"You know, you could drive a little faster, Harold. You're normally well over the speed limit and I need to tell you to slow down. Remember when Sherie took away your keys and made Rick drive? Ha ha ha. It was so funny seeing you go out and have to wait at the bus stop. And how Sherie came out one of those mornings and gave you the little sack lunch, and then zipped up your coat and gave you a little peck on the cheek like a kindergartener? In front of all our neighbors? LOL. At least I noticed you drove more carefully with her in the car the next time. Now step on it, Harold."
"You aren't afraid of staying at Sherie's overnight, are you? Afraid of her rules? Is that all that's bothering you? "
"Is my widdle buoy afwaid of Sherwie? Is that why wou is dwiving so swow?" Ha ha ha ha ha.
***
Sherie was waiting for us at the door.
"Come in, come in. Sorry we don't have another big bedroom with a double bed, but these accommodations should work nicely. Harold, put Jen's things downstairs in the large man-cave with the comfy queen sofa bed. Nice and quiet down here on the first floor, away from all the noise from the rest of us. Rick, leave him alone, he can handle it all by himself. And he needs the exercise. Harold, then put your things upstairs in Laura's old room. Hope you don't mind sleeping in her canopy bed. But then, I guess you've slept in some girls' beds before, haven't ya, Mr. Playboy? (with a glare). Anyway, it shares a bathroom with our master bedroom -- so just be sure to knock & lock, if you know what I mean. I don't want us to have any run-ins. You wouldn't like that, and I, I mean we, wouldn't look kindly on that."
"Now, quick get changed. Rick and I want to show you our favorite wilderness hiking area this afternoon. Dress appropriately; it'll be hot & sticky, especially after a workout getting up these mountains."
***
"What's the matter? Can't keep up, Harold? I should have made you come a month early to get you in shape like I did Rick when we moved here. Right Rick? Of course he was more motivated. I made him a little deal, since he's a bit of a horn-dog. Remember, the top of the mountain episode, Rick? Ha ha. You know you do! And the unforgettable month's training that resulted. Ha ha.
"(Jen, remember I told you about that? Oh shut-up, Rick. I tell Jen almost everything.)"
"A month of training is about all it takes. After 30 days, any man will do just about anything to please his wife. But then, you pretty much never take my advice, Jen, do you? Oh well."
"No comment."
"Race ya to the top, Rick. We'll leave these losers to catch up later, ha. Just kidding."
"Jen. Maybe you could get Harold moving faster like I do. Watch this..."
"Beat me to the top, Rick, and I'll give you what you're always begging me for. But remember, the 30-day cool-down period still goes along with it no matter win or lose. We can't have your heart racing like that everyday. Ready, set, go!"
***
At the top...