"Hey, can you meet for lunch today? Do you have time?"
Alessandra looked at her schedule and answered, "Maybe. I have a client coming at one o'clock. I think I can squeeze in about forty-five minutes if you come to my side of town. Is everything okay?"
Sammi answered, "Things are fine. I just haven't seen you since we got back from that place that we agreed not to mention and I miss you."
"Aww, but it's only been a week. I'm just trying to catch up on work. Sorry that I haven't really had time to chat. How are things with you, girl?" Alessandra looked through swatches as she listened.
Sammi filled her in on all the details of her work life. "Okay, so how about that pizza place over on Broadway? Can we meet there at like eleven thirty or so?" Sammi asked, sounding anxious.
Alessandra agreed, feeling like something was wrong. Normally, Sammi would be all too eager to fill her in on all aspects of her personal life as well, but something seemed a little off. She checked her calendar to see if she missed some important date or event, but couldn't find any. Knowing her friend, the way she did, she assumed whatever was on her mind would be somehow connected to any one of the men that floated in and out of her life these days.
Sammi was a serial dater. She didn't like relationships because they cramped her style. She enjoyed the freedom to do exactly as she pleased whenever she pleased and, for her, relationships appeared to be too stifling, so she remained as far away from them as possible.
*
"Good. You're here early." Sammi stood up to hug Alessandra.
"Hi! Is everything okay?" Alessandra looked her friend up and down to find any clues as to what the emergency lunch was all about, but she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary about her.
Sammi sat down and made small talk while they waited for the food she'd already ordered to arrive. Things appeared to be normal, but Alessandra got the sinking feeling that something was about to happen. She couldn't help worrying about what that might be. Every few seconds, she peered over her shoulder to see if the ex she hoped to never see again would just suddenly show up and, if he did, she had to be prepared to leave.
Finally, after several uncomfortable minutes of waiting for bad news to strike, Alessandra asked, "What's going on? Something is up and you need to tell me. I don't like surprises. You know that."
Sammi smiled, nervously touching her hand to her face. That's when Alessandra saw it. On her right ring finger was a princess cut diamond ring.
Grabbing her friend's hand, Alessandra squealed, "Is that an engagement ring?"
Others in the restaurant turned their attention to the two women. Sammi was grinning from ear to ear, tears brimming in her eyes.
"You're getting married?" Alessandra was stunned. "To who?"
Sammi laughed, her hands shaking. "You remember that guy Robert that I told you about?"
Alessandra shook her head. Over the last several months, Sammi had mentioned so many different men, she had trouble keeping up with who was who.
"No. Which one is he? The banker?" Alessandra couldn't think straight.
Sammi shook her head. "No, the fireman from Logan Square."
"The fireman? I thought you didn't like him because he was too nice?" Alessandra stared at the ring.
Sammi didn't answer. She remembered saying that Robert wasn't bad boy enough for her. She looked at her ring and her eyes lit up.
Alessandra could see how happy she was and said, "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. When did he propose?"
"Two days ago." Sammi answered, preparing herself for the next question Alessandra would ask. She cleared her throat before continuing, "I was in shock and, honestly, I didn't think I would say yes. That's why I didn't call you. I needed a little while to think and try and figure out if I even wanted to get married. I mean, you know me, I'm not exactly the marrying type, but I don't know, it just feels right. Are you okay with this?"
"Of course I'm okay with it. Why wouldn't I be? I want you to be happy. You deserve the best." She got up and hugged Sammi from across the table. The waitress appeared with their food and they sat back down, giggling. "So, did you set a date yet?"
"I was hoping you could help me with that. I haven't even called my folks yet. I've just been in shock, you know. Robert was talking about maybe taking a trip up to South Dakota and getting married by some waterfalls or something out that way. I don’t know. I wasn’t really listening because I was so focused on the fact that I said yes," Sammi answered.
"South Dakota? Do you even know where that is?" Alessandra laughed because Sammi was far from being a girl that liked to travel to desolate places.
"Yes. He likes it up there. He grew up in South Dakota, so that's where he wants to get married, but we haven't decided anything yet. If we go out that way, you'll go, right?" Sammi asked.
"Yes! You can't get rid of me," Alessandra answered.
They made wedding plans while they ate lunch. Both women were so happy. Neither ever imagined that Sammi would be the one to marry first, but both thought it was the best news they'd heard in a while. After lunch, they agreed to talk on the phone later and start getting their ideas organized for what would prove to be a beautiful wedding.
Alessandra returned to her office, looking stunned. She pulled her assistant aside and told her the news. "Can you believe it?" Alessandra asked. "Sammi's really getting married."
Her assistant asked, "If you're the maid of honor, who will be the best man?"
Alessandra shrugged. The last thing she wanted to think about was having a date. After the catastrophe in Miami, she’d had enough of men, dating, or anything having to do with love.
*
“August? It's hot in August,” Alessandra complained.
Sammi sighed, "I'm trying to compromise here. Help a girl out, will you? He wants to be there for the Sturgis Rally and that's in August."
"He rides a motorcycle?" Alessandra rolled her eyes, remembering that Devon also rode a motorcycle.
"Yes. I told you this when I first met him. He wants to be there for the rally. I think it will be a lot of fun. Do you know how many people go up to South Dakota for that? It will be like one giant party to celebrate my nuptials." Sammi giggled. She was clearly smitten with the idea of getting married.
"I can't keep up with who did what and when in your life. I don't even remember what Robert looks like. Remember, I thought you were marrying the banker," Alessandra teased.
"I'll tell you what; since you are clearly suffering from memory loss and no longer have the ability to remember and/or recognize a hot man when you see one, I'll stop by and pick you up on Saturday and take you to the firehouse. That place is full of steaming, hot, sexy firemen. Wear something sexy." Sammi purred like a kitten.
"No. You're not talking me into another crazy scheme. I'll go, but I'll wear normal clothes. You're not pimping me out to a bunch of greasy, old bikers." Alessandra laughed.
"Good. Anyway, Joe will be there. You need to meet him. He's Robert’s best friend. He'll be his best man, so you need to become acquainted. Oh, and he's single. Very single." Sammi never stopped trying to fix Alessandra up with the next best thing to whoever she was dating at the time.
"Don't do it. I'm not dating this guy, so don't even think about it," Alessandra warned her.
*
She studied every muscle on his body, wondering what it would feel like to touch him, taste him, lick him.
Sammi nudged her back to reality. "This is Alessandra Di Novo. She's my best friend and she'll be my maid of honor."
Her voice squeaking, Alessandra shook Joe's hand, "Hello. Nice to meet you."
He held hers for just a moment longer than necessary, taking in her body, before saying hello. "Nice to meet you, Alessandra. That's a beautiful name."
She could feel her heart flutter. This man not only looked good, but he sounded like the man of her dreams, with his low voice humming his words. He sent chills up her spine.
"Thank you," Alessandra answ
ered, sheepishly, her mouth going dry.
Sammi knew the signs. She started to giggle, pleased that Alessandra found Joe just as attractive as she did.
"I hope your boyfriend doesn't mind that you'll have to stand up with me," Joe said, noticing that Alessandra wasn't wearing a ring.
"I don't," she hesitated, trying to focus on something other than his bare chest and muscle-laden torso. "I'm not seeing anyone. That won't be a problem."
His eyes lit up. "Oh, okay. Well, even better, then. Wouldn't want some jealous boyfriend threatening to ruin what should be a perfect occasion."
"Absolute perfection, if you ask me." Alessandra hadn't realized she said that aloud until both Sammi and Joe started laughing.
"Can we take a look around? Give us the grand tour." She grabbed Robert's arm and motioned for Alessandra to follow. “Oh, and don't bother to put shirts on. Trust me; we don't mind.”
"I'll tag along if you don't mind?" Joe asked as the trio walked away.
A low moan escaped Alessandra's throat. She didn't mind a bit. She'd all but forgotten about Devon. Joe would prove to be a welcome distraction.
*
Sammi and Robert looked the epitome of happiness as they stood at the base of Roughlock Falls and posed for their first official wedding photo. Alessandra and Joe stood off to the side, awaiting their turn to have their photo taken too.
It was a blistering ninety-two degrees and shade was at a premium, but Alessandra endured for the sake of her best friend in the world.
From head to toe, Sammi was stunning. She chose a tea length, eggshell, form fitting gown with a simple flower for her hair. Robert wore a black and gray tuxedo with a smile as wide as his face. From everything Alessandra had seen over the last few months of wedding planning, Robert truly loved Sammi for the person she was. Where she was flighty, he was solid. Where she was silly, he provided levity, but he loved her in every way. Alessandra couldn't have been happier for them and for her new found love with her own sexy firefighter.
Joe was like no other man she'd ever met. He was strong and sure of himself, but sensitive and kind and always made sure her needs came first. Their relationship was easy. Alessandra was living the dream. In the two and half months that they'd been dating, he never said an unkind word and never went back on his word. It was like a new, bright, beautiful beginning for Alessandra and she finally felt like the pieces of her life were in order.
Alessandra took comfort in knowing that he was there when she needed him, but allowed her the space that she so desperately craved. Their work schedules didn't allow for a lot of together time, but they took advantage of every free moment they could get. He would stop by and bring her lunch when time was running short. She would whip up a quick meal for him and drop it off by the firehouse whenever she could. He’d even gone so far as to join and her church. Despite her apprehension about the members of her church community, they welcomed him with open arms. No one flinched at the fact that a white man was dating their preacher’s daughter. The very Black – black women shouldn’t date outside of their race – preacher and community leader.
As they stood watching Sammi and Robert pose for their pictures, Joe used his suit jacket to shield Alessandra from the sun. He looked at her lovingly and kissed her forehead. "You are so beautiful."
She wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest. "So are you."
"It's your turn," Sammi announced. "Pose with the king and queen for the day."
The four of them posed for several photos before and after the official ceremony. Tourists and onlookers stopped by to congratulate the couple, who married at Roughlock Falls, adjacent to rushing water. The ceremony was absolutely perfect.
*
"We're married!" Sammi hung out the car window as they drove toward Sturgis.
Robert pulled her into the car. "Get in here. You're going to get hurt."
Sammi sank back into the seat, turning to Joe and Alessandra in the back seat. "Can you freaking believe it? We're married!"
Alessandra and Joe applauded.
"Are we going to stop some place to change?" Alessandra looked down at the dress she had on.
"Change in the car. I'm wearing this when we get there, until my hubby rips it off my body," Sammi teased, leaning over to lick Rob's ear.
"Pull over somewhere so she could change. We don't need everyone on the highway to see my girlfriend naked." Joe leaned over and kissed Alessandra.
They pulled into a gas station just off the highway. The parking lot was filled with motorcycles and bikers everywhere. Alessandra hesitated before getting out.
"Want me to go with you?" Joe asked.
"No, I'll be fine. I can take care of myself." She poked Sammi's shoulder. "You sure you don't want to change?"
"I'm sure, but I need a drink. I'm going in. Who knows, maybe these bikers will buy us lunch!" Sammi kissed Rob before following Alessandra inside the gas station.
When they walked in, the place was jam packed with bikers and their companions.
Alessandra saw him before he saw her.
Sammi gasped.
"Alessandra?" Devon looked like he'd seen a ghost. "What are you doing here?"
"Damn," Sammi whispered.
PART THREE
Distraction. She needed to create a distraction or this near perfect trip would be completely ruined.
"Hey, let's go check out those bikes." Sammi grabbed Robert's arm with one hand and Joe's with the other.
"Wait. Where's Alessandra? Why did you leave her in there alone?" Joe turned and walked toward the gas station, his eyes peeled, trying to locate Alessandra in the sea of bikers occupying every square inch of the lot.
He walked in, nodding and grunting hellos at his fellow bikers, but keeping his eyes cast lower to find Alessandra.
At first, he couldn't see well past the throng of people gathered there, stretching their legs and grabbing ice cold drinks before making their way to Sturgis.
"Looking for someone?" A large bearded man, wearing a vest indicating he was a Buffalo Soldier asked.
Joe nodded. "Yeah, my girl. You headed to the rally?"
"Yeah, me and the wife and couple of friends. What does she look like?" The man asked, looking around for his wife.
"Curvy build, dark, curly hair." Joe stifled a laugh as he noticed a small group of women gathered outside the woman's bathroom that matched that description.
"See her?"
"Nope. She was dressed up. We just came from my buddies wedding," Joe explained, still trying to make her out in the crowd.
The bearded man's eyes lit up. "Oh, I think I saw your buddy and the bride."
Joe immediately tried to explain that he wasn't looking for them, but the man continued talking.
"They walked out those doors over there, I believe. Couldn't keep their hands off each other." The man laughed, pointing to the exit doors opposite where Joe had just walked into the gas station.
Feeling like there was no point trying to explain himself again, Joe thanked the man and careened his way through the crowd, thinking he'd find her on the other side of the gas station.
Bikers stood around, drinking coffee and talking about their trips and their bikes, nodding at Joe as he moved past them. She was nowhere to be found. Remembering what the bearded man said, he turned to return to the entrance doors to find him, but as luck would have it, he was no longer there.
Stepping outside, he kept his eyes peeled for Alessandra, but in the sea of people and activities, it was too difficult to see. In the distance, examining a pair of bikes, were Robert and Sammi.
"Rob!" Joe called out to his friend. "Where's Alessandra?"
Robert shrugged, turning to Sammi. The look of panic on her face only heightened the uneasy feeling.
"I... I don't know," she answered, glancing back at the gas station. "Changing, I think."
"Could you go into the women's restroom and find out? I didn't see her." Joe turned quickly on his heels and m
arched back into the gas station. This time, he carried anger with him. He'd grown up with bikers his whole life. That's why he rode too, but like any other group, there were always some bad apples in the bunch and, he hoped, for their safety, that one didn't take it upon himself to do anything to Alessandra. He had to find her and find her now.
Sammi tried to run past him, anxious to get to the bathroom, hoping that Alessandra was in there and fearing that she wouldn't be. She made excuses and offered apologies as she rushed past the women who were not too happy to have her skip in line to get inside, but this was an emergency.
"Alessandra? Alessandra?" She called out as she peeked under the stalls at horrified and unsuspecting occupants. "Are you in here? Say something if you are because Joe is getting hot under the collar."
Devil's Ride Page 4