Page 88 of Beaches, Bagels & Babes
Candace could not believe how nonchalant Daisy sounded.
Bummer?!
Like she had no care in the world, the woman continued to munch on her meticulously prepared picnic.
“How can you be so calm? It was pointless. Everything we worked for, all of it, was for nothing!”
Mid-bite, Daisy paused. She looked at Candace heavily, and, even full of food, her voice had just as much weight.
“Do you believe that?”
“But… Saving Bagel Bombs! is what this whole partnership was about.”
Daisy swallowed. Her lips curled into something that was not a smile. Even so, the expression’s warmth sent a sirocco coursing through Candace.
“Was thatreallyall it was?”
“I… It was…”
“Aren’t you the one who told me my life didn’t have to revolve around bagels?” While Candace continued sputtering for a response, Daisy revealed, “I’ve been looking into classes.”
“Classes?!”
Candace felt like a parrot, squawk-repeating what she heard. Yet, she was on an emotional roller-coaster, clinging for life, and could do little else.
For the first time that evening, Daisy fidgeted with apparent bashfulness.
“Yeah. I’m still not sure what exactly I want to do, but I was thinking about a trade. I enjoyed working on the renovations for Bagel Bombs! It was like a practical art application, if that makes any sense. Rio was helping me look into the certification programs and apprenticeships the local county college offers.”
Grinning, Candace’s thrill for Daisy outshone her own tumultuous feelings. She praised, “That’s an amazing idea! Good, reliable contractors are always in demand. You could be Wonderwood’s top handyperson.”
“We’ll see. If I keep myself open, there are a lot of possibilities. You showed me that. So, don’t stress about the rest, okay?”
“How can I not? Aren’t you angry with me? That property is worthmillions.You should be set for life, not struggling like you have been all these years. My uncle—”
With more exasperation than edge, Daisy cut in. “Stop talking about yourdamnuncle. Last I checked, you’re not him.Now, for the love ofJeebus,eat some more, or I’m gonna start to take it personally.”
Candace could not breathe. Here she was, bearing the truth of their dire situation, and the person affected most… the one who should be furious with her beyond measure… was cracking deep-cutSimpsonsjokes. Blinking, with fresh eyes, Candace took in the scene around her.
In a murmur, she asked, “Daisy… Why did you bring me here? What is all this?”
The look Daisy gave her before answering was long and pointed.
“Don’t be Candy, Candace. Not with me. You knowexactlywhat this is.”
The sun had dipped beneath the horizon. While the world at large muted, their little plot of beach stayed lit by lantern light. The rhythmic waves played their ocean song, accompanied by the wind’s whistle. This patch of sand, the blanket they sat on, was its own island separate from time, space, and reality.
And Daisy wanted to be here with her.
Candace cried. Like that very first day she returned to Wonderwood and made a fool of herself in front of Bagel Bombs!, a torrent descended her cheeks. Ugly and uncontrolled, the emotions she tried so hard to bury burst free.
Although Daisy stayed where she was, her features knitted with concern.
“I’m difficult,” Candace blubbered. “And when I get an idea, I steamroll. I have self-esteem issues, and I need constant validation. I’m materialistic and greedy. Nothing would be easy with me. I might mess up even worse than before.”
For an extended beat, neither woman spoke. Candace’s tears continued to fall, and Daisy continued to observe her. When Daisy did talk, the flatness of her voice was undercut by her nervous smile.
“Are you about done? I know what I’m getting into by now. It’s a relationship, not a warning label. Do you wanna be my girlfriend or not?”
