by Bella Juarez
“That’s your problem. I suggest you find some manners before you walk in here again. Please shut the door on your way out,” Irene said dismissively.
Rodriguez stood and gathered his things. James and Mick snuck outside without a sound. All of the other men sat straight, went quiet, and looked down at their workbooks. Rodriguez slunk out of the now-subdued classroom.
“Now, gentlemen, we’re all adults and have a choice. If you don’t want to be here, don’t walk into my classroom. Understood?” Irene asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” the class answered in unison.
Irene gave the men a small break every hour. The rest of the class went smoothly and quickly. They were able to cover the material and Irene was comfortable giving the men their certificates. The company was growing and they were taking on more state and federal contracts.
Irene had been hired to manage and teach the non-tactical training for the company that was required by some of these contracts. Taking on another instructor allowed James to focus on the ever-changing and growing tactical training. The company had also started to take on training requests from outside agencies.
“I’ll see you back here tomorrow afternoon for the next course. Please remember to bring the correct workbook. Tomorrow’s class is Unwitting Harassment of Fellow Coworkers. Have a good evening, gentlemen.”
“You, too, ma’am!” many of the men said.
Irene returned to her desk and did the paperwork for her class she’d just completed. She’d been able to work for the company for a couple of weeks before she was scheduled for her first classroom assignment. She e-mailed the class roster, minus Mr. Rodriguez, to HR and certified that each of the men had completed the course. James found her at her desk a little before six preparing for the next day.
“Hey, sugar! What’s the plan for dinner?” James asked as he sat down in one of the chairs in front of her desk.
“We’re supposed to be meeting Amy and Gavin in San Marcos, remember?” Irene asked.
“That’s right, at seven thirty. We’d better get going,” James said, looking at his watch.
They decided to drive straight through to San Marcos.
Irene saw a little bag in the center console of James’s truck when she lifted the lid for a pen. She opened her planner and started working on a list for tomorrow. Even though they worked together, they spent very little time together at the office. James was either in class or outside working with trainees. She was either in a classroom or in her separate office.
“That bag is for you, sugar. I picked up your ring at lunch,” James said.
Irene lifted the bag and took out the little box inside. She opened it and smiled. The jewelry store had finished her ring. Her wedding band was now attached to her engagement ring. They’d eloped and had been married by a justice of the peace in Austin three weeks ago. She called Amy and Gavin the next day and informed them of her new status. They spent the next day at Randolph Air Force Base doing all the paperwork required to make Irene a military dependent. She slipped the ring on her finger and breathed a little easier. She’d been feeling a little lost without it.
“Thank you, James,” Irene said.
“Feel better?” James asked, taking her hand and kissing it. He knew how worried she’d been about leaving her ring.
“Yes.”
“What happened with Bobby Rodriguez today?”
“He was rude and disruptive. I had to let those guys know it’s my classroom and I won’t tolerate that sort of crude behavior,” Irene said, going back to her list.
James chuckled. “You’re rough, sugar. Is that how you ran your class in public school?”
“Yes, it is. My sixth graders had better manners than those men today.”
“I don’t think those guys will mess with you anymore,” James said with a smile.
“Did you talk to him when he walked out?”
“I talk to him, all right.”
“What happened, James?” Irene asked, not liking the tone of his statement.
“He got to be my special pet this afternoon. He doesn’t want to do that twice.”
Irene was slightly concerned. Since coming to work at the same company, she’d been able to see a whole different side of James. Master Chief was what most of the men addressed him as, including the owner of the company at times. Irene quickly found out Master Chief was a terror and a force to be feared. Master Chief wasn’t the same man she had grown to love.
“Is Bobby all right, James?” Irene asked.
“He’s fine, sugar. He just needs to learn like they all do.”
They arrived at the restaurant with seconds to spare. Amy and Gavin were waiting inside at the bar because summer had arrived in Texas. Irene and Amy embraced warmly when they saw each other. Amy was getting ready to leave the library and start teaching American literature again at the local college. Irene was happy for her. She’d enjoyed her days as a professor much more than she’d enjoyed being a librarian.
They were seated at their table for dinner.
* * * *
JJ spotted Amy the minute he and Irene walked into the restaurant. He had informally adopted Amy as his little girl. He walked to Amy and ignored Gavin as he gave her a hug. She was a bright, happy light in his world. They were seated at the table and caught up with each other. Amy and Irene were busy gossiping.
“Everything going all right?” Gavin asked.
“Yeah, it’s going fine. It’s busy at work. Good thing Irene came on board and started doing all that bullshit training. How about you, Badass? How are things with you and my baby girl, there?” JJ asked, nodding toward Amy.
Gavin smiled. “She’s happy. She’ll start teaching in the fall after she leaves the library in July. Speaking of, honey, what did that lady want you to tell Irene?” Gavin asked Amy.
“Tía, Ida May Sanderson asked me to give you a message. She said not to forget the Concert in the Park fund-raiser this weekend,” Amy said.
“No, I haven’t forgotten. James and I’ll be there on Friday night so I can help her on Saturday,” Irene said.
“Isn’t this the weekend of your Frog Ride, JJ?” Gavin asked.
“Yeah, but I’m not doing it this year. Irene and I need to get work done this week and next weekend…” JJ started.
“That’s right! Barcelona!” Amy interjected happily.
“You’ve never missed a year, have you?” Gavin asked with a slight smile.
“Frog Ride? What’s that?” Irene asked.
“It’s nothing, sugar,” JJ said.
“Nothing? I seemed to remember you saying there was nothing or no one that would keep you from one,” Gavin said, his eyes lighting up in malice.
“What is it?” Irene asked.
“The Frog Ride is a cross-country motorcycle ride that only SEALs do. A group starts from Virginia at Little Creek and another group starts from Coronado and they meet in the middle. Master Chief, here, is one of the”—Gavin cleared his throat—“organizers of the ride every year.”
“It’s no biggie, sugar. We camp for a couple of days, drink a few beers, and go home,” JJ said dismissively.
“That’s not the way I heard it,” Gavin grunted into his glass.
JJ shot Gavin a warning look. “I’m not going this year. I have plans, with my wife,” he said. Damn it! Shut up! JJ wanted to snap.
“James, this is the last commitment I have in Victoria. Let’s just get through this and you can do whatever you want next year,” Irene said.
Gavin shot JJ an evil smile. JJ could almost hear the words going through Gavin’s mind, I’ve got you motherfucker. He braced himself and prepared for Badass to slam him. All the hell and shit JJ had dished out to his boys over the years about their women was about to come back and bite him in the ass. “You tell her you’re taking your balls back and you’re going on that fucking ride like you have for the last twelve years,” he growled so only JJ could hear.
“No problem, sugar. We’re going to V
ictoria this weekend and next weekend we’re going to Barcelona,” JJ said, looking at Gavin.
“Say something, you pussy-whipped bastard! I know you can. You gave her a fucking ring and your dick with it, didn’t you?” Gavin snarled lowly.
“Gavin, what are you saying?” Amy asked.
“I’m just having a little fun with JJ, honey,” Gavin said with a wicked smile.
JJ and Gavin started laughing. “Bastard!” JJ said under his breath.
* * * *
“Irene! Irene!”
Irene’s nerves grated every time she heard that woman screech her name. Since she’d returned to Victoria, it was surprising how low her tolerance for small-town drama had become. She turned and looked in the direction where her name had been squawked.
The Concert in the Park event that the Library Foundation had planned as their June fund-raiser was turning into a huge success. The town square had been shut down on Saturday afternoon for the small carnival, midway, and music until midnight. Irene found that she was able to do most of the planning long distance through e-mail. She’d managed to recruit a few street food vendors to provide food, carnival people to provide rides, and a midway. The music would start at 5:00 p.m. and end at midnight.
“Irene! I need you near the front. I can take care of this now,” Ida May said.
Of course, everything’s almost done here. Irene stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Ida May Sanderson had impeccable timing. Irene recalled how Ida May always weaseled through using Irene or a few other dependable lackeys. Her lackeys would do all the work and Ida May would get all the credit. Irene had still not forgiven Ida May for breaking up her and her first boyfriend in high school.
“What’s wrong up at the front, Ida May? Everything had been taken care of,” Irene said as she finished up with one of the vendors.
“Well, one of the volunteers messed up and…” Ida May trailed off, looking behind Irene.
“Ida May?” Irene asked.
Ida May broke out into a brilliant smile. “Mr. Jones!” she gushed.
Irene didn’t turn around as James touched the small of her back.
“Here’s your change, sugar. Hello, Ida May,” James said, handing Irene two money bags.
Irene watched with internal satisfaction as Ida May’s smile faded.
“Thank you, James,” she said, taking the money bags from him.
Irene checked off her list the change for the soda and beer booths. She sent James to get change for the beer and soda booths because Ida May hadn’t thought that far ahead. Drinks, along with the one-dollar gate fee, were the foundation’s money maker.
“Honey, you and Gavin need to be in the beer booth before five,” Irene reminded James.
“All right, sugar. I think he’s got some help from the PD coming in, too,” James said.
Ida May watched the exchange in shocked silence. She finally found her voice. “What are you doing here, Mr. Jones? Visiting your son?” Ida May asked.
“No, I’m here with my wife,” James said. “How’ve you been?” he asked politely as Irene handed him the change bag for the beer booth.
“Wife?” Ida May asked flatly.
“Yes, Ida May. James and I were just married a few weeks ago,” Irene said. “Here’s the change for the soda booth,” she said, handing Ida May one of the change bags. “You probably should get over there. Looks like a line is forming.”
Ida May paused and walked off in a huff toward the soda booth. She glanced backward and watched as Irene gave James a kiss. Ida May stopped in the middle of the street watching the two of them.
“Mrs. Jones, that was pretty damn evil of you,” James said, looking down at her.
“Yes, it was. And I’m enjoying every second of it tonight. I’m going to be all over you. If you don’t watch it, I’ll put my feet in your lap later,” Irene said with a wicked smile and another kiss.
James shook his head and smiled. “What about all the gossip you’ll start in this small town, sugar?”
“Let them talk. I don’t give a damn what they say.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Gothic Quarter
Barcelona, Spain
June 20, 2009/1846 Zulu
The motorcycle raced through the narrow, crowded street with graceful agility. It pulled in front of the Hotel Medinaceli. The two riders slid off the bike and took off their helmets. Passersby did double takes in surprise as the elderly couple walked away from the motorcycle parking area and to the entrance of the hotel. Irene smiled slightly. She never thought she would get on the back of a motorcycle. But like so many other things, James just seemed to strip away the excuses and fear.
Today the entire city was preparing for the Nit de St. Joan. This event was the biggest party in Spain. The midsummer celebration was famous for its endless fireworks and total disregard for safety. The shops had been busy selling food, beer, and wine all day yesterday and most of the day today. The beach was already lined with private family party tents.
While they’d been walking the beach earlier, Irene and James made quick friends with a man and woman who’d been setting up their little area. A sudden gust of wind had blown the half-erected tent away and James had helped the man bring it back and put it together. Irene helped the woman arrange the table and chairs as the men had a beer after their work was done. They’d received a standing invitation to the private area for the night for their assistance.
When they arrived in the room, James walked to the TV and turned on the weather channel. Irene opened the terrace doors and stepped outside. They had a view of one of the largest marinas Irene had ever seen along the famed Gothic Quarter. She looked out and saw boats leaving the busy marina. Many of them were going out to the waters of the Balearic Sea to watch the fireworks. It was a postcard-perfect day.
The Gothic Quarter was in the center of the old city of Barcelona. Irene was convinced it was one of the most interesting areas of the ancient seaside Spanish city. Many of the buildings dated from medieval times, some as far back as the Roman occupation of the city. The medieval Jewish Quarter was located in the area as well. Many of the area’s streets were closed off to traffic because they were so narrow.
James’s voice drew Irene out of her thoughts.
“Sugar, pack a little overnight bag. All you need is your swimsuit and a change of clothes,” James called.
Irene stepped inside. “Where are we going? I thought we promised the Romeros we’d go back and celebrate with them?”
“We are, for a little while. I have a surprise for later on.”
Irene plopped herself down on the bed next to her husband and lay on her stomach facing the TV. “What kind of surprise?” she asked, kissing him under his ear.
“It’s a surprise. I’m not telling you until we get there,” James said.
James sat up and arranged the pillows of the bed so he could sit up against the headboard. Irene stayed where she was. She smiled when she felt him lift her foot and push it back so he could look at it.
“You’ve got a really sexy tan line from your flip-flops, sugar,” James said.
Irene turned over and put her feet in his lap. “You think?” she asked as she ran her foot up his chest.
“You’re teasing me,” James warned.
“You started it, honey,” Irene said as she ran her toe over his collarbone.
James chuckled, took her roaming foot, and kissed the inside of her ankle. Irene sighed with pleasure. “We don’t have time to play right now. We’ve got a lot to do. Go get that bag packed,” he ordered, kissing her ankle again.
Irene got up and packed a backpack. She walked to her suitcase and dug out a pair of swim bottoms that looked like shorts and a swim top. She carefully stuffed her little backpack full. James, as usual, seemed to take mere seconds to get ready. They closed up the room and hopped back on the motorcycle that was their mode of transportation for this trip.
By sunset they were back at the Romero family party tent with gi
fts of wine, beer, and tapas. They were received by the entire family as if they were long-lost relatives. There was music, singing, and lots of fireworks. They stayed a few hours, and Irene realized it was nice to have another place to go. While the Romeros were welcoming and charming, Irene wanted to enjoy the evening in James’s company alone. At almost eleven, they said their good-byes and climbed onto the bike for their next destination.
All night she had been trying to get James to spill his little secret adventure. It seemed as if they were going back to the hotel when James took the opposite way toward the marina. He steered the bike to a small road that led to a large maritime club. They parked.
“Bring your bag, sugar,” James said as he unhooked his backpack from the seat.
“What are we doing?” Irene asked.
“I told you it’s a surprise,” James said, taking her hand and her bag.
They walked down one of the long piers where some private boats were tied. James stopped in front of a boat and a young man jumped down from the deck.
“Señor,” the young man greeted as he took their bags.
The young man tossed their bags onto the deck of the boat and James helped Irene aboard. He guided her to a seating area in front of the small bridge of the boat. They started on their way.
“James, what are we doing?” Irene asked.
“You’ll see,” James said, putting his arm around her and settling back into his seat.
The young captain expertly steered the boat out of the marina and into the harbor. They passed under a bridge and navigated through the busy harbor that led them to the open waters of the Balearic Sea. They sailed for what seemed like an eternity before finally reaching their destination. The boat slowed and stopped. They dropped anchor and the young captain called to James.
They were parked in the middle of a group of small boats. She could hear music coming from one of the boats and laughter as well as conversation from all around. They were close but not close enough to see or hear what was really going on. Irene could still see Barcelona from the water. Something moved behind her and she turned in time to see James returning with a glass of wine for her and his usual scotch.
