And He Called It Research

"Just busy, and Melvin, Mac's boss died and I don't know what that will mean for me in terms of my job. I could be drawing unemployment again one day soon."

"I hope not, but then you've been too busy for your own health."

"I know and I'm sorry I've neglected you and Martin."

"Enough of that, so have you met your new neighbors?"

"I've smiled and waved at them, but that's it, have you?"

"We had coffee with them...well last weekend actually."

"God, have I been that out of touch with you?"

"Yes you have."

"So what are they like?"

"Nice. I can't decide what their ages might be, but of course in this community we're all fairly close to the same age."

"At least so far anyway. Tell me about them."

"Well she's of Latin descent. Where did she say? I can't remember, but as you could see she has that golden look like Sissy has." Then Allie smiled and added, "Of course she's taller and she doesn't have Sissy's boobs, but according to Martin her eyes are deadly, whatever that means. Oh, and their names are Patty and Stewart Scott, or as he prefers, Stu."

"What's he like?"

"Very nice. Flirty eyes and a sweet smile that he shows a lot. Nice enough build also. I know let's see if they're home."

"I'm not very good company right now."

"You put on a good show for others when you're working, so just do the same with them. Smile and say nice things and let them do most of the talking and I'll fill in as much as I can."

"Now?"

"Will you be in a great mood later?"

"Probably not."

"Then why wait? This community is all about neighbors and seeing them naked right?"

"Well that's a little strong."

"But you know what I mean, and you push that lifestyle, so how will it look if you hide in here?"

"You're right of course."

"Okay, I'll get Martin over here, then let's go see if they're receiving uninvited guests."

Stu answered the door and that smile that Allie had told Liz about jumped to life. "Well good morning Allie and Martin, and you must be Liz."

She didn't know why he would make that assumption, but she smiled and offering her hand said, "Yes, I'm Liz and you must be Stu." They met Patty and within minutes they were sitting out on the patio that Allie and Liz knew so well. In fact, to them it still felt like Mac's patio.

Pointing into the mountains Tom said, "When you rang the bell Patty and I were sitting here looking at that white house way up there. We noticed it before of course, but it seems like they've had their trees trimmed well back to improve their view of those beautiful hills."

Patty watched him and then added, "I think he wishes he owned that house as well as this one. That way he could have the best of both worlds. Of course you know about men and their fantasies," and she looked at him with her eyes dancing.

Liz looked at Tom and Patty and asked them, "So how are you enjoying living here at Serene Gardens?"

"We love it," Patty said. "Look at our view of the hills, and the woods behind us. So much privacy and yet we're open in the front so we can enjoy the neighborhood and even see the lake from here. Plus we now know that we have very nice neighbors."

"Thank you. As you'll notice I'm sure, Darren, that's my husband, is on the road so much that you won't see a lot of him. Of course I've been so busy lately that I've not been home nearly as much as I'd like."

Allie said, "Liz, Patty and Tom told me that they have shared some experiences with some of their friends that would be in keeping with living here."

"That's true," Patty said as Tom's smile continued.

"Wonderful."

"In fact our best friends will be coming to spend a couple of days, but we're waiting until construction moves to the other side of the lake."

"That should be happening within a week, assuming we can get a few nice days like this one without any more heavy rains."

Through all of that Martin had just been taking in the conversation and smiling at the appropriate points, but then he said, "Patty, you look fantastic this morning."

"Thank you Martin." Then she smiled and said, "You must have a touch of sun blindness though because my hair is a mess."

"I love your dark hair and it just doesn't look nice, it looks sexy."

She quickly went over and kissed him before she told him, "Oh honey, you're quite a breath of fresh air and sunshine, thank you." Allie made it a point to make eye contact with him and they shared a quick smile.

After just a few more minutes of conversation Allie said, "We won't keep you, but we wanted you two to meet Liz so we tore her away from her work."

"We're glad you did, and Liz it's very nice to meet you."

Chapter One Hundred Four

"Mac, it's Earl."

"Hi, got any news for me?"

"I do. The seven twenty seven is on the way to pick up certain members of Melvin's organization, and there will be a meeting tomorrow morning at nine in Melvin's office here on the mainland. Of course you need to be here for that meeting as well. I have very little advance information beyond that however. I don't even have any idea where the seven twenty seven is going. The small and private funeral will be late in the afternoon day after tomorrow. More information on that is still pending."

"Thanks for the information. I had a meeting with Taylor about what the coming days might bring us, but I also have a lead on his replacement."

"Replacement?"

"Yes, he's only here temporary to give Melvin a hand in starting this resort."

"Oh, I wasn't aware of that. Sounds like you have things under control."

"Yes, I believe I do."

"Okay, I'm getting back to the long list of other things I still have to do, and I'll see you here in the morning."

"See you then Earl." Mac hit the off button on his phone and sat there for a minute. It was far too soon for Melvin's will to be probated, so he wasn't sure what the meeting would entail, and he didn't have a clue who would be there.

He held the phone in his hand for a few seconds and then called Liz. His name appeared on her phone so she said, "Hi Mac."

"Hi. It's time. There is a meeting being called for tomorrow morning and the funeral will be late day after tomorrow."

"Mac do you really want me to come?"

"I really do Liz. I'm Serious. Liz I need you and I want you here. But also it might be very helpful for others to see you rather than just hear your name mentioned. Hon, I just don't know what the hell to expect."

"Okay, I'll get there as soon as I can, but I'm sure it will be late tomorrow."

"That's fine. Call me as soon as you land and I'll have somebody there waiting for you."

"Thanks, bye."

He couldn't help but pick up on the hesitance in her voice. An almost cold tone in fact, and that worried him. His idyllic island life was at best on shaky ground.

Mac was deep in thought when Didi called. "Hi, Earl just called. You doing okay?"

"Yeah I guess, how about you?"

"I'm really going to miss Melvin. For so long I always knew that he was there and accessible if I needed him for anything."

"I know what you mean. Want to come out for dinner?"

The moment of silence seemed to go on forever for Mac, but then she said, "Mac I'd love to, but...are you sure?"

"I'm sure. We could have dinner at the Bistro and then go sit by the shore and talk about Melvin and whatever else."

"I better say this now before I get out there Mac."

"I know, and I think I understand, but we can still be friends can't we?"

"The best of friends. I can be at the dock in half an hour and just wait for the next boat."

"I'll be waiting for you when you arrive Didi."

Mac drove to the island dock and Henry said, "Cletus just called in to let us know Didi got there just in time to catch the maintenance boat so she should be here soon."

"She was lucky then."

"Yeah she was. As you know we don't run that boat very often, but they needed some electrical supplies that couldn't wait until tomorrow."

The maintenance boat was smaller and faster, so it wasn't long before Didi jumped to the dock and nearly ran to Mac. They shared an embrace and a light kiss before she told him, 'It feels wonderful to be back here again."

"Let's get out of here before somebody draws the wrong conclusion."

They were quiet for the few minutes to get back to Mac's, but as soon as they were out of the little car Didi joined him and put her arm around him and cried. Quickly regaining her composure she said, "I'm sorry Mac. It's just being back here again and all of the memories rushing at me at the same time."

He held her close and told her, "That's okay. Let's go get something to drink and then go look at the beach." Mac followed her up to the door and without thinking patted her ass. She paused at the top step and turned to face him with a smile. "Oops, sorry about that Didi. I forgot."

"That brought back more of those sweet memories so don't worry about it."

As soon as they were inside she stopped and looked around and smiled. "Just like it was when I left."

"I still like how you put this place together so I'm not changing anything."

"You will when a new woman comes into your life. She'll see to that you know."

"That bridge is a ways down the road. Okay, I've mixed a new drink in honor of you coming back to the island."

"What is it?"

"I was going to tell you the name of it, but I've forgotten, but it's orange juice, sugar syrup and tequila."

"Sounds wonderful." He filled their two insulated tall glasses and handed one to her, and looked at it before she tasted her drink."

"Oh that's yummy, thank you."

"Let's go see if there's still sand on the beach."

They walked side by side until they came to the shoreline and then went over to their two lounges in the shade arranged so they were almost touching each other. They settled back and sampled their drinks before Didi let her head drift back against the discolored white plastic and said, "This is just what I need."

"With all that is going on and all that we know nothing about lurking around the corner, I could sit here and get smashed very easily."

Didi paused for just a second and said, "I could end up without a job and going back to the states, and I hate that thought."

"I guess that's true, but I'll be surprised if that happens."

"I wonder who will be there for the funeral."

"Earl said it would be small, but what does he consider small? I'm sure Melvin's partners and business friends will be there, but I don't know any of them."

"Well working in the offices I've learned that he had six primary business friends that he partnered with in different ventures, so I'm sure those six will be there at least. He was the sole investor in Serene Gardens though. That was very much a business venture, but at the same time it was another toy for him."

"How much do you know about Serene Gardens?"

"I know that you were up there and you hired somebody named Liz something. I know little bits and pieces about it being an adult only community and that is so like Melvin to do something like that."

"Can you imagine what it's going to be like when his will is read? There must be a huge amount of assets to be dealt with as the will goes through the probate process."

"I can't imagine what it would be like to be administrator for Melvin." Didi tasted her drink and then asked, "Will Liz be down for the funeral?"

"She'll be in sometime tomorrow. Did you know that Melvin gave me responsibility over the whole island?"

"I didn't know that, but I'm not surprised either."

"You might meet Taylor this evening at dinner. He's temporarily managing the resort until I can find a replacement for him."

"Too bad I don't have any experience in that area."

"I wish you did because I'd hire you."

"That's nice, but would you really Mac?"

"I would. I know your work ethic and I know how well we can work together."

They talked and finished their drinks, but their conversation skirted anything that involved their lives since they had ended their marriage. Then Mac jumped to his feet, and standing in front of Didi, he held out his hands and told her, "Stand up."

She smiled and raised her hands to him, and he pulled her to her feet and into his arms. "Us sitting here like near strangers is so uncomfortable for me," and he reached for her top.

She put her hands over his and asked him, "Mac, do you think this is a good idea?"

"I think it's a very good idea. How long has it been since you just sat down here dressed in shorts and bra and top and...and...and even sandals?"

She smiled and said, "I can't remember the last time. A small bikini yes of course, but not street clothes. But Mac, we..."

"We have to be careful, I know. We don't even know for sure where either of us will be living a month from now, or if either of us will have a job. But for right now...for this moment in our lives, we're here on the beach together and we'd be crazy not to do our best to enjoy ourselves." She lowered her hands and he undressed her before he peeled his clothes off and tossed them in the sand next to hers. He put his arms around her again and they melted into each other. "Damn it Didi, you still look fantastic and it still feels good to hold you like close to me."

"This feels so natural and wonderful, and..." She looked down at his erection and them smiled at him again. "Speaking of looking good," and she put her hand on his warm shaft. "I may have to remind you later if this wasn't a smart thing to do and that this was your idea."

"I'll take full credit or blame as circumstances require," and he put his hand on her breast as he kissed her again. "Let's grab some cushions and move to the waters edge." They quickly went from casual conversation to lovemaking, but then they slowed down while Mac teased them with long slow strokes in and out of her and then would stop long enough for another kiss. But then he took her hard and fast and in moments they had both climaxed hard before he lay on her as they talked and settled down.

Chapter One Hundred Five

Waking up in the morning, Mac turned on his side and put his arm across Didi as she opened her eyes. "I thought I told you I wasn't going to stay."

"I don't recall any of that," and he kissed her lightly.

She had a weak smiled as she said, "Mac I really should have gone home last night. We both know that the best you and I can hope for is being very good friends."

"Well we've already reached that point I'd say."

"We both know that making love to a woman for you doesn't require even a close friendship."

"That was the old me honey."

"Oh. Do you really think you've changed?"

"I really do. I was as much out of control as you were Didi. Oh I still love and will flirt with women, but I won't take any and all of them to bed again."

"It's so sad that we had to learn our mistakes the hard way."

"It is very sad."

"We better get in gear or you'll be late for your meeting."

"I'll make you a deal. Shower with me and I'll call you later and share what I've learned."

"I'll make the same deal with you. Shower with me and I'll share whatever I hear or read."

They were back in bed fifteen minutes later and Mac was buried deep inside of his ex wife. It was only after they had exhausted themselves that they jumped up and rinsed off in the shower before they dressed and raced to the dock.

The dock hands had Melvin's twenty four foot runabout ready. Mac jumped in, and taking Didi's hand he helped her step in and get into the left seat before the lines were cast off and they headed for the mainland at full throttle. She leaned toward Mac and asked him, "When did you get this boat?"

"I had it brought over yesterday so I could come and go without waiting for one of the ferries. Of course I didn't know I'd need it this soon."

"Wonderful," and she smiled and leaned back as the wind combed her hair back and they ripped along at close to fifty miles an hour.

At the mainland dock they shared a last light kiss and then Mac was off to Melvin's office and the meeting, while Didi made her way home to change and get to work.

When Mac went in, Cecelia and Kate smiled and he wondered how close they had become. He'd made love to Sissy, but did Kate know that? And for that matter, did Sissy know that he and Kate had made love on the seashore? He smiled and said hi and continued his way to the conference room. He so rarely wore even a sport coat let alone a tie, but he felt the occasion warranted the damn neck noose as he called ties.

Earl was the only familiar face that he saw, so he moved in that direction and waited until Earl smiled and said, "Morning Mac. This is Ambrose McCabe, from Oregon. He and Melvin go back a lot of years."

"Nice to meet you Mr. McCabe."

"Ambrose, and nice to meet you Mac. This is indeed a somber occasion. I've lost a very good friend."

"I feel safe that all in this room feel that way Ambrose."

"True that. I understand that a couple of Melvin's lawyers are here to share something with us and that's the reason for this meeting."

"I wondered if something like that might be the case. How was your flight?"

"Smooth and very long. So where did you come in from?"

"I live on Melvin's island. I manage it in fact. The resorts and so forth."

"Oh right, the island. I've heard it mentioned, and how is tourism these days?"

"Well we've made some very major improvements and I'm happy to say that even in these trying times we're doing okay. Not as well as I'd like of course so we're working on that."

"You say resorts."

"Yes, the main one is Journey's End. It's all new and it's a clothing optional resort." Ambrose straightened his back in surprise, but Mac continued. "This was a creation of Melvin's and I'm determined to keep it as he envisioned it. On the other side of the island is a more modest, but very nice facility for private gatherings of ten or more guests. We're still putting the final touches to that project."

"Sounds like you're busy then."

"Busy enough."

"Excuse me gentlemen," a tall gray haired man said loudly. "Let's gather at the table so we can begin." Their feet shuffled and chairs slid and scooted, and light brief cases or note pads were deposited on the table. Gray Hair raised his hand for silence again and a short dark complexioned man rose to stand next to him. "This brief meeting is per Melvin's explicit instructions. I better start by explaining that our meetings with Melvin began in Costa Rica well in advance of his sad passing. He knew that he was in serious trouble, so he worked fast and furiously to make things go as he wanted. Now this has nothing to do with his will. That will likely linger in probate for some time as all of the steps and complications are dealt with over the next weeks. No, this has to do with sales and agreements that Melvin made before his death. We were instructed to wait until the last moment to have this meeting, but unfortunately we had unforeseen difficulties."

Then for the next half hour Gray Hair listed one transaction after another without revealing details to everybody in the room. "For example," he said, "Let's say Melvin held a twenty million dollar partnership in...oh say a manufacturing enterprise. In that example he might have instructed us to work out an agreement with the other partner to buy Melvin's share for...say four million. That was his way of sharing his good fortune with that friend and partner. Well that's the idea behind all of this. Each of you has been contacted and arrangements made to, as Melvin referred to it, to settle accounts. Melvin was an honorable man and he was determined to share his good fortune with family and friends alike." He watched as his secretary stood up and then added, "Papers are being handed to each of you that give more specifics of your particular situation in regards to your association with our much respected Mr. Springer.