Ride to Restoration (Ride Series Book 2) Read online

  Walking back to the bike, I stood there for over a minute watching a man completely zoned out in the clouds. “You look like your head is off in another planet, D. You, OK?”

  “I am. Just wondering why you’re here Vic and what you saw in me the first time we met?”

  A pity party, that’s what he was dwelling on? “Let’s get on the road. Did you make me a reservation? I’m not ignoring your last question. We can talk about your sudden pity party when we get to Tim’s.”

  Cranking the bike, over the roar of my slightly baffled exhausts, I answered, “Tim Horton’s, not Tim’s. And yes, you’re all set for a two-hour soak and massage that starts at five. We’ve got six butt-numbing hours ahead of us with stops.”

  Joy. “Then let’s ride.”

  Stopping on the other side of town at Tim’s, I ordered a large coffee and two cake donuts while Vic ordered a soup and sandwich combination. Sitting in an out of the way booth, Vic carried through with her offer to answer my last question.

  I’m sure I don’t want to hear the answers, but. “What’s got into you today, D? First, I enjoy being around you. You have an innate way of making me feel special. Sure you’ve got some road wear on you. Who doesn’t? Yes, you’re flawed like me. That’s why I think we get along so well. I read people, but don’t trust them. You trust people, then read them. That in itself makes me a little more opportunistic because you’re always challenging me to come up with ways to protect you, from you.”

  “I sure could have used you a long time ago, pre Standford, pre Candi. Maybe my ass wouldn’t be in this crack.”

  Placing my hand on his, “D, whatever happens I’m here for you. That’s why I chose to ride back and skip flying. After all you’ve gone through, I didn’t want you to be alone. Lots of windshield time is manageable when you’re happy, but, trust me, it sucks big time when you’ve just been screwed to the max.”

  “We still don’t know if I’ve been royally screwed, or just a little screwed.”

  “Pardon me, you are correct. I’m jumping to conclusions while you’re still dreaming to find that illusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Whatever happens when we get back, however it happens, just know we’ll get through it, one way or another.”

  “Thank you, Vic. Now eat. I’ve got five-plus hours to get your beautiful, whiney hiney soaking in a glorious hot tub.”

  Back on the bike and on the road, I stopped to show Vic the world’s largest teepee on the outskirts of town. Well, stopping is a relative word. I drove through the parking lot and onto the concrete pad holding the teepee in place. Circling the monument, I announced, “This is Medicine Hat’s claim to fame. Now you can say you visited the largest teepee in the world.”

  Thinking back, a long time ago, my dad used to swing us through photo ops like that. “Thank you, tour guide. You could have stopped long enough for me to pee-pee in the teepee. Get it?”

  “I get it. You make a funny. Hey, if you’ve really got to go again, I can find you a bush.”

  It’s not happening. “No bushes for this girly-girl. I’ll wait.”

  Chapter 14

  Cruising at 125 kph, or a little over 75 mph to those of us illiterates outside the metric system, we made good time on the Trans-Canada Highway, traversing mile after mile of endless plains and prairie. With one stop for fuel and two highly anticipated potty breaks, along with a thousand multicolored splatters on my windshield, we crossed into the city limits of Moose Jaw, SK at 4:45 with 15 minutes to spare. Well, that’s not exactly true. It took me another 12 minutes to ‘man’ find the resort, leaving Vic roughly two minutes to find the spa.

  “Hurry in, girlfriend. I've got this. When you’re done being pampered, you’ll find me imbibing in the bar.”

  “Hi Lisa, I’m D,” I announced to a bouncy, twenty something blond, who also happened to be the front desk manager. “I believe you have reservations for me tonight.”

  “I remember. You called from the motorcycle in Medicine Hat this morning. I booked you a deluxe king suite. It features a large garden tub fed from our mineral springs.”

  “Sounds wonderful, Lisa. Hopefully, I’ll get to try it out. First things first, point me in the direction of the bar, if you please. Once I lug our gear to the room, that’s where my body will be.”

  “Certainly, if you’ll follow my right hand as I point down this long hallway, you’ll take a left at the end and the lounge will be the third set of double doors on your left. Can I set you a wake up call?”

  “Thank you no, we’ve ridden hard today. It may take us an extra day to recover. Can I let you know in the morning if we would like to stay over?”

  “Certainly, sir. Here are your room keys. Your room is located on the second floor facing our indoor pool. You’ll also find two free drink coupons, as well as two breakfast coupons for 50% off our buffet. Thank you for choosing to stay with us tonight.”

  Walking to the elevators, I couldn’t help but think how special the Canadian people as a whole treat us Yanks. Unlike home, bike riders here are treated even better. I could get used to this, possibly even permanently. The room was more than just a room. It was a four room suite, featuring a separate bedroom with a king sized bed, a sitting room composed of a couch and two club chairs, sporting a 42-inch flat screen with a mini-bar; and a floral, ceramic tiled room specifically crafted to house the garden tub creating the advertised spa experience. That tub is calling my name, but then again, so is the bar. The bar always wins after a long day’s ride in the end, hands down. Tub you’ll have to wait. Washing off my face and hands while giving myself the once over, I grabbed my sat phone and began the quest to find those ice cold Molson’s that were calling my name a hundred plus miles ago.

  Lisa’s directions were dead on. The bar was exactly where she said it would be. “Barkeep, a bucket of Canadian Molson’s if you please. It’s been a long day.” Finding a table facing poolside, I settled down to wait until seven o’clock and Vic's highly anticipated return. The bartender, plopping a bucket of six iced down Molson’s on the table, received my customary thank you nod as I twisted off the cap and drained the first one without taking a breath. Opening the second, I thought, I better pace myself, considering the last time I drank at least six in a row I woke up in bed the next morning with Candi’s cousin, Giovanna, while the girls slept elsewhere. Picking up the sat phone, I dialed my voice mail and discovered one new message.

  D, this is Jim. Call me tomorrow after twelve my time. Meanwhile, based on an email I received today your cover is no longer intact. I’m sure after all the recent events, you knew that already. In any event, your leaving the country has put your protection by WITSEC in jeopardy. Let’s talk tomorrow and see what story we can come with that may keep you in the program. Be safe. Oh, against my better judgment, I’ve forwarded this email on to you as instructed. It’s graphic porn, pure and simple, and one hot babe. My guess is you know her and this is intended to make a statement, validating a short seven-word message: Her Actions Speak Louder Than Your Words.

  Downing the second beer, I opened a third, twirling the emptied second bottle, round and round on the table with my fingers. My mind was now in overdrive. Should I get up and find the business center and access my email or should I wait on Vic to appear to watch it together? I’m sure I’ve seen Vic with an iPad at some point on this ride. Best we watch it in private, rather than in a room with too many innocent eyes. Finally at ten minutes after seven, I felt a tap on my shoulder, followed by a kiss on my cheek, announcing rather subliminally that the pampered Priss had arrived.

  D has to be wasted. “How many do I need to down to catch up with you, D?”

  “How many are in the bucket, girlfriend?”

  “None.” Unless there’s another bucket somewhere.

  “Well, that’s how many you need.”

  “I count four empties on the table and two on the floor.”

  “In that case six, not counting the six on the way.”

  “You’ve
had enough. Let’s go get something to eat. Or, we can order room service, whichever you prefer?”

  “Do you still have your iPad with you?”

  “I do. Thankfully, it didn’t take up much of the precious room you gave me for packing.”

  “Then room service it is,” I concluded, before sliding off the bar stool and spilling into the floor.

  Helping D to his feet, I asked him point blank, “D, the last time I saw you plastered was the day Candi hung you out to dry at the airport. Is this possibly about her again?”

  “I think so. We’ll need your iPad to be sure. It’s in an email that I’ve heard about, but have yet to see.”

  How am I going to do this gracefully? “Wait right here. Hold on to the table please. I don’t want you falling on the floor again. I’ll order dinner from the bar menu and have it sent to the room. What would you like? On second thought, I’ll order for you.

  Chapter 15

  “Damn Canadians!”

  “Excuse me, D. Did I miss something?”

  “Not the people, the beer. They have way too much alcohol in their beer. I keep forgetting that till I don’t.”

  “You’re making no sense, whatsoever. Walk with me to the bar while I order.” Holding him up with my shoulder, I steadied D to the counter and ordered, before escorting him like a paid professional to the room.

  “It’s a group of rooms, Vic. Take me to the tub room. It’s been calling … my name … all night.”

  “I’d love too, D. But first, we’ve got to sober you up a bit. Hot tubs and alcohol don’t mix. They served me two flutes of champagne while I was in the tub and it went straight to my head. Your head’s there already. You don’t need any additional help tonight. Thinking outside the box, you’ll hate me for this later, a cold shower would sure do you good.”

  “You said shower. I want a bath, girlfriend.”

  “How bout a shower first and then a bath ... with me if you’re so inclined?” Wishful thinking, but he’s wasted. Therein lies my hope.

  “Whatever works, Vic. I’ll follow your lead.”

  Guiding D into the bedroom, I sat him down on the bed where I quickly removed his boots, followed by his clothes — all of them. Nice little package there, I mused. It would be wonderful to bring it to life while the night is still young. But first, I have to get him relatively sober. Stripping down to my underwear just in case my shower idea goes wrong, I left him sitting on the edge of the bed and continued with my plan.

  I heard the shower door open and the water turn on as Vic reappeared in a semi state of undress to assist me into the large walk in shower.

  “You’re going to hate me for this, D. But I’m one selfish bitch, tonight. I need you at least halfway coherent,” were my last words to him before pushing him headfirst into the freezing ice cold shower.

  The first thing I immediately felt were my testicles drawing up inside my body, before falling back down due to the weight of the ice hanging off my Johnson. The pulsating water continuously pelted my skin like sleet, turning it a strange pale blue.

  The next words I heard were, “That’s enough ice water for now, let me help warm you up,” as Vic opened the shower door, instantly adjusting the water dial to warm, and stepping inside to join me.

  “I’m sorry, D, I didn’t know what else to do to bring you out of your drunken stupor. Do you forgive me?” I asked, using one hand to caress his back, the other to massage his low hanging fruit.

  “There’s nothing to forgive. You’re just what the doctor ordered,” I cackled, as her gentle caress awakened me from an earlier unresponsive and frigid state.

  “Better, D?” He sure feels better from where I’m standing. What I would give to...

  “You betcha. I’m sorry I let myself get wasted without you being there to prevent me from making a total ass out of myself.”

  “I’m sorry, too. I’m here now,” my hands wrapping around his neck, my lips touching his. Lost in the moment, reality knocked, then knocked again. Room service had arrived. “Damn it! Hang on, please. I’ll be right there,” I shouted over the cascade of the falling waters shower. “Timing is everything and nothing. Stay right where you are, D, while I get the door.”

  Timing is everything, I agreed as the alcohol induced fog lifted from my brain. You’re an idiot, D. What were you thinking, putting yourself in such a defenseless position? Stepping from the shower, disobeying her recent directive, I wrapped myself in an oversized towel and stood just inside the door. I waited until I heard Vic say goodbye, before stepping out of the bathroom and into the glaring stance of one very frustrated looking woman.

  Not a good listener, this man. “You don’t follow orders very well do you?”

  “I do most of the time, except when I’m on a bender ... then not so much.”

  “Well, then, I’ll pass on my dessert idea first. Dinner is served. Put your sweats on and join me. Oh, don’t bother hiding your excitement. It’s refreshing to know I still have it in me,” I cajoled, my hand grabbing at his tented towel, before he managed to brush it away.

  We quietly shared Chicken Cordon Blue for two with mixed steamed vegetables and twice baked potatoes. Vic ordered two bottles of white Moscato and was into her second glass of the first bottle before we finished our meal.

  What a day. “I’m going for a buzz of my own if you don’t mind now that the tables are turning. Join me, D?”

  “Not likely. Beer and wine don’t mix, silly girl. That I’ve learned too many times the hard way.”

  “Your loss big boy … more for me.”

  Chapter 16

  There’s a big pink elephant was bouncing spontaneously around the room tonight. Best we address it. “So tell me, what happened with Candi that shook you up so much while you were in the bar?”

  “Earlier today, someone sent an email with an attached video clip to Jim at WITSEC with a seven word message to forward to me. Jim said it’s pure porn, made specifically for me to see.”

  “What was the seven word message?”

  “Her actions speak louder than your words.”

  “Hold that thought while I get my iPad, D. Here, you might as well retrieve the email. If you’re uncomfortable with what’s on the video, I’ll be glad to screen it for you. Not as your lawyer, but your friend.”

  Logging into my yahoo account, I retrieved Jim’s email, hit download attachment and handed it back to her. “Knock yourself out, girlfriend, I’m going to fill the garden tub with hot mineral water and continue the spring thaw of my recently frozen testicles.”

  “It’s downloaded, D. Are you sure you don’t want to watch it with me?”

  “If you'll allow me to borrow your famous catch phrase, for now, no. You watch it Vic, and give me the cliff notes version.”

  I pressed play and watched as Candi came into view in the process of mounting a man while pressing both breasts into his mouth, his face intentionally obscured. Judging by the size of his frame, along with the content of the message, one could confidently assume it was Joseph. He was really good looking with his clothes off. Throwing off her robe, I watched Candi kiss the length of his body before centering on the stiffness of his girth rising large between his legs. Pressing herself around him like a sleeve she eagerly devoured him. Expertly replacing her hands with his, Candi lifted his legs rhythmically, thrusting him continuously into the deep hollows of her throat. In a few minutes it was over, his climax evident by his residuals dripping from her chin. The video faded black.

  Catching my breath while trying to suppress the arousal the video inadvertently created in me, I picked up the iPad, my wine, as well as, the opened bottle and walked to the tub.

  “Well, do I get the long version or the short version, Victoria?”

  Change the subject or you’ll change the mood. “What about some music, D?”

  “Sinatra would be awesome. It’s on Pandora somewhere.”

  “I’m sure I can find it. Any particular reason you like Frank?”

&nbs
p; “Memories.”

  “Memories, as in mob memories — aka Candi?”

  “I plead the fifth. Best to let it go.”

  “Duly noted. Mind if I join you?” I asked, peeling off my clothes, before D could give me a definitive answer.

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “For now, no, you do not.” Slipping into the tub, I tossed one leg over his, as remorseful tears formed in the corners of my eyes. “I’m sorry, D. I know how much you care about Candi. I’m even sure she cares quite a bit about you. Circumstances change, forcing people to change. Especially, when they must rise to meet the challenges necessary to survive. Damn it, D! The short version is she was making love to, I can only assume, Joseph and she was very much into it. Remember, I’m good at reading people as you’ve so aptly stated. Sadly, the video didn’t look staged and she didn’t look coerced in any way. From my perspective, Candi looked really comfortable taking the lead while delivering spectacular results.”

  “Stop it, Victoria, you’ve said enough. I’ll take that drink now.”

  Turning on the jets to the tub, I watched the steam rise, casting a shimmering glow on the woman beside me. Feelings that I had fought so long to suppress were waging an all out war in me ... and winning. Wrapping my arms around her, I shared her consolation with a kiss that escalated into lip sucking, tongue probing passion, before I pulled away.

  “Please, don’t stop,” I breathed into his ear.

  “You don’t understand, girlfriend.”

  “What’s there to understand? You want me.”

  “I do, but there are things about me you—”

  “And I want you … now!”

  “Oh, screw it!”

  “Gladly,” I retorted, repositioning myself on him, and kissing him passionately.

  Her tongue darted playfully, while her hands strategically positioned me to enter her for the very first time.