Joe E Hartley
January 2020
Jack unpacked the final box the moving company had delivered. He surveyed his new home, this was to be his last move, at least while he was still upright.
He now had fewer possessions, no garage, no power tools, and no garden. What he did have was a small two-bedroom apartment where one bedroom had no bed, but did have his easel, and a bench for some of his other hobbies. The apartment included a small kitchen allowing him to cook when the mood struck. He had a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a two-burner stove with a small oven. He also had a small patio and a nice view of a canyon.
He decided to take a walk around the complex. He had seen it before and enjoyed what he'd seen: the pond, the trees, the community center, a gym, a game room, paved walking paths, and a dining area.
He took a leisurely stroll around the center, enjoying the sights and smells of the trees. The sounds of birds reminded him of times long ago of him camping in the woods, rarely alone. These memories brought a smile to his lips until a greeting broke that spell.
"Hello there. You must be my new neighbor? My name is Carol and I live in 35. You just moved into 37?" A woman about Jack's age stood before him. She, like him, dressed casually in jeans and a simple shirt; she looked relaxed and laid back.
"Hi, I'm Jack and yes I just finished unpacking and thought I'd take a stroll around." He mentally slapped himself as he checked out her body. He found her attractive and liked the fact that she was braless. Her breasts were not overly large and from what he could tell through the shirt she wore, nicely shaped. He forced himself to return his gaze to her face and thought he detected a grin.
"This is a very nice place with lots to do. Do you like board games or cards? There are several groups who play cards almost every day and all you have to do is pick up one of the many board games and ask if anyone wants to play; you will more than likely get several takers. More than most since you are a man," Carol offered.
"Why does my being a man have anything to do with playing a board game?"
"You will find out soon, but there are about twice as many women here as men, and most of the men rarely leave their apartments. I think they are just here waiting to die." She answered. "Are you planning on having dinner in the dining hall tonight?"
" I was hoping to, but I really don't want to get dressed up." Jack said.
"There are two dining halls, one basically for breakfast and lunch, but they keep the lunch open until about 6 for those of us who don't feel like a big sit down dinner. I go there most of the time. We also have pot lucks every 3 or 4 weeks and the kitchen staff provides most of the meat."
"That would be fun. I do like to cook and it's hard to cook for just one." Jack offered.
"I know you said you wanted to walk around and get the lay of the land, so to speak, but if you would like some company, it's time for my afternoon walk too."
"Sure, join me. I saw that there is a gym here. Do you use it?" Jack asked as he turned to follow the sidewalk.
"I try to go to the gym a couple of times a week. They have a treadmill, a couple of bikes and 3 or 4 weight machines. It is a nice set up for a senior home, plus they have a small pool, mostly for exercise—you really can't swim laps. There is also a hot tub, which is really nice. Do you enjoy working out?" Carol asked.
"I try to do something every day just to keep active. I've seen too many people who just waste away and I don't want to be one of them." Jack responded.
"Maybe we can workout together and then have a hot tub to ease those stiff muscles." Carol offered then paused for a bit as she scanned him as if trying to read his attitude before she added, "I'd love to see you in a bathing suit."
Jack stopped walking and took a long look at the woman beside him as if questioning what he thought he heard. When he saw the smile on her face, he knew he hadn't misheard. "Isn't that the man's line?" He quipped back matching her smile.
"Normally yes, but you are now living in a community full of horny women and a severe shortage of available men." Her smile turned into a laugh as she explained the role reversal that is normal with older adults.
Jack again eyed her up and down, this time without the guilt of getting caught checking her out. Her breasts did look good in the not too baggy top she wore. He could almost detect the outline of her nipples. "I'll look forward to joining you in the hot tub." He then turned to continue his walk.
They continued their walk with no more references to nudity or sex. Carol pointed out the locations of the various points of interest. There was a nice lookout point overlooking the canyon where hawks could be seen occasionally, a fire pit with several comfortable chairs around it, and plenty of easy walking trails. Carol also pointed out a community garden, that is open for the residents, but the staff does the majority of the work. It's for those who want to get their hands dirty and plant something, but not really interested in maintaining it.
