Driven by Destiny

by Falls, K. C.

  Of course, my whole circle of friends shifted. Married couples don't invite single women over for dinner and canasta. The upside was that I saw a lot more of Rose and slowly blended into the 'young and free' set again. There were parties that gave me a safe place to have a little fun, a few drinks and a laugh or two. I knew it was good for my mental health to get out of the house. I just made damn sure I kept it all cool and under control.

  But mostly it was work, work, work. It was a good place to hide. The last thing I was craving was a distraction of the male variety. Yeah, I was stung and hard.

  "How long are you gonna mope about that jerk?" Rose wanted to know. I had turned down yet another of her attempts to 'fix me up' with someone.

  "I'm not moping. You don't know what it's like." Frankly I was getting a little sick of her obsession with hooking me up.

  "It's me, Rose, you're talking to. How many times have you sat right there on that bed and told me to 'get back on the horse'?"

  "Lots," I admitted. "But this is different."

  "You mean 'cause Sally-boy was cheating with drag queens?"

  I had finally opened up to Rose about the whole sick circumstance that led to the divorce. I had to tell someone. "Yes. I'd say that's a little worse that your normal variety of cheating."

  "Cheating is cheating. Assholes come in all shapes and sizes but they all stink." She tightened her lips into an imitation sphincter and puckered it in and out at me. I couldn't help but laugh. God that girl is good for me.

  "Soon. I promise. I just can't see getting into a relationship again so soon."

  "Who said anything about a relationship? Go get laid. Sleep around. Take a walk on the slutty side. Have some fucking fun, for God's sake."

  "You know that isn't exactly my style."

  "Ever consider it might be time to try a new style? No one's gonna judge you, Trina. Your all grown up. Your mama's taking her time crawling out of her hole, your brothers are too caught up in their lives to care and your dad, God rest his beautiful soul, is gone."

  "I guess you have a point."

  "Damn right I do. Aren't you off to some trade show next week?" she asked.

  "Yep. Big one. I hope I can get a couple things accomplished."

  "Great. So just add a little razzle dazzle to what you're planning on accomplishing. Try it."

  "Oh Rose, that's so cliché. Half the people at those things are looking for sex."

  "So join the hunt!" She reached over and patted my knee. "Trina, I love you. I wouldn't push you at it if I didn't really think it would do you some good. You just seem so . . . lonely."

  My buddy. She was so right. Only the loneliness didn't start with the divorce. It had started way, way before that. "We'll see."

  "We'll see always means we actually won't see." Rose shook her head sadly. "Just try to have a little fun, will ya?"

  "I promise."

  I never missed the chance to attend the trade conferences that were held in the New York and New Jersey area and Rose knew how much I looked forward to them. It was a great chance to meet and network with other companies, source employees, see what new toys were being made for the vehicles and usually get a peek at the latest and greatest new limos on the market. I dreamed of the day when I could stroke a check for a couple brand new vehicles for my fleet. Business was improving under my workaholic mindset, but I couldn’t seem to nudge the company into a larger market than the local one my father had cultivated for decades.

  And I did give myself permission to enjoy the social parts of the conferences in ways I normally didn’t. I was Trina Ferreti, business owner. I wasn’t my father’s daughter or Sal’s ex-wife. I could pretend a lot better when I was out of my way too familiar environment. The parties were fun. Whatever hook-ups happened after hours were discreet and usually between some married guy and one of the ‘actresses’ manning the booths. Actresses my Italian ass. Maybe by day . . .

  Those types made up the majority of women at these gigs and I had zero in common with them. I was usually one of a very few female drivers—much less owners—at the affairs. It was the guys I wanted to talk to and they wanted to talk to me. And, because I was in their business and knew what their days were like, I was able to keep most of the conversations very grown up the way I liked it. But I wasn't sure I wanted to participate in the afterhours play.

  It was great fun to be the center of attention at the absolutely fabulous parties that always punctuated the events. It was soul salve for my wounded ego. And, after my experience with Sal, I valued the testosterone laced atmosphere with new appreciation. Something in me didn't want to spoil it. Maybe it was wrong, but I felt kind of virtuous when I came back, un-laid and pure. It set me apart from all the horn-dogs and whores.

  The conferences always paid off handsomely for me, too. My booth got a lot of traffic. I wasn't the only girl dressed up as a chauffeur, but I was the only one who really was one. Models don't negotiate contracts with companies looking for a group transport deal. I did. Word gets around.

  The National Limousine Association annual convention was the biggest event of the year. They alternated between Las Vegas and Atlantic City for their yearly three-day event. This year it was on the east coast at the Trump Taj Mahal and I was psyched. I hadn't been able to afford a trip to Vegas the year before.

  The convention was a good way for me to do a several things I had put on the back burner during the divorce process. First, I desperately needed to hire one or two full-time drivers. I would be able to collect some resumes and even do some on the spot interviewing at the event. I planned to put a "We're Hiring!" table tent at my booth.

  The second reason I wanted to be there was to scope out the used limos that would undoubtedly be prominently displayed in the parking area. It was time to add to the fleet and new was still out of the question.

  Last, I was toying with the idea of partnering with another local limo service. I was considering it based on what I'd read about the advantages of having a partner whose turf didn't directly compete, but rather complemented your own.

  On the last day of the convention I was in my booth thumbing through the resumes I had collected. There were some very qualified guys looking for work and it looked like I would have no trouble filling my positions.

  The crowd was thinning out a bit on that last afternoon and I had a clear view across the floor. I glanced toward the far end of the hall and saw a striking man headed in my direction.

  Certain men carry themselves in a way that just reeks of power and confidence. This man owned the space around him. It didn’t hurt that he towered over anyone he passed and his lumberjack shoulders were a horizontal plane. I didn't notice until he got closer to me that he walked with a slight limp.

  When he approached my table he removed his chauffer's hat from his close cropped blond head, tucking it under his arm with military precision. Then he offered his right hand for me to shake, and with his left placed his business card next to mine on the table.

  As I shook his hand, I couldn't help but think that a man his size needed a big limo to carry him around—no town cars for this dude. I looked at my hand in his and mine seemed like it belonged to a child.

  "Reggie Lewis," he said. His smile sort of did me in. Perfectly white teeth, slightly crooked on the bottom, were framed by a set of lips that looked as if they could kiss away all the cares and worries of the world.

  "Trina Ferreti," I stammered out. The guy had such a presence it had me flustered. The tractor beam I felt locked on me from across the table was incredible.

  I picked up the card he had placed next to mine on the table and read "Acme Limousine Service". In the lower right corner there was a small picture of the head of a black horse and around the horse were the word's "Black Stallion Brigade". The name read: Capt. Reginald Lewis, Army, Ret.

  I snickered.

  "I know, ‘Acme’ just brings out images of Wile E. Coyote, but you know the reason. We’re up at the top of the alphabet, right under ‘AAA�
��"

  "No, that’s not it," I said as I placed my card and his side by side. "The coincidence is just too much." I raised my eyebrows and pointedly looked at the two cards side by side.

  I had used a white horse as my signature emblem ever since my father died and it was embossed next to my name on my business card. Our vehicles all had a white filly as a hood ornament. His gaze followed mine and he picked up the two, examined mine carefully and placed the cards face to face. He began to rub the two cards between his massive thumb and index finger in a suggestive circular motion. His blazing blue eyes fixed on mine in an exaggerated seductive way. We both broke into laughter like a couple of kids laughing at a dirty joke. Ice broken. Melted ice puddle on the floor.

  I offered him a chair and he sat down in front of me.

  "I'm familiar with Acme Limousine. I read an article in Limo Digest that said it was the first and largest limo company on the east coast."

  He handed me his resume and answered, "It’s a very successful company. It's actually a subsidiary of Tri-State Lincoln and Ford."

  "They're a huge dealership. They've got locations all over New York and New Jersey. I guess that makes it a lot easier to get good prices on the fleet, eh?"

  Reggie chuckled and said, "They do alright."

  "Why are you looking for a new position?"

  "Actually, considering a change is more accurate. As you can see, I’m hardly a job hopper. It never hurts to see what’s out there."

  He had an impressive resume at first glance. Glance was about all I could give it. I was more interested in sizing up the person of the man who was in control of the space between us and then some. I could only imagine how impressed clients would be when this imperfectly handsome and devilishly distinguished man showed up to drive their spoiled asses around. If I gave him the prom circuit I could easily see some teenage dreams going on.

  I was always eager to hire vets when I could. They knew what good conduct was, they understood loyalty and most of the ones I'd been around knew how to defend themselves. Those are all great qualities for a limo driver.

  "I'd really like to interview you in depth at my office. How does tomorrow sound?"

  "I'm so sorry. I'm booked for the day. There are some dignitaries coming in tomorrow for a U.N. meeting on the situation in the South China Sea." The way he said ‘situation’ made it seem like he knew as much about it as the dignitaries.

  "I read about that meeting. I got called too. Unfortunately I don't have enough cars or drivers to meet the demand. Hence this," I swept my hand over the pile of resumes I had collected. "I've also been looking to expand our fleet."

  "Did you buy anything this week?" He leaned forward and his body language made it seem as if my fleet was more important—that I was more important—than all the ‘situations’ in the world. I suppose a person can learn that kind of thing, but this man struck me as someone who wasn’t a put on.

  "No, unfortunately everything in my price range looked pretty worn out. I guess I'll have to accumulate a bit more in the piggy bank to get what I want."

  "I hear you."

  "Look, Sunday is open for me. Could you meet me at my office then? It’s much better—slow day."

  "I'd love to"

  "Great…eleven in the morning?"

  "I'm looking forward to it."

  Reggie rose and shook my hand again. He lingered just enough for me to wonder if he meant to. I hadn't been with anyone since the divorce and it wouldn't have surprised me if I was reading sexual signals into everything. I was so out of practice that my instincts were dull and my reactions couldn't be trusted. I hadn't allowed myself to find any man attractive in so long and this one took me completely by surprise.

  I involuntarily stole a look at his crotch. Don't ask me why. His glance followed mine and I could feel my ears burn. I quickly met his eyes hoping that it wasn't too obvious that I was checking out his package. How mortifying.

  "Yes…well. I'll see you then," I said brightly, trying to be professional.

  He put his hat back on his head and said, "Tomorrow then."

  I watched his ass the entire time it took him to walk all the way back to the other side of the room. The little limp was just enough to make his gait a smidgen off but not enough to camouflage the power in his stride. I decided it was a plus that gave him just a small hint of vulnerability. He needed it. The power in him was almost dangerously strong.

  Chapter Four

  Sunday morning couldn't come quick enough for me. I interviewed a couple of the other applicants on Saturday. One struck me as if he'd have a hard time working for a woman. Don't know exactly why, but it was enough to cross him off the list.

  The other one was qualified and personable and definitely on the short list. But now, of course, I was comparing every candidate with Reggie. Let's just say this guy was a distant second. I told him I'd get back to him within the week.

  An obsessive study of Reggie’s resume indicated that he’d have to be in his mid-thirties. There was no personal information included, but just adding up the years here and the years there made for a fairly accurate guess. He wasn’t kidding when he said he wasn’t a job hopper. Other than his time in the service, Acme was the only job he’d ever had.

  On Sunday I didn't have any bookings. It's usually almost dead on Sundays. Weddings are all on Saturdays and most business people try to travel on weekdays. Sometimes there are a few calls for airport runs at night, but that's about it. It works out well for me. I appreciate having at least part of a day off once in a while.

  I paid extra special attention to my whole 'look' for the interview. I couldn't come across like I was on the make, but I didn't want to appear all stuffy either. I put on a cute peach colored blouse that the saleswoman told me complemented my olive skin perfectly. That’s a great way to sell an expensive garment to someone who can hardly afford it. I unbuttoned the top three buttons so that there was a nice bit of cleavage showing. Then I buttoned the lowest button again reminding myself that the purpose of this interview was not seduction.

  My plum skirt was maybe a little too short, but I liked the look and my legs are one of my best features. Peach and plum—I was a vision of fruitiness.

  I had to be careful when I sat because the skirt was short enough to reveal my crotch if I didn't sit just right. I giggled as I briefly considered going without panties and giving Reggie a glimpse of my muff. Of course I wouldn’t have done it, but it did me good to at least consider being naughty. It had been a very long time since I felt flirtatious. Just feeling it couldn’t do any harm.

  He arrived precisely on time. There's nothing that kills a limo service quicker than drivers being late, so that was a good sign. He was a good sign. He stood there taking up the entire doorway and I have to say that the urge to say "hello gorgeous" was pretty damn strong.

  I love a man in a blue blazer. I don't know why, but that's the single article of apparel that gets me going. And not too many men can pull off a turtleneck without looking like, well, a turtle. The pale blue sweater looked divine against his lightly tanned skin. Big men so often have rather gorilla-ish necks but his was very long and elegant.

  We said our hellos and I told him to have a seat in one of the two chairs in front of my desk. I had purposely removed the 'barrier' of the desk by placing my chair next to his in front of it. I wanted to be near him and I wanted him to relax without the psychological reminder that I was the boss. I guess I was more interested in him as a man than as a potential driver even if I was trying to hide that from myself.

  I slowly crossed my long legs and watched his face. Yes, he definitely noticed. No, I did not flash him—panties or none.

  "So, I see from your resume that you've been with Acme Limo for six years."

  "Yes, and I've enjoyed my time with them"

  "Why are you thinking of changing jobs, then?"

  "Acme is a very large company and I thought perhaps I would find more variety at a smaller one. We do almost exclusive
ly corporate work."

  "Well, you'd certainly get your fair share of weddings and proms with us."

  We went on with the banalities for a while until he leaned forward and looked me directly in the eyes.

  "Trina, I have to tell you that I haven't been completely honest with you."

  I cocked an eyebrow at him, urging him to go on.

  "First…before I tell you who I really am and what brings me here today…" he hesitated and gave me a look of uncertainty.

  "Go on." I could sense that he wanted to tell me something that was important to him in a personal way.

  "Look, I don't know a way to say this that doesn't sound strange. I find you very attractive. Very."

  I got a little thrill out of hearing that that went all the way through me. "Why would I find that strange?"

  "I'm sorry, of course it isn't strange for you that a man would be attracted to you." He laughed a tense little chuckle. "It's just that I haven't been with a woman in a . . . while. I'm fumbling around here. "

  I laughed. "You shouldn't feel odd. I been divorced for some time and let's just say I know the feeling."

  "When I saw these cards," he said drawing them from his breast pocket, "I was convinced that there is an element of destiny here." He ran his finger over the nearly identical embossed horses--one black and one white. "Is that silly?"

  Has anyone ever said anything to you that just melted your heart? I put my hand over the hand that held the cards. "I don't think it's silly at all. I think it's very romantic." I wanted to leave my hand on his forever. The sparks were undeniable even in that small gesture.

  "So, the thing is, I don't want to be dishonest with you about my purpose here."

  "Okay."

  "I'm not looking for a job."

  "Are you trying to tell me that you came over to my booth at the convention; resume in hand, to try to seduce me?" Now that did seem a little far-fetched.