A Fresh Start

Chapter 22

oOoOo

That's twice now that I have encountered those two funny older ladies, in the elevator. With their sunglasses and scarves on, in my mind I call them Thelma and Louise. Were my thoughts so obvious even to them? And to Carlos then, as well? But, to be honest, let's face it, they were right on. Omigod, I get palpitations just thinking about Carlos with all those buttons undone. Do I want to jump his bones? Hell yes!

Damn! That man is so fine. Seeing him in just his board shorts, the day when we went snorkelling, with that sexy grin as he slowly removed that shirt, was such a divine vision which featured in my dreams, a lot. But him in that open-necked sexy guayabera shirt really was the most tantalising sight ever! The fact that I knew what was hidden beneath those buttons was such a wonderful tease. His Abuela Rosa hitting him upside, a fully grown sexy man, was so funny that I chuckled at the memory. His mischievous sexy wink to me was gorgeous, yet cheeky, but he still was contrite enough in his apology to her, or to me. I had to cover my mouth to not burst out laughing. The whole thing was such a funny sight.

I can't believe how all this eventuated and just blossomed so rapidly. I smile at the images which flash so vividly in my mind, simply beginning with a casual encounter over breakfast, and that Cougar. Taking me to Little Havana, with the dancing and wonderful taste sensations. Yeah, the sexy dancing, sending good zingy vibes all over my body. Abuela Rosa's extraordinary photos! Breakfast again, together, at the same table. A spontaneous day trip down to the Keys to go snorkelling and then parasailing. So many awesome and tantalising images flooded my mind. Breathtaking experiences and sights. Spectacular sights. Happy hour drinks in the lush courtyard followed by a quiet dinner together. Breakfast again. Dinner with Abuela. Her photobook. Wow! That was so amazing. We looked so cute together, when we were so little at Point Pleasant, so long ago. With all the recent activities, it feels like we have been on so many actual dates.

Abuela's prophecy, which she and my Grandma already saw so many years ago when we were so young – "Soul mates," she said so emphatically. My Grandma Mazur had always said I would find my soul mate again. At the time I was confused when she kept using the word 'again'. "You will find him again, bogárkám, and you will know it in your heart, that he is the one. You will have a connection with him like no other." (Hungarian endearment: my little bug)

Yes. In my heart I felt it, more than just a flutter. Each time it felt stronger, even knowing I sensed his proximity with that unmistakable warm, zingy, tingling sensation. No one has ever had that effect on me. His eyes. Warm and chocolaty brown. Sexy eyes. His body. Oh, so sexy. Strong, masculine and nicely muscular. His smile. Oh my God, so very sexy. His whole manner oozed sex appeal, so effortlessly. He wasn't trying to capture my attention, not deliberately, not from the outset. It just happened. His voice, so resonant and sexy. Yes. Those luscious lips. Omigod. I stole a kiss, just a little kiss, and my lips were still tingling afterwards. He was a sexy man alright. Carlos was the epitome of sexiness.

I sniff the fragrant rose and sigh, as I watch the numbers go up in the elevator. How did I get so lucky?

Our burgeoning relationship was happening so fast. Was it too fast? I wondered. But I liked it. The pace. The excitement. The anticipation. That fluttery feeling in my stomach right down to my core. It made me feel all girly, like I did with a high school crush. That skittish feeling inside. So… Squee! But, this felt stronger. Different. Better. Better different. Nicer. Wonderful. More. Yes, so much more. Special. No one has ever made me feel this way before. I felt desired, but the underlying bond of friendship was powerful and our connection was undeniably off the scale. Soul mates. Yes. I was a bit afraid to believe it was possible. I hope Carlos felt it too.

He was so genuine. It was not like he was expecting something, or anything, in return, such was the generosity of this man Carlos. He was so generous with his time, and I could tell he enjoyed spending time with me, just as much as I liked spending time with him. No way was I going to question that. He wouldn't let me pay for anything. Yes, of course, I knew he felt the same. That attraction. That tingling sensation. His eyes showed so much warmth. He didn't take me for granted, but just showed me a wonderful time, doing things together which I had always wanted to do. Without him, I might still be wondering about those experiences, never to know how wonderful they really were. Doing them with someone special like Carlos, was truly amazing. Doing those things on my own, or as part of a tour group, just had no appeal. I feel blessed.

As I swiped my room card, I sniffed the rose and sighed again. I leaned against the wall before I closed the door. I couldn't stop the smile on my face. He must have gone to a lot of trouble to obtain such an exquisite rose, so fragrant, for my breakfast table. That gesture in itself sends my mind in a whirl. Just arriving so unexpectedly for breakfast was special. I have to admit that I love the attention. No man has ever gone out of his way like Carlos has. Actions speak louder than words. Carlos, a man of action. Hm. Yes, I like that about him too.

He was romantic. I sighed again and went in search of a suitable vase, hopefully a bud vase. I got lucky.

An incoming text from Hector snapped me out of my infatuated reverie, and had me back with the program, reminding me that today he was helping me with getting some wheels.

Hector greeted me in the lobby and chuckled. "You're smiling. You look happy, Stephanie. I know who might have been responsible for that."

I couldn't help my blush. "Hector!" I pleaded.

"Don't worry. I know he was at Rangeman all night and then left the gym early. My guess he went for a beach run, perhaps… somewhere close by, like in your neighbourhood?" He nudged me with a shit-eating grin on his face.

"Yes. He surprised me, arriving to have breakfast together, with a beautiful rose," I sighed dreamily.

"Oh, Stephanie! You've got it bad!" He laughed. "Just so you know, Carlos has it bad for you, too. You have him under a spell. I have never seen him look so happy. The guys at work are confused to see him smiling so much. That is not his usual persona at work, or anywhere for that matter. I think they're waiting to see if he is up to something. But, I have to tell you, it's good to see. Tank has figured it out. You're the reason for his smile. And you two haven't even got freaky yet!"

"Hector!" I glared at him with his deductions, which only made him laugh.

I thumped him on the shoulder, which hurt me more than him, making him laugh even more because he knew he was right. This is so embarrassing. Thankfully we arrived at the car yard and I hopped out of the car quickly, trying to compose myself before we got down to business.

A man approached us, sharing one of those complicated handshakes with Hector, nodding his head as they spoke in rapid Spanish, grinning.

"Max. Stephanie. Stephanie. Max. He will find you a good deal, reliable and trustworthy."

Max was a big help with choosing a car for me as a personal vehicle, with Hector for reassurance. They showed respect and Max instantly knew what would suit me. Even though they were popular, I didn't want a Toyota Corolla, but something maybe a bit more substantial, yet not a great big SUV. Problem solved. After showcasing a cute little red Corolla hatchback, Max had one of his staff drive a blue Honda Civic hatchback right up to where we were standing. He even offered a red option, but I had to concede that I liked the blue. Grinning like a Cheshire Cat, he nudged Hector as the next vehicle arrived when the Honda Civic moved out of the way. A choice of three. Omigod! Problem solved. How did he know? I looked at Hector, his face void of expression, until I put my hand on my hip. He lost it. They high-fived each other, grinning in celebration. Men.

I stood with my mouth open in surprise.

Sold. I am now the proud and happy owner of a red Mazda MX5, the Miata I had always dreamed of having, one day. No way could I afford a brand new one, but Hector had assured me that by the time Max and his team of mechanics prepped the car, any car for sale, it would be solid and reliable, running better than a new model, already run in. Max staked his reputation on that. Everything was legal, well mostly.

There were some essential features which I would need to comply with Rangeman security requirements. Seriously? Hector nudged me and explained how it was protocol with all vehicles, even personal vehicles. I would also have access to a company car, being a staff member. With Rangeman, in their line of work with bond enforcement, other extra features were essential. Hector explained about the shackles they had fitted in the back for the FTA captures, to secure them safely in the back, while they transported them back to the Miami-Dade PD for processing and back to the courts. I understood about the Failures to Appear, FTAs, or skips, from my work as Phoenix, in doing the background checks and profiling which I did for Tank and his Trenton team. I never really gave it a thought how they brought them back. Yes, of course, bounty hunters needed to secure the captures to make it safe for themselves, the skip, as well as the community. A gun safe, like a lock box, was another critical feature all the Rangeman vehicles had fitted. I didn't need that, I thought. Communications and GPS were state of the art so that they could track their vehicles. That was a provision necessitated for my safety. Okay. I can go with that. Max knew what was required. I thought it best to just go with the flow and trust his expertise. They know what they're doing. Off they went with my Miata to boost it in all the right ways.

"Rangeman has an exclusive arrangement with Max, especially with the fleet of work vehicles we have. They have all the security aspects we need with essential extras which the general public would not require. Before you can drive it away, Max is making sure that it has the basic requirements we all have for our personal vehicles. He will have it ready for you on Monday. He will deliver it to your hotel. Here's his business card. There's already one in the glove compartment, and on the window sticker, confirming your next service."

We made our way back to my hotel. My mind was wandering and we were there before I even realised. I sat in the café smiling broadly, thinking that red was such a nice colour. Blue was a bit subtler, and slightly less conspicuous than the red, but there were so many white, silver and black vehicles on the road, that I almost opted for the blue Honda. Yeah. Until the Miata rolled in. Hector grinned at me as the waitress brought over my iced latté with ice cream, and his salted caramel frappé.

Hector knew I had always wanted one of those cute sporty numbers. I sighed. I had thought about one of those since college days. Yes. Dreaming. Since I caught the bus, a private vehicle wasn't essential, until I went to Rutgers. The extra sideline work for Daddy earned me a bit more than my allowance, which enabled me to buy a used car, a little white only-one-previous-owner Ford Escort sedan. I sold it before moving down here and that was a good down payment for my Miata.

While I was deep in thought and reminiscing, Hector had sent a couple of texts.

It felt good to have that task to check off my list. Purchase a car. Check. After celebrating at the café downstairs, we were now in my hotel room. Hector had arranged for an important document to come to my computer. While waiting for my printer to spit out the document, an incoming text distracted me. Not many people know my new phone number. Hector smiled. He had already entered all the main personnel, including the core team, into my phone. Of course, I already had Carlos, at number one, and Hector at number two. Dad was the only other number on my new phone. He was my number three. I haven't shared my number with anyone else, so I knew it had to be someone from Rangeman. It was Tank.

Incoming Primary ID doc.

Then another text, again from Tank, a minute later.

Can you come in to Rangeman for final paperwork? 1600. See you then.

I showed Hector. I chuckled. It was a suggestion, but I was expected at 1600, so that's what it will be. I know what I am letting myself in for. I am familiar with military schedules, well and truly.

A quick reply, I confirmed 1600 with Tank.

Now all I needed was a current driver's licence, preferably a Florida DL. I had initially wondered, if through my connections from that Cadetship, with some of the alphabet agencies, if that might have some influence. After talking to Daddy last night about processing my change of state, he made things happen. He was the prime mover in enabling my driver's licence to be transferred so easily to Florida status. Hector suggested I put down the address of the Rangeman apartments where he lived to get things in motion.

I had already done my research to check the requirements from the Miami-Dade Department of Motor Vehicle website. Normally, to become eligible to hold a Florida driver's licence, there is an expected 183 days waiting period, which is six months and one day, with proof of residential status. With Hector's assistance, activating the process so to speak, Tank organised an email with my address, confirming my employment at Rangeman, Miami. A letter from an employer was a good reference. Another from the Army confirming my address once again, from one of the research departments for whom I worked before the Cadetship, was my second confirmation for proof of residence.

Daddy explained that since I already had such a high clearance, an official email from the Pentagon would be a critical influence to mitigate the delays and expedite my application. Voting rights and all that came with the package, of course.

To be honest, I was so glad to be rid of any New Jersey connections, now. I was moving forward and this fresh start was just about complete as I checked all the boxes on my list of things to do.

"Great. That works out well. I can take you there. That will fit in perfectly, with your 1700 appointment later, with Ranger."

How did he know about that? He grinned at me as he slurped the last of his frappé. Off to the Miami-Dade DMV with my documentations as proof of residence. Having the Primary identification documents was vital.

As Daddy had predicted, the processing at the MD DMV was quick and efficient, being met by one of Daddy's colleagues, who happened to be the main Florida licence examiner. Because my New Jersey driver's licence was still current, I did not have to sit any exams or perform a driving test. He made me feel very welcome and didn't ask too many questions, because he recognised and understood the nature of my work in profiling, BGCs and forensic audits. Having met the requirements with two primary ID proof documents expedited the process. He was impressed, I could tell. I have an inkling that Daddy had briefed him of my pending arrival. Having my photo taken was quick, and, within an hour, I had my driver's licence and was happy to officially be a Floridian.

Driving back to my hotel for the second time today, I couldn't stop smiling. I was excited and happy. With Hector's help, I now have a car and a current driver's licence from the Miami-Dade DMV.

My fresh start was really coming to fruition. I love it when a plan comes together, and it's all falling into place. I saw Hector off. My phone buzzed. He saw my reaction and smiled, waggling his eyebrows as he waved goodbye.

Another text. From Carlos. Yes, my smile gave me away. My heart skipped a beat, or two.

See you in 15.

oOoOo