In the evenings about an hour or so before dusk comes on, I walk my trusty four-legged buddy into a park down the street from where I reside. It is a very large public park, with baseball fields, playgrounds, pools, a skatepark and many more recreational facilities. Up in the corner of the park where I live, are immense fields, nature paths, a winding stream and mostly forest. This area of the park closes at dusk.
Where I walk him is around a long circular path that surrounds a beautiful Gumbo Limbo stand. It's cool beneath these large shade trees. I usually let him loose to run under the trees. The ground is covered with dried up Gumbo Limbo leaves that snap underfoot. I can always keep an eye and an ear on him. About halfway through our walk, I sit on a well-lit park bench and wait for him to catch up to me. There, I pull out the thermos and give him a drink. Then I leash him and we begin our walk back before the park closes. This is our daily routine. It is a wonderful time of day, still warm but cooler in the trees. Occasionally, a runner passes me and we nod to each other. Other than runners, I rarely see anyone.
Tonight, though, I met a woman. She was casually jogging along the path when she stopped and asked the time. I told her that it was seven-thirty and that this part of the park would be closing soon. I asked her if she would like some water and handed the thermos over to her. I watched her as she drank and surveyed her body. Pretty good looking. She was about five foot six and maybe one hundred thirty-five pounds. With a nice head of black hair, she actually was quite attractive. Maybe she was about mid-thirties or forty. Her back and yellow spandex running pants showed a shapely butt and her matching sports bra held nice round thirty-four inch breasts. She observed that I was checking her out and made no mention of it. She sat down next to me to catch her breath.
"That is one beautiful dog," she said, "and very handsome."
"He surely is," I said. "We do this walk nearly every night. Do you run here regularly? I don't recall seeing you."
"No, I hardly jog anymore at all."
"So, what brought you out here to work out?"
"I...um...had a lot of...um...nervous energy. My name is Trish and who are you?"
"I'm Ray and this is Bingo."
"Do you live around here?"
"Yes, just down the block from the back entrance. As I said, we come down here about this time every night. And now, after a little rest, we're heading back."
"Yeah, me, too. I've had enough. I didn't expend my energy and so maybe it's time for a cold shower."
"A cold shower? No, Trish, take a long luxurious warm bath. That'll fix you up."
"That's a fine idea but it's not my fantasy." She let the thought linger.
There was silence. I thought that 'fantasy' was an odd word to use. I sensed that she was bubbling inside; tense, a bit nervous and yet wanting to reveal more. I stood up and said, "Time to go. The park will close in a few."
She got up and stretched which was a mighty fine sight. It was just the kind of eye candy I love. She rubbed her calf and groaned.
"I think what you also need is a good massage."
"I couldn't agree more."
"I know a couple of women and a guy who could fix you right up. They're licensed."
"Do they provide 'happy endings'? I could use on of those, too."
I was surprised that she provided that tidbit. I figured that she had little control over her brain-to-mouth functions.
"Honestly? I'd say that yes, they do. They are all bisexual."
"You sound like you know."
"I do. Each one provides the complete experience. And I give a healthy tip."
She laughed, "I bet you do."
"I have their numbers in the house. I'd be glad to give them to you and you could say that I recommended you, if you like."
Just then the Park cop came by to say that the park was closing so we started to head toward the exit.
"So where is all this nervous energy coming from? Work related?"
"Yeah, somewhat. I recently moved here to take this job and it's not living up to its expectations. I want to stay in the area but I've already started looking for a new job. So far, no bites."
"What do you do?"
"I'm a legal secretary. I work downtown. My boss is an asshole." We left the park and headed down the street. "This is good. I live just around the block."
"I'm right here. Come on in."
Bingo headed straight for his favorite curling-up space by the door. Actually, he has several favorites. I went into the kitchen where I had the masseuses numbers on the a refrigerator magnet and began to copy them for her. Trish walked around the living room. "So, you're a musician?" observing my guitars and keyboard.
"Used to be. Now, I mostly write."
"Really? What do you write about?"
"Mostly interviews with music people for a publication. Two thousand words. And on the side, I write some fiction."
"That's my salvation, too. Writing."
"Published anything?"
"Yes, some stories I've put online. No pay, just a lot of satisfaction. I love the feedback I receive." She looked outside into the backyard. "Oh, lucky you, you have a pool and hot tub. I wish I did."
I flipped on the lights and the pool lit up from within. I pressed a few buttons and the hot tub began to heat up. I turned up the bubbler. "You can use the tub in a few minutes, if you like."
"Oh, snap! I'd love to. Will you join me?"
"Sure. But first, how 'bout a glass of wine? I have a cold bottle of chardonnay."
"That would be nice. Thank you."
We sat outside and sipped the wine. "So what do you write about?"
"Lately, my outlet is to write about my fantasies...erotic fantasies."
Now, I laughed. "Isn't that something. When I'm between jobs, I have to write everyday so I, too, write erotica. I think it's a good release. It lets you flip to the other side of your brain quickly. It allows you to flow. I, too, publish on line."
