Chapter 13 – The Treasure Hunt

A bright, red Ferrari 458 Spider convertible was waiting for us downstairs. Alex’s eyes lit up at the “toy” he got to borrow. He tipped the concierge considerably and complimented him on his taste.

“Nice,” I smirked, running my hands along the curves of the car.

“Easy, my car might get jealous,” Alex flirted.

“There is plenty of love to go around.” I laughed as I slipped into the plush seats.

Alex hit the ignition, the rumble of the prancing horse’s V8 roaring to life.  “Rings first. Grab your iPad and Google a jewellery store. I’ll drive, you navigate.” I snagged my iPad as Alex slid on his trade-mark mirrored Ray Bans and revered the engine.

We were actually going to do this. It was spontaneous and crazy but it was perfect. It’s exactly what I had hoped my wedding, if I ever had one, would be. I couldn’t wipe the ridiculous grin off my face.

“Ok, there is a Tiffany’s in Coral Cables. San Lorenzo Avenue. Toss me your phone and I’ll call ahead.” Alex fished his phone out of his pocket and handed it to me, his eyes never leaving the road.

“Ok head south on SW 27th Avenue, then take a right on S Bayshore drive.” I dialled the number of the store, my fingers barely able to press the right digits.

“Hello, Tiffany’s Coral Cables. How can I help you today?” A polite voice answered.

“Hi, can I please speak to your store manager?” I responded. The heat from my excitement rose in my body, I felt giddy.

“Of course, just a moment.”

The words rushed out of my mouth as I explained to the manager that Alex Stone would like to shop privately in the store, we were on our way there now and could they accommodate us. The Manager was only too happy to have Alex as a guest of the store and assured me that our visit would be treated with the utmost discretion. After all this was Miami, they had celebrities in all the time so my request was nothing new.

I gestured wildly to Alex when to turn left or right. He found my animated directions hilarious. The whole situation was hilarious. I was marrying a musician from a famous rock band I’d lusted after for years, who less than twelve months previously I’d never even met. We were tearing around the streets of Miami, in a Ferrari, looking for rings and a place to get a marriage license. It was almost like a treasure hunt, except instead of gold, I end up with a husband.

I laughed out loud as the reality of the situation hit me, of all the crazy shit I had done in the past, this by far had to be the craziest.

“Something funny?” Alex brought the car to a submissive stop in front of the store.

“This whole thing is funny! Both of us are completely insane!” I giggled as I undid my seat belt.

“Well if this is an indication of our lives together then I would safely say neither of us will never be bored.” Alex reached over and placed his lips on mine before stepping out of the car.

We walked into the beautiful store, which was empty except for shop assistants vying for our attention. I am fairly sure it was more Alex’s attention, the fact he was glued to my side made the attention I received purely incidental, but my care factor was a big, fat zero.

The manager came out and introduced himself and inquired how he could be of assistance. I flashed my breathtakingly shinny solitaire and asked for a wedding band to match it. The move was extremely overt and overly flashy but hey, I couldn’t help myself- I was running with this.

There were so many rings to choose from and as beautiful as they all were, I wanted something simple and unpretentious. I didn’t want a band of diamonds to detract from my engagement ring (holy shit! I’m engaged?!) So instead we opted for simple matching bands for both of us.

“Are you sure this is what you want Lexi?” Alex tried on the 6mm double Milgrain platinum band I’d chosen for him to match my smaller one.

“Yes, it’s what I want.” I nodded enthusiastically, unable to peel my eyes from the ring on his finger, knowing what it would represent.

When did I turn into such a sap? I was never excited about the prospect of a wedding, in fact for years I believed the whole institution was repressive and unnecessary. Of course I now know that my distorted views had been shaped by my previous dysfunctional relationship but still, how could those feelings be switched on so quickly?

“I can see you over-thinking things,” Alex whispered in my ear, handing his credit card to the blonde attendant who was bagging up our purchase.

“How do you know what I’m thinking?” I smiled back. I had often wondered if Alex could read my mind.

“Because you get the most adorable little frown line, right here.” Alex placed his finger in the space between my eyebrows.

“You saying I’ve got wrinkles?” I teased as I tried my hardest to frown.

Alex laughed, “You will if you keep over-thinking things”

He turned to the attentive blonde. “Can you also include that pair of solitaire diamond stud earrings in that charge.”

“Alex, I don’t need earrings.” I protested.

“It’s only money Lexi, besides in a few hours, half of it is going to be yours. I can’t wait to tell Sol I got married without a pre-nup! You think he hates you now? Ha! The look on his face is going to be priceless!”  Alex smirked as he lifted the beautifully presented iconic blue/green bag off the counter.

“Oh FUCK!” I breathed, a little too loudly for such a classy store.

Alex grabbed my hand and dragged me outside.

“Shit Alex, a pre-nup! I didn’t even ask! FUCK!! We can wait, we don’t have to do this today, we can get one drawn up. I’m not interested in your money.”

How could I not have even thought about it? Alex was worth millions, I was worth considerably less than that, most of which would have to be liquidated from shoes, handbags and clothes.

“Too late Baby, we got rings now!” Alex opened the door to the Ferrari. “I trust you Lexi, I know you aren’t after my money. I don’t need a pre-nup. Do I look like the kind of person who is easily taken advantage of?”

“I know, but I’m just saying if you want to. I will sign it.” I slid into the car as Alex closed the door behind me.

“No, we are doing this now, just like you wanted. No noise, just us.” Alex effortlessly glided into the driver seat beside me.

“Is your family going to be ok with it?” Suddenly I felt guilt over my selfish suggestion.  After all, Alex was close with his family. I imagined his mother and brother would be a little hurt that they weren’t given the opportunity to share this day with us. I didn’t want to hurt such wonderful people, who in the past had only treated me with kindness and respect.

“My mother and brother will be happy for us. They both adore you. We can have a small gathering in New York later to celebrate.” Alex started the car as he handed me back my iPad. “Courthouse!” He pointed to the screen.

“I’d really like that Alex, a party in New York. I think it would be perfect.” I leaned over and kissed him gently on the neck.

“Mmmmm” he murmured. “Quit that before I decide to have the wedding night before the wedding.”

“Ok, Ok!” I turned my attention back to our treasure hunt.

“We need to get to the Clerk of the Courts, Miami-Dade County Courthouse. 73 Flagler Street. Give me a second to read the requirements.” I skimmed over the website. “Luckily we don’t have a waiting period because we aren’t residents of the state. We don’t need blood tests either. It’s fourteen minutes away from here according to the map. I’ve set it up to direct us.”  I placed my iPad on the console between us.

“I’ll get us there in seven” Alex grinned as he revved the engine.

“No speeding. I don’t want to deal with the publicity of you have to go to traffic court!” I warned, the thrill once again rising in my belly.

“Who invited my bitchy publicist to this wedding?” Alex raised his eyebrow as he pulled into traffic.

“Just drive!” I laughed as I pointed to the road and the barrage of cars in our path.

We arrived at the courthouse in ten minutes, less than the time predicted by our helpful directions but considerably slower than Alex’s prediction given my repetitive warnings about Florida State Troopers.

Alex exited the car and was around to my door in record time. He held out his hand as I stepped out of the car, our precious little bag in my hand.

“Wanna race?” Alex asked, playfully reminding me of when we first got back together after our painful separation.

“Your legs are HUGE compared to mine, I would need to take 3 strides to every one of yours!”  My eyes were wide in bewilderment.

“Chicken?” He goaded

“Go!” I screamed as I scrambled across the road, my heels slowing me down considerably.

Alex caught up in no time, his long legs bounding in front of me, looking back at me as he reached the door first.

“Sneaky,” Alex mused, “And yet I still won!”

“Whatever” I waved him off, pretending to be annoyed.

Alex chuckled as he opened the door, as I smoothed out my hair. We stepped into the lofty, deserted offices, and approached the counter.  The pale (how can anyone be pale in Florida? She must have slathered on the SPF 30+ each and every day), seemingly bored, red head behind the counter didn’t look up as we stood in front of her.

“What can I help you with?” she muttered in a monosyllabic tone.

“Marriage License would be a good start and possibly a Judge to marry us.” Alex leaned over the counter, his large frame casting a shadow over the pale, bored attendant.

She looked up, her eyes flaring in recognition. “Fu.....I mean....Oh...My....God...You’re ...Alex....Stone” Each word a jumble as they fell from her mouth as she straightened in her chair.

“Yes I’m Alex Stone and this is my Fiancée Lexi Reed. Are you able to help us?” Alex’s charming, cool tone engaged her further as she stared helplessly into his astonishingly clear blue eyes.

Yep, even on our wedding day some girl was going to be hypnotized by his ridiculous good looks, I was just waiting for the pupil dilation and the lip parting.

“Ummm...of course...Here are the forms!...Wait! You’re getting married?!” A wave of shock covered her face as she hesitated handing over the papers and then looked at me. As if forgetting where she was, a wave of confidence washed over her as she continued, “I knew you guys were dating, but married? I didn’t even think you were living together? When did you get engaged?”

I stepped forward, no longer content to take a back seat in this discussion, especially as the whole idea for our “quickie” wedding was to keep it quiet and intimate. I was almost a hundred percent sure that this chick was going to announce it on FaceBook the minute we left the room. She was probably Tweeting right now

- PaleCourtClerk - OMG! Alex Stone is getting Married! #WTF #ILoveHim #Let’sLynchTheBitch

“Hi, what’s your name?” I soothed as I stepped in front of Alex.

He raised his brow questioningly, giving me the “what are you up to?” look.

“Angie” She responded, seemingly annoyed at having to take her eyes off of Alex to speak to me.

“Hi Angie, nice to meet you. I’m Lexi.” I held out my hand in greeting.

Angie took it, shaking it hesitantly as she regarded me.

“Alex and I want a quiet wedding, without it turning into a replay of Mardi-Gras. Despite his public persona, Alex is actually a pretty private person and I know he would, as I would, really appreciate it if you could help us attain all the required documentation and keep it to yourself for the next twenty four hours.” My professional voice slipped effortlessly from my lips.

If nothing else, my years of working with various companies and clients had taught me how to “handle” a situation. First step was to assert dominance, without intimidation. Last thing I needed was for Angie to get defensive and realize she had the upper hand.

“It will be public record, I can’t stop that.” Angie shrugged helplessly as placed the papers on the counter in front of us.

“Yes, of course it will be. I know it must be difficult for you, being excited about someone as famous as Alex visiting your workplace. I’m sure you work so very hard at your job with very little gratitude. I’m just asking that maybe, you just wait until tomorrow afternoon before you happen to mention it.” I smiled sweetly.

Second step, befriend the enemy. Sympathize with them, let them know you validate their concerns, their feelings. Draw them in, see- I’m not such a bad person after all, you really want to help me, don’t you?

Angie looked at me puzzled, unable to decipher where I was going with this but gaining sympathy for our cause.

Which leads me into the third step, give them a trade off. Something to make it worth their while to guarantee their compliance.

“So as a special thank you and to show how much we appreciate your assistance, we - Alex and I, would like to invite you and a friend to meet the band and have dinner with us. Tomorrow will be our last day in Florida, we have appearances all day but we can have a special dinner together in the evening.”

Alex shot me an amused grin as he saw my plan unfolding.

“All I have to do is keep my mouth shut for a day and I get to have dinner with Alex and the band?” Angie’s eyes widened with excitement.

“Yes.” I softened her words as I reflected them back to her, “All you have to do is hold off telling anyone about this tiny piece of paper. Then after that, you let everyone know what a great help you were to us.”

“I’ll do it!” She squealed, clapping her hands together.

“Oh thank you Angie. Let me grab your number and I’ll call you tomorrow with a location.” My smile was easy as I wrapped up my negotiations.

“Ok, you need to fill these out and I need to see your documentations, but I wouldn’t recommend you guys getting married here. Not if you want to keep it low key. Most courts are in session and the minute you walk into that part of the courthouse it will all be over.  My brother-in-law is an ordained minister, he can marry you. I can arrange it.”

Angie looked to me for direction.

“Sure, that would be very helpful. Could you contact him now and see if he is available? Just tell him we are just a couple of regular tourists who are caught up in the magic of this beautiful city.”

“Sure! I’ll be right back!” Angie disappeared behind a door.

“Very smooth Ms. Reed. Glad you are on my side during negotiations.” Alex wrapped his arms around my waist while I filled out the forms.

“I’m just good at getting people to see things from my point of view.” I smiled as inputted all the relevant information onto the page and fished out our passports as supporting documents.

Angie returned with a beaming smile across her face, her mobile phone pressed against her ear.  “He can marry you in about 2 hours? That ok?”

“Yes that’s fine, I’ll write down where we are staying.” I grabbed a business card from my bag and scribbled the name and address of our hotel on it for her.

Angie disappeared again with my business card, clutched tightly in her mitts.

“So looks like I have time to buy a dress after all,” I teased, handing over the papers for Alex to sign.

“Looks like it!” Alex grinned as he chewed lightly on the pen.

Angie returned and processed our paperwork. We had no witnesses unfortunately so Angie went and dragged out Susan from city records to come sign on our behalf.

Susan was at least sixty years old and had no idea who either of us were, she eyed us suspiciously as she looked over our paperwork and passports. I’m sure she probably assumed I was a crazy nut-case tourist who was trying to land a US husband for a Green Card but she didn’t ask any questions and signed our marriage license.

“Ok, that’s it you’re done! You just need to finalize this when you have the ceremony and you are legally married.” Angie handed us our certificate.

“Thank you Angie, you have been a big help. I will call you tomorrow, just remember our agreement!” I gave her a pointed look reminding her that she still had to uphold her end of our bargain if she wanted to be our dinner guest tomorrow night.

“My lips are sealed!” Angie promised as she made a crossing motion over her heart.

We stepped out into the street; the lunch time people-traffic littered the footpath.

“Where to now?” asked Alex, hiding his eyes from the bright afternoon sun behind his mirrored aviators.

“I need to make a call, then we are finding a dress.” I held out my hand for his phone.

“The whole idea for you to leave your phone was so you didn’t make any calls, remember?” Alex reluctantly handed it over.

“I know but just this one call and I’m done, I promise.” I dialled as I walked over to the parked Ferrari, while Alex released the internal locking.

“Hey Alex, what can I do for you?” Matt’s smooth cool voice filled my ear.

“Matt, it’s me. I need you to do me a favour.” I blurted as I stepped into the car.

“Lexi? Are you guys ok? Why are you using Alex’s phone?” I heard the confusion in Matt’s voice.

“We’re fine...Shit, why do you always assume something’s wrong? I left my phone back at the hotel, long story but I need you to do something for me,” I explained.

“Sure, no problem Lex. Watcha need?” Matt drawled, his Texan twang peppering his tone.

“Can you gather up the guys and get the Hotel to have a meeting room or something cleared for us. We’ll be there in an hour or so. Just text me the details of which room we have.” I smiled at Alex as he took his seat beside me, hitting the ignition.

“Yeah, I’m not sure they are going to be too happy about a meeting on their day off but you’re the boss.” Matt laughed uneasily.

“Thanks, tell them it will be worth it! See ya soon,” I breathed into the phone.

“Bye Lex.” Matt ended the call.

Alex turned to me, his eyes milling with excitement. “I thought you wanted it to be just the two of us?”

“It will be, but they should be there too, and Matt.” I ran my hand along his jaw, in a few short hours this man was going to be my husband.

Sharing the moment with these men who had become my family, felt right. Alex nodded as he took my hand and kissed my fingertips. “So… the dress?”

I grabbed my iPad and did a quick search. “Mall in Bal Harbor looks amazing! It’s about thirty minutes away, take the I-95 and I’ll direct you from there.” 

We crossed over into North Miami and quickly arrived at the exclusive shopping centre. This was definitely a place where the rich came out to play. Sports cars lined the streets and luxury yachts bobbed in the water.

No one even gave us a cursory glance as we parked the Ferrari and stepped out of the car.

“Ok, meet me back here in thirty minutes,” I panted as I grabbed my handbag.

“I can’t come with you?” Alex cocked his head to the side.

“NO! You can’t see my dress until it’s time!” I shot back horrified.

Alex laughed as he shook his head, “I think we have kind of done away with the whole traditional thing Lex, but if that’s what you want, I’ll go get a suit.”

“Ok, thirty minutes.” I confirmed before taking off in a half jog into the beautiful mall.

Time was not my friend, I was going to have to chose a designer and run with it. The store directory offered a plethora of choices - Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Gucci - I was literally spoiled. I opted for Carolina Herrera, classic and elegant.

“Hello. How can I assist you today?” A sweet voice greeted me. She was wearing sky-high heels, a crisp white shirt and a fitted black pencil skirt. Her dark hair was pulled back severely into a tight bun fixed at the back of her head. She was stunning, her lithe body glided across the floor of the store gracefully as she approached me.

“Yes, I need a dress. Something elegant. An evening dress. Not black or white but something that makes a statement.” I tired to sort through my mind as to what I actually wanted.

I’d never really given much thought to a wedding dress. I was not interested in a white monstrosity that looked like a tulle factory threw up on me.

She nodded as she led me to the part of the store that held their full length gowns.

The minute I saw it, I knew it was the one. It shone out of a sea of muted colours, it’s unique design drawing me in.

“That one, I want to try on that one.” My heart raced as she sifted through the rack for my size and handed it to me.

I entered the plush over sized change rooms. The mirrors faced me from every angle as I took off my dress and carefully slid into the gown.

It was breathtaking. A champagne coloured silk gown with a delicate chiffon overlay. The stunning one-shoulder neckline tapered into a fitted bodice. Intricate beaded embroidery intersected bias seams across the body of the dress in a startlingly impressive display of workmanship. It clung to my body like it was painted on, the delicate skirt falling to the floor. It was perfect.

I finalized my purchase and raced from store to store before managing to buy a pair of Jimmy Choo heels to match it and some lingerie from Agent Provocateur. Thirty minutes was a challenge, even for me.

I was out of breath by the time I made it back to the parking lot. Alex was leisurely leaning up against the car waiting as he watched me run amusingly in heels toward him.

“Ok...I’m good,” I panted as I struggled to bring my breathing to heel.

Alex looked over my collection of bags, raising an eyebrow,

“I’m impressed. You can do a lot of damage in thirty minutes.”

“It’s a talent!” I puffed as I collapsed into the car.

Alex smiled as he shook his head, walking around to the driver’s side and joined in me the car. “Ready?” He asked, a playful smile flirting on his lips.

“Hell yes! Let’s get out of here,” I affirmed.

The Ferrari roared back to life as I input the address of the hotel into the iPad. The animated voice commenced directing us back to Coconut Grove.

I was ready. Ready to go back to the hotel and ready to marry him. I did not want to wait another minute.