Until college my entire knowledge of the male was girl talk around the summer campfire and what my older sister asserted was the absolute truth about men. Hopefully, my circle of college friends didn't think of me as a 'Fast Girl'. Considering the time and the campus environment, if I was a bit slutty then my gal pals were also enjoying their new freedom.
A friend of the family, Bill, returned from the Air Force a trim, manly alternative to the previous bible college boys. Our reunion after five years was a revelation. Guileless Bill didn't stand a chance. I all but assaulted him on our next date. Gentle and enthusiastic, he knew little more than the common locker-room wisdom.
Three years and two babies later, it was clear that my good-looking husband had attracted a few lady friends. Quietly, we agreed that play could be recreational for both of us. There was spouse swapping at a few "key" parties. I had one or two 'quickie' assignations. Fun, but not deeply rewarding.
As a legacy from his father, Bill had a free, 'Single' membership and a board seat at the Double Eagle country club. Intimidated by Big Bill's reputation as a founder, my Bill seldom visited.
I was introduced to golf early as my mothers caddy. Later I played with my college golf team. My new family and the the cost meant my recent game was limited to a few outings on a public course and the occasion guest visit to the Double Eagle.
The spring of our seventh year together, everything changed.
An accomplished independent engineer, Bill had landed a lucrative Middle East contract. Staying the six weeks was the only practical answer. At dinner before leaving, he popped a surprise.
"To keep you and the kids busy this summer, we now have a full 'Family' membership at the Double Eagle Country Club.
I was surprised but pleased. Tangentially I mentioned the cost and benefits.
Bill, a former military pilot response was direct and a bit brusque," Move your mare Ginger from the farm to the club stables. The kids will have the pool and tennis. Since you need something to manage, I have resigned Dad's seat on the board in favor of you. The next meeting is Monday. With luck you will be elected."
He smiled over the dessert. "Now, you get to rub up against that young golf pro. Go have your fun, just be safe."
My husband was close, but not quite...
After six weeks in the Middle East, Bill was flying home. Making a connection in New York, he was arriving home the next night. One more day and, at last, the chance to serve my long-neglected needs.
Carlos the club groundskeeper was the image of a dark Latin male. In another era Hollywood would have tagged him a "Latin Lover." Taller than his Cuban peers, he was well tanned with raven-black hair and smoldering eyes. The country club's Ladies' Day always found more than one foursome asking the sand traps be groomed or reporting a phantom sprinkler. During the Ladies' Tournament, he drove the beer cart and was well tipped for his refreshing services.
In the summer, he wore sleeveless cotton shirts that displayed his large biceps. Often, the thin shirt was plastered to his broad back by sweat. His work jeans were shrunken one or two sizes too small. The faded denim perfectly contoured his thick thighs, tight buns, and what was broadly gossiped as an ample package. Aware of his Cuban accent he seldom spoke.
To the men of the club, he was 'Silent Carl'.
The ladies had dubbed him, 'Big Carlos'.
The most memorable early encounter with Carlos was an accident. Walking to the golf cart sheds, I noticed the door of the groundskeeper hut was closed and a "out to lunch" sign at odd times. The poolside barracudas had a running joke, "If Carlos is out to luncheon, somebody is getting a munchin'." His legend included superhero oral skills.
Married and having known a few play friends, the male of the species was no stranger to me. It was more a pleasant surprise than a shock, when I rounded the hut. A few yards away was Carlos with his equipment in hand, 'watering the azaleas'. Seeing him first, I quieted my step to take in the scene.
Here was one ruggedly handsome, well-equipped male. That legendary member was darker than his visible skin. An impressive hand spread in length with girth equally intimidating.
A twig snapped under my foot. He heard me and looked around. Quickly, he finished his business, shook the magnificent lizard three times before stuffing it home. A bit flushed, I made a hasty retreat.
Six weeks of Bill's absence crawled past. None of my rare play buddies had appeared. I was too reserved to go hunting. Golf was a poor substitute for the badly needed tumble.
This day my old golf cart, another legacy of Big Bill, would not start. All the other carts were taken and I would miss a scarce tee time. So off in a huff to find Carlos and get this damned thing started. Arriving at his hut, the door was open and he was inside.
Through the open door, "Yes, Mrs. T, how may I help?"
"My cart won't start, and I will miss my tee time."
Carlos replied, "I cannot fix your cart now but will call the pro shop and see if we can add you to another group."
I stepped into the hut, where he quickly made the call. In twenty-five minutes, I would connect with three familiar ladies. What was I to do with twenty-five minutes?