crazy for you_excerpt

8/9/2019 Crazy for You_Excerpt

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Copyright 2010 Sandra Edwards

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,

without permission in writing from Sandra Edwards.

Edition: July 2010

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and

incidents are either products of the authors imagination or used

fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons,

living or dead, is entirely coincidental.


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Authors Note

Crazy For You is the first full-length novel I penned, way back

in the 80s when I lived in Florida. Id been writing long beforethat, however; since about the age of thirteen. And it would

be thoughtless of me if I didnt thank those friends from high

schoolAnna Crocker Holman, Brenda Rabb Carr and Rhoda

Guiterrez Winsteadwho avidly read my early work.

In the here and now, I treasure the love and support I receive

from my husband Billyoure my own personal hero!

I owe many thanks to Cara Marsi, Cate Rowan and Melissa

Ohnoutka. Im in awe of the talent that each of you possess.

Thanks a million, ladieswithout you, I wouldve fallen into

a bottomless pothole on this bumpy road we call the writers

life!

And to the readers: thank you for taking the time to read

Crazy For You. Those who are old enough to remember the 80s

and were in a little place called Tampa, Florida...you may see

some familiar names of establishments that are long gone and

now exist only in my cherished memoriesand maybe yours

. Please drop me a line, if youre so inclined, and let meknow what you think of this story. Also, if you happen to find

typos feel free to drop me a line about that, too! Contact me at

[email protected].

Thanks and happy reading!

Sandra Edwards


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4

PROLOGUE

1988

New York City

THE INTERVIEW WASNT going well. Not from Roxannes point of view.She knew Lauren Webers reputation as a talk show host. In a word,

barracuda said it all. This came as no surprise to Roxanne and now she

wondered how shed ever been talked into this in the first place.

If Laurens guest had anything to hide she had a way of

tempting those skeletons out of the closet. And Roxanne had plenty

to hide. Plenty that could tarnish her public image of sweet and

innocent.

This is all Walts fault. Roxannes publicist had convinced her it

would be good publicity for the new movie. Initially, his argument

had been a good one: Lauren Weber was the most popular talk

show host around, and this would be a nice plug for the new movie

since millions of people would see the clips.

Walt had been adamant, so reluctantly, and against her better judgment, shed agreed to let Americas favorite talk show host

interview the renowned authoress-actress Roxanne Simon.

What can you tell us about Garrett-Hollander? Laurens

questioning voice brought Roxanne back to reality.

She didnt falter at the mention of the ever-popular rock band.

Well Roxanne said, I dont know what I could tell you that

you dont already know.Isnt it true that you and your sister Candy knew them when

they were nobody?

Ive never thought of Frank or Rich as nobody.


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Isnt Frank Garrett the father of your son?

The audience reacted with a mixture of gasps and whispers.

Roxanne laughed skeptically. Whatever gave you that idea?Well, his name is Frankie.

Frank is my fathers name, Roxanne said with all the repose

expected of someone with two Best Actress Oscars under her belt.

Lauren took on one of those looks that said she knew she was

getting nowhere. But Roxanne wasnt falling for that. Lauren

Weber was regrouping. And Roxanne Simon would be ready.

Your latest movie, Lauren said, changing the subject, BadCompany , was released last week and its doing well at the box

office. She paused briefly, allowing the audience time for

applause. And rumor has it that itll be nominated for multiple

Academy Awards.

WellI think its a little early to be supposing about the

Oscars, Roxanne declared.

Youre no stranger to the Oscars, Lauren said. Youve won

awards before. Arent you getting used to collecting them by now?

Ill never get so used to it that Ill take something like that for

granted, Roxanne said meekly of the Oscars. Im always grateful

for any recognition of my work.

Roxanne was surprised at how cool shed managed to remain.

Lauren had invaded territory that was better left alone. Territorythat was known for bringing out Roxannes weaknesses.

Whats next? Laurens voice remained casual.

A vacation, Roxanne said, and dropped it at that. It wasnt

time for the public to know shed started work on her

autobiography.

Devoting some time to your son?

Yes.Is he here with you?

Apprehension bundled up inside Roxanne, but she wouldnt lie.

In the past, her lies had a way of biting her on the butt. Yes, he is.

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Could we bring him out?

Shit. Through the years, Roxanne had successfully protected

Frankie from the press. Not one photograph of him had ever beenpublished in any newspaper or magazine. But America was going

to get a look at him now.

If Roxanne refused to let him come out, the audience would

know she had something to hide. That news could get back to

Frank. On the other hand, if she let did him come out, then Frank

might see him. Yet there was no real choice in the matter; refusing

to bring him out would cause a much bigger fuss.If he wants to come out, Roxanne said. But, Ms.

Weberplease understand her tone issued an unmistakable

warning , I wouldnt want his head filled with any foolish

ideas.

That probably wouldnt stop Lauren, but hopefully a sense of

decency would. Lauren didnt have to tell Frankie she thought

Frank Garrett was his father to get her point across. The implication

would be more than enough.

Roxannes four-year-old son ran across the set and climbed into a

chair that had been strategically placed between talk show host and

guest.

Frankie looked at Roxanne for direction.

Hi, sweetie. Roxanne smiled at the boy. This is Ms. Weberand she wants to talk to you.

Frankie turned to Lauren and waited for her to say something.

Frankie, Laurens tone, drenched in gentle persuasion, placed

additional emphasis on his name. Is there anyone out there in TV

land that youd like to say hello to?

Frankie nodded.

Lauren pointed off to the right. Just look into the camera overthere, and say whatever you want.

Frankie peered into the camera and waved. Hi , Aunt Candy.

Im on TV. His upper lip twitched slightly to one sidea trait all

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too familiar for Roxanne.

Lauren smiled. And what a lovely child he is. Id say theres a

striking resemblance. She paused. Wouldnt you? She toppedoff her declaration with a triumphant stare straight into the eye of

the camera.

The damage was done. Anybody with eyes could see that Lauren

wasnt speaking of any resemblance between mother and child.

Frankies locks, curly and black, were far from Roxannes straight

chestnut-brown hair. Nothing about his piercing baby blues

resembled her unusual eyes shaded the color of purple violets. No,it was clearFrankie didnt resemble Roxanne at all.

After filming the show, Roxanne and Frankie went home to their

apartment overlooking Central Park. Candy had left for Florida the

day before, at Roxannes insistence, and now Roxanne was

wondering what shed been thinking.

Heading to Floridaa place she hadnt been in five years

wasnt Roxannes idea. If shed had her way, she would have

chosen to never step foot in the place again. But Jerry, her

psychiatrist, had said shed never be free of her demons if she

didnt face them. And that meant returning to Florida for an

extended stay.

Well, at least she could nip this Lauren Weber fiasco in the butt before she left. Sure, Laurens audience had seen Frankie, but if

Roxanne could keep the whole of America from getting a firsthand

look, she had to try.

Inside her bedroom, Roxanne carelessly tossed clothing inside

her suitcase while holding the telephone against her ear with her

shoulder. I do not want it aired.

They wont go for it, Walt said with a measure of regret in histone. What theyve got is too hot.

Well, threaten them then. She cradled the receiver in her hand

while various scenarios, all of them revenge oriented and involving

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Frank, wrecked havoc in her mind. Tell them theyll never get

another interview from anyone even remotely associated with

Simon Productions. Ever again.Roxanne, I tried. They dont care. His words were kind, and

draped in a compassionate tone, but they missed the mark. Its

going to air in a couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks...? Nothing could lessen that blow. Why so

soon?

Rox Walt said. They arent going to let this one sit on the

back burner. Just go on to Florida and let the whole thing blowover.

Blow up, is more like it. Okay, she agreed in a defeated tone and

slammed the phone down, staring at it. Lauren Weber had

managed to turn her world upside-down. Bitch.

A Few Days LaterFlorida

Roxannes red Porsche sailed smoothly down the highway. With

the convertible top down, her hair flew recklessly around her head

and shed reach up from time to time to push it out of her face.

Approaching Tampa, she wondered if she could pick up Y-95, an

old radio station favorite. Adjusting the dials, instantly the hard-rocking sounds of the J Geils Band poured out through the

speakers. As the band serenaded her with their wit about how

much Love Stinks , she said softly, Boy, does it ever. Roxanne

snuck a peek at Frankie sleeping in the passenger seat, and fought

the temptation to turn up the volume.

Ten minutes later, she passed a sign reading: Welcome to Tampa.

A familiar excitement stirred within her. Yesterday, returning toFlorida was the last thing she wanted. But now, surprisingly,

coming home felt good. Of course, the new house probably had a

little something to do with that. Shed never laid eyes on it, outside

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chair, soaking up the sun. The tropical heat washed over

Roxanne in a thick wave of sweltering moisture as she dropped

into a nearby chair. Shed nearly forgotten how uncomfortableFloridas humidity could be. She wondered if Candy was asleep

and cleared her throat.

Candys eyes opened behind her Sun Clouds. After a moment,

she asked, Howd the interview go?

An unpleasant feeling devoured Roxanne. Reluctantly, she

admitted, Not well.

So what happened?All she wanted to talk about was Garrett-Hollander. Roxanne

tried to show as little emotion as possible, even to Candy.

Candy tipped her sunglasses up and propped them her

forehead. That was the subject?

In the background, one of Garrett-Hollanders songs poured

from the radio sitting on the ground at Candys side. Since

Roxannes unexplained disappearance from Franks life five years

ago, hed written many songs about her. Some indicated his hatred

for her, while others simply begged her to come back. There were

also songs alleging that shed been a hooker. It was one of those

songs that played on Candys radio now.

I played the fool

I trusted her

But she let me down

Cause while I was away

Roxanne was out selling herself

All over town

Im surprised she didnt ask me about that damn song.

Roxanne hated that song and she cursed Frank for writing it. Tohear him tell it, shed been out prostituting herself just because she

could. It hadnt been that way at all and it pissed her off that Frank

would suggest as much.

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So tell me what happened? Candy flashed Roxanne an eager

smile. She loved gossip. Especially when it involved the two of

them.Well, to make a long story short Roxanne hesitated. She

asked me point blank if Frank Garrett was the father of my son.

No... Candys disbelief lit in her emerald eyes, brightening

them. Whatd you say?

Well, I denied it of course, but the bitch wouldnt give up. She

paused long enough to get a hold on her frustration. She even

conned me into bringing Frankie out on the set.Duringtaping? Candys voice shook.

Oh, yes. And she commented on the resemblance too. Roxanne

reacted like an injured puppy. And she wasnt talking about me

and Frankie.

Oh, wow.

If he sees that show Roxannes voice trailed off as she

thought about Frank. Quickly though, she regained her composure

and added, I hate to think of the consequences.

Franks in his own little world, Candy said. The last thing

hes got time for is to keep up with you.

Yeah, right. Roxannes disbelief escaped in her laughter.

Candy didnt speak right away. The silence was deafening. Did

you know their first album was a flop? she asked, but didnt waitfor an answer. When their second album came out, it did so well

that people went out and bought the first one too.

They have two albums? Roxanne asked innocently.

Candy raked an admonishing glare over Roxanne. They have

three, which is my point exactly, she said, as if she knew Roxanne

had chosen to play dumb. Uh oh. That meant the lecture was

coming. It hasnt been your concern to keep up with him, so whyshould he have gone to so much trouble to keep up with you?

Okay, so maybe youre right. Roxanne wasnt quite ready to

give up the fight. But if what you say is truethen why do you

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know so much about them?

Candy ignored her question. You do have reason to be

concerned, though.How so?

If Frank does see that show...youre dead meat. She slid her

sunglasses down over her eyes and sank back into the lounge chair.

Thats very comforting Can Roxannes voice trailed off. She

didnt want to think about what might happen. Nothing good

could come from that.

Face the facts, Candy said, Frankie is a walking, talkingreplica of Frank, you know. Her undesirable words surrounded

Roxanne like a fine mist. I know you had your reasons for running

away from him. Compassion filled her tone, yet if offered little

comfort. But you better realizeit might be time to pay the

piper.

Roxanne went upstairs to take a long, hot bubble bath. Sitting on

the edge of the bathtub, she poured bath oil into the stream of

running water. She sat there almost in a trance, watching the tub fill

and the bubbles grow. Satisfied with the water level, she got

undressed and stepped in. She slid down through the bubbles, into

the comfort of the water, feeling confident it would soothe her soul

and make her troubles disappear.Why? Why was this happening now? Especially after all this

time. Everything had been going so well, too. But now the bottom

was about to fall out.

Why did it always come back to Frank Garrett? Roxanne tried to

put him out of her mind, just as shed tried to do so many times

before. But somehow, he managed to keep sneaking back into her

thoughts. A long time ago, she thought running away would solveher problems. She thought running away would set her free. Free

from Frank. Now she realized shed been mistaken.

It seemed her past was about to come back to haunt her. She

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knew she wasnt up to facing Frank. She didnt know if shed ever

be ready for that. In Roxannes mind she had done nothing but love

Frank. Shed only tried to help him, and in return hed let herdown. Once again, hed doubted her before giving her the

opportunity to explain. And hed promised he would never do that

again.

Roxanne wanted desperately to be able to go back. Back to the

beginning. Back when things were fine. Back before the hatred.

Back when there was only love.

As the water rocked back and forth, time began to rock back andforth as well, until Roxanne had no concept of time at all. And once

again, she had no idea what was the past and what was the

present.

Crazy For You


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PART I


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CHAPTER ONE

1981

Late Spring

Tennessee

THE GRAVE HAD settled immensely during the thirteen months since

Chucks death.A year. Wasnt that the expected mourning period

for a grief-stricken widow? If so, her time was up but Roxanne

didnt feel any better. Candy had said it was because Roxanne

couldnt let go with all the reminders around her.

Tears slid down Roxannes cheeks as she clawed at the dirt near

the headstone and dug a hole, finger deep. Satisfied with the depth,

she lifted her gaze back up to the marker and laid her hand against

the name. Charles Ray Simon.

Im sorry. She choked the words out between her sobs. I have

to go away. Candy says I have to for my own good. Her hand slid

down the marble. And you always said your sister was one smart

cookie. She tried to laugh, but it turned into a pitiful outcry ofpain.

Roxanne slipped the simple gold band off her left ring finger.

The hurt rippled up her chest and poured out in soft weeping. She

dropped her wedding band into the hole and pushed the dirt back

in, burying the ring. Her heart splintered a little more and she

swore she felt the last solid piece crumble.

Roxanne Cantrell Simon was convincedat the age ofnineteenthat shed never love again.

For six months, Candy Simon had been been campaigning for a


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change. A new start somewhere else. She needed it and her best

friend turned sister-in-law needed it. And, it wasnt like Roxanne

didnt have the moneythanks to an insurance policy and thewrongful death lawsuit.

Finally Roxanne relented, agreeing to set out for parts unknown.

It must have been fate that led Roxanne and Candy to Tampa. No

other plausible explanation existed for them ending up there. When

they left Tennessee they had no definite destination in mind, and

what made Roxanne take the freeway south rather than some other

direction is anybodys guess.A few days later, Roxanne and Candy found themselves in

Tampa, Florida, at the Ramada Inn off the 275 Busch Boulevard exit

to see what Tampa Bay had to offer.

The Ramada Inn desk clerk was how they discovered The Other

Placewhich turned out to be a trendy, hard-rocking club where

Candy felt right at home. The jam-packed party atmosphere

overwhelmed Roxanne and electrified her all at the same time.

A large bar just inside the door, off to the right, offered highly

sought-after stools for the clubs many patrons. Directly to the left,

a couple of steps led up to tables and the deejays booth. A path,

straight down the middle and well past the big bar, led to steps

descending to the dance floor and the stage off to the left. Almosthidden, especially from the front door, another smaller bar off to

the right could easily seat about twenty people.

Roxanne found comfort sitting at the clubs main bar, but on the

end near the door. Candy, however, preferred to spend her time

out on the dance floor. Every so often shed appear at Roxannes

side long enough to sip her drink and then the music would beckon

her back onto the dance floor.Several men had asked Roxanne to dance, but she turned them

all down briskly. Getting up there on that dance floor was the last

thing she intended to do. Roxanne preferred to sit back and watch

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the goings on of the bars other patrons.

She scanned the crowd. About halfway down the left side of the

bar, he caught her attention. His tall willowy frame towered abovethe others. His jet-black hair, full of body, cascaded just past his

shoulders. Even though he was too far away to identify the color of

his eyes, something about them reached across the bar and

captivated her.

Realizing hed been watching her stare at him, her bashfulness

took over and she looked away. She wondered where Candy was,

but that didnt last long. Roxannes desire to sneak another peek atthe handsome man was too strong.

This is crazy! What could a man like that possibly see in me?

But she couldnt help herself. She cut her eyes back toward

himbut he was gone.

Frank hadnt been expecting much when he decided to hit The

Other Placeon this rare night off when the band wasnt playing.

He wasnt really lookinghe knew half a dozen girls he could call

up right now and theyd drop whatever, or whoever, they were

doing and run down to the bar to meet him. But they just wanted to

be seen out on the town with a local musician, and he wasnt in the

mood to be anyones trophy tonight.

But then he saw her. And she was watching him, too. He moved

to the other side of the bar on purpose, just to see if shed look forhim. She did, and that pleased him.

There was something different about her. Something

distinctively different from any of the girls hed ever known. An air

of genuine innocence permeated around this girl whose beauty

mesmerized him. Her light chestnut hair hung halfway down her

back, complementing a smile that had a way of luring him in. She

was a classic beauty, but he didnt think she knew it. Shed beenpassively watching the goings on around her, but now she actively

searched for someone in particular. Him.

A girla pretty blonde, but not Franks typedanced her way

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back toMiss Youre-mine-tonight and grabbed her drink. Frank

stepped up to the bar and ordered another beer.

Candy landed at Roxannes side and leaned against the bar. Shegrabbed her glass and sucked down her drink. When she came up

for air, she asked, Whats up? Seen anything you like?

At first, Roxanne wanted to tell Candy about him, but her better

judgment told her to keep quiet. No.

Get me another drink, would you? Candy asked as another

dance tune filled the air. She ran off, grabbing some guys hand on

her way to the dance floor.Roxanne was glad she hadnt confided in Candy. Candy would

have embarrassed her. She wouldve gone and gotten the guy and

brought him back to Roxannes side. That couldve turned into a

humiliating situation, especially if he didnt want to be gotten.

Your friend seems to continuously abandon you. The voice

came from behind her, bringing Roxanne out of her thoughts of

impending doom.

He was standing behind her. She didnt know how she knew it,

but she knew it. An unfamiliar excitement spread through her.

Unable to resist, she glanced over her shoulder and got lost in his

piercing, hypnotic blue eyes. Her instincts told her to look away,

but she couldnt. No matter how hard she tried to break the spell

she couldnt.Let me guess. He winked at her. Your friend likes to dance

and you dont?

Nah, not really.

I hear you. He took a drink of his beer. I hate to dance.

She giggled shyly and looked away.

Im Frank, he said, and instantly a strange look crossed her

face. He wasnt expecting that.Whats the matter? You dont likemy name? he asked, feigning injury.

No, its not that. She shook her head. Frank is my fathers

name.

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Well, there you go. He glanced at the empty barstool at her

side. Mind if I sit down?

Be my guest. Her heart fluttered so wildly she thought it mightfly out of her chest. Im Roxanne. She managed to introduce

herself, which wasnt easy since the stranger whod sat down

beside her was totally enamoring.

Roxanne he repeated her name and paused, as if pondering

it. Can I call you Roxie? He flashed her an irresistible smile and it

was all over.

Suit yourself, she said, so long as I can call you Frankie.He laughed. Deal. She could call him whatever she wanted, if

it got him further entwined in her good graces. How old are you?

he asked, more for chit-chats sake than anything else.

Nineteen.

Where are you from? Millions of questions filled his head. He

wanted to learn everything there was to know about her.

Tennessee.

How long you been living here?

Oh, we dont live here, she said, playing with her straw.

Disappointment stabbed at his heart. She must have sensed it

because she quickly offered, Butif my sister and I decide we like

it here...we just might stay.

That thought mended his wound. If there was the slightestchance shed hang around for a while, hed convince her it was the

thing to do. Is there anything I can do to persuade you to stay? he

said, pouring on the charm.

What are you...writing a book? Her sharp tone snapped the

words at him. The smirk accompanying her jab lasted for all of a

second or two before it melted from her face. Im sorrythat was

rude.Dont be sorry, he said. Youve got spunkI like that.

She gave him one of those looks that saidno she didnt. Did that

mean Frank was affecting her in a way that no one else ever had?

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He hoped so.

He bought her a drink, another first for Frank, and they talked

the night away. Normally, he wouldve used his status as the leadsinger and co-founder of one of the areas most admired bar bands

to his advantage , but this time he didnt think it would get him

very far. Instead of trying to charm her with the promise of music,

he conceded the stage. Besides, getting to know her was a lot more

interesting than bragging about himself. Before Frank knew it, last

call had come on like a whirlwind.

Listen He didnt want to miss the opportunity to see heragain. if I give you my phone number, would you promise to

call me...even if its only to say goodbye?

Sure.

Frank wrote his number on a napkin and Roxanne stuck it inside

her purse without looking at it.

Can I see you and your sister to your car? he said, because it

seemed like the gentlemanly thing to do.

No...but you can walk us to my van.She chuckled, as if shed

realized the humor in her remark.

Cute. Frank had no choice but to laugh. I owe you, he

promised.

Candy couldnt imagine seeing Roxanne in such a frisky mood.

This wasnt her nature at all. But Roxanne was laughing. Shecouldnt remember the last time shed heard Roxanne laugh. At

that moment, Candy decided she liked Frank Garrett.

The three of them walked through the parking lot and Frank

decided to see if he could get Candy on his side. Candy, I was

telling Roxie that if you girls decide to stick around for awhile,

maybe you can come see my band play sometime.

Thatd be fun, Candy said without much interest and got intothe van.

Frank turned to Roxanne. Well He slid his hands into his

pockets and smiled. I guess Id better let you go. Was he nuts? It

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must be so. Why was he not trying to close this deal tonight? His

instincts were telling him to wait. It was a move he hoped he didnt

end up regretting.It was nice meeting you, Roxanne said.

May I kiss your cheek?

Id like that.

Franks lips brushed against her face, swathing her in chills

fueled by a craving shed never experiencednot to this extent. She

shuddered, unsure about what to do with the unfamiliar desires.

Good night. He stuck his hands still inside his pockets, and itlooked like he was pushing himself to leave. Finally, when he did

turn to walk away, Roxanne felt like a part of her was leaving with

him.

Night her voice trailed off as she watched Frank go.

Granted, Chuck was the only man whod ever kissed herbefore

tonightbut she couldnt remember a single one of his kisses ever

leaving her so indefensible.

Hey, Rocky Candy called to her. Hes gone. You can get in

the van now.

Roxanne hesitated, trying to bury the emotion she was sure had

found its way to her face. She couldnt let CandyChucks sister

see what she was feeling. She climbed inside the passengers seat

and avoided looking at Candy.Whats wrong? Candy asked.

Nothing. Roxanne went for casual, but feared she missed.

I thought you liked him?

I do. Finally, she looked at Candy. But maybe I should just

forget the whole thing.

Why? Candy gave her a scrutinizing glance. You like him.

And he definitely likes you. So, whats the problem?Well Roxanne knew it was a bad idea but she said it

anyway, I guess I feel guilty.

Guilty? Candy said, confused. For what?

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For feeling the way I feel.

Candys eyes lit up, like a light bulb had turned on inside her

head. Youve got the hots for Frank! she said, pointing anaccusatory finger at Roxanne.

Is that bad?

No... Candy shook her head. Listen, you shouldnt feel guilty

because you want Frank. Chuck wouldnt want you to feel guilty,

she said. My brother would want you to do whatever it takes to

make yourself happy.

Roxanne knew Candy was right about that. Chuck wouldntwant either of them to stop living just because he had. She took on

a feeling of confidence as Candy gave her a quick nod, and then

Roxanne remembered what she had said about Frank liking her.

Do you really think he likes me? she asked. Or do you think he

just wants a piece?

Wellhe probably wants a piece, Candy said. But I dont

think thats all he wants.

Why me?

Look, dont sell yourself short. Candy started the van and

shifted into gear. I believe that Frank genuinely likes you.

And everybody knew, Candy was a good judge of character.

Sunning by the motels pool, Candy looked at herself. In a matter ofdays shed acquired a nice tan. There was something to be said for

Florida. Another month and shed be a gorgeous, bronze color

something that Kathy Pritchard, back home, would kill for.

She looked at Roxanne, wondering if shed been thinking about

Frank at all. Candy sure had. She hadnt forgotten how hed made

Roxanne laugh. He needed to do that again, but Roxanne had to

call him before that could happen. Apparently, Candy was going tohave to light that fire.

Rocky She put forth extra effort to sound casual. do you

like it here?

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Sure, Roxanne said, a bit indifferently.

Well, lets stay here then.

Roxannes head popped up. She shaded her eyes and looked atCandy. You really want to?

Sure. Candy didnt want to leave Tampa without Roxanne

exploring the possibility of what might happen with Frank. If he

could help her mend her heart, even a little bit, then it would be

worth it. And you could call your friend, Frank. Maybe hes got a

really cute friend in that band of his whos looking for a gorgeous

petite blonde.Candys contagious laughter filled the air, infecting Roxanne.

Yep, Candy was pretty much convinced. Frank Garrett was just the

medicine Roxanne needed.

Crazy For You

crazy for you_excerpt

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