Chapter 17
On Wednesday, Candice couldn’t bring herself to go to work. She woke up after ten and even then she didn’t get out of bed. She just laid there, thinking – thinking things she didn’t want to think. Things she didn’t want to believe. Things like maybe her quick marriage to Kurt had been a mistake – one she never saw coming but one her family could predict. Leave it up to them and she should make a clean break while the marriage could still be annulled. Of course, that’s not what she wanted. She wanted him, but she couldn’t allow herself to be with a man she didn’t trust.
She walked to the kitchen in her robe and made coffee. She took a sip and sat down when a call from Calista came through.
“Girl, where are you?” Calista asked.
“I’m home. I didn’t go to work.”
“I know. Barringer said he tried to call you a few times. He sounded worried. Are you ignoring him again?”
Candice chuckled a bit. “You make it sound like I ignore your husband on a regular basis.”
“Well, let’s be honest—you do. I know Barringer gets on your nerves, but he means well.”
“I know, and I’m not ignoring him. I just needed to take a moment for myself. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been pretty stressed out over the last few weeks.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“And it doesn’t help that Kurt is in the mix. It was hard enough without him being here but he adds to my frustration so much, you just don’t understand, especially after that lil’ stunt he pulled last night.”
“Honey, welcome to marriage. That’s all I can tell you.”
“Is that right?”
“You doggone right that’s right. That man will get on your nerves, twist your gut, make you want to slap him over the head and have you asking why you got married in the first place. They say that’s how you know it’s real.”
Candice laughed. “If that’s the gauge for determining if a marriage is real, I must’ve hit the jackpot.”
“Think about it. You see those couple who always look like they got it together in public. Like the woman being all prissy while the man follows her like he’s her personal assistant instead of her man—those people ain’t happy. They’ll be the main ones hollering for a divorce. But people like us—people who have to struggle to hang on to our marriages, I think that’s where the beauty lies. It’s hard, but after every dispute, it’s a win.”
“Sounds like something Kalina would say.”
“Yep. I’m sure it is. So, don’t let frustration ruin your new marriage. If Kurt gets on your nerves, trust me, you’re on the right path and you got the right man.”
Candice chuckled. “Thanks for that, Cali.”
“No problem.”
“How’s Bella this morning?”
“She’s good. I just fed her.”
“You have Junior today, too?”
“Yeah, he’s playing with his toys. I’m so glad they get to spend time together.”
“They are the only Blackstone children for right now.”
“Yeah, that is until you and Kurt have a few.”
“A few?” Candice laughed.
“Girl, as much as you love kids, you know you’re going to have some babies.”
“Yeah, but the only thing I want right now is a shot of Tequila.”
“Maybe you can get that since you’re not working today.”
I’ll definitely need it tomorrow when I meet with Quinton…
“You know what, Cali…I think I will,” Candice replied.
“Good. Hey, I have to go. Junior is trying to take the phone out of my hand.”
“Aw, he wants to say hi to his Aunt Candy. Hey, Junior.”
She heard his sweet laughter. Sounded like music to her ears.
“Okay, Candy. I’ll let you go.”
“Alright. Later.”