Better Than Chocolate (7 page)

      “One day I’m going to do the zip line,” Elena said laughing.

      “No time like now,” Race said.

      “I don’t think so,” Elena said shivering slightly.

      “It must be safe,” Brad said, a gleam in his eyes.

      “Are you kidding? They have so many safety regulations for this place it’s unreal,” Race said. “And I look after the equipment myself.”

      “You wouldn’t believe how safety conscious he is,” chimed Lydia.

      But Elena was anything but sure as she looked down the valley. She knew Race. He was a daredevil. She wasn’t. Even as part of her longed to zip through the air like a bird another part wanted to stay firmly anchored to terra firma.

      “Come on,” Race said. “You know you want to.”

      She looked at Brad. “Interested?”

      “I’ll go if you go,” he said easily, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. “It’ll be fun.”

      “That’s it,” Lydia said excited. “There’s nothing like your first zip ride.”

      “You’ve gone before?”

      “We go all the time,” Race said shrugging as if it were no big deal.

      “I guess it can’t be too bad then,” Elena said faintly.

      Before she knew it they were outfitted in safety harnesses and helmets while Race gave them a lecture on how to do it. “You’re perfectly safe,” he said hooking up one more carbineer. “Just remember to let go and relax. You’ll feel like you’re flying.”

      “It’s now or never,” Brad said, looking at her.

      “Ladies first,” Race said and gave her a slight push.

      With a gasp she reached out grabbing Brad. Before she knew it they were hurtling through the air at breakneck speed. She was going to die. She was going to die. She was going to…

      “It’s OK,” Brad was shouting over the wind.

      “No, it’s not,” she shrieked, but at the same time she could feel herself relaxing ever so slightly. She’d pulled Brad with her. But he wasn’t scared she realized. He … was laughing.

      She was going to die and he was laughing about it. Laughing! What kind of maniac was he?

      “Just relax,” she heard him shouting. “You’re safe.”

      Yeah sure. If you didn’t count the fact that they were hurtling at breakneck speed towards a platform in the far distance.

      “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything bad happen.”

      Wasn’t that what everyone said in scary movies before something bad
really
did happen? She stopped screaming momentarily.

      “Breathe, just breathe.”

      “What?” Now he was a fucking Lamaze coach? Even so she took another breath in. And another. Still alive! She wiggled her toes, opened her eyes. It was gorgeous. They were flying through rain forest following the course of the river below.

      Oh my God! This was incredible. It was better than chocolate. Better than sex.

      Chocolate. She needed more chocolate in her life. When she got back to earth she was going to buy herself the biggest, fattest chocolate bar available. But for now…

She was flying! She really was! She should let go of Brad. But her fingers refused to. A sense of exhilaration flooded her as they landed on the platform. She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. “It’s like flying,” she cried, hugging Brad as hard as she could.

      How could she have not seen it before? What would she have missed if she’d stayed safely on the other side? He was laughing with her and hugging her back.

      “Oh my God, that was amazing!”

      “It was pretty incredible,” he said grinning ear to ear. “Look.” He pointed down the valley where the first rosy streak of sunset filled the sky.

      “It’s so gorgeous,” she said, awe in her voice.

      He held her tight, wishing this moment would never end. “How’re we going to get back?”

      “What?”

      “If we use the zip cords we should probably leave now. Otherwise I think Race said there was a truck they used to get back when guests weren’t feeling so adventurous.”

      “I want to fly,” she said, facing him with not a moment’s hesitation, eyes wide with excitement.

      “Then we’d better go now,” he said. He pointed up to the higher line. “He told me that’s how they come back. Are you up for it?”

      “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

      They hooked each other up. She paused, facing him, a question mark in her eyes. “You’re sure this is the way it was before?”

      “99%.”

      For just a moment she felt the old Elena surface. But she’d learned to trust Brad. He hadn’t let her down. Yet. “That’s about as good as it gets,” she said bravely.

      He hugged her, proud of her, how brave she was, how fearless. “You want me to go first?”

      “I’d rather have the view,” she said laughing at him.

      “OK, then.”

      This time she relaxed, enjoying the feeling of freedom as she few through the air, the exhilaration as she passed over the river seeing tubers floating along, watching as an otter dove under the water in pursuit of fish.

      All too soon it was over and she watched as Brad followed behind, landing at her side. She was aware of Race looking at her with a new respect. This was not the Elena he was used to.

      “I can see why you and Lydia like travelling the zip line together,” she said. “Thank you.”

      “Anytime,” Race said. “You should see the zip line in South America.” He spent the next half hour telling them of his adventures in the Amazon navigating the rainforest in zip lines while involved in research with a friend of his.

      “He forgets to tell you about the infection that almost killed him”, Lydia said dryly.

      “It was still an amazing experience.”

      Lydia just rolled her eyes and Elena laughed. She was beginning to realize how much Lydia balanced Race. They spent an enjoyable evening together listening to stories of Race’s adventures with and with Lydia. And there were several piece of blown glass that would work perfectly in Elena’s gallery.

      When they left the next morning Elena had carefully wrapped a several sets of icicles and some blown glass vases and bowls that looked as if they’d been taken from magical rocks and stones of the earth itself.

      “You’ve got a good eye,” Brad said, as they said their goodbyes and got back on the road again.

      “And talented friends,” she said simply. “It makes life easier.”

      “Can you trust me to have talented friends too?” he said.

`     She could see the question mark in his eyes even as it hit her. Trust. That was really what this was all about. Did she trust Brad enough to go to Vancouver with him, to accept his advice?

And she knew even as the question hit her what the answer was. She did trust Brad.instinctively, automatically. Even as her brain found reasons to doubt him her heart said trust him. She looked at him. “Of course.” As simple as that.

CHAPTER SIX

      Vancouver was a different story. Even as they drove off the ferry she could feel herself changing. Vancouver took her back, made her a different person.

      It took her back to being a child in a larger than life family who used her art as a way of coping. She looked at Brad now. “Are you sure this is necessary?”

      He just nodded. “You need to know who you’re doing business with.”

      “But you said they’re both good.”

      “They are,” he said without hesitation. “But it’s good to learn to trust your gut too. And it’s always better to deal with people directly. That way you’re not just a number to them.”

      “I’m not having dinner with my family or staying overnight.”

      “I’m not asking you too.” He paused for a minute. “I do have to meet with your dad at some point today. It might be nice if you could say hello.”

      “Hello, maybe coffee,” she said firmly. “That’s it.”

      “Your choice,” he said shrugging. He still didn’t understand Elena’s relationship with her dad. But it wasn’t up to him. Could they have a relationship while he worked with her dad? He looked at her now. Somehow she was smaller, more vulnerable. He reached over, squeezing her hand, wanting to give her strength, give her courage.

      She smiled back, tremulously as they drove into Vancouver. She like who she was becoming. Yet somehow the farther they drove into Vancouver the more she felt herself becoming the shy, timid Elena she had been growing up.

      Yet, nervous as she was, Brad couldn’t help but notice she looked as if she belonged here. Her long hair was smooth perfection topping a white trench coat perfect for Vancouver rain while classic black pants fitted to perfection gave way to what were probably hideously expensive Manolo Blaniks or some other equally expensive designer shoes in a bright red. Underneath she wore a simple black suit jacket. Only the jewellery said artist. Hand done enamel earrings and a necklace from an artist friend complimented her outfit perfectly and gave her a touch of individuality.

      Hans Helgensen, the first potential investor, nodded approvingly as he greeted them. “So you are Elena. Brad’s told me so much about you and your gallery/coffee shop I almost feel I know you.” He was charming in an old world fashion and she felt herself relax as she took the pro-offered seat.

      The terms Brad had gone over with her were very favourable and she was totally charmed. “But in fairness I must at least listen to the other proposal,” she protested.

“After all Brad has gone to all the effort of arranging it.”

      “Don’t wait too long then,” Mr. Helgensen had said without rancour. “The deal won’t be on the table long.”

      “I expect to know by the end of today,” she said. “I’ll let you know either way.”

      “Ah, a woman after my own heart,” he said approvingly. “Then I look forward to hearing from you.”

      “I like him,” she said , as they left the building.

      “Good. More important, do you feel you can trust him?”

      “Of course I do,” she said looking at him as if he were insane. “You told me it was a good deal.”

      “That’s true. But even I make mistakes. Not about him,” he said hastily. “But it’s good to meet these people yourself, make your own decisions.”

      “OK. Can you tell me about the other one?”

      “Their terms are both pretty close. I’ve worked with both before and found them reliable. Really it’s up to you. I’m sure you and Karen will get along well.”

      She felt a stab of pain. “Karen?”

      “Surprised? More and more women are in business and banking. That might work to your advantage.”

      “I suppose. Have you worked with her much in the past?”

      “Enough,” he said as they reached West Shore Investments. “After you,” he said holding the door open.

      The elevator opened on the fifteenth floor and they were ushered into a corner office overlooking Vancouver’s harbour. Business was apparently very, very good for Karen.

      She stood up to greet them now. A petite, pretty woman, she was dressed conservatively in a grey business suit with green silk blouse that brought out the red in her short, copper coloured hair and the green of her eyes. She was a good foot shorter than Elena which made Elena wish she hadn’t worn heels as she shook hands with her.

But if there was one thing Elena’s father had taught her it was not to let appearances deceive her. Karen might be short and pretty but she hadn’t rated a corner office on the top floor because she was Suzy Home-maker. Elena was not surprised when she sat down in her office chair, turned it around and focused in on her. “So a gallery/coffee shop. Brad tells me it’s a good investment? Why?”

“It’s in a good location and it’s a perfect mix. Starbucks does well. So will Elena’s. And while they’re drinking coffee they’ll have a chance to look at the gallery.”

“So why doesn’t Starbucks have a gallery?”

“If it had been opened by an artist it probably would.”

“Maybe,” she said frowning. “But are you as good at selling coffee as they are?”

“I can be. The money I’m asking for gives me operating capital to get it up and running. If it does as well as I think it will just on the coffee shop, I can pay you back in a year – maybe less.”

“With these terms you’d better be able to. I’m not Santa Claus. If this does as well as you hope it will – what then – have you thought about franchising?”

Her heart thumped in her chest. “Not at this point.”

“Mm. Well, keep it in mind Elena. Consider this a starting investment. What I really want is a chance at the franchise if it works out.”

“It’s something to think about,” Elena said with a good deal more calm than she felt. This woman really thought her gallery/coffee shop could be the next big thing? “I’ll let you know tonight whether or not I’ve chosen to go with your package.”

It was all she could do to keep a straight face. Once out on the street she didn’t even try. “She thinks I could be the next Starbucks! Can you believe it?”

Brad just hugged her. “I told you – you can be anything you want.”

“I can’t believe it. Elena’s is really going to be a success. REALLY!”

He wanted to kiss her. Hard. The kind of kiss that made the world stop spinning. He wanted to make mad, passionate love to her right there. “Come on. I’ll buy you lunch and we’ll celebrate.”

He took her to the Waterfront Café and they drank expensive champagne while toasting Elena’s, toasting life.

“Oh my God, can you believe it! They both want to lend me money. And Karen thinks I should franchise! Franchise? How do you franchise art? I’m not ready for this. I just want Elena’s to be a success. I want people to come in and drink coffee and talk about art and talk about their day and their life.”

She looked at Brad. He was so gorgeous. And wonderful. She wanted to kiss him.

The phone rang. He cursed softly under his breath and thought about not answering it.

“Aren’t you going to get that?”

He flipped open the phone. “Brad Phillips. Oh Greg … Yeah, we were almost on our way up. Half an hour, forty-five minutes tops.”

The euphoric high between them evaporated like champagne bubbles gone flat. “It’ll be short and sweet, I promise.” But already he could see her shutting down, drawing a veil between them.

Inside herself she was having a war. She knew he worked for her dad. They’d gone over that. It wasn’t fair to hold it against him. But she couldn’t help it. No matter what he said about keeping their business private she was always going to feel like part of it was going back to her dad.

She couldn’t say she was sorry he’d sent him over. For once she had to admit she was glad. She’d never have come this far with Elena’s without him. Not that she was ever going to admit that to either of them. And thank God she hadn’t kissed him. Just the idea of kissing him and then going to see her dad was – Yuk.

So grown up she thought, mentally rolling her eyes. She wasn’t a little girl anymore. She was a grown woman and she’d pick her own boyfriends. She wanted her dad so far out of her love life he was on another planet.

They entered Tighe Enterprises. Greg Tighe’s office made Karen Smith’s seem like a broom closet. He was standing in front of a model when they came in. His latest baby she guessed. He turned towards them, a smile lighting up his face. “Elena!” He held out his arms and hugged her. “Brad,” he said nodding in his direction.

Then he stood back giving Elena a closer inspection, eyes sweeping up and down. “You look good. Chemainus agrees with you. How’d you like my birthday present?”

She smiled in spite of herself. “I’m glad I didn’t send him back.”

      “Came pretty close,” Brad said smiling.

      “Well, if you’d just listen to me,” Greg grumbled.

      She held up her hand in warning. “Dad I told you – this is my business.”

      “OK, OK. But everybody needs help sometimes. City College wants me to teach a course on business. Can you believe it? And people are lined up waiting to get in. They’re going to pay money for the chance.”

      “You’re the best Dad, you really are. But…”

      “OK, OK.” He turned towards the model. “You want to see what your old man and Brad have been working on?” He gestured towards it. “Enlo Terraces. The newest in environmentally friendly building” He looked up at Brad. “Thanks for talking to Martin for me. He’s calmed right down.”

      “Is there anything green left?”

      “Has to be. It’s the only way to get LEEDS certification. See – your old man’s not that bad.” He pointed at the model. “Environmentally state of the art. We re-use everything. You take a pee, it’s re-cycled!”

      “DADD…!”

      “Well, it’s true. Goes through some kind of processing and gets used to water the gardens. Next step we won’t just have them eating, sleeping, working and playing in the damn complex – we’ll have gardens producing all the fruits and vegetables any human being could want.”

      She looked down at the tiny cars running on the street. “Why do you need cars then?”

      “Time-share for anyone who wants to go away for the weekend, overnight, etc. and needs a car. Plus they’re electric. For maintenance we’ve got electric golf carts. Really – we’ve thought of everything.”

      “Impressive,” she said and meant it. As far as she knew her father held to the view that the only good environmentalist was a dead one.

      He punched Brad lightly on the arm. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Don’t you think it’s about time you got back over here?”

      “I thought you said he was mine,” Elena sad, feeling suddenly territorial.

      “He is. He is. At least until you’re up and running. You’re staying for dinner?”

      “Can’t dad. We’ve got too much to do. But as long as the renovation stays on schedule we should be ready for the grand opening at the end of the month. You and mom are both invited.”

      “Speaking of which she’s going to be disappointed to miss you.”

      “You know how it is dad. It’s business.”

      “I guess I had that coming.” He sighed. “You’re sure you can’t stay the night?”

      “Positive. But maybe next time.”

      “OK, I won’t try to change your mind.”

      Heels clicked a staccato beat across the marble floors outside and they turned to see Elena’s mother approaching, full speed. Arms loaded with shopping bags she resembled nothing so much as a shopping mannequin come to life and gone berserk.

      “Elena,” you didn’t tell me you were going to be in town.”

      “It was a last minute thing, A business meeting.”

      “Oh no. You sound just like your dad.” She looked Brad up and down. “Wait a minute. I know you, don’t I?”
      “He works for me,” Greg smiled at his wife, “and he’s Elena’s business consultant.”

      “I thought you wanted us to stay out of it,” she said, looking at Elena accusingly.

      “I did. I did. It’s just …” she threw her hands up in the air. “Why do I even try?”

      “Oh darling, it’s not important,” her mother said. She turned to Brad. “You’re cute though. You could help me with my business anytime.”

      “MO-omm…”

      “Oh darling, he knows I’m just joking. You do, don’t you?”

      Brad nodded, smiling. But Elena felt mortified. She grabbed Brad’s arm.

      “That’s it. We have to leave now or we’ll miss our ferry. It’s so good to see you. Really. Really!” She almost dragged Brad out the door and into the elevator.

      “I’m so sorry.”

      “I’m not.”

      She rolled her eyes. “My mother flirted with you! Can you believe it. Oh my God! I mean I know my mother flirts with everyone but – oh my God!”

      “It’s really not that bad. It’s not like she expects me to take her up on it.”

      “You know what they’re going to do now. They’re going to argue because you’re dad’s and she hasn’t had a chance to help with my business at all. And he promised.”