William.
- Miss Candy, there is someone here who wants to see you…
- Who? Asked Candy
- She said her name is…
- Give me that phone, she heard, Candy, it’s me! Can you come downstairs? The sphincter police doesn’t want to let me pass!
- Sandra?
- Yes…
- I’ll be right there…
Candy shook her head laughing. Sandra was impossible when she wanted to. She got dressed. She put on a suit with shorts in linen; it was red with a white shirt. She took the envelope for Sandra and she went downstairs.
Sandra was at the reception having fun, blowing steam on the counter. An elderly couple was looking at her stunned. Sandra looked back at them saying:
- 50$ papy, and for 75$ you old lady can look…
The couple was flabbergasted; they opened their mouth and walked away. The receptionist was looking at her without saying a thing.
Candy arrived at the reception.
- Let’s get out of here, she told her friend.
- With pleasure, said Sandra.
They went to the bar of the hotel swimming pool. Since it was the morning, nobody was there. The sat down at a table.
- I heard you were looking for me, said Sandra.
- Since Tuesday, to give you the rend money…
- I was in hiding…
- If you had come to get the money, you wouldn’t have had to hide.
- So many things happened. Noni got beat up, Rachel got arrested, and it was a real mess! Thanks for the money, you’re saving my life! Candy, my God, you’re so beautiful! I’m afraid to hug you I’m going to wrinkle your suit! You’re beautiful when you’re clean.
- It’s easy to be clean when you have money…
- When is he leaving?
- Tomorrow…
- You’re keeping the clothes?
- Yes… Terry told me he wanted to see me again, but I said no…
- What? You said “no”? Said Sandra looking at her carefully, oh no!
- What? Said Candy.
- I know that sad look…
- You’re talking nonsense…
- You’re in love!
- No!
- Did you kiss him on the lips?
- Yes…
- You’re in love and you’ve kissed him on the lips! Haven’t you learn anything I taught you?
- Stop, I’m not an idiot… I’m not in love with him… I like him, that’s all…
- You like him? Like him? Well it’s not a looser this time around, he’s rich and respectable
- And he’s going to break my heart… It’s not going to work…
- Come on, you don’t know that… I don’t know, you can have a house and live together and have horses… it could work out… It had happened …
- When did it happened, Sandra? For whom did it work? For that poor girl in the garbage?
- She was a junky…
- Then for whom?
- You want a name? You want me to give you a name?
- Yes…
- A name? Oh the pressure, said Sandra holding her temples.
- A name…
- I got it… Cindereffingrella!
Candy burst out laughing and Sandra too.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Meanwhile, Terry was on his way to the office and he saw a father and son playing and it made him think. What if Candy and him had a kid someday, or if they have a lot of children she was dreaming of? That wouldn’t be so bad… Everything seemed possible with Candy… He got in the building and went upstairs to the office. Mr. MacGregor was there with his grandson and other members of the board, so was Archie.
- Mr. MacGregor, you wanted to talk to Mr. Grandchester, we’re listening, said Archie.
- I would like to reconsider the offer you made me, but on one condition: I’m not worried for me but for the people, who work for me, said Mr. MacGregor.
- No problem, we’re going to take care of them, said Archie, ok, let’s look at our sale contract…
- Archie, said Terry lifting his hand
Archie stopped and looked at him stunned.
- Gentlemen, I would like to speak to Mr. MacGregor alone. Can you please leave us? Thank you.
- All right gentlemen, you heard the man. Please wait outside, said Archie.
The board member stood up to leave the room, except Archie and Tom.
- You too, Archie, said Terry.
- What do you mean? Asked Archie.
- I mean, I would like to speak to Mr. MacGregor alone.
- What? Why does he get to stay?! Said Archie showing Tom with his hand.
- Please Archie, please…, said Terry.
- I’ll be outside…
- Very well.
Mr. MacGregor told Tom with a sign to leave the room too, which he did with Archie. Terry was alone with Mr. MacGregor.
- Do you want a cup of coffee?
- Black please. Thank you.
Terry was standing by the table and there was a pot of fresh coffee and he poured some for the old man.
- Thank you, said the old man.
- Mr. MacGregor, my interest for your company has changed…
- What do you want now?
- I don’t want to buy it anymore to resale it and I don’t want someone else to do it either. But your company is still very vulnerable. And I find myself in a very unfamiliar situation: I want to help you.
- Why?
Terry continued talking to Mr. MacGregor. Archie was fuming outside the office very impatient. Terry had been thinking since he had dinner with Mr. MacGregor, despite the hippodrome incident with Candy, he was going to follow his heart, something he had never done before.
- Mr. MacGregor, I would like us to build ships together
- What about our construction contract?
- It’s not cancelled… just a little delayed, I bluffed a little…
- You’re very good at that…, you should be an actor.
- Thank you very much, it’s my job, said Terry smiling, my mother is an actress, who knows if business doesn’t work anymore… We can leave the details for the others…
- It’s difficult for me to say without sounding condescending… I’m proud of you, he said putting his hand on his shoulder.
- Thank you, said Terry.
He liked the old man who now liked him back.
- It’s time to let the others come back.
Terry opened the door.
- Let’s continue the meeting, he told the others.
The others went back to the room and sat around the table.
- What’s going on? Asked Archie
- You go ahead Archie! Finish them off! Said Terry getting out of the room and closing the door.
He was able to hear Archie yell:
- Somebody’s going to tell me what the heck is going on here?
- Mr. Grandchester and I are going to build ships together, said Mr. MacGregor.
Archie was red of rage…
oOoOoOoOoOo
Terry got out of the building; his driver was waiting in front of the door.
- I’m going to walk a little Arnold, he said
Terry went to the park not too far and he walked on the grass, barefoot! He continued thinking about his life, how much it had changed in just a few days because he spent them with Candy…
oOoOoOoOoOo
Candy was in the suite packing her stuff, after she had left Sandra, when there was a knock on the door. She went to open and she found herself in front of Archie with his briefcase. She didn’t like him at all.
- Well well well, here we are again! Is Terry there?
- No, he’s not. I thought he was with you…
- No, he’s not with me; he’s definitely not with me!
He went inside the suite and he continued:
- When Terry was with me, he didn’t blow billion dollar contracts! So I think that Terry is with you, that’s what I think! Can I help myself? He said when he already poured the drink for himself.
- Yes, said Candy
Archie took his glass and gave it to Candy.
- No, thank you, said Candy.
- Let’s wait, said Archie sitting down on a stool by the bar.
Candy went to sit on the couch in the sitting room astride and she took a magazine and was looking at it.
- Terry will be home soon
Archie looked at her with a mocking tone and walked towards the sitting room.
- You know, this is not his house, it’s a hotel room and you’re not his little wifey, you’re a whore, he said, sitting next to her.
Candy arranged her legs and sat up right.
- You’re an excellent whole; maybe if I slept with you, I would care losing millions of dollars…
Candy was very uncomfortable. She put the magazine down on the table and pushed away from him. Archie continued talking.
- I have to say, that what you’re doing is important because at the moment I’m upset, I’m angry, he said putting his hands on Candy’s thigh.
Candy took his hand off.
- Maybe if bang you, I would feel better…
- Stop it! Don’t touch me! Said Candy freeing herself.
Archie tried to force himself on her, Candy scratched him and he got upset and slapped her. She fell on the floor and he went on top of her to force himself on her.
- Let go of me! Leave me alone! No!
Archie continued trying, when he was taken off Candy’s body all of a sudden by Terry who grabbed him by the collard and dragged him to the door. Archie was angry and he said:
- But Terry come on! She’s a whole!
Terry punched him and threw his briefcase in the hallway by the door which was still open. Archie stood up with blood on his nose.
- My nose, you broke my nose!
- Get out of here!
- What’s wrong with you? I gave you 10 y ears of my life!
- That’s bullshit! You like the kill! I’ve made you rich by making you do what you love the most. No, get lost! Get out of here!!!!
Archie finally got out and Terry closed the door. Terry went to get some ice in the freezer and he put it in a towel…
- Why are men who hit women hit them so hard, I feel like my eye was going to explode. Did you get a special course on how to do that?
Terry put the towel on Candy’s cheek.
- Ouch…
- Not all men hit women.
- I heard what you did with Mr. MacGregor.
- It was a business decision.
- It was the right decision.
- I felt good doing it…
He caressed her cheek for a few seconds. They looked at each other.
- I think that’s enough, I have to go…
- Yes, I saw that you’ve packed your stuff. Why are you going now?
- Terry, there’s always going to be someone who’s going to think they can treat me like the dandy…
- Who?
- Your lawyer…
- Oh…
- What are you going to do? Beat up everybody?
- That’s not why you’re leaving…
Candy stood up.
- You’ve made me an incredible offer. A few months ago, I would’ve thought it was great, but now, everything is different. You’ve changed that and we can’t go back… I want more…
- I know what you mean by wanting more, I’ve invented the concept, but the question is how much more?
- I want the fairy tale, the happy end…
- An impossible relationship, my special present is an impossible relationship…
Candy was sitting on the stairs. He went to sit next to her. He took his wallet and got the money out and gave it to her.
- Thank you, he said.
- You’re welcome, she said a little ashamed putting the money in the pocket of her jacket.
He took his business car out from his pocket.
- If you ever need something, like dental floss, anything…
- Thank you, said Candy smiling, I had a good time.
- Me too.
Candy stood up to go get her clothes. Terry stood up and walked towards her.
- You want me to call the bell boy?
- No, I’m fine, said Candy
She walked to the door and he followed her. He opened the door for her, then he closed it.
- Stay with me, for one more night, not because I pay you, but because you want to…
Candy looked at him. She would’ve stayed if he had offered her more, what she wanted, but… She had to change her life style, so…
- I can’t…
Terry looked at her sadly. He knew what she wanted, but…
- Good bye Candy.
- Good bye Terry. You give super great gifts…
She left the apartment and call the elevator. The bellboy took her clothes. She arrived in the lobby and the bellboy put her clothes on a cart and she was looking for William with her eyes and she saw him giving orders to his employees, as usual. She smiled and approached him.
- William?
- Miss Candy…
- I’m leaving and I wanted to say thank you and good bye.
- So, I suppose you’re not going with Mr. Grandchester to New York?
- Come on William, you and I live in the real world… fairy tales don’t exist…
William looked at her. She was so beautiful and her eyes reminded him those of his mother. Her job was over.
- Miss Candy, he said, do you have plans?
- You too understood that, after living like a princess, I couldn’t go back in the street…
He gave her his card.
- If you want a new start. I can help you, legally…
Candy looked at him surprised.
- Oh, thank you William, she said smiling, I could just take you on that.
- That’s all I’m waiting for, he said smiling, do you have transportation?
- I wanted to ask reception to get me a cap.
- I’m going to ask Arnold to drive you… Arnold!?
Arnold arrived.
- Yes, sir…?
- Would you please take Miss Candy where ever she wants?
- Very well, sir.
Candy hugged William.
- Thank you so much for your help, William.
- You’re welcome, Miss Candy. It was a pleasure. Good luck.
- Thank you.
- Don’t hesitate to come and visit us.
- Keep on being cool.
Candy left with Arnold who took her luggage and he got out to look for the limousine and Candy followed him. In the limousine, she was thinking about Terry, her lost love, a client unlike any other who had taken her to the summit of climax. She wanted that love for the rest of her life…She arrived at her apartment and Arnold helped her with her luggage.
- Thank Arnold.
- Thank you, Miss Candy.
- Thank you…
The apartment was empty. Sandra was probably getting high somewhere before going to work… Candy spent the night thinking about Terry.
Sandra was there the next morning, while Candy was getting ready to leave; she had just arrived at dawn.
- So, you didn’t leave with him? Said Sandra
- It wouldn’t have worked
- Why?
- I want more…
- Oh Candy! Said Sandra hugging her.
- I can’t go back in the street…
- But why?
- I was a princess for a few days, I was Terry’s wife, and it might have been an illusion, but… I can’t go back on the street after that…
- Where are you going to go?
- I need a new start; I’m going to go to Chicago.
- The windy city? Your hair is going to be a mess all the time!
Candy burst out laughing.
- Come with me…
- And abandon all this? She said showing their apartment, don’t even think about it!
Candy put some money in her pocket.
- What’s this?
- A portion of the scholarship “Terry Grandchester”
- Thank you Candy…
- Think about leaving this life too. You can do so much better… it’s not this job that’s going to pay for your retirement…
- I’ll think about it… ok, I hate goodbyes.
She hugged Candy hard.
- Whoa! Said Candy smiling.
Sandra let go of her and ran away from there quickly.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Terry had spent a sleepless night thinking about the woman he had picked up on the street, literally. She had made his days better and his nights wonderful. Living with her during those few days was magical, wonderful and never in his life had a woman made him feel like that and he couldn’t live without her. He missed her during the day, he missed her during the night in that big bed, and the empty spot next to him was horrible… He remembered what she had told him:
“Pretty boy, I'm going to give you so much pleasure you won't want to let me go...”
He assured her that no, it was going to be for 1 week, he was going to pay her and he was going to let her go… Candy was driving him crazy!
He woke up in the morning after his sleepless night and he got ready to leave the hotel. He went downstairs to the reception to give the key back and the necklace in the hotel safe. He met William.
- Good morning. Do I have any messages?
- No, sir.
- Could you give this back to the jewellery shop?
- Of course. May I?
- Go ahead.
William opened the box and the emerald necklace was inside.
- It must be difficult to part with something so beautiful.
Terry didn’t reply. William looked at him. He seemed so miserable.
- You know, Arnold drove Miss Candy back home yesterday…
Terry didn’t reply.
- I’m going to make sure the jewellery store gets the necklace.
- Thank you, Mr. Andrew.
And Terry left; William couldn’t help feeling a certain melancholy coming from Terry.
In the limousine, Terry was thinking. He was going back to New York and he was going to find his empty house and cold with nobody to greet him in his huge big and cold bed. He had lived in paradise for 6 days and he never would’ve thought it would’ve been so good and so hard to leave behind. He needed Candy. Was he ready to do what she wanted? To be what she wanted him to be? She wanted more… How much would it cost him to give her what she wanted? If it meant seeing Candy every day and have her in his bed … he couldn’t live without Candy, so be it!
- Arnold, can you take me at Candy’s? But first we have to make a stop somewhere…
- Very well, sir…
oOoOoOoOoOo
Candy was at her apartment, ready to go to the bus station. She was going back to Chicago and she was going to get a new start from there. Candy was in a rush to be inside the bus so she could sleep, because she had spent the whole night thinking about Terry… She was eager to see Miss Pony and the others… She was almost at the door, when she heard the honking of a car and music playing loud, from the musical “Romeo & Juliet” “Aimer (Loving)”. She ran to the window: she saw the limousine and Terry standing by the ceiling opening with a bouquet of flowers. Candy smiled and got out of the balcony…
- Romeo? You came to get me? She asked
Terry got out of the car with his bouquet of flowers and an umbrella he was using as a device to bring the ladders down. He climbed; Candy came down to meet him half way. He opened his arms and she ran into them.
- I told you, you wouldn’t be able to let me go, pretty boy…
- I love you Candy. Do you want to stay with me forever? You’ll have all the money you want. Will you marry me?
- I don’t want your money, all I want is you! I love you Terry. Yes, I’ll marry you!!!
He took a ring out of his pocket, it was an emerald surrounded by diamonds. He put it on her finger. He took her lips in a fierily kiss. The future seemed perfect for our lovebirds, as long as they’re going to be together and their love will put before anything else. Fairy tales also happened in real life.
The End