Terry and Candy
Chapter 1
"The Gig"
The plane was about to land in New York. It was the end of June and the sun was burning up the city. A lot of people on the plane were going on vacation, some were going towards a new life and a new job, some were going back home after some time abroad… it was the case of a young lady with long wavy and curly blond hair. She had beautiful green eyes and freckles on her nose. She had just come from backpacking all over Europe and she had a lot of fun. She was coming back home where her family was missing her and waiting for her. But she wasn't ready to confront them yet. They had been begging her to come back for over a year, and now that she had come back, she wasn't quite ready to see them. After the formalities, she was heading towards the exits. She found a cab and gave him her friends address. When she got out of the car with her little bag, she looked at the building on Madison Avenue…
- I hope Roberta is there, she said out loud, otherwise I would have to camp outside again…in the Big Apple? That should be interesting…
She walked to the building. The doorman looked at her and opened the door. She got in, she knew they were not going to let her go up, so she called Roberta's apartment in the interphone. It rang a few times, a long time. There was no answer. She tried again, the doormen were looking at her the weird way, they thought she was a homeless girl playing a prank. The second time, no one picked up either.
- Come on Bobbie, pick up! You have to be there, you're never out of the apartment before 5 pm!
The phone rang and finally someone picked up.
- Hello? Said a sleepy voice
- Bobbie! Finally!
- Who is this?
- It's Candy! You're friend!
- Oh…Candy? Where are you? In France?
- Downstairs…
- What?
- I'm downstairs in your lobby! I've been calling you for the past 10 minutes! Let me in you sleepyhead!
- Ok… you can come up!
- Finally! Thanks Bobbie
Bobbie called downstairs to tell them to let Candy come up. Candy got in the elevator and went to the 21st floor, her friend's apartment. Roberta Davis was one of those spoiled brats with a humongous luxury apartment, where she liked to entertain her friends and have parties almost every night. She had a trust fund, a bottomless trust fund and she was always partying and spending money. She invested some of her money and she was spending the interest on one of her accounts…that way she would never run out of money. Candy had met her in boarding school and they had become friends, despite their differences, in attitudes. Candy was the careful girl when it came to boys, Bobbie was… not very careful.
Candy got out of the elevator and Bobbie was waiting for her at the door. She was wearing a red robe. Candy ran in her arms!
- Candy! What a nice surprise!
- Bobbie! It's good to see you!
They got in the apartment. A guy was walking around in his boxers, he smiled at her. Candy was shaking her head.
- Who is that?
- My beau from last night
- Bobbie…
- I know, I'll stop those one night stands…
- You're growing up…you need to start getting into serious relationships and think about your future…
- I love having you around, said Bobbie, I love your lectures! I missed you Candy!
She hugged her again laughing.
- I miss you too, said Candy, can I stay here for a few days?
- You're not going home?
- I don't really want to hear a lecture from my parents…
- They have a fiancé in tow, waiting for you?
- Something like that. I tried to delay it as much as I could…but I will have to confront them sooner of later…
- Are you still drawing?
- Yes, I've done some painting in Europe…
- One of my bratty friends is getting married and I would like you to make a portrait of her and her fiancé as a wedding present from me…
- You're giving me a job?
- Yes…I can pay you right now…
- Bobbie…
- So you'll have some pocket money…since you don't want to go to your family, I'm assuming you're not using your credit card, so they won't know where you are…And I know you'll never take anything from me…
- Bobbie
- The job is genuine, don't worry… You're going to do the bride's portrait and the groom's portrait. You'll start with the bride, the groom is on a business trip. How long will it take you to do one portrait?
- When is the wedding? Asked Candy
- In 3 weeks…
- I can put a rush on it and spend a week with the bride and a week with the groom, I can arrange the rest from memory…
- All right… I'm glad you came back! I was wondering what I was going to give them as wedding presents… then again, the marriage is a business deal, arranged by both families… so, we're pretending!
Bobbie burst out laughing.
- They're not in love?
- I think she loves him but, he's drop dead gorgeous! But for him it's just a business deal… she tried to get him in the sack but he wouldn't budge…
- Ok, said Candy laughing, too much information!!!!
- Still so prude…, so I can assume you acted like a nun in Europe, you didn't try different flavours?
- I haven't tried any flavours!
- Still got your v-card! I love you Candy, you know that?! Sometimes I wish I was like you and still have my v-card! But you and I know mine was gone before you even knew you had one!
- Bobbie! Said Candy laughing
- I don't get you, some girls did it out of curiosity… you're not even curious?
- I have the rest of my life to do it… when I find the right guy, that is…
- How will you know it's the right one?
- I'll just know…said Candy with dreamy eyes, that's why I don't want to settle with the man my parents chose for me…
- So why don't you have fun before?
- It's just not what I do…thanks for the job Bobbie…
- They live in Connecticut, one big mansion…big garden, all the shebang and the church is not too far from the mansion… I'll take you there later today
- We'll need to go shopping for supplies
- Of course honey…now tell me about Europe!
- All right, but there are no juicy details…
- I didn't expect any less from you "Sandra Dee"!
- Bobbie!
They went to Bobbie's room and they talked while Bobbie was taking a shower, getting dress, doing her hair and the "beau" was in another room getting ready. Candy took a shower too and she changed her clothes. A maid put a very late breakfast on the table for her boss and her guests. Bobbie and Candy continued chatting, the one night stand ate then kissed Bobbie on the cheek and left.
- That's it? Said Candy, are you going to see him again?
- No, the sex wasn't all that…
- Oh my God! Said Candy laughing
- Forget about him! Let's go get you some supplies for the portraits…
- You don't have to come with me, to Connecticut; I can rent a car and go there…
- I'll pay for the car rental…
- But…
- Don't argue, this is my gig!
- Fine, said Candy laughing
They went to get all the painting supplies Candy needed to make portraits… Candy was happy to have something to do, before going back to her parents…
"Mom dad, I'm sorry, I need a little more time, after a year away in Europe! Candy thought, but I'm only delaying the inevitable…"
Roberta gave her the address and showed her on a map how to get there.
- You can't get lost, if you do, just ask for the Bartlett residence, everybody knows it.
- I'll be fine, said Candy I just spend a year backpacking in Europe, I can find my way in Connecticut!
- All right Sandra Dee, good luck! Make me proud!
- I will, Bobbie! Thank you for this gig… a painting job before I go back to my parents to be united forever to a man I don't know from Adam…
- Have a little fun! Said Bobbie, let yourself go, and then go be a prisoner… Here's one of my cell phones and here's the number
Candy smiled, for the first time, she was considering Bobbie's suggestion. Have fun before entering the lion's den… She didn't want to marry someone she didn't know or love. Her father wanted her to be safe, in a safe marriage…and make a great business deal in the process!
"Let me go concentrate on this job I have to do 2 portraits in 3 weeks! I can do that…you're a godsend Bobbie!"
As Candy was driving to Connecticut she was enjoying herself, the big streets, she did miss America after all. She was listening to music and the trip seemed shorter to her, since she was enjoying herself a lot. She had no trouble finding the Bartlett Residence. It was a very big mansion and a big garden. There was a parking lot and Candy parked her car. She went to the door and rang. A few minutes went by before a butler showed up.
- Yes, can I help you?
- I'm here to see Miss Bartlett, she said, my name is Candy White…
- I don't know anything about any appointment. There are several Miss Bartlett, which one would that be?
- The future bride? Her friend Roberta sent me to do a portrait for her as a wedding present, said Candy who was a little upset
- Oh, wait here…
A few minutes passed before the butler came back with the future bride. Lacy Bartlett. She had brown hair she was tall and slim and she had an arrogant look…
- Who the hell are you? She asked Candy with a condescending tone, are you a new maid, you should've used the back door! Not the main entrance!
Candy felt like the annoying help. But she kept her calm.
- My name is Candy White, I was sent by Roberta Davis to do a portrait for you and your fiancé as a wedding gift…
Candy was wearing jeans and a flowered shirt. She looked like a teenager.
- You're twelve! Said Lacy
- I'm older than I look…, said Candy motionless
Lacy's cell phone rang, it's ringing tone was the wedding march.
- Hello? She said, Bobbie!... yes, she's here… a portrait? So you sent me a 12 years old Sandra Dee! I thought you would've got Norman Rockwell for me! She's good? She looks so young… she's our age????? You're kidding! I thought she looked too pure…
Candy couldn't believe Lacy's rudeness! Lacy continued talking to Bobbie
- All right Bobby, for you I'll do it. A portrait? This better be good, and I'll have to convince my fiancé to stay still for hours for her to do his portrait… Thanks honey… very well.
Lacy hung up her phone. And looked at Candy with jealousy. Candy looked so young and they were the same age! She looked so pure and innocent and Bobbie told her she was innocent and to help her get a little fun…
"I'm going to get my cousin Scott to wipe that innocent look off her face!" Thought Lacy
She smiled to Candy but for some reason, this last one didn't believe in the sincerity of that smile…
"Maybe because it was not a sincere one!" Thought Candy
- Sandy right?
- Candy…
- Oh Bobbie told me you're a real Sandra Dee, I guess it stuck in my mind…, said Lacy with a fake smile
Candy was looking at her.
- I'm going to show you to your room…
Candy followed Lacy to a very long hall way went down the stairs, until they got to the staff quarters. She gave her a room, very small with a single bed a table and a chair; the walls were all white, but with traces of dirt…
- There, this is where you're going to sleep…, said Lacy
- Well thank you very much! It's much better than to sleep outside…
- You slept out side?
- Yep! I was backpacking and looking for adventure…
- Oh…, said Lacy unsure
- Don't worry, said Candy looking at her like she read her mind, I would starve before I steal something… You're silvery is safe…
Lacy had an uncomfortable smile.
- I wasn't implying anything, if Bobbie trusts you…
- Bobbie got me this gig and I love her for that. Can you show me where I'm going to paint? I will need a place where we can get a lot of sunlight… and where I will be able to move as I pleased, since I'm going to spend the day there…
- Of course, we have such a room… come with me…
Candy followed her to one of the room; full of windows, a glass room… it had flowers and different green plants. It was a perfect for an artist.
- This is a beautiful room! Said Candy, when would you like to start?
- How about tomorrow morning? Said Lacy
- Perfect! 8 o'clock?
- I'll be there. I'll get the driver to get your stuff from your car.
- Here are my keys, said Candy giving it to her.
- This is an expensive car, said Lacy
- It's a rental, Bobbie paid for it. Since she couldn't drive me, she rented this car for me
- Right! She always roots for the underdog…
Candy looked at Lacy… what's with the hostility? But she didn't say anything. She was there to do a job. Not to argue with her subject.
- Bobbie is the best, said Candy
- She is, said Lacy, well I've got stuff to do, you can go to the kitchen downstairs and get something to eat if you're hungry…I will see you tomorrow morning.
Lacy dismissed Candy like she was her hired help and Candy smiled. That was going to be a fun gig. She's going do that portrait and she's going to make an ultimate effort not to draw Lacy with horns!
Candy made herself comfortable in the little room. The sheets were clean and the room was fine. She went to look around to find out where the bathroom was. She went to kitchen and she found the staff talking.
- Hello! Said Candy
- Hi! Said the others
The butler was there and he smiled at her.
- I'm sorry about earlier, he said
- It's ok, you were just doing your job, said Candy smiling
- That's the young girl I was telling you about, she came to make a portrait of the princess of mean…
- Oh… good luck, said the cook, spending the whole day staring at that monster can't be a party of fun!
- I'm going to have to force myself not to draw her with horns…
Everybody burst out laughing.
- You're her friend's friend and she puts you in the staff's quarters? She could've given you one of the many empty room in the mansion, said the butler
- Oh, it's ok. I like it here, I can talk to you guys…
- Do you want something to eat? Said Cook, I can find something for you…
- Yes, please, but I can do it, just show me…
- I knew you were a keeper! Said Cook. It's ok, let me do it! I like you all ready!
Candy smiled and the rest of the staff also smiled at her. She was treating them like people, which was a change from the "Princess of mean". Candy had a late supper and she talk to the staff all the time. They were glad to have her. There were a lot of young maids who were talking about their indiscretions with the men of the mansion. Candy thought it was too much information she didn't really need to know about. She was going to be there for a couple of weeks only until she finishes her work and then she will leave and never hear about Lacy Bartlett ever again!
Candy was in her bedroom about to sleep when Roberta called her.
- Hey Sandra Dee! How is going?
- Bobbie, I'm fine…
- How's Lacy?
- You friend is a…
- Biyotch?
- You said it!
- I know… you can draw her with horns if you want…
- Don't tempt me!
They burst out laughing.
- It's only for a few weeks, said Candy, I'll be fine.
- All right honey, thanks for doing this
- No, thanks for the gig, the cell phone, the car…
- Don't mention it! You have fun with the car while you can, your money is in your account…
- What?
- Yes… you need it, after backpacking without you parent's money…
- But…
- Don't you dare argue with me…
- Did you give me this gig as a way to give me money
- What on earth are you talking about? Said Bobbie faking being offended
- Bobbie!
- Just do your job or whatever you want, that money is non returnable!
- So I can pick up and leave right now and keep the money?
- Yep!
- Bobbie! You know I can't do that!
- Of course I do, you're miss goodie-two-shoes!
- Bobbie! Thanks for sending me to the subject from hell!!!
- I bet she put you in the staff quarters…
- She thought I was too young
- Yes, I told her we were the same age, that's probably what made her angry… she thought you were younger, but you're the same age, she hates that!
- She hates not being the centre of attention, so she stashed me away in the basement! What a charming creature! On second thought, I think I'm going to draw her with horns!
- Don't forget the tail and the fork!
They burst out laughing. They talked for a while. Candy went to bed after finishing talking to Roberta.
Working with Lacy Bartlett was a pain in the butt! Candy woke up at dawn, to get ready. She went to the kitchen to find the staff already working.
- Good morning! Said Candy
- Good morning! Said the staff
- You want some coffee? Said Cook
- Yes and I can get it myself, just tell me where the mugs are…
Cook, a nice middle aged woman, smiled. She gave Candy a mug and this last one poured herself some coffee. Cook had toast for her with bacon and eggs and a glass of orange juice. Candy ate, she was glad to be back in America, she missed her nice American Breakfast.
- Thank you so much, she said when she was done… I'm going to go for a walk then go start my job…
- What time are you supposed to start?
- 8 am!
The staff burst out laughing. Candy was stunned, did she miss something.
- The Princess of mean doesn't wake up until noon if you're lucky, and that's when she opens her eyes. Then there's the bath, the make up, the hair, her food…
- I think you should be expecting her around 2 pm, if you're lucky, said one of the maids!
- All right , said Candy smiling, that will give me some time to think while I wait for her Royal Highness of the kingdom of mean!
- That's the spirit! Said the butler!
Candy went for a walk in town. She was able to see the milkman delivering the milk. She saw the delivery boys going from house to house to deliver the paper, the mailman doing his round. It was a beautiful day. She went back to the mansion and Lacy was indeed still asleep. She went to her studio and she painted what she saw from the windows of the garden. The beautiful flowers, the trees, the pool, the gazebo, the swing… She was lost in her passion when she heard some foot steps. It was a maid with a tray…
- Oh…
Candy had a scarf on her beautiful long hair to protect it from the paint.
- It's lunch time, said the maid, I bought you a tray
- Oh, you didn't need to…
- You must be hungry…
- I forgot about it, but yes I'm hungry, thank you so much!
- I'll come back to get the tray later…
- No…
- Stop it! You're a guest in this house, and we're going to treat you accordingly…even if the POM won't!
Candy smiled.
- Thank you…
The maid put a tray on a little table where there was a chair. Candy went to wash her hands and she ate her lunch. She was really hungry.
Lacy showed up around 2:30 pm… Candy didn't say a thing, she told her where to sit, how to sit and started working. Lacy stood still for 5 minutes than she started moving around and talking about herself all the time. She was so self-centered.
- My fiancé is so handsome, I can't wait to be his wife, he's coming with my cousin soon, I can set you up with him if you want…
- No thank you, said Candy, I can get my own dates…
- He's really rich, you should be so lucky…
- Money isn't everything, said Candy, I'm not looking for a rich husband
- Everybody wants a rich husband
- I want a man who loves me, rich or poor
- Yeah right!
Candy wanted to scream. Lacy wanted Candy to be played with by her cousin… why? Because she wanted Candy to be treated like a slut by a man… she looked too pure and innocent.
- I don't need a date… I have to go back to my parents, when I'm done here
- Oh, you can bring them a fiancé…
- Why are you dead set on setting me up with your cousin? I don't want to date!
- I just want to help… since I'm getting married I want everybody to get married and I'm giving you the chance to be with a successful executive in one of the biggest firms in the world…
- That's really nice of you, but I don't need a man
- Think about it, talk to him when he gets here, you might hit it off…
- All right, said Candy, but I'm not promising you anything. I don't care about the money
- Maybe you'll fall in love with him…
- Whatever! Now can you stand still for me to do my job?
- Of course, said Lacy smiling
She was glad she got Candy to agree to give her cousin a chance. Candy worked until supper time. Lacy was glad not to be forced to pose anymore. They worked together for a week in a half and Candy finished the portrait mostly by memory, because Lacy was unreliable. She gave Candy her picture and told her to use it.
- This woman is impossible! Said Candy
So the portrait was done from a picture! Lacy was glad and she loved it, Candy did a very good job.
- I love it! You rock! Said Lacy sincerely
- Thank you…
- You can stay with me, my fiancé is coming tonight with my cousin
- Oh… I wanted to rest a little…
- You go get some rest and I'll send a maid to come and get you …
- Fine, said Candy exhausted.
Candy went to her room and she took a long nap until the maid woke her up because the POM was looking for her.
- Oh… I jut want to sleep
- Her fiancé is coming soon, she wants you to meet him …
- She wants me to date her cousin, said Candy
- Oh… said the other maid sadly
- I'm not interested
- You haven't seen him yet
- I don't need a date
- You might like him
- Whatever, said Candy
Candy got ready she put on a nice skirt and a beautiful green silk shirt. She some make up on. The maid was surprised by the transformation.
- You look lovely, she said
- Thank you… I just want to finish the fiancé's portrait and leave…
- You won't stay for the wedding?
- I'm not invited…
- But if you hit it off with the cousin
- I won't ok… I have stuff to do home, I don't have time for romance now!
- Sorry…
- It's ok, said Candy smiling I'll see you later…
Candy went to the living room where the whole family was. Lacy had sisters and cousin who had come over for the wedding. They were all talking not paying any attention to her. Candy was bored. When the fiancé and the cousin arrived Lacy took Candy by the hand to introduce her to her cousin. Candy followed her slowly and she looked at Lacy hugging two guys, she hugged one longer. He had blond hair.
- That must be the fiancé, said Candy
The other one with brown hair entered the mansion.
- That must be the cousin, said Candy
He was tall, he had brown hair, a little long and blue-green eyes. He was smiling, and Candy was melting…
"Oh my God! What the hell is happening to me?" She thought.
The young man looked at Candy and he was just frozen on the spot. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever saw. He smiled.
- Hello, he said
- Hi, I'm Candy
- Pleased to meet you Candy, he said taking her hand to kiss it…, I'm Terry…
- Pleased to meet you…, she said smiling
He looked at her and he was melting. Candy was glad she would have to date him, he was charming, handsome and it was love at first sight for her.
"This is nonsense! She thought, I'm not that kind of girl who believes in love at first sight! And I have to go to my parents to meet my…suitor! And I meet the man of my dreams? How do I know that after a few seconds? I just do…! This is not happening now!" Thought Candy
Terry was talking to her.
- You've got freckles on your nose, he said
- Oh, you're not thinking you 're telling me something I don't know
- Of course not, I just think they're lovely…
- You wish you had some?
- Yes, so we could talk about it all day…
- You can still talk about it, said Candy smiling
She was floating in the air…
- We can find time to talk about it, he said
- I have to do the portrait of the groom, but afterwards, I'm free…
He looked at her, he wanted to reply, when…
- Candy! Here you are! I see you've met my darling!
- What? Said Candy stunned
- Yes, that's Terry, my fiancé, this is your date! My cousin Scott!
Candy looked at Scott; she looked at Terry with hurt eyes. She managed to smile.
- Oh, of course, hi Scott!
- Hello Candy, said Scott approaching and kissing her hand, you look lovely
- Thank you, said Candy with a forced smile
Lacy was standing next to Terry.
- Don't they make a wonderful couple? She said
Terry was looking at Candy and Scott without a smile.
- Yeah, he said not convinced at all…
Lacy hugged him.
- I'm so glad you're finally here honey, I missed you so much.
Terry was hugging his fiancée while looking at Candy and Scott. Candy looked at him, she almost had tears in her eyes. Scott took Candy away to the living room to greet the rest of the family. Lacy and Terry followed them…