MERIGOLD MANNOR
by Musings of Pan
It was over two years since Jean, my wife of 32 years died, that I got tired of living in our house alone and decided to move. I checked out condos, planned communities, and retirement communities before settling on Merigold Mannor. It is a nice looking place without being overly opulent and my living area is large enough for my needs. Best of all, all the cooking, cleaning, and maintenance is done for me so I could spend more time with my books and chatting with the other very interesting residents.
For the first six or seven months I was at peace. An early morning stroll, breakfast with friends, some time researching a subject of interest, perhaps a field trip, and an evening discussing events of the day with a brandy in the lounge was my routine. But gradually I began to feel something was missing. I had no desire for a live in relationship with all the baggage that entails but at the same time I had not had sex since Jean died. While I am no longer a teenager, I still have desires and the women at Merigold were looking better and better.
One evening, while sipping an unaccustomed second brandy with Herb, Dan, and Paul, I mentioned my need. All of these gentlemen immediately confessed that they had the same problem. We all felt the need for sex but were not willing to give up our independence. We were past being accepting of the demands of a committed relationship but would welcome something less complicated. Our discussion went on to wondering if any of the ladies had similar feelings.
We were deep in discussion over how to broach this question to some ladies without being labeled some sort of perverts when Jodie walked up to ask if anyone wanted to play bridge. Sensing that it was now or never, I asked her to sit down and join our discussion. As gently as I could without completely obscuring my meaning, I explained our situation and inquired if she thought any of the ladies might have similar needs and might be interested in discussing possible solutions. To my surprise and even delight she replied that she was certain many of the ladies would be interested. She agreed to collect some friends and we decided to meet in my unit the next evening.
The next day I bought two bottles of wine and an assortment tray of cheese and crackers, and removed most of the junk from my sitting area. Herb arrived and we were wondering how the evening would go when there was a knock on the door. I opened it and in walked Jodie, Penny, Mable, and Laura. Four of the best looking women in Merigold! Things were looking up.
Shortly later Paul and Dan arrived. I made sure everyone had a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers while the small talk proceeded. Then I started by explaining that this meeting is to explore ideas so better ideas and changes are welcome and nothing is set in stone. I went on to say that due to the nature of the subject we may need to discuss some things that are not normally mentioned in mixed company. There were some giggles and nods all around.
Our objective, I stated, is to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which our sexual needs can be satisfied without the necessity of forming lasting relationships. "You mean one night stands?" asked Mable.
Paul said, "Yes. I think at this stage of our lives the one night stand may be appropriate even if many would not approve."
I made it clear that if anyone here was uncomfortable with what the group was saying they should object or if necessary leave. Everyone was quiet until Jodie said, "I think we want to hear more about how this would work."
So I continued to explain that what we had talked about was to form a group which would meet periodically, perhaps once a month, select partners randomly, and for each couple to retire to one of their living units for whatever they wished to do. There was quite a bit of discussion about this and we finally agreed that we needed to draw up a set of rules. I found a paper chart pad and after several attempts we agreed upon the following list of rules:
1. All activities of this group will be strictly confidential and not discussed with people outside of the group. Also, what happened after couples retire to separate units is not to be discussed.
2. While the objective is sex, either partner may say no to a suggested activity. However the partner saying no must then suggest another activity.
3. Partner's are to be drawn randomly at each meeting. If there are an unequal number of men and women at a meeting, members of the group with the least people will be given a chance for a second partner to be met on a different night.
4. We will attempt to keep an even number of men and women in our group. Prospective new members may be suggested by a current member and agreed to by everyone. However approaching any prospective member must be done with great care to avoid rumors.
5. The name by which we will refer to ourselves will be "The Explorers".