The Old Man and the Beach–Part 2

CHAPTER 5

We expected Leia sometime in the afternoon, but she must have been anxious because she pulled up to the gate just as I was preparing lunch—hot dogs on the grill. “Hello! I don’t know what to do.”

“Hi, Leia. Smile…you’re on camera. Hold on and I’ll buzz you through.”

“Okay—uh…do I have to worry about Max?”

“No, he’ll remember you.” I pressed my remote and the gate swung open. I watched as Leia drove her VW Beetle through and down the driveway. I called Cindy and put a few more dogs and buns on the grill.

I wasn’t sure how to greet Leia, but she walked straight to me, giving me a hug, so I reciprocated. Cindy showed her around the house while I finished prepping the lunch. It did my heart good to see Leia wolf down my hot dogs. I’d bought a couple of ribeyes for dinner at the area’s only real butcher shop.

After lunch I drove Cindy and Leia down to North Myrtle Beach. “Leia, your mom and I talked about going out in the boat tomorrow. What kind of sneakers do you have?”

“Well….”

“Okay, you answered my question. You and Cindy both need life preservers and either sneakers or boat shoes.”

“You mean those ugly things guys wear?”

“No…they’ll have some that are just like sneakers, except that they’re waterproof and they have great traction even underwater. Some people think you can walk barefoot on a boat, but if we hit a wave or a wake you could break a toe banging it into a bulkhead.”

I parked in the West Marine lot and fifteen minutes later my two women were almost ready. We drove to a tackle shop just up the road where we bought two South Carolina saltwater fishing licenses. “Do we really need these, John?”

“We do and we’ll need some for North Carolina, too. We can fish in the inlet between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle or in the waterway. That’s all North Carolina, but if we want to try the Little River Inlet, that’s South Carolina. Believe me, the cost of the licenses is nothing compared to the fine for fishing without one.”

We spent the rest of the day either on the deck or out at the end of the dock with the three of us on the swing. I spent part of the time checking the boat and test running the engine. I had plenty of gas so we’d be good to go in the morning. We enjoyed our dinner with Leia even though we both had to be dressed until we closed our door for the night.

Cindy and I did make love as we had done virtually every night since we had met, but it was somewhat more subdued than when we were alone. We kissed and held each other before falling asleep, just like every other night. I was up early, dressed in gym shorts and a t-shirt when I put Max out and started the coffee. I had just put the bacon on the griddle and was mixing up some eggs to scramble when Leia made an appearance. “Damn, John—you get up early. Where’s Mom?”

“In the shower; do me a favor and let Max in, will you? I’ll have the food on the table in about ten minutes.” We enjoyed breakfast and Cindy cleaned up while I showered and shaved. She and Leia made sandwiches for lunch while I put everything into the cooler then I carried it along with two gallon jugs of water out to the boat. I put the cooler in place in front of the center console and the water into one of the insulated fish boxes under the front seats. This was for Max. We were ready to go by 9:00. I explained that we’d fish for what was known as flounder here in the south, but was called fluke up north. “These fish will only bite a few hours before and after high tide which should be around noon today. After fishing we can go to Bird Island to swim. Sound okay?” They agreed and we were into the waterway heading north for some bait.

I had rigged the rods yesterday so they were ready when we reached the ocean. “We’ll start here and drift in,” I explained as I baited each of their hooks with a mud minnow, probably the best bait for flounder. Leia was seated up front on the cooler while Cindy was on one of the captain’s chairs at the helm. I leaned on the gunwale at the stern as I explained how to tell if we were getting a bite. “You won’t feel a bite, but you will feel additional weight on the end of the line.” I showed them how to lift the rod to bounce the sinker along the bottom.

We didn’t get a bite—not even the tiniest nibble–on the first drift, but I felt weight just as we began the second. I knew there was almost always a small sand bar at the end of an inlet. Running the bait over the rise of the bar was a good way to get a fish. Flounder are ambush feeders. They lie in the sand hidden by their natural camouflage and wait for a small fish to swim by. Then they jump out and grab it. I had gone slightly farther into the ocean this time, checking the water depth on my fish finder. My sinker had just hit bottom when I felt the extra weight. “I might have something.” Cindy and Leia looked to me expectantly as I lifted my rod two more times, setting the hook on the last one. Max ran back from his place on the bow, barking as he came.

I reeled the fish in, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t a keeper. Looking down into the clear water my face suddenly had a look of disgust. “Damn! It’s a skate.” Skates have to be just about the ugliest fish in the ocean. They’re useless to eat and they have all kinds of barbs on their backs. I pulled it out of the water, grabbed the hook with my pliers and twisted until the fish fell back into the water. “Go back up front, Max,” I told him as I reached into the live well for another minnow. Leia did catch a short—one below the legal size limit–toward the end of the drift. I knew from experience that the fishing would pick up as we approached high tide.

All told we fished for almost four hours and we did catch some fish. I caught two sand sharks in addition to the skate, Leia caught two flounder, and Cindy caught one. We could have kept the two, but they were pretty small so we threw them back for another day. I motored over to Bird Island around 2:00. Max jumped off the boat as soon as it touched bottom then I held it in place for Leia and Cindy. The towels, an umbrella, and the cooler followed. I carried one of the water bottles and one of Max’s bowls once I had anchored the boat in the shallows.

Max attracted several children and I allowed him to play with them once I assured their parents that Max was safe. Leia stayed with them ostensibly as “supervisor,” but in actuality as a participant. Max loved to chase a ball or a Frisbee and he could always use the exercise. I called an end to it after an hour, pouring a bowl full of water for him and making room for him under the umbrella.

We swam together and relaxed and had a great time. It reminded me how much I missed my wife. We left the beach around 7:30 and I drove the boat onto the lift about twenty minutes later. Leia and Cindy carried the cooler and towels back into the house while Max “helped” me. I hosed everything down—boat, live well, and rods then I filled a bucket with boat wash and scrubbed everything clean, using a sponge and a long-handled brush. I washed Max once I was done. Salt water was a catastrophe for his fur and skin. Cindy brought several towels to me and together we dried Max before I carried the rods up to the house. I could leave them outside, if necessary, but not on the dock where I was sure they would walk away before morning.

We enjoyed having Leia with us, but Cindy still had work to do—work related to her divorce. We drove to Charlotte Tuesday afternoon, taking Leia and Max with us. “I only want my clothes, my jewelry, and the things I inherited from my great-grandmother—a chest of drawers and a hope chest, both filled with handmade linens. Brian can have everything else.”

“I want to pick up the rest of my clothes, too,” Leia added.

“I’ve made arrangements for a sheriff’s deputy to meet you at the house at ten Wednesday morning. Be sure that everything is in the condition you left it before you sign the receipt,” Linda Moran had told her. We were up early and I rented a small trailer I could tow behind the Highlander before following Cindy’s directions to their house. The deputy was there waiting; fortunately, Brian was not. Cindy checked out the two heirlooms and their contents, pleased that they had not been sabotaged by her husband. I used a hand truck to get them into the trailer where I wrapped them in moving blankets and tied them into place. I wedged several boxes in place and covered them with boxes or suitcases of Cindy’s and Leia’s clothes. I drove then to Linda Moran’s office. She had scheduled an initial meeting with Brian’s employer and their attorneys for two that afternoon.

In her initial demands Cindy had demanded a five million dollar settlement. “I think you’ll get them fired as part of a settlement, Cindy,” Linda told us, “but be prepared to be flexible on the money. They want to keep all of this out of the newspapers—it’s very bad for business—but I doubt they’ll go all the way. I’d guess maybe five hundred. We’ll see.” We spoke for a while before breaking for lunch.

As anticipated their attorneys tried to play hardball. They were loud and insulting; I was pleased that we had told Leia and Max to stay outside. Linda allowed them to rant for almost a half hour before pressing a remote control. Immediately, a video and audio recording of the two having sex in Brian’s office. It had obviously been recorded from outside the window. The time stamp showed that the sex had occurred during the work day. Of course, they argued that it would never be admissible in court.

“Court…shmort,” was Linda’s reply. I’ll bet the Observer would find it interesting. How would it be if your firm’s dirty laundry was spread all over page three?”

“What’s your bottom line?”

“Fire both of them. We don’t care what kind of references you give. We’ll settle for half.”

“Five hundred.”

“Seven fifty is the absolute minimum.”

“Deal, but we get a strict non-disclosure agreement.” Just like that Cindy was a winner. We left it to Linda to work out the details while we drove home. I thought that Cindy would have been ecstatic, but she sat quiet and pensive the entire drive. We stopped for dinner en route and arrived around eight. I put Max out while Leia prepared his dinner. I found Cindy sitting quietly on my bed.

“What’s the matter, Cindy? You really look down.”

“Oh, John—I’ve just realized that I moved myself and my daughter into your home and I never even asked you. We have no place here inconveniencing you like this. I should be ashamed of my actions.”

“Cindy…we need to talk. C’mon out to the living room. I want Leia to hear this, too.” I extended my hand and led her out. “Leia, please come in and listen to what I have to say. Your mom is worried that your presence is a problem for me so I need to explain something…no, not something—everything to you.

“I was born the eighth, and last, child of James and Bertha Hayden. They were as Irish as Paddy’s pig and as Catholic as the pope. Birth control was something never discussed in their household. I was the youngest—an unanticipated surprise when my mother was 49 and my father was 55. Megan was the next oldest and she was ten when I was born. My brother Patrick was thirty-two. It goes without saying that I never had a relationship with my siblings.

“When I was born my mother decided that I would go into the priesthood. Unfortunately, they never bothered to ask me and that argument eventually led them to throw me out of the house when I was eighteen during my senior year and I had absolutely refused. I left with nothing but the clothes on my back, but was taken in by my best friend Paul Feinberg and his family. They were Jewish. When I learned that my clothes were burned Mr. Feinberg who was a lawyer sued my parents on my behalf, eventually winning a judgment of $1500. I lived with the Feinberg’s all of my senior year and Mr. Feinberg was instrumental in my attending Penn where he was an influential alumnus.

“The Feinberg’s bought bunk beds so I’d have a place to sleep and they fed and cared for me, even providing me with health insurance and taking care of my dental care. I tried to pay them back by doing as many chores as possible and working my butt off in school.

“Megan was the only member of my family who approached me after I was thrown out, but even she sided with my parents and chided me for hurting them. I remember even now what I said to her, “I can barely stand going to church now—all I do is daydream– so why would I want to be a priest? Why didn’t you become a nun? Because you exercised your free will, that’s why.” I never saw her again. I was never told when my parents passed, finding out only when a friend told me several weeks after they were gone and buried.

“I had a scholarship to attend Penn, but I worked every day, too. I never had time to date until my junior year and then the girl was most unexpected—Rosalind Feinberg, Paul’s younger sister. Rosalind was tall and skinny. She had tiny breasts and almost no hips, but I had always thought she was cute. What I didn’t realize, especially while I was living there, was that she had the biggest crush on me. Over time, that crush grew into unbridled love. By the end of my senior year at Penn I realized that I loved her, too.

“I knew from living with her family that many Jewish parents wanted their children to marry other Jews so I knew that I needed to speak with Mr. Feinberg before I even thought about asking Rosalind to marry me and that’s exactly what I did. Amazingly, he wasn’t at all surprised. He told me that he and Mrs. Feinberg had discussed our potential marriage. ‘I would prefer that she marry a Jew, John, but that is really her choice. Personally, I doubt we could ever hope for a better son-in-law than you.’ That’s exactly what he told me. I bought a small ring and asked her the following week. Any hope I might have had of a reunion with my family died when she agreed. My siblings never said a word, but friend of mine told me they considered me dead. We both wanted a family, but there was something wrong with her uterus so that was out. Then she became ill and died. I’ve been alone ever since.

“The reason for telling you this is that I always wanted a family, but I never had one, not even when I was a child. Now I have you and Leia and I’m thrilled to have you. Obviously, I can’t stop you from leaving, but I’ll never ask you to go. I’ve fallen in love with you, Cindy. The past weeks have been the best of my life. I only pray you feel the same.”

Cindy had tears in her eyes. “I do, John. You’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. But, what about all the expense–we’re costing you a fortune.”

“I worked as a bond trader for almost ten years before moving into management. In a typical year I’d make about $300,000. Then I began my climb up the corporate ladder. I was an executive vice president for ten years and never earned less than three million a year. I was a senior vice president for the last ten years of my career and I earned more than ten million every single year. How much does a person need to live? Not that much, that’s for sure. We lived well, but saved and invested. I now have more than eighty million dollars and nobody to spend it on. I have a North Carolina tax-free mutual bond fund that I use for my expenses. That gives me almost $400,000 tax free to live on every year. The rest is all very carefully invested so I think I can manage to support you. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if I want you out, but I doubt that will ever happen.” Cindy hugged me and suggested that we go to bed. Leia laughed, but did volunteer to close up the house.

We made love that night, but it was unlike any of our previous mating. All I could think of was taking the very best care of this woman who, for reasons I was unlikely to ever understand, had told me that she was in love with me. We were slow, showing our love for each other, before our need took over then we rested and went at it again. I could barely move when we finally fell asleep around three.

We showered together when we got out of bed, but we were still beat. Leia laughed when she saw us, but kissed her mom and hugged me. Max just wagged his tail. We went into Calabash for lunch. It was a celebration, after all. I made arrangements that very day to fly to New York, taking Cindy with me.

CHAPTER 6

“Explain again why we’re going to New York, John.”

“There are some things I need to buy and some people I need to see.”

“Like what? Like who?”

“You’ll see; just trust me, okay?” She shrugged her shoulders and two days later we flew into LaGuardia. From there it was a cab into Manhattan to The Plaza. We were dressed casually, probably too casually for The Plaza, but I’d stayed there before so I wasn’t concerned. Our only luggage amounted to two carry-on’s that we left with the bell staff while we looked for a deli for lunch. After the wait in the airport and the flight into LaGuardia we were in the mood for a walk so we strolled at an easy pace over to Seventh Avenue and down a few blocks to the Carnegie Deli. I ordered an over-stuffed hot pastrami on rye and Cindy followed my lead. We finished by sharing a large slice of their famous cheesecake. After lunch we needed another walk. I headed us south to West Forty-Seventh.

I had Cindy’s hand in mine when we walked into the Diamond District. There are jewelry stores by the thousands in Manhattan, but there’s nothing like the Diamond District. On the first floor of this building alone there were dozens of vendors, at least, each with a showcase or two, a worktable, and a huge massive safe. I was looking for a particular vendor, one I had used many times when I had Rosalind—a member of her family.

I saw him about two-thirds of the way back on the left side. “John, how are you,” he almost screamed. He came around the counter and hugged me, lifting me off the floor in his exuberance.

“Good, Moshe…good. How are you, my old friend?”

“How should I be? Business is from hunger…but who is this lovely creature?”

“Moshe…Cindy; she’s married, but not for much longer then I’m hoping she’ll marry me.” Cindy did a double take and, as she did, I slid to one knee. “So…will you?”

“You didn’t have to drag me all the way up here to find out. You could have done that in Sunset Beach.”

“I know, but shopping for a ring sucks there. I want you to have the best and I trust Moshe with my life. He’s Paul’s cousin.”

“Some cousin! I had everyone over for the high holy days and guess who doesn’t come. Some big legal problem for the big lawyer. What kind of problem is more important than family? Come, pretty lady, let’s spend some of John’s money. Don’t worry, he can afford it. If I didn’t know better I’d think he was Jewish.” I laughed as he took Cindy’s hand and led her back behind the display cases where he sat her on a chair facing a table and opened the safe. He laid three black velvet trays full of rings in front of her. They spent almost thirty minutes checking out styles and sizes and each time Moshe used his loupe to check the quality of the stones, several times rejecting the ring because the stone wasn’t good enough.

After all that time Cindy held a ring out for my approval. “I love it, John, but I’m afraid it’s too much.”

“If you love it, it’s not too much. Okay, Moshe…next item.” Cindy looked confused as Moshe brought out four trays of diamond tennis bracelets. Cindy looked at me as if to question what was going on. “Later,” was all I had to say. She picked out a beautiful bracelet with five rows of stones—sapphires in the center bounded on each side by a row of diamonds, and two on the outside of emeralds. It made an elegant and distinctive impression on Cindy’s wrist.

Holding two small velvet boxes Moshe told Cindy, “Please accept these as a gift for you and these as a gift for your daughter. L’chaim…and welcome to our family.” He hugged the startled Cindy and I opened my phone to call my bank. A few minutes later I had transferred $80,000 to Moshe’s account. Even then I knew I’d gotten a great deal. I hugged Moshe and he hugged Cindy then we were out on the street again, Cindy carrying almost a hundred grand in jewelry in a brown paper bag from Waldbaum’s, a supermarket chain that had folded several years ago. We continued our stroll, turning south again for a train.

We walked through Penn Station to the Long Island Railroad where I bought two round-trip tickets to Manhasset. “Can you tell me what’s going on now?”

“Well, I’ve noticed that you don’t have much real jewelry…a lot of cheap stuff, but nothing worth any notice. I wanted you to have a nice engagement ring and bracelet to start. Incidentally, you have excellent taste. I love both your choices. The two boxes have diamond studs. I would have bought them for you and Leia, but Moshe insisted. The bigger ones are for you, but even the small ones are decent size and best quality.”

“Where are we going now?”

“To meet the only family I’ve had for the past forty-three years—Paul and his family. His parents are gone now, too. Paul is an attorney like his dad. His wife Miriam is a wonderful person; she’ll be home when we get there. They have three children, but they’re in their thirties–two boys, both doctors, and a girl, Sarah–an attorney in the same office as Paul. I love you and they will, too.”

“Do I need their approval?”

“No…I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. They wanted to meet you and this seemed to be the perfect way. Anyone who knows anything here in the city buys their jewelry in the Diamond District so that was a good reason to come. I probably saved thirty to forty percent over Harry Winston or Tiffany’s or one of the other big-time jewelers. Meeting Paul and Miriam will just be a bonus.

The ride to Manhasset wasn’t long, less than thirty minutes. I hailed a cab at 4:52 and we knocked on the door ten minutes later. Miriam answered the door in an apron, bypassing me to give Cindy a hug. “You’re obviously Cindy. John has told us so much about you. Paul and I are thrilled to meet you. Come in. Paul will be home soon and Sarah is coming, too. John, you look wonderful. It’s obvious that Cindy agrees with you.” She showed us into the living room where we sat and talked until 5:30 when Paul and his daughter Sarah rushed in.

Paul almost ran to hug me. I stepped back a bit later to introduce him to Cindy. “Cindy, I’d like to introduce you to the man who’s closer to me than anyone other than you.”

“You must be Paul.” If she was surprised when Paul hugged her she hid it well. Then I introduced her to Sarah.

Once we were seated Paul joked about how I changed his parents’ household. “You see, Cindy, my mother kept a kosher kitchen.” He continued when Cindy showed her confusion. “Judaism is kind of unusual in that there are several forms of the religion. My parents were orthodox until John joined us. Under kosher laws we weren’t permitted to eat any form of pork—no bacon or sausage or pork chops. I’m sure that John would have eaten anything mother put on the table, but she thought that he’d been put through enough. Imagine the shock on our faces that first morning when we had bacon and eggs. I thought my father would faint. Personally, if I’d known that I would have invited John when we were in junior high.” I laughed and after a moment Cindy joined me.

We talked about living in the south, especially North Carolina. “There must be as many hogs in North Carolina as there are people,” Cindy told them. “Southerners love their pork. Growing up I thought lard was one of the five food groups. We have more recipes for pork chops than you can imagine.” We had a good laugh then I told everyone about my house and boat and golf and fishing. They were especially interested in how I’d met Cindy. I’d already told them about Brian’s cheating and the divorce. Miriam served a wonderful roast beef for dinner. We stayed until 9:30 when Paul drove us to the station. We walked hand-in-hand into The Plaza at 10:30.

“I can understand why you like them so much, John. They’re wonderful people. You know, I never met even a single Jew growing up. People I knew said they had horns and tails like the devil and as a little kid I actually believed that until my dad told me it was nonsense. Then at UNC I had a Jewish roommate. I learned that there were good Jews and bad, just like Christians.”

“You’re right, of course. The Feinberg’s are incredible people. I shudder to think where I’d be without their help.”

“You probably would have enlisted in the army and been sent to Viet Nam where you could have been screwed up like my cousin. He was so anti-government when he returned that he would only work off the books so he didn’t have to pay any taxes. He became a heavy drinker and killed himself a few years back in an accident when he drove into one of those roadside ditches we have for drainage. It was a real loss. He had been such a wonderful person.”

“I can tell just by the way you speak about him.” I pulled her to me as we entered the elevator. We made love that night, but it was different. We were pledged to each other now. I loved how Cindy checked out her ring every ten minutes. She clearly loved it as much as I loved her.

We were up early the following morning, dining in one of the Plaza’s restaurants. Cindy was amazed at the prices, but I had worked in Manhattan for decades so I knew exactly what to expect. It was a beautiful day in mid-August with the temperature in the eighties and a clear blue sky. We took a cab from the Plaza to the Circle Line pier, sitting on the open upper deck once I had purchased the tickets.

We looked across the broad Hudson River, marveling at the palisades, the high sheer cliffs of stone that rose several hundred feet above the river. Once the three-hour cruise began we sailed down river past the Statue of Liberty where we turned up the East River. I showed her where the World Trade Center had been as we rode past the South Street Seaport. Up the East River the cruise went. We could see the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Under the Tri-borough Bridge and left we turned as we rode through the deep gorge of Spuyten Duyvil where the currents are treacherous. It was a wonderful way to spend a morning.

From the pier we took a subway down to Chinatown for lunch then back north to Central Park for a stroll through their famous zoo. I was pretty much beat when we returned to the hotel around six. But not too beat for a quick shower with Cindy and a cab down to West 36th Street to one of my favorite restaurants—Keens Steakhouse. We had drinks, and appetizers and salad before enjoying the prime porterhouse for two. There’s a reason why the Village Voice elected Keens as the top steakhouse in Manhattan. Everything from the food to the service to the quantity of the food was top notch. Cindy was clearly impressed and she should have been—dinner for two cost me almost three hundred dollars. It was worth every penny.

We slept exceedingly well that night, tired from our sightseeing adventures and filled with prime beef. We skipped making love, but we did fall asleep in each other’s arms, rising for breakfast before checking out and a cab that took us directly to LaGuardia for our flight back to Wilmington, North Carolina where Leia met us with the SUV.

We were hardly in the house when Max let me know how much he had missed me. While Max was greeting me Cindy told Leia about her jewelry purchases and gave her the quarter carat diamond studs that had been Moshe’s gift. Cindy’s were double the size—two half-carat clear blue-white stones that I knew Moshe would have charged $5,000, at least. Leia loved everything, but her eyes really popped when she saw her earrings. She couldn’t wait to try them in her ears. Cindy told Leia about the trip while she tried out the earrings. “John took me to the Diamond District where he formally proposed in front of his friend. I love my ring and wait until I show you the bracelet John bought for me. After that we rode the train to visit with the people who took him in. I can understand now why John is so kind. Paul and his wife, Miriam—well, just let me say that I’ve never met kinder, more considerate, or friendlier people in my life.

“We stayed at The Plaza; it was fantastic, but the prices…unbelievable. And the food! I had my first hot pastrami sandwich. It was wonderful and then we went to Chinatown for lunch and to some fancy steakhouse for dinner. Talk about good—we had a porterhouse for two and I never even had to use my knife. That morning we took a cruise around Manhattan and in the afternoon we walked through the Central Park Zoo. The whole experience was wonderful. Thank you, John. Thank you for everything!”

“Okay, Mom–show me this bracelet John bought you.” Cindy opened her bag and removed the rectangular box which she handed to Leia. Her eyes popped out of her head when she opened it. “Oh my God; can I try it on?” Of course, she had it on her wrist before Cindy even had a chance to reply. “Mom, I have never seen anything so elegant. It’s beautiful. John, I can’t believe you. You’re so generous. I pray I’ll be able to find someone half as good as you.” She jumped up and ran to give me a huge hug then she reluctantly removed the bracelet from her wrist. “Is there some way I can thank the man who gave me this?”

“Sure, I have Moshe’s email address on my computer.”

“Moshe? That’s an unusual name.”

“I think I told you that Paul Feinberg and his family are Jewish. Moshe is his cousin. I met him when Rosalind and I were first married. We became excellent friends and have been since. He is an Orthodox Jew although Paul and Miriam are now Reform.” I explained the differences between the two and even a few others like Hasidic and Reconstruction. “Think of it as the various Protestant religions. They all believe in the same God, but go about it slightly differently except that there are huge differences between Reform and Orthodox.”

CHAPTER 7

The next few days were a blur of the beach, fishing, eating out, and mostly of making love with the woman I wanted to share the rest of my life. As Labor Day approached the emphasis changed to getting Leia ready to return to UNC. We took her car to the shop I use and they gave the Beetle a close inspection. I had her brakes replaced, the tires replaced and the wheels balanced and aligned. The oil and filter were changed and all the fluids topped off. I also had them change her wiper blades, something most people neglect. “I can’t be there to protect you, but I want to be sure that your car is in top condition so it won’t let you down or put you in a dangerous situation.”

We went to the local mall which was about thirty-five miles away down in Myrtle Beach and I sat in a chair reading while Cindy used my American Express card to renew her and Leia’s wardrobes. I spent more than $3,000 that day, but seeing their smiles made it more than worthwhile. I was actually sorry to see Leia leave. I enjoyed our privacy, but Leia brought energy and excitement into our lives. I knew that Max would probably miss her the most. She always found the time to play with him. I had my arm around Cindy’s waist as Leia drove out the gate and waved.

I turned to Cindy and pulled her into a hug. “Guess it’s just us now. What time do you want to leave tomorrow?”

“Not too early; it’s only a four hour drive to Charlotte and I don’t have to be in court until the following morning.”

It would be the first session for her divorce. Linda Moran had told us what to expect. “Every judge in this state thinks they can solve every couple’s problems and heal every hurt. Expect a requirement for counseling. I’ll object, but we’re probably better off just going with the flow.” Cindy and I had discussed this several times. I wanted to be there to support her, but she felt it was something she had to do on her own. We had finally compromised; I’d take a book and read it in the hallway or lobby. I’d been married before. I’d had to learn the value of compromise the hard way.

We went to bed early, made love several times and several ways. Cindy was gently stroking me while kneeling between my legs. “Guess what my favorite color is, John.” I shrugged my shoulders as if to say that I had no idea. “It’s reddish purple, John—the exact color of this.” She showed me by licking my cock head. Not only do I like the color, but I love the taste.” I watched in amazement as my entire cock disappeared into her throat.

“I don’t think this is fair,” I said with a groan. “I should be able to do you, too.” Cindy seemed to think for a second while her tongue laved my shaft. Then with a grin she moved so her legs straddled my head. “Much better,” I said as I placed my first kiss on her mound. I teased her gently as I’d done more than a dozen times in our brief history until she swallowed me whole, attacking me with her tongue. Then I reciprocated, plunging my tongue deep within her tunnel. I hadn’t eaten many women—none during my beach escapades—but I marveled at her scent and taste.

Cindy was really doing a number on me and I was getting close. She’d blown me in the past, but I’d always cum on her breasts or tummy so I felt the need to warn her. “Cindy…I’m close…really close.” And then I was there—falling over the edge into that deep dark abyss. Six times I exploded and six times my thick ropes of semen disappeared down her throat. I was spent—physically as well as emotionally—once I was done. I lay there, my chest heaving, as my breathing returned to normal. Some five minutes later I was able to speak. “I think I can take care of you now. Just give me another minute.” Then I made good on my promise, causing Cindy to gasp and groan in her ecstasy as I twisted her sensitive clit between my teeth.

I released her and turned her around so I could caress her head and kiss her cheek. I pulled the blanket over us and we went immediately to sleep. Only Max checking up on us delayed our slumber, but even that barely registered.

We rose early the following morning just as we always did. I packed the SUV with our suitcase, Max’s bed, and a supply of water and food for him. We would stay at the same hotel we’d used in the past—one that would gladly accept Max as a service dog. Knowing that I’d want to take him with me I had long ago purchased a service dog vest—size extra large—for him. His behavior only reinforced the thought in all who encountered him. I had a leash that attached to the vest, but that was only for show. Only once had anyone inquired about him. “I’m prone to seizures,” was all I said.

We left after breakfast, driving west on US 74 and stopping twice to walk and water Max and for lunch for us. The following day I held a nervous Cindy’s hand as we entered the courthouse. I had my book and Max as I kissed Cindy’s cheek. She left for the courtroom once Linda Moran had met us. I had to chuckle when Cindy’s husband Brian almost walked into a growling Max then scuffled away—abject fear in his eyes.

We met for lunch and I asked how it was going. “Slow,” replied Linda. “Considering all that’s happened so far you’d think Brian was the wronged spouse. They had their turn this morning. This afternoon will be our turn. I’ve threatened them with our videos and so far they’ve laughed. I don’t think they believe me. Tough—the results will be on them. This judge always tries for a reconciliation of the parties. Wait until I play the conversations about trapping Cindy and raping her in the divorce. I have it in five different conversations.” That’s the way lunch went. We went back to court just before two that afternoon. I walked Max and gave him some water from the SUV before resuming our place in the lobby.

I’m a fast reader so I was almost done with the book when Cindy and Linda returned just after five. Linda looked as though she had made some major points, but Cindy was near tears. I rose and put my arm around her waist. “That bad,” I asked.

“Worse; I know we discussed his conversations about trapping me and tricking me, but actually seeing and hearing him—both of them—was terrible. He told her that he never loved me…that I was only good for sex and even that wasn’t so good. I heard one conversation in which he said he had been cheating since before we were married. I feel like shit. That’s exactly how I feel. He set out to destroy me and that’s exactly what he’s done.” Interestingly, Brian Hopewell walked by us that very second. I could barely control the urge to sic Max on him—to have him tear out his throat. What a disgusting human being!

We said good-bye to Linda for tonight and I took Cindy in hand, first back to the hotel and then to a relaxing dinner. “Cindy, you have to put his remarks out of your head. He was talking to some tramp, trying to impress her. I’m sure a lot of what he said was bullshit. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, desirable, and sexy woman. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just stupid, and—let’s face it—that description fits Brian to a ‘T.’”

“I have to agree with that,” she said with a wan smile, “but I still feel like crap. I don’t know if I can eat anything.”

“NO! NO! NO! You can’t think like that! You need to keep your strength up so you can go into court and show that bastard that he isn’t getting to you. We’re going to have a wonderful relaxing dinner with a couple of drinks then we’re going back to the hotel and I’m going to prove how desirable you really are.” Cindy reached over to squeeze my arm.

I helped Cindy to undress then led her into the shower. I could tell that she had perspired terribly, no doubt the result of her incredibly stressful day. I kissed her neck and cheek as I slowly washed what I thought was an incredible body. Cindy compared favorably to most women ten years her junior. I told her so several times, but it was hard to overcome the terrible words of someone she had thought had loved her for more than twenty years.

Once out of the shower I dried her lovingly and helped her to dress. “I don’t think either of us is in the mood for a long drawn-out dinner. Why don’t we find this burger joint I read about? It’s supposed to be pretty good.” Cindy agreed and that’s how we wound up in Bad Daddy’s where we began with two margaritas and an order of fried onion straws that we agreed were delicious before wolfing down bacon cheeseburgers and hand-cut fries. I’m not usually enamored of restaurant burgers, much preferring the ones I make and cook on my grill, but these were outstanding. I was especially pleased to see Cindy eat all of hers. She was feeling much better when I undressed her and led her to the king bed in our room.

Max was reclining on his bed when I knelt between Cindy’s legs. “Most of the time I’d think that was a great idea, John, but tonight I want you to hold me for a while before fucking me crazy. Cindy moved to the center of the bed and I joined her, one hand under her head and the other moving from her back to her butt. We kissed, our tongues wrestling and exploring, for several minutes until my hand found her quivering pussy.

She was wet in anticipation; my finger entered her easily as she groaned into my mouth. Cindy pulled me even closer if such a thing was possible, so strong was her need. I understood what she needed—to be taken. I rose and moved between her legs, rubbed my cock into her slit then plunged deep in a single powerful thrust. Cindy gasped then arched her back and wrapped her long legs around my waist to pull me even deeper.

We battled each other for ten minutes, at least, until her first orgasm hit. Still, I pumped her furiously, ravaging her poor pussy with my love and my lust. Holding my weight with my left hand and arm I reached down with my right to lightly graze her clit. Her movements became even more frantic and, knowing that I couldn’t last much longer, I pinched her hard hot button between my fingers and twisted. Cindy pulled my mouth to hers and screamed. We came together as I drowned her hot cunt in my crème. Cindy shook through the entire climax, calming only when my body sagged onto hers.

“Thank you, John. That was exactly what I needed—a good hard fucking. Maybe we can make love tomorrow. What do you think?”

“I think I’m going to sleep well. You wore me out. I’m just glad I was able to help you. I love you and I always will. I hope you’ll remember that when you’re dealing with your asshole husband tomorrow. I’ll always have your back. I’ll always be here for you.”

“I know, John. You’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever known.” She chuckled when I agreed and snuggled up really close when I pulled the blanket over us. Not surprisingly we fell asleep shortly after Max poked his nose into us.

The following day was a repeat for me, but Cindy looked much better when they broke for lunch. “The recordings really put a dent into their arguments. I think the judge is leaning our way now, but I’d bet my kid that he’ll require counseling. Why I’ll never understand.” We walked out and down the street to one of those breakfast/lunch restaurants that seem to be everywhere in the south. The food was okay, but nothing like last night. I had a turkey club sandwich; both women had omelets. Service dog Max sat quietly at my feet.

Cindy and Linda walked into the lobby just after three that afternoon. I assumed correctly that they were done for now. “Ten counseling sessions—one a week,” Cindy told me glumly.

“Okay—I assume that she has to attend, but does she have to participate? Can she play the recordings for the counselor?”

“Yes, unfortunately she does have to attend, but—no—she doesn’t have to say anything and I think that’s probably the best strategy. If you play enough of those videos the counselor is likely to call an end the farce. On the positive side he has to pay since he all but demanded it.”

“Linda, that just doesn’t make an ounce of sense.”

“Nothing about this process makes even a bit of sense. It’s mostly just a waste of time and money.”

“Speaking of money, do I need to give you more?” I’d brought my checkbook for exactly that reason and wrote Linda another $5,000.

Later, when we were alone, Cindy told me that she should have paid. “Okay, but you just paid for Leia’s expenses at UNC. What was that—fifteen thousand? Twenty? You know I have the money and I want to help you. Okay?” She nodded and reached up for a quick kiss. We went out for dinner and back to the hotel for a long night of making love. We finally went to sleep around one and drove home the following day.

We spent the next week together, going to the beach, but swimming only occasionally as the weather had cooled. The following week I drove Cindy back to Charlotte for her first counseling session. She returned to the car an hour later. “I didn’t say a word, John. I played the first video on my laptop when the counselor asked me why. It seemed to shake her up a bit. I’m supposed to come back again next week. What a waste of time.” I had to agree. I drove us back to Sunset Beach where we went out to dinner. No love making that night; we were both exhausted—emotionally as well as physically.

The next two weeks passed the same way, but after the most recent session I could see that something was wrong. I tried to help her, but Cindy refused to open up. I decided that she would when she was ready. I discovered the problem on Saturday afternoon.

I had joined the Meadowlands-Farmstead golf courses when I first moved here. There are plenty of courses, some better, but I liked both and even more important I really enjoyed the people who played there. Every first Saturday in October there was a big tournament for charity. I had learned that it was named for a former member who had died from pancreatic cancer and who had dedicated his retirement to helping foster children in Horry County, South Carolina less than a mile from the two courses. I had been asked to play and had agreed.

The format was captain’s choice which is essentially playing the best ball of the four players to make a single score on each hole for the team. I had never golf played as a kid, but learned when I first became a bond trader. The firm paid for my membership at an excellent country club once I became executive vice president. I’d closed many a lucrative deal there and over the years I had become an excellent player—a big hitter with an excellent short game. My teammates were also excellent players so I thought we might have a very good chance to win.

I was up early as always and out the door before seven so I’d have plenty of time to warm up before the 8:00 start. I was really excited when I returned at 2:30 that afternoon. We had won by two strokes even after our handicaps had been computed into the gross score. When I pulled the car into the driveway I noticed that Cindy’s minivan was gone. I thought she might have gone shopping. Wrong, so very wrong! I found a note on the kitchen table along with her ring, bracelet and diamond studs.

Dear John,

I hate myself for what I’m doing to you, but I am just so angry and confused. I need some time to myself so I can think and reason everything out. I never told you this, but Brian and I married after a whirlwind courtship that began halfway through second semester our senior year at UNC. The counseling sessions have accomplished one thing—I now know that Brian cheated on me the entire time of our relationship. He cheated while we were dating, while we were engaged, and throughout our entire marriage. I thought I was happy and I always tried to please him sexually, just as I tried to do with you.

Now you and I are in another whirlwind relationship and I’m scared. I know you are not Brian, but my emotions will not allow me to think clearly while we are together. I do love you very much and I also know that you love me—probably even more, but is that enough?

I need to be sure to move forward with you and right now I’m not. Please don’t think you are to blame. You have been wonderful and so supportive of me from the second we met. This is all on me, unfortunately. I will return when I am sure. Hopefully, you will still want me then. Incidentally, Leia thinks I am crazy. I left the ring and bracelet and earrings because taking them now would be like stealing.

Love, Cindy

I took the letter and went to the couch where I sat and read it again. I knew something was bothering her. Why wasn’t she able to tell me? My first instinct was to call her, but I knew deep inside that I couldn’t. I had to let her work this out on her own. Hopefully, she would come back. I knew I’d love her for the rest of my life so I’d be here for her even if it took years.

CHAPTER 8

I was severely depressed so I became a virtual recluse, leaving the house only for a meal or to shop for food for the next three weeks. My phone didn’t ring even once. Eventually, I came out of my funk and began to fill my days with golf or fishing. I tried to socialize, but I was sure that I was miserable company. November passed and so did December. My only contacts had been with my golfing partners and Paul and Miriam. Christmas was the lowest time I’d ever experienced. I had always decorated the house, but this year I couldn’t find the enthusiasm or the energy. Max somehow knew of my plight, never leaving my side and often placing his head on my leg to look at me with mournful eyes.

I spent New Year’s Eve alone, retiring at ten without the energy or interest in the New Year’s festivities. As had become my habit recently I slept fitfully, tossing and turning all night long. After a bacon and egg sandwich I led Max to the garage and we drove to the beach. I often worked off my frustrations by a long walk. Today, the first day of the new year, was unseasonably warm with the temperature approaching sixty. There were others on the beach, some with dogs, but neither Max nor I paid any attention. Somehow I found my way to where Cindy and I had first met. I sat on the warm sand and Max joined me, his body lying next to my thigh.

I had been there almost an hour lost in my thoughts while the endless series of waves rolled onto the shore. I was startled when Max lifted his head with a jerk, turned into the gentle breeze and jumped up to run down the beach. I couldn’t believe he would leave me. He ran toward someone I could barely see in the distance. The sun was behind him or her so there was no way I could identify the person. Then I knew in an instant when I saw Max jump and caper around her. It was Cindy.

She sat next to me and for several minutes we just stared at the water. “I’m so sorry, John. I know how much I hurt you, but it was something I had to do.”
“I know…I understand, but you’re right. I’ve been hurting more than I can ever tell you.”

“I came back because I’m sure now. I love you and never stopped, not even for a second. I want to be with you if you’ll still have me.”

“I’ve always been sure, Cindy…ever since our first date. I knew even then that I wanted to spend the rest of my days with you. I loved you then and I do now.

What happened that made you come back now?”

“You won’t believe me when I tell you. It was Brian at our last counseling session. He asked why he hadn’t seen you or Max and I told him why. It was the first time I ever spoke in one of those sessions. Brian really tore me a new asshole. He told me that he was a serial cheater. He always wanted someone or something that belonged to someone else. It was a compulsion for him, one he had never been able to control. He told me that you were nothing like him, that it was obvious that you were in love with me. He told me I was a fool for letting you get away from me. That’s when I was sure—sure that I loved you and sure that Brian was right. I was a fool. I am so sorry that I hurt you, John. I promise I’ll never hurt you again. Can you ever forgive me?”

I stood and pulled Cindy up with me. Once she was in my arms I kissed her. It went on forever, wiping away the months of misery. I reached into the zippered pocket on the chest of my fleece and removed the ring—Cindy’s ring. I always kept it near my heart. She looked into my eyes as she held out her finger. We kissed again until Cindy whispered, “Let’s go home.”

She drove her minivan because all of her clothes were in it, but they stayed there unused and unneeded. She led me to the bedroom, stripping off my clothes on the way. Once I was on the bed she attacked me with a hunger I’d never experienced. She sucked my cock and my balls—a first for me—then rammed her tongue down my throat as her lips mashed into mine. I could just taste my cock on her tongue as we kissed. It was mid-kiss that she slid down my pole.

I’d love to tell you that she fucked me for hours. Actually, she did, but not the first time. I’d never found using my hand terribly appealing, but it had been my only outlet for almost three months. Now that I was in Cindy again I was in Heaven. Her velvet vise gripped me so completely and with such heat that I came within minutes. Cindy never complained. She continued to move on me even when I became soft then she made me hard in minutes and we fucked again. All told we did it four times that afternoon. I only got out of bed because Max needed to go out and he had to be fed. Otherwise I would have stayed in bed all day and all night. At one point I asked Cindy about her clothes. “If we stay here I won’t need them, will I?”

It took us three days to get her clothes in. I had to cancel several golf dates because we never did get out of bed even to eat although we did find the need to shower once a day as I began to wonder if there was any end to her juices. I took Cindy back to Chianti South, the scene of our first date, for dinner that night. We were ravenous after eating only snacks other than each other for three days. That night we went home, went to bed, and went to sleep.

We were awakened the next day by Max barking. I couldn’t believe it—someone was at the door! How? I was sure the gate had been locked when we returned from the beach. The bell rang incessantly as I donned a robe and walked into the living room and front entryway. I was shocked to see Leia standing before me. “Why didn’t you just come in? You still have your key, don’t you?”

“Yes, John, thank you, but knowing my mother I didn’t want to walk in on…well, you know.”

I couldn’t suppress a chuckle as I moved forward to hug my future step-daughter. I pulled her in even as I let Max out. The clock in the family room said 9:45. “I knew there was something I loved about you. You have excellent judgment. Come on in.” We were barely in the living room when I called out to Cindy. “Get dressed, darling—your charming daughter is here to visit.”

“Huh?”

“Your mother is worn out, not like me who feels as young as a teenager.”

“Yeah…right,” I heard behind me. “If I’m worn out you’re just as bad off…probably worse.” I kissed Cindy who kissed me back in spite of what I knew was my horrible morning breath. I left them to organize breakfast while I walked down the stairs to retrieve my dog. I needn’t have worried. Max’s coat was heavy enough to handle the harshest temperatures that the North Carolina coast could dish out. He was obviously excited to see Leia. He bounded up the stairs in about three leaps. I trudged behind.

I sat and allowed myself to be spoiled by my women. Man—could they talk! They went non-stop all through breakfast and for an hour after. I used that time to shower, shave, and dress and to change the bed as the sheets had changed color between Cindy’s secretions and mine. We had a great day together and for the next week, as well, before Leia had to return to her studies. During that time I learned that Cindy’s divorce would become final early in May. She had reduced her demands as an incentive to Brian, giving him the house she had no intention of living in again and splitting the assets 50-50. She might have been able to get spousal support, but only until she married me so that was moot. Brian did agree to pay Leia’s costs at UNC for the remainder of this year. I would gladly pay for her senior year and medical school, as well. I relaxed watching football as they planned our future.

The wedding was planned for Memorial Day weekend. We wanted Paul and Miriam to attend with their three kids and Moshe so we looked for a big house to rent for their use. We found one very near where Cindy and I had first met. That was where we wanted to be married—weather permitting. The house was perfect for our needs—six bedrooms, four with balconies facing the ocean; four full baths; living and dining room, and eat-in kitchen. There was a big deck—more than 300 square feet—and a back yard that ended at the dunes. At $3,000 a week off-season it was perfect.

Cindy phoned Miriam with the invitation for their entire family. I phoned Moshe. I asked Cindy if there was anyone she wanted to invite and, sadly, she said no. Leia and I were her only family. We contracted with a local high-end restaurant for catering and we were all set except for someone to marry us. I sought out my old buddy, Chief Matthews.

It was a Wednesday morning around ten that I found him at the bagel shop. Max was sitting outside unleashed and Cindy and I were inside awaiting his arrival. We didn’t have to wait long. “Hey, there, Chief—what do you want…my treat.”

“Hayden, I always know when someone wants something from me. You wouldn’t treat if you didn’t.”

“You got me, Chief. Why don’t we talk about it once we’re outside eating?” Five minutes later Cindy and I had our cinnamon-raisin bagels with cream cheese and the Chief had an “everything” with some kind of cream cheese I’d never dream of eating. We sat outside eating and drinking our coffee until I asked, “Know anyone who’d be willing to marry us? We’re looking for Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend. Probably only take fifteen or twenty minutes and I’d be willing to pay.”

“I dunno…am I going to be invited?”

“Sure, but only if you bring your wife.”

“Damn, Hayden—you sure do know how to ruin a good time. Uh…free booze?”

“Yeah…you name it and we’ll have it.”

“Okay, let me talk to the town magistrate. How much you talkin’ ‘bout?”

“Couple hundred okay?”

“Perfect. I still have your phone number so I’ll get back to you later this afternoon.” He did and the magistrate would. We were all set. All we needed now was for Cindy’s divorce to be finalized. That happened the very last day of April. I drove her to Charlotte, this time joining her with my “service dog” in the courtroom as she was declared a free woman. She walked away from the marriage with just under $100,000, a lot for most people, but chump change for me. It would be for her, too, once we were married.

We hugged once the decision was final and shook hands with Linda Moran. I thought she’d done an excellent job representing Cindy. Even Brian was conciliatory, coming over to wish us well. He’d obtained another job, although not with the same salary. I was pleased when Cindy wished him well. Max just growled. We left the courthouse with smiles and drove home to spend another wonderful night together. This time she did wear me out, fucking me like a wild beast until I couldn’t stand. We went the following morning to town hall for our license.

Paul and Miriam were the first to arrive with Robert, his wife, Sandra, and his brother Martin with his wife Rachel coming in an hour later. I had rented two
minivans for their use and sent them away with Leia as a guide while Cindy and I waited for Sarah and Moshe who had a later flight. They arrived around four that afternoon, just in time to drive from Myrtle Beach to Sunset Beach and then down to Calabash for dinner.

The weather couldn’t have been better as we spent time on the beach and on the golf course. Paul, Robert, and Martin were almost as good as I was so our bets were very close things. Miriam ensured that Cindy and Leia became well-loved members of the family. We had a great time, especially when we had them come to our house. Even Paul was impressed and that was no easy feat.

Saturday morning arrived before we knew it and the caterers were there before we returned from breakfast, setting up tables in the living room for the dinner and on the lawn for the self-service bar and cocktail hour. The deck was set aside for the disk jockey and dancing.

Cindy and I arrived at 10:30 to find everyone waiting for us. Leia had stayed here most of the week with her new-found friend Sarah. Chief Matthews and his wife Lou Ann and the magistrate Samuel Wright came at 10:45. I showed him our license and paid his fee discreetly–cash in a small white envelope that disappeared into his jacket pocket.

We walked together on the boardwalk over the dunes to the beach—Paul as best man and Leia as maid of honor as we grouped around Justice Wright. The ceremony was brief, but one hundred percent legal and binding as we exchanged vows, rings, and kisses followed by hugs and kisses all around. Cindy and I led the way back to the house for what turned out to be a rip roaring party thanks mostly to Chief Matthews. He’d asked me for Michter’s Sour Mash and I’d bought two bottles. At $70 each I thought it was a bit steep, but I am a man of my word and I had promised him any whiskey he wanted. Turns out he was a happy drinker, dancing and singing his way through the entire event. Dinner went well—prime rib and whole Maine lobster with potatoes baked in salt. The caterer folded their equipment at nine that night and we retired to the living room. I was satisfied that everyone had a wonderful time.

Even though I had told everyone that we did not want any presents Moshe brought out two boxes wrapped in gold foil. One he gave to Cindy, the other to Leia. “I know what you said, John, but you know that I never follow orders. Mazel Tov and L’Chaim!” Cindy and Leia looked at me for guidance. I shook my head at my good friend and told them to open their gifts. Cindy’s was a diamond, emerald, and sapphire pendant on a gold chain that exactly matched her bracelet. Leia’s was a simple diamond pendant entirely suitable for a young woman. They thanked Moshe with hugs and kisses even as I scolded Moshe for his extravagance. “I’m like you used to be, John. I have lots of money and nobody to spend it on other than my extended family. That now includes Cindy and Leia. They are wonderful women—better than you deserve.” On that I had to agree.

We all drove to the airport Sunday morning, enjoying the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues on the way—again courtesy of Moshe. I’d never thought Jews could love gospel music so much, but they did. I returned the minivans and we walked with everyone to the line for security. One by one we hugged and kissed until they had gone through to the gates then Cindy, Leia and I walked across the road to the short-term parking lot for the ride home.

“I think I’ll go visit one of my roommates,” Leia suddenly announced. “You two need some time alone.”

“Actually, Leia—we need you at home. Someone has to watch Max. I can’t put him into a kennel.”

“I don’t understand, John.”

“Me, neither,” my bride joined in.

“Well…I should have told you, Cindy, but I made some arrangements for us to go on a honeymoon. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No, I guess, but are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“Ever been to Europe?”

“No, I told you it was a dream of mine, but Brian always had some kind of excuse—like fucking that tramp secretary of his.”

“We’re leaving Wednesday. I have all the info at home in my desk. We’re going on a river cruise beginning in Amsterdam and ending in Vienna. I’ve scheduled us into Amsterdam four days early so we’ll have plenty of time to see the city.”

Leia had a silly grin on her face when she asked if we would go to see the famous red light district. “Sure, I went there once with Rosie. It’s interesting to look, but that all I’m interested in. There’s something pathetic about women selling themselves like that. There are plenty of other things to see and do. I can’t wait for us to try some poffritjes. They’re Dutch pancakes and they’re tiny—probably no more than an inch across, made on a special grill with indentations in it. They’re served with globs of whipped cream and whatever kind of fruit topping you want. Incidentally, they don’t have Redi Whip in Amsterdam or anywhere else in the Netherlands. They use real heavy cream loaded with fat and calories. You’ll love it.

“I’d like for us to travel a lot, but we’ll be restricted to Leia’s vacations unless we can find someone to watch Max.” Then I turned to Leia. “I know you wanted to work so you could save some money for expenses at school. I decided a while ago to give you a debit card. I’m going to pay you to watch Max. Think two hundred a day is enough? Since we’re related there won’t be any taxes or FICA taken out. This should give you about $5,000 and I’ll gladly give you more during the school year. Just keep your head and don’t share your PIN with anyone. We can set it up once we’ve returned.”

NEXT: Cindy and start a family and have more fun than I could have ever dreamed of.

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