Chapter Two -- The Exhibitionist
The next morning they both were up early and went out for a long walk along the beach. It was their time to stretch the legs, enjoy the sunrise, and talk about their lives' in general. Three hours later they were back at the rental, well before they needed to concern themselves with any suntan lotion. This would be their first full day at the beach and they were well on their way to enjoying every waking minute.
Later that morning, after they had spent the early hours on the beach, it was time for a nourishing breakfast. Dan cooked the eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee; letting Dee relax after setting the table. At the beach, the kitchen was Dan's domain.
After breakfast, Dan went off to listen to music and read, while Dee decided to write a few letters. She knew that letter writing was a dying art in this electronic age. Not able to find time during her fifty busy weeks at home, letter writing helped her to relax. She let the family know how much they were enjoying their vacation with words. This was also her private time. Their marriage was successful because they knew when they needed to be a couple and when they needed time away from each other.
The day moved quickly from morning, to noon, into the afternoon. They did not break for lunch, instead nibbled from the refrigerator. Dan woke from a short nap as he heard Dee scurrying around the kitchen. She was in the process of preparing a plate of fruit, crackers, and cheese when she looked over to her husband stirring in the chair.
"Would you like a plate of fruit?" She spoke softly.
Eyes not quite fully open, he looked in the direction of his wife, took a second to comprehend her question, and answered, "Yes that would be nice.
Moving his legs and sitting up slowly stirred the blood and helped him to bring his body back to life. This provided Dee enough time to prepare a second plate and move to the table.
"Come on, it's ready to eat." She said as she pulled out the chair and sat down.
Slowly at first and then with a jerking motion Dan moved out of his comfortable chair and onto his feet. By the time he walked to the table, he was fully awake and hungry. He looked down on the food before he commented, "Looks very appetizing, but it is missing just one item."
"Oh yeah, and what would that be?"
"Wine! Would you like a glass with me?"
Dee thought that it was a bit early for alcohol, but remembered that she was on vacation and thought to herself,
why not?
"Yes, I think I'll join you with a glass. How about that red wine we opened last night, if you don't mind?"
"Exactly what I was planning to pour for myself." Dan answered as he made his way into the kitchen to find two glasses.
Walking faster now, with a glass now in each hand, Dan moved to join her at the table.
There was something special about fruit, cheese, and crackers at the beach for the two of them. Maybe it was a reminder of their earlier lives when they had time to take a small basket of food and a bottle of wine to the park. Dan smiled as he placed her glass down on the table.
The sweetness of the fruit and the tartness of the cheese enhanced the wine; it did not take long for either to finish their glasses. Dan got up, went over and this time came back with the bottle, he knew they would be enjoying the wine, more than the food, as he changed the conversation.
"Did you enjoy our love play last night on the deck?" He wanted to make sure she enjoyed their session as much as he did.
"Yes. I enjoyed the spontaneity and energy. You were quite the animal outside." She teased him.