Connie's Silver Shoes (The Candy Cane Girls Book 4) Read online

  Connie’s Silver Shoes

  The Candy Cane Girls, book 4

  By Bonnie Engstrom

  Copyright ©2016 Bonnie Engstrom

  Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications.

  All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. No part of the publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the publisher.

  All verses from NIV version

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental, except for the instances where they were used in conjunction with a business on purpose.

  All rights reserved.

  Special thanks to

  * Jaeda Wayman for allowing me to feature him as the hero in this story. Yes, he does sometimes wear a dark red shirt, he is from New York (the city, not the country – hey, it’s fiction), he does work for a large banking corporation, and he is a wonderful man. As of this writing, he has not yet read his own fictional story, but he will get a signed copy soon.

  * Samantha at North Scottsdale Floral and Corinne Lewis at Elegance At Its Finest Floral Designs and her colleague Steve. I hope I described the wedding flowers the way they suggested and guided me. If you want to see Connie’s bouquet, go to https://www.thebridalflower.com/product/gray-and-ivory-lovelie-gray-wedding-bouquet/.

  * My daughter, Dana, who does all my social media posting, including my newsletter, Life on the Lake. (You can sign up for it at my website.) A busy mom of four children she somehow makes time for me. She is a true blessing.

  * My wonderful and patient publisher Cynthia Hickey, owner of Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications. She designs all my book covers, and I love the cover for Connie’s Silver Shoes featuring my real, sadly deceased, Miniature Pincher, Jake.

  * It goes without saying my husband Dave who prepares yummy meals while I write makes it possible for all my books to come to fruition.

  * I don’t know why I always wait until last to honor Him, but Jesus my savior is really the one I write for, the one who inspired me to write and gave me the courage to do it. Without my faith in Him and my love for Him, there would be no books. I pray because of Him my books will touch hearts and draw readers to Him.

  About Newport Beach

  My family and I lived there for over thirty years, so it is close to my heart. We visited Balboa and The Pavilion many times. I remember at one time it did have Friday and Saturday night dancing. It has a long and checkered fascinating history and is now a designatedCalifornia State Historic Landmark. Check out the website below to see fun photos of then and now, as well as two people I had the privilege to meet personally; Evelyn Hart, a former mayor, and Marion Bergeson, a former California state senator.

  http://www.balboapavilion.com/

  ABOUT THE CANDY CANES

  This is book number four in the Candy Cane girls’ series, but it, as all the others before and in future (yes, there will be more) can be read as a standalone. It might be more fun to start with Noelle’s story in Noelle’s Christmas Wedding and progress to Cindy’s story in Cindy’s Perfect Dance, but Natalie and Candy will explain everything about the Candy Canes to you in Candy’s Wild Ride.

  Over ten years ago six high school freshmen formed a swim team that became legendary. They won the state relay swim championship four years in a row. In addition to their skill and devotion to daily practicing, they prayed together and vowed to be sisters forever. Another thing that set them apart was they chose their own swimsuits making them a team within a larger team. They chose red and white diagonally striped swim suits. Thus, became known as the Candy Canes. They always will be.

  I hope you enjoy their stories.

  PROLOGUE

  Connie gazed up at the sign above the glass window.Winning Designs ~ Unique Custom Fashion Attire.

  She and Jaeda had prayed about which scripture to put underneath it. Finally, they compromised putting one below the name and one on the plate glass door next to the picture window displaying the headless mannequins and the little stuffed toy dog draped in plaid fabrics.

  Philippians 4:13 was inscribed below the Winning Designs sign. It was her favorite verse, one she had always clung to when she swam on the high school swim team and when she started her business life. Yes, she could do all things through Christ. She could.

  Jaeda’s favorite was also one many people would recognize.“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:10 It wasfollowed underneath by the invitation Knock and it will be opened. There was no bell to ring.

  The hugged each other, kissed and opened the heavy glass door.

  Soon, Doreen would become manager when they moved to their other home in Scottsdale.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Connie hated male models. Always so full of themselves. The new one Doug introduced her to at the event tonight would definitely be trouble. He was Mr. Ego personified, always smoothing his wavy hair and glancing in everything glass he passed – not just mirrors, but glass front cabinets, even the glass top on the serving buffet.

  She kicked her uncomfortable shoes off and threw them against her bedroom wall – hard. She laughed when one shoe made a thump and the other landed upside down on her carpet. Such extravagance – Michael Kors. She should have invested in the silver Italian ones for about the same money. But, Doug her boss, the founder of Nature’s Designs, insisted on the ones with the gold heels and buckle. She had her own designer line now; yet Doug still called the shots when she had to make an appearance at a function.

  As well as the ads with the models.

  Poor Doreen – being subjected to a You Tube add about Connie’s designs for the physically challenged in a demeaning way. Connie had wanted all adds – print, You Tube and social media, to be enlightening and positive.

  She picked up her cell she had flung in anger on the bed. Doreen answered sobbing.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The Candy Cane sisters gathered at the Cannery Restaurant for their annual pre-Christmas luncheon. All except Cindy now living in Costa Rica, and Candy who was on her honeymoon in Catalina Island. Connie looked around at four faces, Doreen, Natalie, Melanie and Noelle. Why did they look worried? Was her makeup smeared?

  Noelle rose first from across the table to hug her. The others followed. She knew she hadn’t exactly honored their special friendship pact when she dated Bill Lord Junior the Harley model. Still, she felt loved and wanted. That’s what being a Candy Cane did. How blessed they all were to have been on the special swim team almost eleven years ago at Vista del Mar High School. Sometimes she’d heard comments like “Only in Newport Beach – so privileged.” But, she knew better; she knew how hard they had worked and the bond they had formed in high school as freshmen, and the winning state swim team championship four years in a row. It would have been the same in Timbuctoo, special friends who loved and depended on each other, and prayed.

  “Oysters!” Natalie exclaimed as the waiter approached. She was notorious for excessively imbibing in them. They all laughed.

  “I,” Doreen announced, “will have the chopped salad.” All heads turned. “Yep, gotta watch my model’s figure.”

  Connie felt guilty. She had gotten Doreen the modeling assignment because of her shorter leg after Melanie had caused the accident. She knew Melanie was forgiven both by God and Doreen, but was Doreen really happy
being a gimp model? She asked.

  “How do you feel about the ads Doug the Dog is producing?” She loved to call him that when not in his presence. A secretive way she could put her boss in his place.

  “I’m okay with them. Not thrilled, but if it helps others with compromised or missing limbs and promotes your line, I am … okay.” She winked at Connie, although her eyes were blurry.

  “Okay is not good enough, Doreen.” Connie said. “We need to talk later.”

  ~

  Doreen led the way almost tripping down the ramp from the restaurant in her special shoe. She seemed anxious to get out of there. The other girls followed.

  Noelle spoke first. “Connie, Doreen, can you please send those You Tube ads to me? I want to see them.”

  Doreen shook her head, but Connie nodded. Noelle being a teacher, especially an English one, had good insight about language and content. She had written a local education column while still in college. Connie would value her advice. She would forward the You Tubes to her tomorrow.

  ~

  Connie fretted. Fretting was not her style. Although not very astute at remembering Bible verses, somehow Psalm 37 came to mind. That, and Joyce Meyer’s devotion she’d read this morning. She looked up the chapter on her cell’s Bible ap. Several verses advised against fretting. They would help her get through the day with courage and present her case to Doug.

  She was grateful for her association with him and Nature’s Designs. She believed God had led her there. But, during the past few years, Doug had changed perspective. When he first started the company he seemed to be all about supporting designs made only with natural products, no synthetics. Now, he was more about money.

  Connie understood that it was business, and she was a part of it. But, couldn’t the two be combined? Doug had managed to insert himself and the company into a big conglomerate. Now, it was the defining factor. Connie hated it. She wanted her own design business, based on her beliefs of Christian ethics. But, how? She was a small guppy in a big tank. Frustrated, she called Natalie who was known as the organized and sensible one of the group.

  “Maybe, Nat, you will have some ideas for me. If not, at least let me vent.”

  Natalie prayed with Connie as all Candy Canes did with each other. When she said “Amen,” she shared an idea.

  “I think you need to talk with Bill Lord, Vivian’s husband, Candy’s new step-father. He is a super business person and always has ideas.”

  ~

  Bill was excited. He loved new ideas, especially from young entrepreneurs. This is what he believed in, what he wanted to encourage. Few people knew he was part of The Memory Men group that financed businesses anonymously. It was top secret. All transactions were moved through a local bank. Only one bank officer was privy to the names in the group. He was sure he could trust Jaeda.

  ~

  Bill Lord and she had met at Starbucks, and she shared. Now, she was looking in the mirror above her dresser.

  Connie mopped her eyes with the backs of her fists. So embarrassing to share with Bill Lord. But, she did it. She hadn’t known she could have so much courage to bare her heart and dump all her insecurities at his feet. She looked in the mirror and swiped concealer around her puffy eyes, then blinked rapidly. Isn’t that what models were told to do to make their eyes glisten? She picked up the business card Bill had given her to slip into her bag. Jaeda. What an interesting name. Hopefully he would be a person who could help her.

  ~

  Jaeda put the phone down slowly. Such an unusual call from Bill Lord who was adamant about secrecy. He knew Bill was the founder and head of the Memory Men group. They had met initially when Lord was forming the group and explained their mission. That was almost five years ago. They had never had any individual contact since. Not in person, not in writing, nor on the phone. So, why now?

  Bill asked him to meet with a talented young woman, a clothing designer – or was it called couture? Maybe fashion was a better word. He often groped with proper adjectives. Math and money were his strengths. Jaeda tapped his pen on the glass top of his desk. Sometimes that helped him think, just as drumming on his African djembe drum did. It and the bi-monthly drum circles he’d attended had been a big bone of contention with Keona. Drumming hadn’t really caused their breakup, but it helped. Fortunately, his little Min Pin accepted it. Jake’s ears would stand up in peaks, and once he actually started to dance on his hind legs, ballerina style. Now, he really was Jaeda’s best friend. Even slept with him which Keona never allowed. Fortunately, the dog’s twelve pounds didn’t take up too much room in the king bed.

  The Connie woman called for an appointment. Today at three in the afternoon. Jaeda had no idea what she looked like, but Bill Lord had explained the Candy Cane group enough that he figured she was at least pretty. He straightened his mini-print tie, checked the cuff links in his dark red starched shirt and ran a hand over his shaved head. Maybe he would think about a moustache. Maybe next week.

  He was unprepared for Connie when she walked in. Talk about beautiful. Her chestnut hair streaked with natural blonde highlights was cut in a flippant style, just grazing her jawbones. Her smile was shaky. Did she have any actual idea why she was here?

  Jaeda extended his hand and hoped his smile was warm. He liked her immediately when he felt her firm handshake. Connie smiled, and her face lit up showing sparkling azure eyes that reminded him of the ocean at morning break. The color of her dark red lips matched his shirt. Silly comparison. But, they did.

  He indicated the chair across from him and settled in the chair behind his desk. She spoke first. “I – I’m not sure why I am here. Are you?”

  Jaeda nodded, but asked a silent prayer for the right words. He mustn’t give away the secret, so he had to be discreet. Normally, he didn’t clear his throat before speaking with a client, but, this was a unique situation. Was she a client? Or, was Bill Lord the actual client. Please, God, guide me.

  “I am a bit mystified, too. But, I will share what I do know,” he said. “There is a group of investors in Newport Beach who give start-up funds to young entrepreneurs.” He looked to her for confirmation.

  “I’ve heard of that, but I don’t know anyone in the group. Do you?”

  He avoided the question. “It’s secretive. Their names are very private. Protects them, I guess, from people tapping them for support.” She looked at him quizzically, beautiful eyebrows raised.

  “But, why would Mr. Lord suggest I have a meeting with you? Doesn’t make sense,” she said. “He must know.”

  “I’m guessing he has some connection,” he said trying to avoid lying. How could he get around this without jeopardizing Lord, or himself? “He probably knows someone in the group, but has been sworn to secrecy.” Well, he does ‘know’ himself. Guess that explanation will have to do. He folded his hands together and brought them to his chin. Maybe that attentive gesture would put her at ease.

  ~

  Connie shook Jaeda’s hand and blew out about ten breaths on the way to her car. This group of investors wanted to help her. Unbelievable. She wiped the sweat off her palms and slid into the seat of her little car. Bill Lord must have some fancy connections. Should she call him and thank him, or was his involvement part of the secret? Right now she couldn’t get Jaeda’s handsome face out of her brain. She noticed his attire – spiffy and modern, not too over stated. She had looked casually at the other bank manager types, but their clothes were boring, too conservative. Jaeda’s was conservative, but with personal touches like the dark red shirt and cuff links. Who wore cuff links anymore? Not since the sixties.

  ~

  Bill was helping Vivian with the salad when his business cell buzzed. She was on a salad kick diet, and he was fine with it. At their ages they needed to watch their weight. But, he did crave bread. He was rewarded when she topped the chopped salad with slices of chicken breast and set a plate of warm olive bread on the table. Still, he was looking forward to the wedge of dark chocolate he wo
uld slip into his mouth after dinner.

  He let the phone go to voicemail. He would check it later.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Connie drove past the Nature’s Designs warehouse office and around the block three times. She slapped her cheek, shook her head and, finally, clapped her hands laughing. She giggled so hard she almost ran up on the curb. Oops! Better pay attention to driving. But, I can’t believe it, just can’t. Is it true, Lord? Will I really have my own design studio? Control over my own ads? My own business? How will I tell Doug? Who is my benefactor? So many questions.

  Doreen was on a pedestal getting a fitting. She was facing a grimy window when she saw Connie’s car. Again, and again. Was something wrong? Why did she keep passing the office?

  “Excuse me,” she said to Alice the seamstress pining the hem of her skirt. “I need to make an important call.” She stepped off the pedestal, grabbed her purse from a nearby chair and reached for her phone. Punching in Connie’s number, she waited. Why wasn’t she answering?

  Connie heard her phone buzz. She had put it on silent for when she had the meeting with the banker, the Jaeda guy. She would check her messages later when she calmed down. She was such a wreck. Who were these people offering to provide her with her own design studio, and pay for all the advertising? How did they know her? How did they even know her gifts and abilities? So mysterious. She thought back to what Jaeda had suggested. “Find a place for your studio,” he’d said. “First things first.”

  She was at a total loss. Then she remembered Rob and Braydon Lovejoy’s father was a mega real estate agent. Maybe he could help. She didn’t know where else to turn, so she called Logan Lovejoy.

  ~

  Mr. Lovejoy was very kind and suggested they meet for coffee. Tomorrow would be fine. They met at the Starbucks in Corona del Mar. He asked a lot of questions, some of which she had a feeling he knew the answers to. But, how would he?