The following days elapsed quietly. Actually, a little bit too quiet for Candy. Oddly, despite the torrid exchange she had had with Terry in the Lamberti tower, she had felt the following day, the unpleasant feeling that he had established a certain distance between them both. Since then, on several times, she had tried to talk about it with him, but he always managed to never be alone. Paradoxically, she could see in his eyes that his love had not gone, which was reassuring, but as soon as his look moved inexplicably away from her, she plunged quickly again in this harrowing and cruel incertitude. This obvious negligence really annoyed her, though she tried to hide it as much as possible not to get him worried about or to make him feel guilty. She knew that Terry's job was very invasive, and she had to reconcile herself to it if she wanted to be share his life. But as the days elapsed, questions were growing in his mind, making her feel uncomfortable until frightening her. What had she done really to have him avoiding her that way?
She was so desperate that she had come to wonder if the love impulses she had towards him that night had not made him believe that she was cheap. Perhaps, he had been surprised by her demonstration of passion when she was between his arms? Perhaps he would have preferred she pushed him away or let him give her a chaste kiss only? He wasn't perhaps expecting so much ardour from her and had been taken aback, disappointed, even worse: disgusted? This eventuality was paralyzing her with anguish and was beginning to infiltrate insidiously in her mind, so well that she was having difficulty to focus on her dairy tasks, and more especially the Juliet's club's ones. Her friends had obviously noticed her strange behaviour but had attributed it to the exhilaration into which her love for the young man was carrying her. Candy had been very careful not to talk about her worries with anybody, not even Patty, who, despite her insistence, had never been able to know what had happened in the tower. The young blonde had remained elusive and had talked about a long walk in town. Patty, without being dupe, had accepted this explanation. After all, Candy had the right to her intimacy, even if the curiosity to know more about it was devouring her from inside! And besides, she was not telling her everything either, particularly about that kiss* she had exchanged with the good-looking surgeon, before the boarding house, when he had brought her back after the theatre… Now that Terry had done with his performances, he would probably leave, taking Candy with him. One question was worrying her: how to tell her that she had decided to stay longer in Verona with Alessandro? He had not needed to insist a lot to have her staying. She was so happy with him that she did not want to give up this new happiness. She wanted to know everything about him: his family, his friends, the place where he lived… All these things that she had made the acquaintance yet. She knew that she was going on an adventure and that she could be disappointed, but she wanted to trust her heart for once rather than her reason, perspective that was far from frightening her, making hope beat in her chest.
Contrary to appearances, Terry was living the same torments. To be true, he hadn't recovered yet from what had happened with Candy in the tower, and he would never thank Heaven enough to have given him the strength to stop their impulses. That night, intoxicated by the success of the play and by the happiness to have found the woman he loved, he had not realized the risk he had made her run by letting himself go to his enthusiasm. She had not pushed him away however, and had even behaved encouraging, but he would have blamed himself forever for having made her feel ashamed and dishonoured. Candy deserved better than being laid on the top of a tower, and just thinking that it could have happened was making him shiver. To be honest, he did not regret the passionate hand to hand they had experimented, and that would come to his mind at night, in his bedroom. The memory of their ardent kisses, the languor of their sighs, of her moaning voice as he laid his lips on her skin while his hands were discovering her body, would leave him quivering and thrilling until late at night. When being able to finally sleep, he would plunge into dreams where she occupied again the whole place, leaving him at wake-up, tired to death. But, after those moments of amazement, the reason would get the upper hand and force him to submit to the resolution he had made: to keep his distances from Candy not to have to pay a too high price later. This is why, each time she was with him, he would find an excuse not to be alone. They would have now their meal with the troupe, and the rest of the day would be devoted to rehearsals. A timely combination of circumstances had wanted that the handsome Alessandro was on guard duty during the nights without performance and Candy, refusing to let Patty alone, had invited her to join them, which cleared a bit the young man's conscience. Things were becoming more and more difficult to manage and he could see that his strange behaviour annoyed the young woman. Knowing her impetuous temper, he knew she would soon or later hold him accountable, and he did not want to face that situation. This is why he was eased to see the performances' end. The night before, after the last one, they all had reunited for a farewell party in the reception room of a big hotel of the city. He had felt surprisingly troubled, wondering if it was because this odd adventure was ending or because he would not see his new friends before a quite long time. He had not expected such sensitivity from him, him who had always been able to control his emotions under any circumstances. Only Candy, by some extraordinary power that was usually named "feminine instinct", had been able to detect his weaknesses. This is why he had felt a little confused while shaking lengthily and cheerfully this good Sidney Wilde's hand, to have to look aside to hide the tears that were clouding his eyes. The director didn't look at ease either, and, with a big shaky breath, had rewarded Terry with a rave comment:
- I will never be able to thank you enough for what you did, my friend. You really got us out from a tricky situation, you know!
- Don't thank me, Sid. I should be the one thanking you. If you had not insisted that I joined the troupe, my path may not have crossed Candy's. I owe you my new happiness.
While saying that, he had discreetly moved his aquamarine gaze towards the bottom of the room, where Candy was talking with Patty and two other actresses of the troupe. This time, she was wearing a pretty straight silk green dress that stopped above her knees, with a large black ribbon around her hips, knotted on the side. A headband inlaid with pearls encircled her pretty forehead, emphasizing the brightness of her turquoise eyes that were watching him silently. She looked divine! He was feeling so bad at having voluntarily abandoned her in the past few days!... The irresistible wish to cross the room to join and take her in his arms had seized him, but he had immediately taken control of himself, aware of the constraints he had imposed to himself for his own sake. Could she realize the power she had over him and the superhuman effort that it required to resist to his sexual instincts she was calling unconscientiously for?
- You are a lucky devil, you know! – Had Sidney whispered in an admiring tone, noticing Terry's emotion.
That latter had nodded with a shy smile and buried his hands in his pockets, waddling with embarrassment. The luckiest man on earth…
- What have you planned to do, now? – Had he asked, clearing his throat, striving to bring his wandering thoughts back to a more down-to-earth reality.
- Well, after our success here, some other festivals have contacted us to go and play across the country during the whole summer. We won't have of course the honour to have you with us, but what you showed to the kids greatly inspired them. You've enlightened their flame again. As for me, you've given me back the motivation to make it a big company. You see, I never imagined that I would be able to say that one day. I find myself having big projects while I had gotten well used to this quiet life.
- Haaaa, Sid, I'm glad to hear it! I understand it even better since I got used too to this lonely and contemplative life that nothing could upset.
- And what about now? – Asked the middle-aged man, arching a knowing eyebrow.
- Now… - sighed the young actor as he leaned against the wall behind him – Now, I'm rising from the ashes. This is a strange feeling. I feel dizzy like after a long sleep, so unreal this sudden happiness looks to me. I feel weak and dumbfounded like a little child.
- I'm not worried for you, Terry. Your torments have ended with that girl. With her, you are going to recover the energy that left you all along these years. Please, don't let her go this time!
- Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake… - he had murmured, looking tenderly at Candy, who, feeling observed had looked up toward him, and then, smiling slightly, had looked down, blushing. The irresistible need to be with her had possessed him once again. Unable to wait longer, he had mumbled few words of apology and abandoned his friend to run and join her. She had straightened and had looked at him, puzzled. Remaining silent, he had taken her by her arm and led her apart, out of indiscreet listening if not sight. Then, joining her hand with his own, he had stammered, with a hesitating voice.
- Candy… I… I've so many things to apologize for… I…
- Terry… - she had answered, frowning her forehead of incomprehension.
- I know have neglected you lately… Don't blame me for that… - he had followed with a guilty look.
- Terry… I will never blame you for loving your job… I know too well how important it is in your life and the joy it gives you.
He had shaken his head of disagreement.
- Candy… This joy, you give it to me now. I could live without theatre, but without you… without you, I couldn't!
Open-mouthed, she had looked at him, a little taken aback by his soft words, that she knew however for having heard them in the tower. Him, so distant since several days, had apparently found his eloquence back. She savoured each word of it like a delightful melody. A comforting warmth had then wrapped her, and tears of emotion had begun to cloud her eyes.
- I've so many things to tell you, Candy. I've been dreaming for so long to tell them to you, so long! Listen… I…
A hand had then come to lay over his shoulder, making him start of surprise. It was the Arena Manager who had just interrupted them. Terry had conceded a strained smile while furiously eying the pest from head to foot.
Couldn't that moron see that he was disturbing them?
- Here you are, Terrence! You are very difficult to find in this crowd of guests – had exclaimed the manager, deliberately ignoring his own indelicacy – The mayor is here and I'd like you to come with us for a picture that will immortalize this night. You will not mind, Miss, if I borrow your… friend, will you?
Candy had half-opened her mouth to answer but the boor had already passed his arm around Terry's shoulders and was pushing him toward a group of men in suit, looking very formal. The young man had given a slight grin of annoyance and, in a last movement to the concerned one, he had whispered to her:
- Come to my home tomorrow, lunchtime!
- But I still don't know where you live! – She had retorted mischievously. He had answered with an embarrassed smile.
- Don't worry for that…
With those sibylline words, he had blown her a kiss with his hand, and then had let himself be drifted towards other lights that had begun to crackle as he approached. Demanded from everywhere, he had not been able to join her again and had reconciled himself to see her leaving with Patty later. But today, in this morning end, as he was thanking Rosa for the picnic basket she had prepared for them both, he was feeling free, free of all duty, free to finally tell his most ardent wishes to the young woman he had been waiting for so eagerly. The portal's bell rang suddenly and his heart jumped into his chest. He went to the doorway and saw, behind the half-opened gate, leaving the taxi he had sent to pick up Candy. A huge clump of bushes partially hid the path that led to the house but he could hear the noise of her graceful steps on the fine white gravel. He feverishly put his hand on his trousers' pocket to be sure one more time that what it contained was still there, and breathed deeply while trying to look relaxed. She finally appeared, dressed with a charming large blue-and-white-striped sleeveless dress. A small shoulder bag was swinging in time against her hip as she approached while hopping. Her cheeks were pink of contentment and she was showing a radiant smile.
- Hello, Terry! – She said, smacking him on his cheek – You live in a very pretty house – she added, looking around with admiration.
- Welcome to my humble home, fair maiden… - he said, laughing, to dissimulate his trouble. Then, with a bow, he invited her to come in, pulling the door behind them that closed with a little slam, like a book getting hastily closed, a book that closed on an heavy past to open on a new future, the one he wanted to suggest to Candy…
* kiss that I will tell later in a parallel fanfiction…
- Where are you taking me? – She asked as he took her hand and pulled her away towards the bottom of the garden. Heady scents of flowered bushes, displayed along the ground, were coming by puffs and closing on their wake. Candy was laughing, as Terry remained quiet, regularly turning his head to her with this mysterious smile that was on his lips since her arrival. She had naively thought that lunch would take place on the lovely terrace drowning under ivy and climbing roses, that she had discovered when getting out from the living-room through the big French-window, whose glass-casements let in the joyful light of this beautiful summer day. She had liked the old-world decoration of the house's inside that recalled a very different era. Muted tones of dusty pink combined with the couch and armchairs' velvet created a soft intimacy that let easily imagine the lady of the house reading or knitting, comfortably sitting in an armchair near the marbled chimney. During a short moment, she had almost seen Miss Pony sitting in this place and her heart had beaten of nostalgia. Then her gaze had moved aside to stop on the piano, its back turned to the garden, and very different thoughts had crossed her mind: the memory of a stormy afternoon in Scotland when she had discovered Terry's piano skills, and this more recent day in New-York where she had found the said piano in the most personal room of the young man's apartment. She had wondered if Terry would dare to play that irritating melody again that he had composed for her and with perfidy named "Theme of Tarzan freckles and the female monkey". Narrowing her eyes at this thought, she had joined him at the terrace where he was waiting for her, holding a picnic basket.
- A picnic? In the garden? – she had asked, smiling doubtfully.
- Not exactly… - he had answered with a half-smile, pointing with his head the River Adige, running at the end of the garden.
Before her sceptical look, he had let out a chuckle and had simply offered his hand to her that she had accepted after few seconds of hesitation. The end of the garden continued by a pontoon, solidly anchored on the river with waves softly lapping against the wooden poles. Seeing the small boat fastened at the pontoon, she thought an instant that Terry was going to oblige her to get in it and she got scared. But to her great relief, he turned to the right towards a wood. She did not feel very comfortable in small boats since she had almost drowned when running away from the Leagan's. It was besides Albert who had saved her from this bad situation, like so many others later. Albert… Her protector, her guardian angel… Always there at right time… Always there to help her… Will she ever be able to thank him one day for all his good actions?...
They began to walk along the riverbank on a path that years had shaped, bordered with birches and aspens bowing over the river and looking for their reflection. Wild grass that scattered it suggested that no one had followed it since a while. Terry was leading the way, holding Candy's hand strongly as if he feared she disappear. She was letting herself being led, puzzled, wondering where he was taking her. He had been so secretive lately that she had difficulty to understand what he had in mind. Finally, he had not changed at all: gentle and loving at a time, then distant and mysterious in the following. How was he going to behave with her today?
Standing behind him, she was taking advantage of her position to avidly look at him, admiring his slender figure, his slim waist, his beautiful and large shoulders that she guessed under his white shirt of which rolled-up sleeves revealed muscled forearms crossed by a prominent vein, clear evidence of his rich musculature. His adolescent body had pleasantly changed and she deeply regretted to have missed the different steps of this mutation. She enjoyed even more to find in this man body she was discovering a little more every day, this feline and sensual allure that used, in Saint Paul's yet, to trouble her every time he appeared in front of her. Moreover, hadn't she secretly nicknamed him "Tiger"?
She recalled that day where, during her holidays in Scotland, she had mechanically written "T.G. T.G" on a mist-covered window of the summer school's dormitory. T.G. meant of course Terrence Grandchester's initials that she had written in her diary. Patty had then surprised her and had asked her what she was writing. She had answered, blushing, "Tiger", I've written "Tiger", and had rushed to erase the letters on the window. On the spur of the moment, she had imagined this excuse, but she was well aware that Patty knew what she was really thinking about. This tiger she had unconsciously written on the window that day, was now making sense, because, just like this animal, a fascinating wild force was emanating from Terry.
After this little episode, she had realized that this trouble had appeared in reaction to the attraction he had over her, and that she had refused to imagine for so long. Few weeks before, she would have never imagined being able to feel anything for this arrogant character who used to laugh at her on any occasion! Her heart belonged to Anthony and nobody else! She would have been unable to betray him by being seduced by this delinquent, drinker and brawler, with his sarcastic eloquence and indecent proposals. And yet… She was forced to admit that she had lost, that he had captured her heart and her soul. Her, who had always thought that passionate love could be lived just once, had to agree that she was able to have feelings for someone else, and with such an intensity that it made her feel dizzy.
Lost in thought, she did not immediately notice that he had stopped and she banged into him. Some magnetic eyes met hers. She blinked, dazzled by this thousands of shades gaze that was looking at her with a certain amusement.
- What's wrong? – She asked, blushing, fearing he read on her face the reason of her reverie.
- I was talking to you but you seemed distracted… - he chuckled with a mischievous smile.
- I… I was absorbed by this place that recall me so much the woods of Lakewood – she lied, avoiding his searching eyes – I used to go for a walk there by jumping from branch to branch. It's moreover like that that I got acquainted with Alistair.
- My Gosh! He wasn't scared? It might have been strange for him to see in the trees a monkey with a dress … - he giggled while getting ready to face the young American's wrath.
Cut to the quick, she braced herself. But refusing to give in to his provocations, she only crossed her arms and looked at, narrowing her eyes with contempt.
- Sorry to disappoint you but he did not run away. Far from it. In the contrary, he offered me to get into his car. We even ended in states of undress..
- Excuse-me? – He squealed, his eyes bulging with stupefaction.
She and Alistair? Terrible images invaded his mind, erasing in a flash the smug smile that he was proudly wearing few seconds before. Candy exulted inwardly, trying not to laugh, but she had to quickly change her mind before his appalled face.
- Wait, you have too much imagination! – She said, bursting out laughing – Alistair was a very clumsy driver and we simply ended up in a lake. This is why we had to dry our clothes…
He suspiciously arched an eyebrow.
- If it makes you feel any better, I was still wearing something!...
- And what about him?
- Him? He was naked, I think so!...
This time she felt he was going to faint and she immediately added, chuckling.
- Come on, Terry, I'm teasing you! It's amazing how seriously you believe these things!
- I really don't feel like joking when it comes to your boyfriends from America, that's all!
- Let me remind you that my "boyfriends", as you say, are my cousins!
He nodded repeatedly, obviously irritated.
- Yes, yes, this never prevented them from coveting you! Especially the other fashion model! I remember the walloping I gave him very well…
- If my memory is good, you ended tied…
- My word, you're standing up for him!
- I'm not, but I think that your jealousy is ri-di-cu-lous!
- What's ridiculous is that you think I'm jealous of this guy who wears trinkets!
- Your excessive reaction just confirmed my opinion anyway…
As an answer, Terry sent her back a strained smile, then, with a sigh of exasperation, he followed his path with a furious step. He was not holding her hand anymore and Candy had to accelerate her pace because he obviously had not intention to wait for her. She did not like at all when they were arguing. But she did not like either his critics about her dear cousins whose only default was to wear trousers. But in the bottom of her heart, she liked the way he reacted because it meant that he had feelings for her and gladness filled her heart.
This is when a moorhen decided to jump out of a thicket. Disturbed in her quietness, scared, she crossed the path at full speed, and rushed to the river, cackling loudly. Having reached a respectful distance, she looked them up and down with her biggest contempt, erected red beak and disdainful bottom.
- Here is a Veronese who has not fallen under your spell… - said Candy sarcastically, referring to the crowd of admirers who were waiting for Terry after each performance in front of his dressing-room.
Irritation pierced through the young man's half-opened eyes.
- I'm not driven to seduce fowls to increase my audience – he retorted, with a tight-lipped grin.
- They looked like feathered-pets though, those who shouted behind your door!...
Terry stood still, with half-opened mouth and wide eyes. The angriness she had earlier seen on his face had disappeared. She was looking at him, puzzled, as he was trying to contain a laugh, which finally burst out, making his head tilt backward. When he stretched up, a provoking smile split right through his face, showing perfectly lined up teeth of predator.
- I knew it! You're jealous! – He said, waving his index finger under her nose that wrinkled with annoyance.
- What? Not at all! – She cried out, stepping back.
- Yes, you-are-jea-lous! Hahaha! I can't believe that two minutes ago, you were accusing me of being jealous! That takes the biscuit!
She shrugged with a contemptuous grumble.
- You're very presumptuous! But I tell you again that I'm not jealous!
- If you say so…
Head bending to one side, he was looking at her out of the corner of his eye, with this half-smile that suggested she had failed to convince him. In fact, she was not convinced either, but she would have given anything to have him stop taunting her with this triumphant air.
- Ooooooh! You're boring me! – She suddenly cried out while strongly pushing him away. Surprised and destabilized, Terry stumbled and slid backwards in a riverbank subsidence that was going straight away to the river. Irremediably falling, he began to energetically wave his arms around like windmills for trying to get his balance back. In vain. Candy reacted immediately and caught his hand in mid-air. His body bending over emptiness, he took hold of her as she was holding him firmly and grabbing him to her with all her forces.
- Phew! – He sighed with relief when his feet touched terra firma – Thank you! Without you, I was ready for a forced bath!
His grateful gaze was staring at her while she dared not look up, so embarrassed she was of her clumsiness.
- I'm sorry. I did not want to make you fall in the river. But if you hadn't made me so mad, I…- she answered with a contrite air.
- The fault is mine. Forgive me – He said, tenderly raising her chin up, but the spark of mischief that shone at the same time in his eyes augured well that he was about to provoke her once again.
- You do have a Herculean strength… Miss Freckles… - he murmured in her ear, smiling insolently.
- Call me once again like that and I swear you'll join the moorhen in the river! – She muttered under her breath.
He arrogantly burst out laughing and the crazy need to slap him seized her. But the cheerful kiss he went to lay on her cheek reduced her last resolutions to nothing.
- Come! – He said, shooting her a ravishing wink that definitely killed her. Having said this, he went a little deeper in the woods to stop, shortly after, under a very large tree. He was proudly waiting for her, the basket at his feet.
- Are we going to settle here? – She asked, looking around.
- Here? No. But up there, yes!
Candy looked up and saw a hut perched in the tree. Happy memories came immediately to her mind, those of joyful moments spent in her cousins' cabin in Lakewood.
- I bet you've never been in a hut – launched Terry with a satisfied smile.
Candy dared not to divert him from his certainties. He would have been able to make a scene if he knew that she had spent time in a cabin with her cousins! Her stomach began to gurgle. She was starving and all these emotions had emptied her stomach. She turned to him, smiling knowingly.
- How are we going to climb? – She said, arrogantly straightening her chin.
Terry searched into the ivy branches that covered the trunk and got out a rope ladder from them.
- After you! – She said with a mischievous smile.
- It would be better if I stayed behind you to protect your ascension…
- Nice try! But I'm wearing a dress and I don't want you to take advantage of this opportunity to feast your eyes on.
- You're attributing evil intentions to me… - he sheepishly said.
- You can never be too careful!...
Terry shrugged.
- Very well then… But don't take advantage in your turn to eye my bottom! – He said, pretending to be offended while he was beginning to heave himself on the ladder.
With one of her most innocent looks, she nodded. But when looking up, she thought, blushing, that she had had a very good idea to wear a dress…
Suddenly, she heard the thud of something falling behind her and she turned around, puzzled. It was a rope that Terry had launched, brandishing the other end.
- Knot the rope around the handle, I'll pull it up! – He said loudly to her.
Candy complied, checked that everything was well tied up then nodded to Terry. The basket began to move and left the ground. She went to the ladder and began her ascension, escorted by the basket that was going up at the same pace as her. From the corner of her eye, she noticed an appetizing dried sausage inside and she felt her stomach rumbling even more. Starving, she wanted to accelerate the pace but it was not very easy to go up with dress shoes and she reproached herself for not having taken them off before climbing. Moreover, the ladder was not very stable and was swinging at the least movement. Candy was cursing inwardly, trying to balance her clumsy gestures that slowed her down and that would undoubtedly stir Terry's mockeries up. She was imagining him laughing and a thrill of annoyance ran along her body. The basket, for its part, was way ahead and she miserably looked at the dried sausage that was taunting her away. At last, she reached the last rung and seized Terry's helpful hand who was waiting for her. Contrary to what she expected, he did not laugh at her. No mocking smile was floating on his lips and she relaxed. Clinging with her other hand to the guardrail, she heaved herself with a last effort and landed, carried by the impulse, in the hollow of the young man's arms who tightened his embrace. He smelled so good! She had kept an excellent olfactory memory of some events in her life, and more especially of the boys she had loved. Referring to Anthony, it was unquestionably the fragrance of roses that used to trouble her, and this despite the passage of many years, but referring to Terry, it was that singular smell that she could not describe, an odour very subtle, both refined and animal, that provoked in her a multitude of emotions and memories, so well that she did not even realize she was pressing a little harder her cheek against his chest. She loved the contact of her skin against his own through the tissue of his shirt that let the soft warmth of his body in, and she wished she could get lost longer in his arms, but a perfidious borborygmus abruptly broke the spell.
- Holy cow! What's this noise? Are you hiding a creature on you? – He cried out, starting back with a deceitfully frightened little scream.
- It's just my stomach, big silly! – She answered, rolling disillusioned eyes while he was chuckling like a kid.
When will he stop enraging her? Will ever give her a moment's grace? To the idiot laugh that was shaking him, she had to face reality: his case was hopeless…
- I didn't eat a lot for breakfast – she lied, looking him in the eye, though she had once again horrified Patty with her voracious appetite.
- In that case… - he said, grinning doubtfully, as he took her hand to lead her inside the hut – I hope there will be food enough for the walking-stomach that you are!
Upset, she was going to hit him in the ribbings in reprisal, when she stopped abruptly, as she discovered, speechless, the outstanding table setting before her. Well… It was not really a table. It was more a big wooden crate covered with a beautiful white tablecloth on which were displayed fine china, crystal glasses and silver flatware. By way of armchairs, some cushions had been taken off from the old couch in the end of the room, and had been piled up on both sides of the crate. But what troubled Candy most, was the lovely bouquet of roses in the middle of the table. She knew that it must have been quite a strain on Terry to do this because she did not ignore that it would inevitably revive the memory of another person that cruelly sharpened his jealousy, and she appreciated even more this kind thought.
- It is beautiful, thank you… - she said to her host with a catch in her voice. He was looking at her, attentive to her reaction.
- I know how much you love roses… - he murmured with a gentle voice as he laid a hand on her shoulder.
- Even more when you have gathered them… - she dared to say, blushing. She looked down with embarrassment. She wasn't able to explain this perpetual embarrassment that possessed her when she was with him, as if she feared of being ridiculous if she showed him her feelings. Everything had been so simple in the darkness of the tower… But now, in the daylight, in this cramped space that was the cabin and that was making them brush past each other on the slightest movement, she was really feeling helpless, as if he saw her naked!
She passed nervously her hands along the imaginary folds of her dress, cleared her throat, and to give her time to recover her control, she pretended to look carefully at the place. Time had stopped in this little house, an happy time that had not known war but which had been very close to it according to the newspapers headlines gathered near the very frayed old couch. Some recalcitrant springs had pierced the foundation which, lacking in its cushions, pathetically displayed its miserable condition. Right up against, a gramophone was waiting on the floor that someone would be willing to turn it on, gracefully opening its crocus-shaped horn out. A series of records of opera singers but also of some famous composers was put away in a big cardboard box, quivering of the secret hope that a curious hand took an interest in them again and took them from their enforced rest. On the other side of the couch, against the wall, a chest of drawers with above a mirror tarnished by the years, sheltered in its drawers old-fashioned clothes and disguises. The middle drawer contained a whole range of varied objects and games that must have occupied many Russo sons' days: wooden swords, snakes and ladders, draughts game, The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, a pipe without tobacco, a compass, a pocket knife… But also… A naughty calendar that seemed to have been placed under the drawer and that had slipped to Candy's feet as she was closing it. She quickly turned her towards Terry, looking at him suspiciously.
- I like Miss April's bun… - he giggled.
- I beg your pardon? – She mumbled, frowning with a reproachful air – You… You leafed through it?
- Oh, just a little… Well… (Clear throat) – he answered, rubbing mechanically the back of his neck – I really thought I had better… hidden it!...
Horrified, she opened wide her eyes as her mouth rounded, mute of any sound.
- Don't look at me that way! I found it by accident while I was cleaning the hut!
- Cleaning? You?
- Yes, cleaning! Someone had to do it! This nice Rosa did not want to climb the ladder… And I did not want to welcome you in dust and dirt.
- It's very kind of you… - she said, disdainful, as she put the object of crime back in the drawer. She broke off, crossed her arms and brought her finger to her mouth, thoughtful.
- What are you thinking about? – he asked, piqued by curiosity.
- Oh, I was just imagining you wearing a French maid's costume and holding a feather duster.
Terry simply could not believe his ears and it took him few seconds to react.
- Hahaha! Whoa! Miss Andrew, you've got quite an imagination! These calendar's pictures have perverted your mind!
- Unfortunately I think that this is yours that has rubbed off on me…
- I will take that as a compliment! For once I've some influence over you…
A little smirk appeared on the young blonde's lips. She had well understood what he meant. She came closer and murmured to his ear:
- More surprises could happen…
These few words foreshadowed beautiful fights ahead, so well that the sudden need to take her in his arms and press his lips on hers took possession of him. This is why he had chosen her, and no other, because she was not afraid to defy him and liked jousting, at the risk to provoke him. God, he ardently wished he duelled with her again until they exhaust all their forces and end floored against each other, confessing in a breath their mutual surrender… He began to tremble of emotion and shook his head to recover his mind. All of this had lasted few seconds only and Candy, fortunately, had noticed nothing. She was busy looking out the window the Adige River that she distinguished in the distance through the trees.
The sun had found a way through the leafy branches, and was playing a game of shadows and lights on the balcony. You could hear birds singing happily, the murmur of a gentle breeze sneaking in the cabin through the openings, and coming to cool this July stifling heat. Cradled by the soft and suave melody of "Rêveries" by Debussy, she laid her head against the window frame, a smile stretching out on her lovely face, and let herself get carried away, her mind happy and free.
The noise of a getting popped champagne cork pulled her from her contemplation. Terry was coming with a glass of champagne in his hand.
- I've eaten nothing, I am going to be tipsy! – She cried out while thanking him with a nod.
The suggestive smile he gave her in return confirmed her worrying and she narrowed her eyes with a suspicious look. They drank a toast. After a few swallows, the bubbles had already an effect and she felt dizzy.
- You want me to get drunk! – She muttered as he was, giggling, leading her to the table. She let herself drop on the couch's comfortable cushions. The sitting position suited her better and she stretched up, trying to recover some dignity after having tumbled up to the table. Terry handed a plate of cold cuts to her – an assortment of ham, coppa, pancetta and… dried sausage! – on which she rushed. She needed to fill her stomach as fast as possible to get her clear thoughts back! He sat in front of her and while bringing a piece of ham to his mouth, he began to look at her, half smiling. The often-clumsy spontaneity that characterized her amused him a lot. It was a perpetual entertainment to be with her and he thought that he was very lucky to have her in his life. He had been aware of it for some time but now, as they were all alone in this cabin, he was realizing the priceless gift he had been offered. This is why he was eager to tell her his greatest desire. He had thought that this wooden house in the trees, away from prying eyes, would give her confidence and that she could not refuse what he had always dreamed to possess: her hand, her pretty little hand to which he would soon slip a ring on… If she agreed… But for now, it was difficult for him to be sure about it because the glutton who lived inside his girlfriend, looked concerned only with what was in her plate. The one of antipasti got quickly empty and Candy did in the same way justice to the tomatoes and mozzarella, the cold chicken and the apple pie made by Lady Rosa.
- It was delicious! You'll congratulate Rosa for her cooking! – Did Candy, gently tapping her lips with her towel.
- You'll tell her in person later when we come back… - he answered, taking the bottle of champagne that was waiting in an ice bucket next to him, and pouring her a new glass of it. This time, she did not show any sign of reluctance. She had noticed that wine was making her cheerful and was giving her the courage to face Terry's scrutinizing glance. Now their meal was over and as all the trifling topics possible had been evoked, she could really drink some more bubbles to dissimulate her embarrassment.
The experiment in the tower came incessantly back to her mind, and everything they had done there, everything they had said to each other, strongly contrasted with the banalities they were exchanging. She wondered what Albert would think if he saw her in that state and realized suddenly that she had not given news to him since her last telegram. He must have been very worried!
- What's wrong? – Asked Terry, noticing Candy's strange behaviour.
- I've just realized that I'ven't written to Albert since my last telegram that was sent when I arrived in Verona. He does not even know where I live and neither how Patty is. He must be worried sick!
- You'll send a telegram to him tomorrow. Don't worry…
- I don't understand how I've been so careless! – She followed, shaking her head negatively.
- Everything happened so fast since you are here… Patty's surgery, the club… Our reencounter…
His voice had become gentler as he said this and she tenderly smiled at him.
- Do you know that I was very surprised to learn that Albert was your Great Uncle William… - he added, clearing his throat of emotion – I would have never imagined that this adventurer with interests so far from business was in reality at the head of one the richest families of America!
- If only you knew how right you are! I didn't expect this either! I still remember me standing in his study, all trembling, hoping that he would agree to cancel this stupid wedding with Neal…
- Sorry? – Intervened Terry with a shocked tone – A wedding with Neal?
Candy nodded, looking down.
- It was horrible! I had been stupid enough one night to save him from the clutches of thugs that were after his money, and since then, he had his heart set on me, offering flowers, presents, visiting me. I rejected his advances every time, you bet! The only idea that he could approach me was unbearable… And then, one day, he used a treacherous stratagem: he set a trap for me, making me believe that I had to secretly join you in a mansion outside Chicago. I was so happy to see you again that I mindlessly walked into the lion's den!...
Terry's gaze changed of colour suddenly, the one of fury when getting into him. A thrill of fear shook the young woman.
- He… He didn't do anything to you, did he? – He finally managed to articulate.
- Don't worry… - she answered, shaking her head negatively – His groin kept a stinging memory of my coming in this house…
He was trying to look indifferent but the fist he clenched until getting its articulation pale, expressed the dread rage he hardly contained.
- I'm looking forward to giving him in return a memory in my own way… I can't wait for our comeback to America! – He whistled between his teeth.
- He's been well humiliated, you know! After my rejection, he managed to convince his family to marry me. Even Great Aunt Elroy had agreed! I was trapped! That's when I asked for a meeting with Great Uncle William for begging him to cancel everything. That's when I discovered his real identity…
- It's really an amazing story!
- If you could see their faces when Albert came in the reception hall where the engagement ceremony was supposed to take place! Great Aunt Elroy was not very overconfident! People were really surprised when he revealed who he truly was. Just like me, they had always thought that Great Uncle William was an old sickly man and they were discovering a very handsome man near his thirties! When the cancelation was announced, Neal behaved like a spoiled little boy and ran away, whining.
- Does he still live in Chicago? – Asked Terry, secretly planning to visit him as soon as he set one foot on the American soil.
- No, he doesn't. He's settled in Florida where he builds hotels… Since this sad episode, I've rarely seen him, and he avoids me like the plague.
- At least, he has little common sense…
She arched a reproachful eyebrow.
- I mean that despite his empty brain, he has enough intelligence left not to make a fool of himself once again by courting you… - he giggled.
- He would have wasted his time, this poor idiot! Gosh! The only idea to think about him makes me shiver with disgust!
- I can believe you about him, but how about the others… ?
- The others?
- Yes, the others. The ones who tried to seduce you. Don't make me believe that no man hung round you all these years?
He had said this in a jocular way, but the sting of jealousy was taking perverse pleasure in pinching him. Candy looked thoughtful. She remembered the few suitors to whom she had agreed a date and answered by a disdainful grin.
- It doesn't matter at all…
Indeed, they didn't matter… On every date, she couldn't prevent herself from comparing them to Terry. He had set the bar so high!... Even that kiss I exchanged with this doctor I had been introduced to by Annie, sounds like an appalling dullness in comparison with what I feel even if only when his fingers brush my skin. I think I would have been able to live alone if I had not found him. I was doing so well. But I prefer this rather than sharing a mediocre and passionless life with someone else…
- What about you? – She asked, leaning her head on the side with a little smile.
- It doesn't matter either…
The knowing smile he gave her was eloquent enough to prevent her from more inquiry. She knew he never married Suzanna and never loved her. Taking care of her had prevented him however from giving in to the charm of the young and beautiful actress that daily orbited around him? The only thought of Terry embracing another woman was making her sick. She shook her head to chase this unbearable image and was sent into an irrepressible need to avenge herself.
- Do you remember what I promised you the day we met? – She did, her eyes shining mischievously.
- Not at all… - he answered with a slight backward movement. What he was reading in Candy's gaze didn't augur well… She searched in her bag behind her and took a pair of very fine scissors and a dart out of it.
- I promised I would take off these damn stitches that disfigure you!... – she said, proudly brandishing her tools.
- It seems I answered that I did not want to take the chance of being more disfigured… - he moaned, painfully swallowing.
She was moving forward, crawling toward him like a beast ready to jump on its prey.
- Stay away from me! – He yelled, moving backward. He bumped against the couch and looked around him for an exit but she was already on him, sitting astride, wearing a sadist and frightening smile.
- Don't tell me you are afraid…
- I'm oversensitive to pain, stop it!
He was struggling like a madman. She dropped her tools and grabbed his hands to control him. This was promising a hand to hand ferocious…
- Gosh! She's strong! – He thought as he was trying very hard to free himself. Suddenly, he was able to make her tilt on the side. This time, he was dominating her, holding her arms to the ground with a victory roar.
- So then, not so smart now, Miss Freckles!
She was miserably wriggling but Terry was stronger and after a while, she had to resolve to admit defeat! Bowing over her, he was enjoying this delightful sight she reflected to him, submissive between his arms, panting, her eyes shining provocatively. Irremediably attracted, he bowed a little more towards her, his trembling lips brushing hers…
- Kiss me… - she seemed to beg him as she arched toward him.
He knew that if he kissed her, he would lose all control of himself and they would get both carried to an unlimited world into which they could sink. Reluctantly, he tore himself away from her, leaving her stunned. Avoiding her eyes full of misunderstanding, he stood up, dropping in the impulse the little box that was hidden in his pocket and that had probably moved during the struggle. It rolled toward Candy, who stretched up, intrigued.
- What is it? – She asked, taking it between her hands.
- It's… - he muttered, embarrassed – Well… I was waiting for the right time for… Well, you see what I mean, don't you?
Candy opened the lid of the jewelry box and discovered a beautiful diamond-set white gold ring: a little wonder that was supposed to be worth a fortune! She looked at him, her eyes wide-opened with stupefaction.
- Patty helped me to pick it out… You understand, I am not very used to… - he said, embarrassed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Candy remembered that the day before, Patty had left the club for a while, pretending she had an errand to run. She had come back one hour later without more explanation and Candy had concluded that she had had a date with her handsome surgeon and wanted to be discreet on this topic. She would have never imagined she was with Terry helping him with the choice of a ring!
She was speechless, admiring the precious jewel that sparkled with a brilliant light.
- Candy… - he murmured. He had gotten down on one knee and taken her hand. His heart was racing! – I'm not very talented for this kind of things… I've waited all day long the best moment to… Well… You see… to propose… and… It's never been the right one, at least in my opinion… Chance has precipitated things and here I am, facing you, stammering those words I've however so often repeated in my head and that are defaulting so much I'm overwhelmed with emotion! Candy… You would have perhaps wished a more conventional proposal, expressed in front of Albert and your adoptive mothers from Pony's home?
She shook her head negatively and he sighed with relief.
- Candy… Meeting you was the most beautiful thing that ever happened in my life… and being separated from you was the most terrible experiment of all… I thought I had lost you forever once, and I don't want to live this again… I couldn't live without you… Oh God, Candy!...
He interrupted himself and ran his hand through his hair, laughing with a thoughtful air.
- Why are you laughing? – Candy asked, bewildered.
- It doesn't matter – he giggled – I've just realized that if Patty hadn't forced me to write to you, you would not have read my letter, you would not have tried to see me in New York, I would not have crossed the ocean to find you and I would not be there proposing. It's amazing how lucky… we've… been…
From the very moment he said those words, he knew that he had just made and said the biggest silliness of his life. How stupid he was!
- Forced? You've-been-for-ced by Patty?
Candy's reaction was not long in coming. Red-faced with anger, she threw the box that contained the ring at him, jumped up and walked to the door without looking at him.
- Candy, wait! – He cried out, groping around on all fours for the ring that had rolled under the couch – This is not what I meant! Please, wait!
But she had already disappeared. Thanks to her rage, she didn't have any difficulty this time to climb down the ladder and joined the ground in a few seconds. Terry appeared at the balcony and called her:
- Candy! Let me explain! Please, wait!
But she didn't listen to him and followed her path with long strides, clenched fists, straight as a ramrod. Bad memories resurfaced, increasing even more her anger: Suzanna's accident that she had discovered by accident and about which he had never dared to tell her, their breakup on Jacob's hospital stairs, her life without him to which she had to resign herself, the emptiness, the wait, the hope of getting news from him after Suzanna's death, news that never arrived and at last, this letter that Patty had given to her, but he had written at the insistence of this latter… Why didn't the need come from him? Did he ever love her? Her, who had written to him tens of letters when he was beginning, and to which he had rarely answered. She had always thought it was because he was very busy. Grrrrr! He liked torturing her, blowing hot and cold on her, like that night in the tower, to ignore her the following day and make her feel guilty. What a boor!
She was getting closer the house and she quickened her pace. She wanted to escape from this place as fast as possible! She turned around and saw Terry right behind her. He caught her, breathless, as she was reaching the terrace.
- What's got into you? – He roared as he grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him. She did not answer and turned away from him, raising her chin up.
- Candy, please, listen to me! This came out wrong! I did not mean to hurt you. Please, look at me!...
She finally turned her head towards him, her eyes shining of anger.
- Why you never answered my letters? – She launched, fulminating.
- Your letters?
- Yes, tens of letters that I sent to you when you were beginning in New York! Why didn't answer them? Because there was probably no one to force you to do it!
- Your letters, Candy… - he said, sadly, looking down – I discovered them after Suzanna's death. They were hidden, in the bottom of her desk drawer.
- Hidden?
- yes, hidden… All along these years, she had kept them secretly, jealously… As if she had not made me suffer enough…
- Oh Terry…
Through the veil of tears that clouded her sight, she noticed the young actor's devastated face and her anger vanished.
- I read them and read them again for days – he followed, shaking his head – I could recite them to you so much fixed they are in my memory. For a few moments, I could live the time of these happy days again, when the young actor I was, planned with insouciance to make you come to him for never letting you go… And then, I unfortunately realized that ten years had elapsed, that you had a new life, without me, and that I had no right to come and break the quietness of your existence. Many times I wanted to write to you and many times I gave up. I was afraid Candy, can you understand this? I was so afraid that… that you reject me…
- My God, Terry, I would never have rejected you… I was waiting for you, I always did!... When Suzanna died, I selfishly hoped that you would come back and then…
She was sobbing. Slowly and with an infinite tenderness, Terry's hand went to lay on her cheek, and she looked up. His beauty stunned her – She would never get used to it – and she tottered. He was looking at her in a way that did not leave any doubt. He was fully giving himself to her, without any ambiguity. He wasn't arrogant or mocking anymore, he had become again this Terry she had met one night on a boat, inhabited with sufferings and despair. And her heart broke for having revived these feelings in him.
- Can you understand Candy that I… I love you! I'm madly in love with you! I love you so much that when it comes to you, I lose all confidence, all certainty! I didn't write to you because I never thought I was good enough for you. You are so… so perfect to me that I couldn't come back to you. I was too ashamed. I couldn't forgive to the poor idiot I was, for having let you go that night though I loved you passionately and knew that it would destroy me to have to give up on you. Because… Because I kept on loving you, I never stopped, and I still love you! Oh yes, I love you, I lov…
He was unable to struggle anymore…
Giving up his good resolutions, he drew her to him, took her face between his hands, and almost brutally, ardently kissed her. Surprised, Candy abandoned herself in his arms, putting up with incredulity his assaults. Everything had been so sudden that she was unable to understand what was happening. He loved her, he had just said it to her, and several times! Never before she had heard those words out from his mouth, that echoed in her mind as he kissed her eyes, her cheeks, her lips… Little by little, her heartbeat accelerated, her blood began to boil in her veins. She stepped back for a second to recover her breath. A wild sparkle, the tiger's one of her thoughts enlightened his eyes with colours of Scotland lands. His jaw was clenched and she thrilled of desire before the extreme sensuality he radiated. Standing on her tip-toes, she rolled her arms around his neck, grabbed herself to his hair and half-opened her lips to welcome his that came to press themselves on her mouth with such intensity that she let a moan out. He tightened his embrace and felt her body quivering against his. Their tongues met, greedy to find each other until forgetting where they were. In a leap, she embraced his waist with her legs while continuing to assault him with her kisses. Their gazes met each other, shining of fever, and they understood that it was to late to step back, because the voracious fire that was consuming them could burn out under the dying moans of their satisfied desire only. He buried his nose with a groan in the hollow of her neck, and staggering, carried her inside the house, under Lady Rosa's fascinated gaze who, alarmed by the shouts, had approached the kitchen's window giving on the Russo's garden. She had not missed anything of the sight.
Well… - she thought, a naughty pout stretching the corner of her lips – Here are children who won't be long before they make one in their turn…
End of chapter 13