"Dear Lord, do I feel my age this morning," thought Regina. She got out of bed and hobbled out to the kitchen. She hadn't really wanted to move into this retirement home, but she couldn't keep up the old farmhouse anymore. Her son William had taken over the farm pretty much right after her Frank had passed eight years previous. But Regina had tried to stay on in the house since then. But even that became too much, because it was such a big house to care for. Just as well William had moved in with his young wife Jennifer. Regina was grateful now to be in an apartment where the kitchen was 17 steps from her bed, and on the same floor.
She had been playing euchre down in the common room with Ethel and Herman, her friends downstairs, and the new tenant, Paul. Paul was once divorced and once widowed and he was two years her younger, at 66. After Ethel and Herman had gone to bed, Paul and she had stayed and talked. He seemed a simple man, undistracted by things he had no control over. That's not to say he wasn't intelligent. He was obviously well read. But he seemed to be totally enthralled by whatever Regina had to say about anything, and he accepted her words as gospel without wanting to argue as many older people did.
After they left the common room they went to Regina's apartment and talked some more. When he made his leave, he confidently but unhurriedly moved to kiss her. She allowed him, and when he did she felt something awaken that she thought long dead. She got aroused. She was so confused by the feeling she just mumbled something about needing her beauty sleep. He bade her good night, and with a last look, he was gone.
So, she had awakened this morning feeling a little fatigued by the unaccustomed hours last night. And, to be honest, she felt an emptiness that she hadn't needed attending to since before Frank got sick, eleven years before. She'd always been a lusty, but proper woman, and Frank had kept her fulfilled, most of the time. She put her needs aside when he got the cancer, figuring there was no sense dwelling on it since she would likely never feel those desires again. But now Paul seemed to be interested in her. He was a true gentleman, but he was also a man, sure of what he wanted.
Regina touched herself, beneath her robe. Lord Almighty, she was a little bit wet. "Well aren't I the hussy." she thought smelling her fingers. She reached for the phone.
"Good morning Paul. How are you feeling this morning?"
"I'm well, Regina. How are you."
"I'm good. These old bones take a few minutes to get going in the morning, but I'm going now. Have you had breakfast yet? Would you like to join me in a bowl of Muesli?"
"I'd be delighted. 5 minutes?"
"I'll be waiting."
Paul pocketed a Viagra, on the off chance that Regina would be receptive to his advances. As he'd shared with Regina last night, he'd lost his wife to cancer 2 years ago. He'd always had a healthy sexual appetite, but it had been stunted since his wife took sick. He started dating a few months ago, but nothing had come of it. All the women he'd been interested in had turned out to be mostly alike. Interested only in gossiping about each other, and discussing their own ailments. He wasn't even after the sex so much, as someone he could be comfortable with.
10 minutes later he was at Regina's door. She answered quickly as if she'd been waiting, which of course she had. She had the table set with cereal, milk, coffee, tea, and jams with bread. She also had cottage cheese in a serving dish.
"Gracious Regina, you certainly know how to make a man feel welcome."
"Thank you, Paul. I felt comfortable with you last night, so I wanted to make you feel welcome." She rested her hand on his arm and led him to the table.
They sat and ate, Paul trying a little bit of everything. He was sated when he finished. Regina didn't eat much, she really didn't anymore anyways. When they were done and cleaned up Paul asked if she had any plans for the day.
"Well, that depends on you."
