“Appreciate it. I’ll talk to you about the chapter when you get through fixing the bikes. I want to ask you some questions.”
“Okay, no problem.”
“Thanks, Diego, we’ll leave you to it.” I thanked both of them as they walked out. Confusion reigned in my mind still about Misty. I checked Rick’s bike and decided to take it for a spin in the back parking lot. I wheeled it out and did a hard start and sure enough, a grinding noise began. Like I thought. I rang around for parts in the morning and then attempted to call Misty in the afternoon.
“Hi, you’ve reached Misty Narvaez and I’m not available right now. Please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you when I can.”
“Hey, Misty, it’s Diego. I just wanted to touch base with you. I’d like to invite you to meet some of the guys I ride with. I don’t know if this will set your mind at ease about things. Anyway…I know you need your space and I respect that. Let me know what you think, either way.”
Derek’s bike was easier to work on and I had the service halfway done by lunch. I added a few extra things to it since it was my first time working with the client. I closed up shop at a reasonable hour and headed to my home with Misty’s reaction still plaguing me.
The rest of the California week rolled into one, apricot skies rolled into blue and sometimes gray. Luckily, the weekend rolled around soon enough but there was still no word from Misty. In my dreams, I saw her kissing my lips and laughing. Even back when I was with Crystal, I didn’t feel the passion I felt now for Misty.
Trainer, Ryder and Yoda were on their way to me and I was preparing to head to the workshop. I wanted to have the place looking great before they arrived. My phone vibrated on the counter as I made my way out the door.
“Yo,” I responded.
“Hey, Diego! It’s Yoda. Are you ready for us up there?”
“For sure. I’m glad the boys are on the way. I got the platforms and it’s starting to shape up now.”
“Sweet. Any ladies up there? What’s the vibe? We might hit the town when we’re up there. We’re going to check into Studio 6.”
l chuckled. “Yeah, there’s some nice ladies up here for sure. You’ll find something you like. The Spanish chicas are stunning.”
Yoda laughed. “Sounds good to me.”
I rode out to the warehouse and opened up. I turned on the new computer and switched on all the lights. Everything was pretty much set up. I heard the roar of the bikes as they rode into the parking lot. The three Outlaw Souls, a formidable force, stepped off their bikes. All three were dressed in Outlaw vests. Ryder, with his rangy stride, stepped forward first, taking off his leather gloves. Yoda followed, shorter in stature with a few wisps of hair that wafted in the wind – he really needed to stop hanging on to them and cut them off. He had a fat round face that resembled his brother Padre. Trainer was a sight to behold. He wore a sleeveless cut-off shirt that showed off his strong arms with intricate tattoos and ripped abs.
“Hey, the cavalry just came to town.” I stood with my hand up in the garage door as they came toward me.
Ryder approached for a hug. “Long time no see, Diego.” He looked around and stalked around the place. “Looks good, Diego, real good.”
Yoda and Trainer surveyed the high ceilings and the expanse of the garage. “This has a lot of potential. We can really get a large chapter going on here.”
I nodded. “It’s a great spot. I got a few guys interested, I’m working on their bikes right now.”
Ryder walked over to them and looked them over. “Huh. Not bad. We got ourselves a rider. A Harley is a lot of upkeep. He must be serious.”
“Looks like it. Do we want to sit and talk about running an open day up here?” I suggested.
“Great idea. I can round up the chapter at the quarterly meeting and we can talk about it. Set a date,” Trainer replied.
Ryder placed a heavy hand on my shoulder, lowering his voice. “So let’s talk about what’s really going on up here. How are the women? Have you bagged any?” The guys laughed.
“Take a seat, fellas. I got coffee here but that's about it. In answer to your question, I met someone pretty special. Unexpected, you know.”
Ryder sat at the main table in the office and leaned forward. “Well, let’s order pizza and drinks, then we can really get down to business.” He paused and looked at me. “Okay, so tell me about her… heritage?”
I stroked my chin and grabbed a notepad and pen. “She’s Puerto Rican, she's bad. I’m telling you. Studying to be a doctor. We’re working on it, kind of turned cool...but that’s Spanish women for you.”
Ryder clicked his neck in place. “Ah, a Puerto Rican, she loco?” he laughed.
“Don’t you know it. But we Argentinians wouldn’t have it any other way.” I winked.
Trainer was on the phone calling in the pizza while Yoda waited patiently for us to start.
“What’s her name?” Ryder enquired.
