Brandy's Summer Idol

By Marcia Carrington

Brandy Harper will be spending a quiet summer at home in mourning after the death of her grandparents, which has been mandated by her mother. As she has just turned eighteen, she is feeling the sensation of summer in her veins, but cannot go anywhere. One day when the family car is having mechanical problems, Brandy’s father Garth calls the workshop, and they send out young, good-looking Ryan Chalice to start the car.

Brandy cannot believe her eyes when she sees Ryan, and makes subtle moves to become friendlier with the masculine, but low-profile Ryan, against the vehement protests of her mother Agnes. Will this summer be one Brandy cherishes for the rest of her life, or one filled with nothing but heartache?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcia Carrington
• Release date: Aug 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311831255

Marcia Carrington

Marcia Carrington writes about the human condition, exploring what makes people tick, but in an upbeat and optimistic tone. She writes in a variety of genres, mainly romance but also, comedy, suspense, crime, paranormal, mystery, YA and NA. Her collection of thirty-four books vary in length from full-length works to novellas, novelettes to short stories. Marcia's latest books are short story romance THE FUNERAL, released in September 2019, and venturing again into science fiction/paranormal territory with DREAM STATE, a novelette released in December 2019. Apart from writing and reading, Marcia also has a great love for coffee. The morning coffee has always been a staple for Marcia, and something which she cannot do without. There is just something about the fresh aroma of coffee early in the morning, and anytime for that fact, which proves irresistible to her. Marcia can be contacted on Twitter, and you can also visit her on her Blog at http://marciasbooktalk.wordpress.com/ and on Pinterest.

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Brandy’s Summer Idol

Marcia Carrington

Published by Marcia Carrington at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Marcia Carrington

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MarciaCarrington

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

Credit for the cover image:

(C) - Alanpoulson: Dreamstime.com

Chapter One

Garth, Agnes said, as they walked into the living room.

What is it Agnes? Garth asked, stopping across from Agnes, and watching her carefully. Agnes removed the handbag from her shoulder, and placed it on the marble table.

Brandy will just have to learn that life is not all sunshine and rainbows, and death occurs, and must be properly put into perspective, Agnes said, adjusting the collar of her black blouse, as she approached the decanter, pouring herself some water into a tumbler.

Garth frowned, removing his suit jacket, leaving it on the sofa, and running his hand through his light brown hair.

But Agnes, she’s a teenager, and it’s summer, after all. We can’t have her locked up here in the house; she wants to see her friends and everything…it’s not fair for her, Garth said, undoing his tie which was a little constricting in the summer heat, and unbuttoning his top shirt button.

Agnes turned to him, and widened her eyes, taking a sip of the water from the crystal tumbler.

Fair? Ha! Who says life’s ever fair? Anyway, a little sacrifice won’t hurt her here or there, Agnes said.

What are you saying? Garth said. That because a tragedy’s occurred in our family, everyone else has to stop living?

Agnes flopped her hand at him.

Oh, you’ll never get it, will you, Agnes said, settling into the armchair, as Garth sat opposite her, shaking his head.

Brandy was in her bedroom, changing from her formal black skirt suit, and into something more comfortable for a summer’s day. She and her family had just been to the funeral of her maternal grandparents, and this was an event which rocked everyone to the core. Brandy’s grandfather had lost control of the car one day when he was driving, crashing it into an electricity pole. The accident killed Brandy’s grandmother instantly, while her grandfather lost his life later in hospital.

Brandy adored her grandparents, and it was still hard to believe she would not see them again. This event, though, had taken a toll especially on Brandy’s mother Agnes, who had changed emotionally from calm and happy, to edgy, and very snappish. Brandy was preparing for an avalanche from her mother, and somehow did not blame her, but felt it was largely unwarranted in her case. She had been as supportive as possible to her, but it seemed this was never good enough for Agnes. Brandy was now dressed in a simple t-shirt and skirt, and opened the doors to her balcony. She sat on the white Adirondack chair, and took in the afternoon breeze, which was the best thing she had encountered all day.

Garth wrung his hands, sitting forward in the armchair, and viewing Agnes with disbelief.

Get what Agnes? Garth said.

That both of my parents are now dead, and they have nothing to celebrate. We have nothing to celebrate, either. And because they can’t and we can’t, neither can Brandy, Agnes said, sitting back in the chair, swirling the water in her tumbler.

And you don’t think I comprehend that? I understand everything, but I think you’re being a little harsh, Garth said.

Harsh? Agnes said, swiveling her head to Garth. "I’m being harsh? It’s not your parents who are in the ground, their lives cut short, Agnes said, arising from the seat, and slamming the tumbler on the table. Garth arose from his chair, taking Agnes by the hand, stopping her from moving away from him. Let me go."

Agnes, stop, let’s talk more, Garth said.

No, I’ve spoken enough with you, now it’s Brandy’s turn, Agnes said, as she turned, and made her way to Brandy’s bedroom. Agnes walked with a mission to her daughter’s room, with Garth close behind. Brandy spun from her position on the chair, and smiled solemnly at her mom and dad.

Hey mom, Brandy said.

Brandy, I want to make some things clear to you about this summer, Agnes said.

Brandy raised her eyebrows, and flicked back her light brown hair behind her shoulders.

What do you mean mom? Brandy said, getting up from the chair, and facing her mother.

I’ll be making some rules with you now that you’ll abide by for this summer, Agnes said, glowering at her daughter.

Brandy’s blue eyes popped out.

Rules? What rules? Brandy said.

Agnes smiled haughtily at her daughter.

Oh, it’s not exactly music to your ears, is it? You’re so used to doing what you want when you want, but that’s about to change, Agnes said.

But mom, Brandy said, lowering her head at her mother.

Agnes waved her index finger at Brandy, and shook her head.

"Agnes," Garth said, rolling his eyes.

Agnes turned to Garth, giving him a stern expression.

You’ve been too soft with her, letting her do whatever she wants, well, now that she’s eighteen, she’ll have to act more like an adult than before, and this means, more responsibility, Agnes said, coldly.

Brandy’s face became ashen with bewilderment.

Have I done something wrong, mom? Tell me what it is, and I’ll make it up to you. I’ll do anything, Brandy said.

Agnes grimaced at Brandy, and raised her eyebrows.

Anything? You’ll do anything? Now we’re on the same page, Agnes said. Brandy watched her mother with confusion. As you so happily say you’ll do anything for me, you’ll make a sacrifice for me this summer, and work within my rules.

Garth tipped his head in disdain at Agnes.

Agnes, you’re being a mite too strict, Garth said.

Yes, ah, well Brandy, this summer, you won’t celebrate like all the others running around at the beach, cavorting with young men, and making an almighty fool of yourself, Agnes said.

Brandy shook her head, her eyes now saucer-shaped in sorrow.

But mom, I never do things like that, you know, Brandy said.

No, I don’t know. Just because you’ve turned eighteen doesn’t mean you can become like all the others. This summer you’ll stay at home, with no parties, no merrymaking, nothing, Agnes said, folding her arms in front of her daughter.

What! I can’t see my friends, like Arabella, Brandy said, bursting into tears.

Agnes, stop this madness! Garth said, pulling Agnes to the side.

No, you stop it, Agnes said, freeing her hand from Garth’s grip. Only Arabella’s allowed into our house, but your other friends can amuse themselves with each other, and their boyfriends. Your grandparents won’t be able to enjoy the summer, and that doesn’t mean you can. Their memory will be cherished by us as a family for the next while, and that’s the end of it, Agnes said, treating her daughter to an icy glance, before walking out of the room, leaving Garth and Brandy shocked. Seeing that Brandy was dumbfounded by Agnes’ behavior, Garth walked closer to his daughter, and wrapped his arms around her.

Dad, what’s happened to mom? Brandy asked, copious tears falling from her eyes.

Garth nodded knowingly, and stroked her hair.

Oh honey, your mom’s become shell-shocked by the death of your grandparents, and isn’t well at the moment. We’ve…we’ve got to be patient with her, Garth said, throwing a slight smile at Brandy.

I know, but… Brandy said.

Sh, Garth said, placing his finger on her lips. We’ll work this out together, and help her through it. You’re a smart young woman, you understand everything, but, I’m here for you both, Garth said.

Brandy’s eyes glowed at Garth; they had almost the same color eyes, and resembled each other greatly, especially in their placid temperaments.

Oh daddy, I love you, you’re the best! Brandy said, hugging him.

Remember what I said sweetie, don’t answer back to mom, just let her be, Garth said, pulling away from Brandy to look her in the eyes.

Brandy bit her lips, and nodded.

Okay, daddy, Brandy said, as Garth held her hand for a few moments, and let it go. Garth watched her as he left the room, and quietly closed the door behind him. Brandy sighed intensely, walking over to the dresser, and pulling out a photo of herself, her mom, and her father. She peered at it, taking notice especially of her mother. Normally a beautiful, spirited woman, Agnes was now a drawn, dank version of her usual self, which troubled Brandy. Today the family had gotten through her grandparents’ funeral somehow, but Brandy hoped Agnes’ behavior would gradually improve over time, and she would return to being the great mom she was.

Chapter Two

Let’s go out somewhere today, and have a change of scenery. What do you say Agnes? Garth said, watching his wife in earnest. Agnes looked at him with a blank