At the diner Sandy had her coup of coffee ready as she hit her table.

“Morning Diane how are you today?”

“Great Sandy, you are looking good. I am going to Charlottesville Sunday afternoon to do some clothes shopping. If you and Em are free why not go with me. I really need some new clothes. All my nice things are so loose one me now?”

“I can see that Diane you have gone from a little pudgy to buff girl, you are really looking good though. What do you need?”

“Everything from the skin out, my cycling clothes are alright, but that is all. I have a few dresses that look good on me but they are a little loose on me.”

“I can't really speak for Em, and I don't really know, I am not sure about it.”

“Come on Sandy a girl could always use another girl's point of view when shopping and I just haven't really felt like it in a while.”

“Ok I'll check with Em and call you later today.”

Diane finished eating and headed out to work. She put the finishing touches to Jacquie's bike and sent it to paint. She then went to work on some other bikes. Her bike building was ahead of schedule and other orders were coming in right and left.

Derek had arranged with some bike shops to place our brochures there and the shop would get a fee for each referral. Diane was becoming more impressed with Derek's business sense. He had gone from a computer game playing, internet surfing geek to a business guru.

When Janice came in she and Diane worked on her bike. Janice wanted it to go on the ride nobody knew about. Yeah right. That had to be the worst kept secret in Grottoes. Diane fronted the money for the hardware for her bike. Janice had good tastes, she would be paying Diane off for a while, but she was a good kid and it was worth it. Her bike would be ready before the ride.

The plan was going well everybody seemed to know but Brit and Diane couldn't figure that out. Basically everybody was treating the Ambassadors visit as if it were a formal reception at the school. Hair appointments and dress fittings were hard to get, at least for Brittany. The people were saying it would be Tux and formal gowns, but everyone would show up on bikes wearing exercise or cycling clothes at Biggs Fabrication. Erin was making a killing selling cycling clothes, and fixing bikes getting them ready for the ride, Diane and Erin were helping the kids who couldn't afford top line rides to at least have decently equipped bikes. Erin would be doing safety inspections before the ride. Hopefully Brit would show up dressed to the nines. Miss Bell would see that Brit was out of the way while final arrangements were being made, and she would also make sure Brit was the last to arrive. She hasn't spilt the beans on her plans yet, but we shall see.

Sandy called to say that she and Em would both go shopping with Diane at one on Sunday.

“Diane after the ride tomorrow I would like to go to the mall. Take Patricia and keep her busy in a dress shop or such for about an hour. I want to do some shopping.” Derek said as they closed up Friday night.

“That won't be hard at all Derek. If Patricia starts shopping, the hard part will be to get her to stop.”

Diane woke early and got dressed for the ride. She had three camelbacks loaded with sport drinks and six bottles for the bikes. It will be a thirty five mile ride. She got that stuff and a change of clothes in her truck as Derek showed up to load the bikes. They headed on down to Waynesborough and picked Patricia up Derek drove to the ride while Diane and Patricia talked.

In Charlottesville Diane and Patricia signed up for the ride while Derek got the bikes ready. Diane and Patricia saw a couple of friends, Robert and Carson, from the rides and they agreed to ride as a team. They were a couple of very good riders. Four out of the five of us were on her bikes.

Robert worked with the group as the rode he helped them learn to operate as a team. They were on a fast pace Derek was struggling the most out of the group, but everyone helped him. He was in the best shape of his life but he was a far cry from everyone else. Patricia helped and pushed him the most.

The ride was in a very nice location, the mountains and the rest of the scenery made the ride go easier. For the last three miles, they pushed hard they were running between thirty and forty five mph, with short downhill runs up to fifty five. They were strung out a little at the finish, Robert then Carson, Diane, Patricia and about two minutes later Derek finished. Derek was improving fast.

“Well done guys,” Robert said, “It is much easier riding as part of a team than if you tried to ride solo. Derek you even looked better.”

“I ain't crazy about it like you or Diane, Robert I just like riding.”

“Yeah Derek, you like riding cause it let you catch Patricia.” Diane jabbed.

They were able to shower and clean up at a local sports center that opened their facilities to many of the out of town riders.

Diane and company then hit the mall. Diane and Patricia hit a dress shop. Patricia definitely had better fashion since than Diane. Poor Derek backed out of the dress shop saying that he would meet them at two for an early dinner. The girls bought a few things, Diane told Patricia she was coming back tomorrow with a few friends, Patricia asked if she could go. They spent about three hours combing the racks.

“It feels so good to be shopping for something nice,” Diane said, “I wear work clothes so much my wardrobe looks like a guys.”

“I don't know how you do it Diane. Dressing in your work clothes and doing what you do.”

“Well instead of keeping house, cooking, sewing, dressing as a girl and makeup, my Dad taught me machining, working metal, and welding. Every girl should know those handy skills,” Diane said giggling. “Besides it‘s hard doing an overhead joint dressed in a mini-skirt and wearing heels.”

Patricia just had to laugh at the incongruity of that last word picture.

Diane and Patricia found Derek cooling his heels in the food court. He looked like a rat trapped in a maze, but brightened considerably as he saw the girls approach.

Derek drove them to the shop and helped unload the bikes, before driving off with Patricia.

Diane hung her new dress up she would wear it tomorrow to go shopping with the girls. She folded her new lingerie slipped on a nightie and robe. She got a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream and settled down to a movie.

Sunday Diane got up early for her ride. It was a ten mile sprint today. This time she did a five straight one turn and five back. She found that she saved momentum from the five turns she had to make.

Back home she showered did her best makeup, which wasn't much. She wore her new under things and dress. Her new dress was a Kelly green crepe and was fitted to the waist. It had a straight skirt that hugged her hips and emphasized and flattered her figure. She wore suntan pantyhose and her new green pumps with 3 inch-heels and an ankle strap that just matched her dress. Her hair while pretty was plain; she just couldn't style it nice. Her welder's masks was hard on her hair. She just put her hair back in her usual ponytail, before leaving for church.

After church Diane waited for Sandy and Em at her place. They were a little late, but not much.

“Hey Sandy, Em how are you two?” Diane said getting in the back of Sandy's car.

“Doing ok, could be better Diane. My Dad is something else.” Sandy said.

“What happened?”

“Dad got mad about us going shopping.”

“That is weird. We need to pick up Patricia in Waynesborough, it's on the way.”

“You look fabulous Diane is that a new dress?” Em asked.

“Thank you Em, you two look fabulous too, and yes the dress is new. I have decided that I am going to look my best when I'm not working.”

“Your hair is so pretty Diane and your skin is nice but you could use some work on hairstyles and makeup.” Em said.

“I know, I just never had anyone to teach me to do it right.”

They drove to Waynesborough, Patricia was waiting for them.

“Hi Patricia, this is Mfanwy Morgan, call her Em she is an exchange student from England. Em this is Patricia Preston, she is Derek's squeeze.”

“You got that right girl, Hey Em.”

“Hello Patricia.”

“I just love your accent. Ok girls we need to shop till we drop. Our friend Diane needs some serious help with her wardrobe.”

The girls descended on the mall like they were on a military operation. Diane was dragged along as they went from store. Everyone held up clothes for everyone else to try on, everything from lingerie, leisure wear, dressy clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry and accessories. Diane could tell Patricia, Sandy and Em were really enjoying themselves.

Outside a beauty salon the three girls got a wicked expression on their faces and drug Diane in. Diane wasn't given much choice but to say yes as they found pictures of how they thought she should look. A wash, cut, roll up, soft perm (the technician assured her that wearing a hood won't ruin her do), manicure (did Diane put her foot down on nail length), facial, and eyebrow waxing. Diane was also sold a complete line of cosmetics of the ‘correct colors' for her. The beauty technicians showed her the correct usage for their potions, powders and such.

Diane had to admit she had never looked better when they finished. She also admitted to the girls this was her first trip to a salon for such a complete makeover. She usually just got a trim.

They stopped at a crab Shack before heading home. Em drew a couple of stares when she just ordered a veggie plate and salad but the girls understood when she explained that she couldn't eat meat. The poor wait staff didn't know what hit them as all four girls flirted with and teased them mercilessly.

“So how is operation ‘Get Brit” going,” Em asked.

“I just heard from Miss Bell, she and Brittany couldn't get a hair appointment in Grottoes this week so they are coming to a salon here on Friday. Miss Bell is going to have car trouble so Brit won't be able to get back to Grottoes till Saturday morning. Everybody else will meet at my place for the ride while Brit gets all dolled up.”

“I am going to be at Truk Gap helping Sandy and the rest to get ready for the group,” Em said.

“I'll be riding with Derek and you, Diane; I am looking forward to it.” Patricia added.

The girls rode back home satisfied with the trip. Diane had at least a dozen bags to unload at home. She was really happy with her purchases; she just wanted the opportunity to wear these things.

After her morning ride Diane showered and got ready for work, her routine took longer as she cleansed, toned, and moisturized her face and fixed her hair and netted it.

Sally fussed over her hair and had her take off her net so she could see it. She helped her to cover it back and they had their morning discussion. Their bank account was continuing to expand and bike orders were coming in good.

Diane then went back to Derek's office.

“Hey boss, how you be?”

“Good Derek and how are you. Did you buy whatever it was you needed?”

“Sure did boss. Want to see?”

“Of course I would, I am a woman.”

Derek reached into his desk and pulled out a small box and set it down. Diane knew what it was immediately. She picked it up and opened it. Inside was about an engagement ring a half carat princess cut diamond surrounded by channel set baguettes diamonds.

“Derek, Patricia is going to love this when are you going to give it to her?”

“Saturday up on the hill.”

“Go Derek.”

Diane headed to her shop Jacquie's and Janice's frames arrived and Diane went to work rigging Jacquie's bike. She worked steadily on it through lunch and finished after one in the after noon. She broke for lunch and when she returned at two. When Janice arrived they went to work on her bike. Janice did most of the work and Diane just made sure she got everything right on it. She asked Diane to ride with her after work she really wanted to try it out.

Diane handed Janice a box after work, when she opened it she saw a complete set of cycling clothes, gloves, shoes, bike lock and helmet.

“Thanks Diane,” Janice said hugging her, “What can I ever do to repay you?”

“Just do your best in school girl.”

They changed into their riding gear and Diane showed her how to lock her cleats into the pedals and how to release. After some practice they went on their ride. She learned how to change gears and use her cyclometer. It was a leisurely ten mile ride except for the last two miles when they cranked it up. Well now, she isn't bad at all, Diane thought.

The rest of the week was a whirl as they prepared for the ride. Friday came and just like Miss Bell promised she and Brit were out of town. Maddy had to stay with the Walter's, when Jessica called to say she was stuck in Charlottesville, what a shame.

Diane woke early Saturday. She got up and started getting things ready. At about seven AM, a couple of black hummers arrived with a security detail and started going over the place. All bottles of compressed gas had to be moved safe location and chained up, flammable liquids stored in a locked flammable storage locker and they stationed guards by them. They then set up a secure perimeter. As vehicles arrived they were then checked.

Derek, Patricia, and Erin showed up and went through security, and then they started getting their things ready.

“Paranoid ain't they,” Derek said.

“Nah… Juss security conscious,” Erin added.

Drew, Maddy and Jules showed up at about 7:30.

“When does the Ambassador arrive?” Drew asked

“About nine-forty-five and the ride starts at ten.” Diane said.

“That is great! Brit won't be able to get here till at least nine thirty or ten.”

As more of the Grottoes gang arrived, things were pretty orderly. Security worked to everyone's expectations and inspected everything. Erin was doing her safety checks, Diane and Janice making any necessary repairs. Derek was organizing the adults for the sag wagons.

At nine, three Virginia State Police cruisers arrived and two GMC Suburbans with more British security. They got a call at 9:10 that Brit was getting dressed. Miss Bell showed up with a big smile on her face. Drew ran over to her and gave her a hug. The seven bicycling security arrived and were riding around.

Diane's Face brightened as a Mercedes arrived with the staff riding. John Haverhand was decked out in his cycling clothes. He came over to Diane and looked at how things were going.

“Good show Diane, the Ambassador is on his way. Can't say for sure when he will arrive but he is near.”

Diane introduced John to Drew, Maddy, Erin, and the rest of the gang there. Two more Mercedes arrived, one was carrying the Ambassador and his daughter. John then took over after getting everybody's attention.

“I want to welcome everyone here today.” Announced John,”I am John Haverhand, the undersecretary on trade to Ambassador William Nelson. First, I would like to thank Miss Diane Biggs for organizing this ride. She did a lot of work to make everything happen. I want to thank Miss Drew Bond for graciously inviting us here, and I want to thank the fine folks from Grottoes Virginia for having our exchange students here and for this fine reception today.”

About this time, Mrs. Walters had arrived with Brit. Brit was dressed in a lavender, high waisted, ankle length chiffon gown, four inch lavender pumps, a lavender beaded purse, her makeup was outstanding, and her hair in a lovely up do. Her Face was somewhat crimson as she saw the assembled crowd.

“Without much Ado I would like to introduce Ambassador Sir William Nelson a great, great I don't know how many times to Admiral Horatio Nelson.”

Ambassador Nelson in cycling clothes came over to John, “Thank you John for that introduction. I'll make sure the exchequer remembers your paycheck on Friday. I want to thank all our American friends for this welcome. I want to introduce my fifteen year old daughter Jacquie Nelson and yes guys,” he said looking at the many teenaged boys, “she has her own security detail.”

“Aww Dad,” she said putting her fists on her hips and looking menacingly at her father. Jacquie was a lovely girl and in her cycling clothes she had many guys drooling. She really was a heart breaker.

Ambassador Nelson continued, “Our American neighbors are important to us in so many ways. You have stood by our sides through two world wars and the war on Terrorism. We need to be strong together to face the challenges of the future and exchanges like this are an important part of getting to know each other. I know there are other things on your mind now like growing up and having fun but we must work together and strive for peace. Without saying much more I want to thank you.”

It was Diane's turn to speak. “I want to thank everyone here for all they have done John, Drew, Erin, Derek and Miss Bell. I would like to call your attention to the Bell of the ball, the lovely Brittany Walters.” Everyone turned to a very red Brit steam seemed to be creeping from her ears as everyone applauded, screamed and whistled. “Now we will be riding in two groups to Truk Gap for a picnic, Erin has the groups set. See her.”

Diane, Drew, Derek, Maddy, Patricia, and Brittany were escorted by John where they met William and Jacquie. They talked for a few minutes.

“I will get you guys for this.” Could be heard coming from Brit.

“Give over Brit, you deserved it,” came from an unidentified source.

“Jacquie I have something special for you.” Diane said as little Timmy rolled a bike to her.

“Oh my gosh, Diane, I just love it. Look Dad they have my name on it.”

“Jacquie I have something for you too.” Drew said handing her two posters, one a signed poster from Jenny Bond and the other a signed poster from Drew.

“Drew I have something for you too,” Ambassador Nelson said handing him a plague and scroll. They congratulated Drew on his achievements and such.

Brit got to meet them specially. Jacquie giggled when she realized the gang pulled a joke on her, but she complimented Brit on her appearance.

“Ok folks let's ride.” Erin called out.

The faster riders included the British entourage and security riders. Virginia police headed out on road blocking detail and trailing duty.

Jacquie and William road next to Drew and company. It was a lovely day for a ride. The sun was out, the sky was clear, no wind and the temperature about fifty. The ride went at a leisurely pace this was no race. The Grottoes gang were pointing out points of interest from history and lore as they rode. There was laughing and joking as they went. The scenery was outstanding almost story book like. They got to the road going up the Appalachian Trail and started a slow climb.

The faster riders were grouped up front in the clear, Jacquie joined them, and with three miles to go they had a sprint to the picnic grounds. John surprised Diane as he pushed himself but he and Jacquie soon fell back as Drew, Maddy, Diane, Erin, Derek and Patricia pushed ahead. The last quarter mile had Drew way out front, Erin next with Diane then Maddy and then Patricia side by side with Derek when they turned into the picnic area. It took about forty minutes for the whole group to get there with the sag wagons clearing the road.

The festivities began with pictures being taken of the Grottoes group, the British group and the whole group being taken with the Ambassador and Jacquie. Then the food was served. Good ole American Bar-be-que, sweet tea, potato salad, pecan pie.

Some of the riders were going to ride back others were going to take the sag wagons back. Derek brought Patricia her bike she sat on her saddle as he went to retrieve his bike. She sat there then looked at her comp. Then…

“OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! Derek! Is that ring for me,” Patricia shouted.

There tied to her bikes handle bars was an engagement ring with a nice size stone.

Derek ran over to her, “Yes if you'll have me, that is.”

“Well Derek Drake for embarrassing me like this in front of everyone, if you want to marry me you'll have to catch me,” Patricia said peeling out with her bike.

Derek ran to grab his bike. Patricia had a good lead on him and she was faster than him to begin with, but he rode after her.

Drew seeing and hearing what went on ran to his bike, apparently so did Maddy, Erin, and Diane. They pulled in behind Drew and began riding like a team. The rider in front pulled them for a couple of minutes then went to the back. They caught Derek quickly and he caught the back of the string. Patricia was going strong. The string of riders reeled in Patricia slowly. When they were about seventy five yards out Derek became lead and pushed hard. It took him about five minutes but he finally tapped her on the shoulder.

Patricia seeing that she was caught coasted to a slow stop. Every one was a little winded but not as bad as Derek. This was the ride of his lifetime. Many of the rest had followed after Derek wanting to see what would happen. Sandy, Em, Miss Bell and Brit drove down to them. Derek then snipped the wire holding the ring to the handle bars and went down on one knee. Surrounded by riders Derek dropped down on his knee and said, “Patricia will you Marry me?”

“I shouldn't…you cheated,” she said in mock anger, “using your friends to help you,” Patricia said pausing for several seconds making Derek worry a bit. “But…Oh, I don't really have to think about it you know. Of course I'll marry you.” She threw her arms around his neck and planted a nice long kiss on his lips.

Everyone shouted and clapped as they kissed and hugged and kissed some more. Then Patricia was swamped by girls wanting to see her ring.

“Drew thank you bud! I could never have caught her without you guys helping!” Derek hugged Drew, Maddy, Erin, and Diane.

They abandoned him and ran to see the RING.

“That is a lovely ring Patricia,” Diane said, “how much farther were you going to make that poor boy ride. You know you are a stronger rider than he is.”

“I know, I wasn't going to make him go to much farther,” she said, “I just wanted him to know that he is going to have to move fast and to keep chasing me. Thank you Drew for an enjoyable ride.”

“Your welcome Patricia, I liked getting out and having a nice ride.”

(to be continued)

Paula Dillon 20.06.05 © 2005
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