A solid month of travel, meetings, and incredible project deadlines and I was mentally, spiritually and physically exhausted. I flew home and arrived at my apartment late Thursday evening and immediately passed out. The next morning, I went in and told my boss I needed a break. One look at my face and my boss knew he had one unhappy camper on his team. He smiled at me and agreed I should take some time off. I thanked him for his generosity and returned to my desk. With two phone calls, I booked a room at my favorite Bed & Breakfast at the beach and rented a car. I headed home and threw some clothes in a suitcase, and picked up my rental car.
I headed out of New York in my sporty convertible, top down and radio blasting, managing to beat the horrendous Friday New York traffic. My mood improved as each mile took me further away from the stress of my life. I mentally committed to spend the next week relaxing and recharging my batteries. The sound of the surf crashing against the beach would provide me with the tonic from the accumulation of several months of stress. The feel of the sun on my skin as I read several "summer trashy novels" and work on my tan would recharge my body and realign my attitude. I sang along with the radio as time passed and I got closer to the beach. The miles passed quickly and I arrived at my destination in record time. I checked in, renewed my acquaintance with the host and hostess, unpacked and managed to fit a long walk along the beach before dinnertime.
I took a long, luxurious bath and dressed, opting not to spend a lot of time on my hair and makeup. A simple sundress and sandals and I headed out, walking down the boardwalk toward the town center. Watching dolphins frolic 50 yards offshore was a good omen and I stopped for a few minutes to join others watching the show. I continued on my way and arrived in time for my dinner reservation thoughtfully arranged by the owner of the B&B. As promised, the seafood was fresh and deliciously prepared. I lingered at my table, enjoying the view and finishing my wine before heading back to the B&B. I paid my bill and headed back toward the boardwalk. On my way I noted that a new club had opened on the boardwalk and appeared to be very crowded. A sign announced that there would be live music on Saturday night. I returned to my room, and slept soundly, waking early to get a good spot on the beach. I had a light breakfast and was sitting in my beach chair by 9 AM.
By 10 AM the beach was packed. One of the things I liked about this beach was the family orientation. No blaring boom boxes, or obnoxious college kids drunk and disorderly on the beach. The occasional scream of an angry child was a temporary disruption to the quiet of the beach. The day passed quickly, and I left the beach late in the afternoon feeling relaxed and refreshed. I stopped in the lounge for a glass of wine and took it out onto the deck where I could enjoy my wine and continue to enjoy the sun. All of the tables were taken, so I put my glass on the railing and relaxed. I must have been daydreaming because I was startled when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I turned around and saw a man standing there. He said that he and his wife had seen me standing there and invited me to join them at their table. I replied that I didn't want to intrude but he replied that it was not a problem. Without waiting for a reply, he picked up my glass and headed toward his table. With little choice, I follow him to a table in the corner. He introduced himself as Steve and then introduced his wife Nicki. I tell them my name and sit down. Our conversation started awkwardly but soon finds a very comfortable pace. An attentive waitress refilled our glasses as our conversation covers a lot of ground. Both Steve and Nicki were very personable and friendly. I learn that they are newlyweds from Washington. He is a lobbyist; she works for a Federal Agency as an investigator. He is 31, she is 28. They are finishing the first week of their honeymoon and are planning to leave on Sunday to go on a cruise in the Caribbean Sea. When they find that I am alone, they invite me to join them for dinner. I told them I didn't want to intrude on their honeymoon. They both replied that it was no imposition and they insisted I join them. I finally relent and we make plans to dine in town at 8:00. We agree to meet in the lobby at 7:45. I excused myself to go shower. They stand up also and we part.
I returned to my room and showered. I did spend some time picking an outfit, finally settling on a white knit minidress that showed the results of one day in the sun. Matching lingerie and sandals complete my outfit. I apply lipstick and some eye makeup, checking myself in the full-length mirror as I leave. I arrive in the lobby a few minutes late, and find Steve and Nicki waiting. I note that Nicki is wearing a short miniskirt and starched white blouse. Steve is in a pair of slacks and golf shirt. I find myself checking them out as I walk towards them. Both are tall, Nicki looks to be 5'10" and Steve is two or three inches taller. We stroll into town and I am surprised to find that we are going to the club I noticed last night. We sit down and Nicki tells me that they found this place the first night and have returned every night since. The food is good, the drinks are cheap and the music is great. Nicki tells me that she loves to dance but Steve has two left feet. I tell her I love to dance too and she happily replies that now she can enjoy the evening. We order dinner and drinks and spend more time chatting and becoming friends. When dinner is completed, Steve insists on paying for my meal despite my protests.
We move to the bar area and sit down. Shortly after, the band shows up and begins to play. Nicki pulls me out into a small dance area before the first song completes. We end up dancing for the entire time the band plays, finally returning to our seats when they take a break. I am totally enjoying myself and Steve has drinks lined up when we arrive. I am thirsty and polish off several drinks in a short time. I stand up to go to the ladies room and ask Nicki if she needs to go. She joins me. There is a line to get in, but we chat like old friends as we wait. I do spend some time repairing my makeup and Nicki joins me. As we stand in front of the mirror, I look over at her and realize that I can see her entire breast I look at her from the side. I must blush because Nicki asks me if I am ok. I nervously babble something and we head back out to the bar. As we head back to the bar, I wonder why the sight of Nicki's breasts has me all in a tizzy.