Page 85 of Beaches, Bagels & Babes
“Really? I thought we were just doing a little cleaning.”
Hurricane Mandy was due to make landfall within the next day. Uncle Perry planned to keep the park operating as usual until the evacuation order went out. No concern for the employees he forced to work or the park-goers he tempted. Presently, Candace and Janice were in the midst of packing away the office area’s non-essential computers along with a stone-faced IT person.
Janice glared at Candace with a puckered lip.
“After the stunt you pulled the other day, running out on that meeting, I can’t believe your uncle was so forgiving. You should really be taking this job more seriously.”
“Of course, yes. Everyone knows that fun piers are serious business. My uncle is a saint for putting up with me.”
At least, that was how the Solid Rock Group saw it. Her ‘tantrum,’ as her uncle called it, made the investors more sympathetic to him. The man continued to fail upward. She, meanwhile, had her eyes on the prize.
With a mock salute, Candace went back to packing. Janice muttered under her breath about ‘ungrateful, spoiled girls.’ As soon as the woman’s back was turned, Candace swiped up her phone and checked her messages.
Daisy: Ask the IT guy if he’s been to the Matrix. I’ve actually seenthat one!
Candace: Just x1000 more things until you’re caught up ;p
And he’s more of an Agent Smith-type than a Neo
How’re things at BB?
Daisy: Not sure
I asked Tina to come in early today
Candace’s heart skipped a beat as she re-read Daisy’s text. Was something wrong? That afternoon, while Candace struggled through yet another bowl of jambalaya, Daisy looked fine in all senses of the word as she watched her across the boardwalk. She’d been texting since then like normal.
Candace: Is everything okay?? Are you alright? Where are you?
Daisy:Aw you *do* care
I’m peachy
What time do you think you’ll be able to escape that death-trap?
Candace: Soon. Why?
Daisy: Come to my house after and let me know when you’re on your way. I’ve got something I need to show you
From there, Daisy stopped responding when Candace asked what was going on. It was cruel.
How was Candace supposed to focus with that thread left dangling?
With fumbling hands, for the next hour or so, she followed along with what she was supposed to be doing. She might as well have been sleepwalking with how little she paid attention. More than once, the IT guy or Janice had to fix her shoddy work. But she did not care.
Daisy DeMarco hadsomethingto show her.
Once Candace became enough of a liability, Janice decided they were better off finishing without her. She bolted before they could change their minds.
Outside, Candace took a moment to re-tie her hair as a gust whipped it into her face. The tempestuous August air was heavy with pressure from the impending storm. Clouds had been churning overhead all day, fighting with the sun. A discerning person could sense the ominous weight of destruction on its way.
Yet, the pier was packed as ever. Candace had to press her back against the souvenir shop window as a group of kids ran past. It was the end of the main summer season, with the shoobies and locals alike getting their last bit of fun. Her uncle—and the rest of the boardwalk entrepreneurs—were happy to give it to them.
Candace wondered what kind of fun was in store for her.
The drive to Daisy’s house was over before it began. Candace knew she followed the rules of the road to a robotic T, but she could not describe a moment of her route. However, once she arrived, she found the place empty.
And, a piece of paper taped to the front door.
