Little White Lies

Chapter 21

Checking off another task on her to-do list for the day, Candice began to realize that it might take the whole week to finish it off. Who knew that it would be so difficult to help people? She had the entire marketing plan ready and they just didn't want to hear it. At all. Those were hours of her life she'd never get back.

Candice hoisted her overweight shoulder bag higher and strolled down the street, determined to take advantage of her lunch break, and find somewhere nice and cute to relax. She was exhausted and it was only halfway through Tuesday.

The urge to escape for the rest of the day was strong. Candice had to remind herself that this wasn't college and she needed this job since her money was now dependent on her work and not a trust fund. If this how most people feel about their job then Candice really needed to rethink the whole meaning of adult life.

"Candice," a soft voice called her name and she froze. She must be hallucinating this time. Of course, she saw Eric this weekend and her mind is tired.Then she heard her name again. This time by someone who sounded a lot less gentle. Someone grabbed her by her arm and swung her around roughly, nails digging into her flesh."Ow!" Candice yelped, wringing free of the claw holding her. She heard about mugging but never in board daylight. But when she turned to face her attackers, it was Eric and Eva. She wasn't hallucinating.

Her heart was beating so fast that Candice was sure that everyone could hear it thumps. She couldn't bring herself to look at Eric, so she looks over to Eva instead. Eva glared at Candice, full of anger and venom. Candice was taken aback; shouldn't she be the one who hates her?That reminded her that she was the one who should be angry and vengeful to the two. But she didn't really feel that way. There was no urge to yell at them or to get even. She simply didn't want to face them because... because she was disappointed. And hurt.

A breakthrough! Candice finally felt like her psych class had found some use. Then Eva Goodman - or Eva White - had to snap her fingers in front of her face. Talk about being rude. Perhaps Richard and Lynette should have enrolled her in a crash course for learning real manners in addition.

"What?" Candice said, swatting Eva's rude hand out of the way. Irritated, she crossed her arm and glared at the girl who all but kicked her out of her childhood home. "You know given how we part ways, you're lucky that I don't hit you with my bag or a brick."

Eva opened her mouth but Eric pulled her back and stepped forward between the two girls. Candice looked at him out of instinct and almost shivered; how did she still have feelings for Eric Goodman after the way he lied to her?

"Sorry," Eric said. His right arm twitched up before he lowered it back down, probably to run his hand through his hair which was his nervous habit. "We just want to talk."

Talk? What was there to talk about. Candice's mind flashed back to the jewelry that she gave away for her Mexico tour and the few pieces that were left and tucked away in her apartment. They weren't going to take those back, surely? It's worth a few pennies but it's minuscule for an heiress. It'd be cruel to track her down just to shake her down. Huh, that rhymes.

"We know you hide the money. Now give it all back and maybe I won't be pressing any charges," Eva accused, pushing Eric aside so she can lean forward and practically spit on Candice. Candice frowned; what drug was Eva on? What money? The allowance/salary she got from Viviene and Howard?