Previously On

*Sandra* 

I heard the commotion on the comm as they tried to catch the woman walking to the car. I took it out, sat it on the counter, and poured myself a drink at the bar. The crystal whiskey glass shined from the light above the counter. I focused on the beauty of the glass as I poured. How did that woman know his name? He only tells people who really know him and people he really trusts. That woman, he trusted her. Her arrogance was so strong it was like a stink in the air. I handled it, because I wanted that dress. The small comments, the glances, should have told me that she had a deep seeded problem with our marriage. She didn't outright say it but let’s call it women's intuition. She was a presence as soon as she walked into the dining hall to set up. She was striking, beautiful, and tall. She was so much more than I am. Why would Joseph want me if he has had her? I didn’t know for sure what was going on, I'll admit, but the first thing that I thought struck a nerve. They have all told me he has never loved like this before. Was it a lie? Was there a beautiful seamstress before the kidnapped broken blast from the past walked into his life? I sat there sipping my drink, waiting for the inevitable. The explanation.  

After the second glass was poured, I heard the door open in the other room. I knew it was him and I didn't turn to give his stomping feet an audience. He didn't say anything at first, just stood by the counter and stared at me. “Sandra.” HIs voice sounded tired, strained, like he had been yelling for hours. “I don’t know who she was.” I looked over him and he looked almost defeated. “She knew your name.” I said softly, now feeling some underlying guilt for reacting so quickly. “I know she did. I don't know how. I don't know who she is, darlin, I promise you.” I turned towards him after drinking my last bit of whiskey and walked towards him. “How did she know?” I asked, now a little more concerned for him than upset. “I vetted her myself Sandra, do you think I would have allowed her to come here if we had some sort of history. I have never trusted a woman like I do you. Anyone before you called me Smoke.” I felt like he was being honest but a slight burning in my stomach wouldn't go away. “I just want to get our marriage planned and get out of this city.” He placed his hand on my cheek. “You need to know who she is.” I said, knowing that this will just bite us in the ass if it isn't taken care of. “Jay and Zeus went after her.” He said walking around me to pour himself a whiskey. I watched as the crystal and light mesmerized him as it did me. A way of focusing on something and clearing his mind. “I am sorry if I overreacted.” I said quietly, looking down to the floor. He took a small sip of his bourbon and grabbed my hand. “You didn't overreact, darlin. You have just learned things aren't so simple around here. A strange woman knowing my name could be devastating..” I nodded. I didn't really react that way for that reason, but he didn't need to know the details. I reacted to the idea that someone was loved the way that I am. Which also seems silly now that I think about it. I shook my head and leaned into his chest. HIs heart was beating fast when I first heard it, but it slowed quickly once his arms were around me. I calm his storms, and he makes me strong. Dress lady can eat her damn heart out.  

He stood there holding me for a few moments before speaking again. I think he was just enjoying the fact that I was still there. “I cancelled the florist, apparently, I needed to vet better. Sophia said she would take you out while we deal with this invasion.” I nodded; I didn't mind an evening on the town with Soph. She was the sweetest and I was lucky she wanted to help me. The more we plan, the more I realize I don't know much about planning a wedding. Ryan planned most of ours, I didn't really have a say. In hindsight, that probably should have been a red flag for me. “Sounds good, darlin. I will send Seven and a few more guards with you.” He reached for his phone to send out an order to the security. Seven was great, but I felt most safe with Jay. I looked down at my fingers. I had to get my nails done as well. I knew I wanted them to match my dress. I would pick out a nice red and make my ring fingers white, maybe with a small crown decal in black. That would be perfect to match my marriage colors. I couldn't wait to tell Sophia what I thought up. 

It was nice, having a friend so wise.  Having the women at home are great. Tanya and Takara are good friends, but with Sophia it felt like we could be close. She is in a position to know more about my experiences now. Her husband was a leader, not at the level that Joseph is, but she is aware of the lifestyle. I smiled to myself and Joseph tilted his head a bit. “What are you smiling about? It’s a beautiful smile.” He licked his lips. I felt a tingle as his tongue crossed his lips and felt my smile get bigger. “I appreciate Sophia is all. She is a very good new friend.” Joseph nodded in agreement. “Hector and Sophia have known me longer than most of the others. I invited Hector to join the inner circle at a time, and he politely said no. He wanted to stay in his territory with his men. I respected that greatly.” He ran his fingers down my cheek and reached up to his ear. I imagined to turn his ear bud back on. “Jay, Sandra would like it if you joined Seven and whoever you wish to take with you to finish their evening of wedding shopping.” I smiled knowing my hulk brother would be with me. I didn't have my comm in so I didn't hear the response, but I knew he wouldn't mind. “Give me an hour to get the information I need about the establishments, and then you will be off to finish your day my queen.” He kissed my forehead and headed back towards the movie room. Before he left, he turned back, “You and Sophia should have a nice dinner while you are out.” It was sweet the way he thought about these things. “Thank you, boss.” I winked at him. A small grin snuck up on his face as he turned to continue out of the room. I placed my comm back in my ear and thanked Jay for accepting the invite to come along. “Anytime, Sis.” He sounded pleased that I had asked for him. It still bugged me that I didn't know who that woman was with the dress, but I am sure we will know by the time I receive it for the wedding. *Oh, no, what if she doesn't send me the dress*. I thought.