Diane was surprised at the response they received from the kids from high school. There had been so many kids show up for the ride and many of them rode pretty well, from what she could see. She thought it would be nice for someone to get a cycling team started here for the kids. ‘This is something I need to talk to Erin about I guess,' Diane thought.

She showered and got dressed before heading to her office. It was a bonus to her to live a stone's throw from where she worked. The commute was easy. She unlocked the office and started the coffee pot perking. Checking the board she saw that they were ahead of schedule in bike production. With all the new hires, Little Timmy was almost working full time in her shop now. He really seemed to like building bikes better, than the things he had been doing. Orders for new builds were steadily coming in. Bike building was becoming profitable.

The fabrication side was working at ninety percent capacity thanks to Derek. He had a good head for business. He didn't wait for business to come to the shop he went out and marketed the shop. Samuel was basically taking over the computer design work under Derek's tutelage and Derek was hunting jobs to keep everyone busy, and he was even spending time in the shop with his dad learning that end of the business.

Diane was sipping her coffee when Sally Brooks showed up. “Hey Sally good morning,”

“Morning Diane, you're here early dear , what's up?”

“Oh nothing , I was tired of fiddling around the house and came on in. I gots a question for you dear.”

“Shoot, I am full of information, that is my middle name.”

“Well you know Derek is engaged now , right?”

“I know. I think that is wonderful .”

“Well half of the reason we are doing so good is because of Derek and I want him to stay with us. I want him to keep doing what he is doing and earn enough to support him and Patricia. I am thinking about cutting him into the business. Say a twenty percent partner into Biggs Fabrication. I would like you to make an estimate of what we can pay him and still have a respectable growth.”

“I agree with you whole heartedly. He is earning eighteen hundred a month right now Diane and you are taking three thousand. We have a more than respectable cash flow right now and even have money in the bank. We are a hundred twenty five thousand in the black, half of that is invested and bringing in eight percent per annum. We can move him up to twenty five hundred and still grow our bank account at the rate we are going. Also that twenty percent at the end of the year could give him a big bonus. He should be able to live on that.”

“Ok I want to meet with you, Cal and Derek on Thursday. I am going to take today off and talk to my lawyer. He may call you Sally to get a close look at the books. Keep all this in your blonde head ok.”

“Let me give you a spread sheet and the current P and L statement. Mum is the word as far as I am concerned.”

“Good keep it that way,” Diane said hugging Sally. “I feel like dressing nice today for a change.”

“Good girl,” Sally said as Diane left to go to her home.

Diane went to her room and got all girled up. She loved all the new clothes and makeup she got. She dressed warmly, but definitely feminine in a white satin padded pushup bra with matching panties, a mid calf length wool skirt, a silk blouse that showed off her breasts a little and knee high boots with three inch heels. She messed with her hair, it was easy to work with since she had it styled and permed. The makeup took a little work for her; she had never been one to use much makeup. She took her time and had done a reasonable job with her face. She grabbed her coat and purse before heading back to her office.

The wolves were out as she entered her office, everyone including Sally whistled at her.

“Whoa girl, it's gonna be kinda hard to weld in that outfit Diane, isn't it?” Cal asked.

“I am taking today off to be a girl Cal. I never get a chance to dress up much and we are pretty well caught up here.”

“There is no mistaking you for being anything other than a girl today, that's for sure,” Sally said.

“I may go car shopping later today too, my truck is nice but it wouldn't look right driving that big Ram in this outfit. Cal, Derek, and Sally I want to have a staff meeting on Thursday before work to plan where we are going. Derek I want to talk to you now,” Diane said heading to his office.

“Derek I want you to check on the internet for a legitimate organization for cycling in Virginia and what it would take to set up a local cycling club. I am thinking about sponsoring a club on our bikes.”

“That sounds great Boss, I will get Samuel on it when he comes in at two , if that is ok. I am going to be working with Dad this morning, learning more about the Biz, if that is ok.”

“Sure thing Derek, it is good seeing you get interested in the company and thank you for all you have done for it,” Diane said kissing Derek on his cheek. “I want you to stay with us Derek, you mean so much to our business,” she said.

“Don't worry , I'm not going anywhere. I like it here. Ya'll treat me with respect here and you got me out of my shell Diane. I owe it all to you.”

“No, you did it all yourself Derek. I just gave you a push in the right direction,” Diane said before heading out.

It was a little more difficult getting in the big truck with her skirt on , but she managed. She drove to the diner for a late breakfast and a newspaper. The girls were a gaggle, craning their necks, when they saw Diane. They were so use to seeing her in cycling gear , or coveralls with grease and dirt on them. Too bad Sandy was in class right now, she will have a fit, when she hears she missed seeing Diane dressed like this. Diane read her paper, ate and drank her coffee in a leisurely manner, something she only did on weekends after riding. At ten that morning, she left to head to Erin's shop.

“Hello Erin , how are you?”

“Oh my Diane, you are looking great dear.”

“Thank you. I really enjoyed our ride Saturday. I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“It was fun, seeing all those kids riding with us.”

“I enjoyed it too, and that is what I want to talk about. There were so many kids riding with us and many of them looked pretty good. I wanted to talk about you and me sponsoring a riding club.”

“That is a great idea, Diane . Are you going to build custom bikes for the team?”

“I plan too. Maybe put the ten best riders on my bikes, and maybe help upgrade the rest. I would like to have a competitive team. I thought we could get Drew here to talk about it and see what she thinks about it.”

“Diane. That is an excellent idea.”

“Yes I figured it out before she came to town. I thought that I would build and donate the bikes to the club and I wondered if you could donate the riding gear they would need. I could help with that if needed. I am doing good business wise.”

“We could talk to the Chamber of Commerce and draw some support from the community too Diane. You won't have to do that by yourself if you know which buttons to push. Well get Drew over here after school and butt heads on it.”

“I am going to talk to the school at some point and see what they think. I just want to get a good idea about it first and see where we can go with it.”

“I will see what kind of support we can get from the Chamber, while you do that.”

“Erin I would like to train more myself and maybe become a competitive rider. I have improved so much, but I am still quite naïve about competitive riding.”

“Honey in the time I have seen you riding, you have come a long way girl. Physically you are almost there. You mostly need to learn the mental aspects of riding and team riding. You would be a good time trial rider right now, and I don't know many people who can climb with you around here dear other than Drew and me. We'll do some more riding together; you'll learn quite quickly I think.”

“Thank you Erin. I appreciate all that you have done for me. I feel like I am starting to live again.”

“You're welcome Diane, but this town owes you a lot girl and don't let them forget it.”

They hugged before Diane left. Diane really liked Erin and what she did for the kids around town.

Diane then popped into her lawyer, Thomas Lindale's office. She didn't have to wait long before he saw her. She told him what she was thinking and he suggested rather than a partnership, that she should rather incorporate the business. She asked him to look things over, gave him the financial reports and asked him to call her. She told him they were going to have a staff meeting on Thursday and wanted to share her plans with them at that time. She also told him of their plans for a cycling club and wanted him to get with Derek and Erin on any legalities on the club in the next day or two.

Diane left and headed to school and went directly to Principal Robert's office. It has been about two years since she had graced this office with her presence. He saw her almost immediately and invited her into his office.

“Hello Diane, my you are looking good. A far sight from when you were in school.”

“Thank you sir. It has been too long since I have seen you.”

“I agree. I have heard how well you have turned your business around and I have seen how you have helped get this town back on its feet, so to speak. I am proud of you. What can I do for you today?”

“Two things. First I want to start at the University of Virginia, this summer or fall and I need to know what I need to do. Secondly, I am thinking of sponsoring a cycling club and wanted to get your input on it. It is very unofficial at this point. I am just putting out feelers.”

“Yes, Ms. Bell has already talked to me about your interest in going to college. I would love to help you. I think you should retake the SAT, you had a decent score, but I feel you could do better. The time you took the SAT test, was right after your Father died. There will be one given here in about six weeks. You have time to study and I am sure the teachers here will help you prepare. I see no problems for you getting into the University of Virginia, at Charlottesville right?” Mr. Richards inquired.

“Yes, at Charlottesville. I am planning on a mechanical engineering degree there.”

“On the cycling club, you mean like a Tour de France type of riding?”

“Yes, something like that. It won't be at that level, but you have the right idea.”

“I think that would be a great idea Diane, I heard about the ride ya'll had on Saturday. The kids are still talking excitedly about it.”

“Things are still at a preliminary stage right now, but I like the idea. I will tell you more later as we get on with the plans.” Diane said while taking out a business card. “Also will you give Drew Bond this message for me I want to talk to her about it,” she said writing a message on the back of the card asking her to call her cell when convenient.

“Sure. I would be happy to Diane. She should be at lunch right now. I shall see that she gets it before her next class, but it will probably be after school before she will be able to call you.”

“That is what I expected Mr. Roberts. Thank you,” Diane said as she shook Mr. Roberts hand and left.

Diane left the school about noon and after mounting her truck again, she decided that she really did need a second vehicle. Taking out her cell phone she reached Patricia on the third ring.

“Hello,” came Patricia's voice.

“Hey Patricia, Diane here. Are you free this afternoon for a couple of hours?”

“Sure thing girl. What's up?”

“I want to go to Charlottesville and go car shopping.”

“Sure I will be ready when you get here.”

“Ok , I will be there in about fifteen. We will take my truck. When I get my car could you drive my truck back?”

“No problem, I drive my brothers trucks all the time.”

Diane headed out to Patricia's home. She was ready as she drove up and joined Diane in her truck. Together they headed to Charlottesville. They had become fast friends; they talked like they had known each other their whole lives. Patricia was still very excited and was up on cloud nine, over her engagement. She couldn't believe how creative Derek was.

In Charlottesville they headed to the Chrysler dealership. The lot was humongous and had hundreds of cars and trucks. Diane and Patricia walked around the lot, just looking. At first it was just overwhelming, there were so many different models and colors just sitting there. Diane though found one she liked, a PT Cruiser GT. It was a beautiful metallic blue, had a Sirius satellite radio, 220 hp 2.4 liter turbo charged engine, a five speed stick shift, leather seats and the works.

They were approached by a salesman. He tried to charm the girls with his good looks and banter, but they were quickly disappointed in him. He treated them like, “Classic air headed blonde bimbos,” and Diane really didn't appreciate it very much.

“Sir could you and Patricia wait right here, I need to go to the ladies room?” Diane said a little flustered.

“Anything for you dahling, I will be right here for ya.”

Diane headed inside and found the sales manager, and related what she felt like to him.

“Sir I am an independent business woman, I own and operate my own metal fabrication plant and I am a certified welder and machinist. Your salesman is treating me as if I don't have two gray cells in my head to rub together. I would like a salesperson who will treat me with a little respect please. Or if you like, I can go elsewhere and you can tell him, my name ain't dahling.”

“I am very sorry Ma'am and I will see that you get the salesperson you deserve and that that salesman will also get what he deserves.”

The sales manager called for his top rated salesman or rather saleswomen. She came over to them and introduced herself as Sheila Banning. Diane introduced herself and smiled at her and they headed to the car Diane wanted. They talked accessories and such, as they walked Diane felt much better with her.

Sheila sent the salesman fuming to their managers office.

“Diane, You owe me big time sticking me here so long with that idiot.” Patricia said.

“Sorry, I couldn't stand that guy. I had to find someone I could do business with. Sheila this is my friend Patricia.”

After they got their pleasantries out of the way, they took the car out for a test drive. The car felt really good as they drove and fit her well. Diane agreed on what she wanted and then started talking turkey with Sheila. Diane said she wanted to put seven thousand down and finance the rest. Sheila gave her a good deal on the PT cruiser and gave her an additional discount for her, for her previous ill treatment. Sheila then sent the car to the shop for dealer prep. Her car got an overhead bike rack and a hitch mounted on it. The car wasn't designed to be a tow vehicle, but it could handle a small trailer for bikes.

The salesman they first met approached them and apologized effusively for his actions. Diane could tell that the sales manager had really raked him over the coals.

Finance proved a little problem at first. Diane had never borrowed any money, but after a short conversation with her banker, her large down payment and confirmation of her net worth, she got an excellent zero percent rate for thirty-six months.

At three thirty Diane got a call on her cell phone, “Hello.”

“Hello Diane, Drew here.”

“Hi Drew, thanks for calling, I want to meet with you, Derek and Erin later today, if you aren't too busy. I want to run an idea by you if possible, say for about an hour?”

“That sounds good, I may be free for a bit after cheer practice say five. Let me call the Walter's first.”

“Okay, call me back and let me know for sure.”

“Okay talk to you later Diane.”

Drew called back in about ten minutes and the meeting was on. After a call to Erin, they all agreed to meet at the diner. Diane said that she would pick up Drew. Patricia agreed to drive Diane's truck to the shop and ride with Derek to the diner.

They had all the paperwork signed and the car was prepped and ready by four. Patricia took the truck on back to Grottoes and Diane picked up her new car.

The car rode like a dream and was easy to get in and out of dressed in a skirt, or a dress and heels. It was very responsive and powerful; she fell in love with it as she drove it.

In Grottoes, she drove by the school and watched the last few minutes of cheer practice. Diane was impressed with them, they were pretty good, especially Drew and Em. They were so feminine and relaxed as they did their thing. Diane called Sandy and said that she would feed Em and take her home, if it was ok with her. Diane waved them over as they broke up. “Drew, Maddy, Em over here. Got me some new wheels. Em I called Sandy and I am your wheels this evening, so come with me,” Diane said as she showed them to her car.

“Whoa, Diane , is this your car?” Drew asked.

“Yes it is.”

“How long ago did you order it?”

“Order it? I didn't order it. Patricia and I just went to a big dealership in Charlottesville today and picked it out. Some dealers have lots filled with hundreds of cars. Isn't it a great looking car?”

“I think it is great Diane,” Em added.

“Yeah that is amazing Diane. In England we go to the dealership and sit down and order from the samples they have on hand and what they have in their sales brochures or what's on a computer to choose from,” Drew added.

The kids were all over Diane's new car. It was beautiful.

“We are going out to eat and talk. I will pick up the tab for you kids. Let's go meet the others.”

Erin, Derek and Patricia were at the diner waiting for us when Diane showed up. Sandy was at work already and waited on us. After placing their orders, they got down to talking.

“Well Diane, it looks like that shopping trip to get you some new rags wasn't wasted, you're looking fabulous girl.” Sandy said with a big smile on her face, hugging Diane.

“I want to thank you, Em and Patricia for that too. I am feeling as good as I look. You're looking good too Sandy, that smile looks great on your face.”

Diane started by saying, “The reason I got all of you together was that I was very impressed with the kids that came on the ride with us Saturday. There were quite a few of them that handled themselves well and showed a lot of enthusiasm. Don't ya'll agree?”

They all agreed to what Diane had said and talked about it for several minutes.

Diane continued, “While there are many informal cycling clubs around, there are few serious riding groups. I like riding hard and fast and I like the rides I have had with experienced riders. Getting down to the brass tacks. I have talked to several people and I am thinking about getting a group together and sponsoring a sanctioned cycling Team, at our high school. I want to help them either upgrade their rides, or to provide decent bikes for them to ride. What do you think about that, guys?”

“That's a brilliant idea Diane. I have really missed riding with my club since I have been here and I think that the kids here might like it, if they had a chance to join in on something like that.” Drew said.

“Count on me and Patricia, Diane. I really owe you for dragging my fat backside out on a bike. I was a smart go nowhere geek when you got me out of my shell. Now I have a life, more friends than I can count, and we are really helping our whole community,” Derek said.

“I am all for the club, it will be good for our businesses Diane and I get a kick out of helping others to learn about cycling,” Erin said.

“Well I want to supply at least ten bikes, set up by age group restrictions for gearing. I would also like to help the others upgrade their bikes out there, with better equipment. We won't be giving them away. I think I will retain ownership of the bikes. We will make the kids learn to take care of their rides. I think it will be good for them and it might be a lot of fun. Granted there just ain't a whole lot for them to do anywhere around here without going to a big city, and we are not really near any big city to tell the truth. So this will be an added bonus. We just might stumble on a future Greg LeMond, Lance Armstrong, Drew Bond, or a Jenny Bond for that matter. I would like Erin and Drew to come up with some ideas about what the club should do and some of the mechanics and such. I will try to work on the logistics with Derek and Patricia, how does that sound?”

The group settled down into their discussions and they had an enjoyable meal. There was a look of excitement in Drew's eyes, as they talked. There were a bunch of good plausible ideas thrown in and Drew talked about the Warsop Wheelers and some of his most memorable rides. Drew also talked about his mom and her career accomplishments, and their training. It was easy to see he lived for riding. They did manage to make some plans and come up with some very constructive ideas.

Diane got the kids in her new car. Sandy, Derek and Erin just had to look at it before she could leave. She dropped Drew off at the Walters place and Maddy at Ms. Bell's, before taking Em to the Jones' place. As she drove up the drive, Diane could see Mrs. Jones at the door. She just had to find out who was driving that strange car. When she saw Diane, she wouldn't let her go without coming in for coffee.

“Diane is that you, since when did you get this car.”

“I got it just today Mrs. Jones. I decided to start dressing more ladylike when I'm not working. That truck of mine just doesn't look right when I am dressed like this.”

“You're right about that. Well come on in and let's talk a spell.”

“I have homework to do Diane. I like your new look. Thank you very much for dinner and for the ride in your new car.” Em said hugging Diane before leaving and heading to the apartment she shared with Sandy.

Diane went into the main house with Mrs. Jones.

“Diane you look so nice today. How can you do all that man's work?”

“It is the only thing I know how to do, and besides, I like what I do and I am very good at it.”

“Oh right,” Mrs. Jones said.

Diane wasn't sure if she really understood or not, but they continued on into the house. She sat in the living room while Mrs. Jones went for coffee. The house they lived in was really nice. Mary Jones brought a tray with her coffee service on it and sat pouring them both a cup.

“Actually it is good you insisted that I come in Mrs. Jones. There is something bothering me about your daughter . She has seemed very troubled at times. I like Sandy very much, she is a good friend, but I worry about her.”

“Yes she is Diane; I care a lot about her too.”

“Maybe I shouldn't be saying this, I don't know. Well once she was very frustrated, when I came in for breakfast at the diner. She complained about her parents driving her crazy. It shocked me. You know my parents are dead and I have no close relatives that I know of. I would give anything to have my dad back. I miss him so.”

“I know you do. Sandy and her father are often at wits end with each other. I just didn't know she felt that way. I try to make things better and that Em ; she is such a dear girl. She has helped Sandy so much, in just the short time she has been here. I know Sandy and Em really enjoyed it, when they went shopping for clothes Diane. She was up in the clouds for hours.”

“Please don't tell Sandy, what we talked about. I just would hate to see her throw it all away.”

“Do you think she is suicidal?” Mrs. Jones asked, her voice had an edge of fear in it.

“Oh no, Mrs. Jones. I didn't want to give you that impression, but kids have tried it for less reason. I am afraid though she could, you know, move away from ya'll. I think that is more likely, she needs to feel more love and support from ya'll. I am sorry maybe I shouldn't have brought it up. I don't have much family experience myself.”

“Diane, you are smarter than you think, you are and I really appreciate you coming to me like this. Yes she has problems, but with friends like you and Em, I think she will do alright. Thank you for bringing this old lady down a notch, like that. I just hadn't really considered the problem that serious, but I know you are right.”

“You are not old Mrs. Jones. Now Ronald Reagan, he is old,” Diane said giggling.

“I am going to make Sandy's happiness my biggest concern if it kills John, figuratively speaking of course.”

The two sat there and talked about more pleasant things. Sandy had come in and they hugged and talked a bit before she disappeared to do her homework. Lastly they heard the door open again and heard a voice call out.

“Hey honey, I am home. Whose car is that outside?”

“Oh John, we are in the living room dear. That is Diane Biggs' new car. She brought Em home after cheer practice today.”

John entered the living room and smiled when he saw his wife. “Hello Diane. That is a smart new ride you got there. A little retro for my taste, but it really looks sharp. Sorry for being so late, I had a little business to catch up on dear.” Mr. Jones said hugging his wife.

“Well it is really getting late, and I appreciate your hospitality Mrs. Jones but I have to go to work tomorrow. Thank you so much,” Diane said.

“Thank you Diane, I enjoyed talking with you. You really must get back here more often.”

Diane drove her new car home and parked it next to her truck, before heading to her home and going to bed.

To be continued

Paula Dillon 28.08.05 © 2005
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